Kim chats with fellow radio host Joe Pags about a $400K Shark Tank scam that just about anyone could fall for, the alarming rate at which smart speaks accidentally listen in on our conversations and the gross reality of ride share cars. (You’ll think twice before you book your next Uber.) Kim has a few simple tools to help you fight unwanted spam calls, no downloads required.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Microsoft is dropping Windows 10 support for old PCs
The May 2020 update for Windows 10 is coming, and we couldn’t be more excited. Not only does it allegedly speed up PCs and fix bugs, but it’s also supposed to be relatively issue-free — according to beta testers that is.
A Microsoft update release that’s free of major bugs and glitches would be a once-in-a-lifetime event. We’ve gotten to the point where most of us are numb from how many buggy updates the company has shipped. Tap or click here to see what the last one broke for Windows users.
But there is one tiny problem with the new Windows update: It’s being phased out for 32-bit users! People buying older PCs running Windows 10 may be left out in the cold once this update drops, as Microsoft is ending support for these systems altogether. Here’s what we know, and what it means if you own a 32-bit machine.
Smashing Windows 32-bit
Microsoft has finally started to release bits and pieces of its long-awaited May 2020 update. Developers and OEMs were the first to get a taste of the new software, with mainstream users set to get their copies within the next few weeks.
😎📢May 12, 2020, Windows 10 Version 2004, #May2020Update – is NOW available for download on #MSDN!
✔️Windows 10 Ver. 2004 #CONSUMER/#BUSINESS
✔️Windows 10 IoT Enterprise, Ver.2004
✔️Windows Server, Ver. 2004 #SAC
✔#DevTools Ver. 2004
📌188 ISO 38 Lang.👉https://t.co/YikeNMTB8k pic.twitter.com/q1lVkJ5B7y— 🔮WZor👁️ (@WZorNET) May 12, 2020
Curiously absent from the available downloads, however, was a version for users of the 32-bit version of Windows 10. The 32-bit computers are typically older models, which are only capable of running up to 4GB of RAM at a time.
With this exclusion from the May 2020 update, it seems as if Microsoft is closing up shop on the 32-bit edition of the long-running operating system for good.
If you’ve been wanting to buy a cheaper PC with the latest updates pre-installed, you might be out of luck. Manufacturers and software developers will no longer be able to support it at all.
Does that mean I’m left out if I own an older PC?
Thankfully, Microsoft has only cut 32-bit support from the OEM side of things, which means newly-minted computers will no longer have access to the less powerful operating system.
In other words, if you’re running an older PC, you’ll still be able to download the update. You’ll need to open settings and click Update & Security to see if the update is available. Then, you can install it as you would with any Windows 10 update.
You won’t believe how much money musicians make on Spotify
Years ago, many artists were skeptical about making the transition from analog to digital music. Nobody was sure how anyone could make a profit from downloads, and particular attention was paid to the threat of music piracy.
Shark Tank $400K scam - Smart home 101 - Stop spam calls for good
6 ways to check if your hard drive is failing
Your computer’s hard disk drive (HDD) works diligently at storing your data, including files, operating system and other software. Although rarely visible, unless it is an external drive, this workhorse is consistently performing its duties — that is until your computer starts crashing.
Binge Netflix without eating up all your data
It’s great to have Netflix on your smartphone, particularly when you’re traveling. But if you’re out and about, and not on Wi-Fi, streaming video like that really eats up your data.
Unless you download videos ahead of time, Netflix eats up 5 Mbps just to run. Tap or click here to learn what speed is necessary for other streaming services. That kind of requirement will consume your data fast — unless you have an Android.
Security essential: How to lock down your Mac webcam
To help protect your identity, we make it a point to share how destructive and dangerous it can be when your personal information is exposed. Alas, data breach horror stories continue to make headlines.
Websites and digital platforms aren’t the only targets for hackers. Tap or click here to learn about popular restaurant chains hit by card-stealing malware. While our data breach stories tend to revolve around well-known companies, their records are not the only data hackers seek.
Tools to stop harassing phone calls
It seems like spam and robocalls never stop on landline and mobile phones. There are a few simple ways you can quiet the noise — no downloads, apps or payment required. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Hackers demanding nude photos in latest ransomware scheme
Ransomware isn’t something to be taken lightly. Unless you’re the kind of person who backs everything up several times, a single ransomware attack can leave you with no access to your most important files and documents. In a primarily digital economy, that’s no position anyone wants to be in.
Windows 10 essentials: Downloads you'll wish you were already using
Since its release nearly five years ago, Windows 10 has grown to more than 900 million users worldwide. It’s also packed with more features than ever before, including apps like Your Phone that brings your PC and smartphone closer together.
Connection lagging? Here's how to test your Wi-Fi speed
Ever feel like your internet is running slow? Webpages seem sluggish while uploads and downloads take forever? It’s very frustrating, especially when you pay for high-speed internet.
Many things can cause websites and emails to load slowly. It could be your browser, your computer or a website problem. Tap or click here to see which browser is best for your needs.
Scary new malware allows hackers to record people visiting porn sites
In the world of hackers, blackmail and extortion are the some of the most effective ways to make money. These tactics prey on people who can’t fight back, and are relatively cheap and easy to deploy. Click or tap to see how devastating a wide-scale ransomware attack can be.
6 freebies that will help your business grow
Who doesn’t love freebies? We’ve got a list of six resources for free stuff to help you run your business. Design a free logo, order free shipping supplies and even take online courses and webinars with these free resources.
Should you pay for unlimited data or a capped wireless plan?
Sticking with your capped data plan might be costing you money. We’ll compare capped vs unlimited plans so you can decide which is best for you.
Become a beta tester for Microsoft
Have you ever wanted to be part of the cool crowd and get your hands on new tech before anyone else? Now is your chance. Microsoft has made the first official beta for its Edge browser available to any and all who wish to test its limits and capabilities. We’ll tell you how to become a beta tester for Microsoft so you can experience the new browser early and even give some much-needed feedback.
Get subtitles for your favorite movies and shows
Have you ever watched a movie for the third time and finally picked up on the details of what the character was really saying? How about those movies where the actors are speaking with a strong accent that you are unfamiliar with? It often takes a few viewings to truly grasp the meaning of their words.
Are your kids still using TikTok? This Facebook rival is in trouble
The social media app TikTok is off to a good start if it wants to give Facebook a serious run for its money. Not only is it capturing a huge chunk of the younger demographic that Facebook has been reluctantly losing, but it’s also getting into trouble and making headlines that rival Facebook’s failings. Parents, you need to know about TikTok.
How much internet speed do you need?
Netflix taking forever to load? Online games lagging more than ever? Uploads and downloads crawling along at a snail’s pace?
There could be a number of different reasons for the slowdown, one of them being that you’re not getting enough speed from your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
Watch hundreds of great movies for free
The price of movie theater tickets, cable and specialty channels and streaming services continues to rise. As we choose to rent or purchase digital downloads on a regular basis, those small bills start to add up.
With Kanopy, you can experience film without the buyer’s remorse that follows.
15 things you can't return to Amazon
Sometimes, we can get carried away when shopping online. You go to Amazon to buy someone a gift for Christmas and end up spending hours looking through all the great deals. When that stuff you bought arrives, we may have some buyer’s remorse. But if that happens, there are some things you can’t return to Amazon. I’ll help you not get caught in that situation.
Powerful, free and easy-to-use photo editing software
Every photo on your phone, computer and tablet is special in one way or another. The right photo-editing program or app can make them even more memorable. But you don’t want to spend a fortune on software. Good news! I’ve found some downloads that can transform your images. And the best part? They’re free!