Apple Mac Archives

Set up your Wi-Fi for easy sharing with guests

You’ve got a turkey in the oven, presents need to be wrapped, and your cousin’s kid screams (again), “What’s the Wi-Fi password?” You’re juggling a hundred things at once, and the last thing you want to do is to spell out your password.

Here’s the good news: You can slap a printout on the fridge, and everyone can scan it with their phones to connect. But first, I’ll show you how to create a separate network so you don’t need to worry about little Billy getting into your personal stuff on your devices and computers.

Be my guest

Most modern routers let you set up a guest network without having to be a tech guru. Warning: This will take you a few minutes, but it’s totally doable, even if you’ve had a few beers.

Step 1: Log into your router’s admin console. You’ll need your IP address. You can usually find this on a sticker on the bottom or side of your router. Seeing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 is common.

If you don’t see yours …

On Windows: Open the Start menu, search for “Command Prompt” and, with your Command Prompt open, type in ipconfig and press Enter. Look for the line that says “Default Gateway.” This is your router’s IP address.
On Mac: Go to System Settings > Network. Select your Wi-Fi network > Advanced. Your router’s IP address is under Router.

Step 2: Open your browser, type http:// and paste in your IP address. Hit Enter to open a login page. For the credentials, try the username admin and the word password for the password. If the defaults are different, they’re likely printed on your router — or check this site that lists default passwords for almost every router in use.

Step 3: Look for a setting called Guest Network or Guest Wi-Fi. Give it a different name (aka SSID) than your main network, along with a strong, unique password.

🕵️ If you have snoops in the family … When family and friends connect to your Wi-Fi guest network, you can block them from accessing your files or devices on your primary network. Turn off the local access setting. I bet you feel like James Bond right about now.

Now for the fun part

Create a QR code that automatically connects guests to your new guest network — no hassle, no drama. With the free site QIFI.org, all you need is three pieces of info:

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Antivirus comparison: Which option is best for your PC or Mac?

If you browse the internet regularly, you can’t get around the fact that you need antivirus software. Viruses can pop up in unexpected places, and you want your device to be able to fight one off if it appears.

Dangerous malware making the rounds is what makes having antivirus software protecting you so critical. But what’s the best antivirus software for a Mac or Windows computer? Keep reading to see the best options.

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External hard drives to back up your PC or Mac

So you want a backup drive? Here are my top three picks. Order it now while you’re thinking about it. Everyone needs one of these!

1. Toshiba Canvio Basics (Affordable and simple)

Best for: Budget-friendly external storage and backups for Mac and PC

🔗 View on Amazon, $61.99

🎯 Pros: Affordable, plug and play, comes in different size options

⚠️ Cons: No encryption or password protection and not great for high-speed transfers

2. LaCie Rugged USB-C (Durable and travel-friendly storage)

Best for: Photographers, videographers and others who need rugged, shockproof storage
🔗 View on Amazon, $149.99

🎯 Pros: Shock-, dust- and water-resistant, plus USB-C compatibility

⚠️ Cons: More expensive and bulkier than basic external drives

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We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

👀 For your eyes only: The holidays mean a house full of family, friends and curious little ones. With all the hustle and bustle, get into the habit of locking your computer every time you get up. On Windows, press the Windows key + L. On Mac, hit Ctrl + Cmd + Q.

WWDC 2024 recap: AI, iOS 18, and VisionOS 2

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Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference is here. We have the latest updates on iPhone, Mac, and more. Plus, Richard Godfrey says he knows where the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 is, thanks to HAM radio operators.

Mac attack: A new macOS malware called “Cuckoo” is targeting older Intel-based Macs and newer models with Apple chips. It steals passwords and takes over your system. It’s spreading via websites and apps that convert streaming music into MP3s. Stay safe: Use TotalAV to protect your tech — it’s just $19 for a year.

Protect all your devices with the best antivirus software

Photo 230930944 © Milkos | Dreamstime.com

When it comes to antivirus software, there’s no better choice than our sponsor, TotalAV. For one, it’s available for your phone and computer, so all your devices are protected.

This security suite protects all your devices from the scariest online threats, such as ransomware, spyware, adware and (of course) malware. Its WebShield browser extension provides advanced protection against malicious websites and even blocks bad guys from stealing your data.

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Using free antivirus? Beware of companies that sell your data or even plant malware

Saving money can be easy. Simple things like eating dinner at home more often than going to your favorite restaurant or skipping that daily $6 latte can really add up. You’ll have your next vacation paid for in no time.

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Take out the trash: On a Mac, hold down Cmd + Shift, then press Delete. Boom, your trash can’s empty. On Windows, you’re better off right-clicking and selecting Empty Recycle Bin.

Google will destroy billions of Incognito mode data

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They said the data was impossible to find … until a judge ruled on a class-action settlement. Plus, we talk with Guy Kawasaki, Apple’s first Mac marketer, about his book “Think Remarkable” and becoming remarkable yourself!

Elon vs. Zuck, computer brain implants & white font trick

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Plus, ChatGPT’s truth-skirting and why it poses risks for everyone. Wonder how TikTok knows what you like? I’ve got answers. I chat with caller Gwen from TX about getting started with her Mac. Tips on dodging fake home listings and getting college cred online.

Signs your phone or computer is infected with a virus or keylogger

No matter your device, a hacker with enough gumption and know-how can break in.

Here are surefire ways to know if your system has been hacked and what you can do to fix or prevent it, brought to you by sponsor TotalAV. Your best defense against viruses, keyloggers and other malware? A solid security suite.

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How to clear your browser cache in Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari and Brave

Photo © Nightunter | Dreamstime.com

Not sure how to clear the cache and cookies in your web browser? Use this easy, step-by-step guide. We’ll show you how to clear the cache on any browser, from Firefox to Brave.

To be clear, these tips are for your computer. If you want to clear your smartphone browser’s cache, we’ve got another article that can help. Tap or click to delete all the annoying tracking cookies from your phone.

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Make your PC or Mac start up faster

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Is your computer taking more than a few minutes to start? Listen to this one-minute podcast for a few time-saving fixes.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Best free video editors for Windows and Mac

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Are you looking for free video editing programs? Listen to this one-minute podcast for my top picks.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Test your firewall to see if it's working

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Did you know your PC or Mac has a built-in firewall? Listen to this one-minute podcast to make sure your firewall is working properly.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trick to find spyware running on your PC or Mac

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Did you know spyware programs leave digital clues? Here’s what to look for, in 60 seconds.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Windows or Mac? How to get more disk

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Want to maximize your computer’s performance? Listen to this one-minute podcast for a few insider secrets.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Windows and Mac security settings to check now

It’s never good to go too long without checking your security settings. Now and then, you should brush up on your protections. Whether you use a Mac or a PC, all devices are vulnerable to attacks.

On the bright side, there are tons of built-in features you can take advantage of for your safety. For example, Windows Defender can help protect your PC from lurking threats. However, many native protections might be a bit hard to find on your own.

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True or false: Macs are immune to malware and viruses

There is a common misconception that Apple’s Mac computers can’t get viruses or malware. The belief is that only Windows-based systems suffer from malicious code and nasty bugs.

There is no consensus on where the claim originated. But it might have been Apple itself. Until 2012, Apple’s marketing for its Mac computers included the line that “a Mac isn’t susceptible to the thousands of viruses plaguing Windows-based computers.”

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