Plus, Opera GX says it’ll clear your embarrassing search history — even if you’ve died. I give advice to Lance from Knoxville on how to move photos to a thumb drive without squishing the quality. X is now pushing subscriptions for tweets and runners ditch their GPS watches.
Tech how-to: Switch to a beta browser
Let me tell you a secret: I’m all about staying tech-ahead and not trailing behind, so I’m constantly tapping into apps, programs, hardware and more before they’re released to the public. You can do the same thing in one way, even if you’re not a Digital Goddess®.
Today, if you’re up for it, try a beta version of your browser. You’ll get new features before anyone else, and the software engineers will get some important early feedback in return. I’ll show you how.
‘Mite’ or might not
With a beta, you may have to put up with a few bugs along the way, since it won’t be the polished, final version. I’ll tell you, though — beta editions are usually pretty stable and reliable. If you’ve ever used beta iOS software on your iPhone like I do, it’s the same deal.
Pro tip: You can even run the beta version of your browser alongside the final version and switch between them as needed. If you find something that doesn’t work in one, just go back and try it on the other version.
All the links to check it out
- Google Chrome: Head to this page to get the beta version for your system. You can go for the Developer or Canary editions, but they’re less stable.
- Microsoft Edge: This page has the beta download. As with Chrome, you’ve got Developer and Canary versions, too, which are more buggy — but also more cutting‑edge.
- Firefox: This page is where you can find the beta download. Again, there are even earlier versions to try: Developer and Nightly.
- Opera: This page gives you the Developer version download, which is effectively Opera’s beta version.
For Safari, the process is a little different. (Of course … we’re talking about Apple here.) You’ll need to register as an Apple developer — it’s free, and you won’t need to code any software. After that, you can download the developer version.
Be sure you keep this in mind
When it comes to beta software, especially browsers, you’ve got to be extra careful about what you’re doing online. Remember, the whole point of beta testing is to iron out the kinks, so these versions send anonymous data back to the developers about how things are working and what’s not.
That’s why you should never use a beta browser for anything confidential, like online banking or accessing sensitive documents. Even if they claim the data is anonymized, you never really know what information might be sent back as part of the testing process.
Want to know exactly what’s being shared? Take a look at the privacy policy or data collection details on the download page. It’s all there in the fine print. Bottom line: Stick to the stable releases for anything that needs to stay private.
Tech tip: Break up with your browser
It’s not you, Explorer. It’s me. Just kidding, it’s definitely you. If your relationship with your current browser is getting stale, you can get a fresh window on the web without losing all of your data.
It’s easier than you’d think to pack up your bookmarks, saved passwords and favorite websites — hint, hint — and move on. You can count on me, your tech-relationship guru, for advice on switching when you’re ready to see other browsers.
Privacy tip: How to delete cookies from your phone
Make no mistake: You’re being tracked. Want to be shocked? Look at the secret map on your smartphone that watches your every move. Tap or click here to see the map tracking you and wipe it clean.
What about advertisements that follow you across the web? Facebook is one of the biggest data hogs. Tap or click for ways to stop or limit targeted ads on Facebook.
Meduza: Scary name, scarier malware
Use Chrome, Edge, Brave, Sidekick, Opera or Firefox to browse the web? What about Discord, Steam, a password manager or a crypto wallet?
You’re a prime target for the Meduza Stealer — a type of malware that poses a serious personal and digital security risk. Its primary purpose is to steal valuable data from your computer. We’re talking login credentials, credit card details and cryptocurrency wallet data.
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Depending on your preferences and what you value most, such as security or speed, you might find a better browser in this list that suits your needs. You can still use your Google account with any of these browsers.
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Android is one type of phone with a wide variety of customization settings. While default settings may be convenient for a while, you don’t have to confine yourself to them. Tap or click here to quickly access the secret menu on your Android phone.
Here's how to mute those loud and annoying tabs in a cinch
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Your phone is spying: Do this now to wipe your interests
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Firefox browser hits major milestone - Is it worth taking a second look at?
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We all know that websites and services can track your movements and behavior across websites. Recently Apple also started implementing a similar technique, where it asked for your permission to connect to other devices in your house. Tap or click here to Google like a pro: 7 tricks for expert searches.
Create your own virtual opera with just a few mouse clicks
Every year around this time, Mariah Carey’s classic song “All I Want for Christmas Is You” can be heard playing across the globe. Love it or hate it, the music video has racked up over 675 million views since its release in 2009.
Surf the web safely with these 5 mobile browsers
Surfing the internet is risky with cybercriminals lurking around every corner. Threats aren’t just limited to your computer, either. They can come for your smartphone too.
That’s why it’s important to make sure your browser of choice is as secure as possible. It could be the difference between being hit with malware or not.