Wonder if an app is safe? Some 98% of kids’ education apps share data with third-party advertisers. AppMicroscope.org sifted through almost 1,800 apps to let you know which ones are good or bad for privacy.
How to check what's hogging your internet connection
Bandwidth is a hot commodity, even more so when living in a rural area or a region with notoriously lousy internet service. But sometimes your slow internet is caused by your ISP. Tap or click here to see if your ISP is throttling your speeds.
If your ISP isn’t the problem, what is? Where can you go for the answers you need if you’re at home and noticing a lag?
Fortunately, there is a simple way to see what’s hogging your internet connection. Keep reading to find out how.
How to check what’s using the most bandwidth
Checking your bandwidth usage on a Mac and PC is super simple.
On a Mac, all you have to do is:
- Hit CMD + Space to open Spotlight.
- Search for or select Activity Monitor.
- Click on the Network tab.
Here, you’ll see a breakdown of bandwidth usage by app. Large downloads, 4K streams and apps pinging a server frequently may affect your network speeds. Continue to do this for all the devices connected to your network until you find the real issue.
You might also consider using software that can show you who’s using your internet or simply consult the router itself for nefarious, unauthorized guests. Are your neighbors stealing your internet? Tap or click here to find out what to do about it.
Windows users can see what’s using the most bandwidth by opening Task Manager. Here’s how:
- Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete on Windows 10 or Ctrl + Shift + Esc on Windows 11.
- Choose Performance.
- Under the Wi-Fi chart, watch for unusual spikes in activity.
- After, hop back into Processes, sorting by Network Usage.
- The heaviest users will be filtered to the top, exposing any potential apps or malware going haywire.
Sometimes, the problem will be as simple as a clunky website serving you too many ads simultaneously. Be on the lookout for strange names you don’t recognize. If nothing seems amiss, however, what should you try next?
Eyelash remover glues are being used as dangerous party drugs
Most people buy makeup to accentuate their best natural features. Other people use innocent cosmetics as party drugs. That’s why Amazon dropped a popular fake eyelash remover glue brand.
You can find anything on Amazon — including affordable alternatives to popular products. Do you have any loved ones who buy makeup online? Share this warning, so they know about the potential dangers of using eyelash glue.
Car companies are tracking your driving
Are you a speed racer? You’re being watched. Major car companies are watching how you drive and selling your data to third-party brokers. Plus, discover secret codes to protect your family from scams and why the FCC is cracking down on illegal jammers.
Stop blabbin’: Dropbox’s AI may share your files with OpenAI and other third parties. Don’t remember signing up for that? Me, neither. To turn it off, log in to Dropbox, hit your Account icon, go to Settings, find the Third-Party AI tab and toggle the switch to Off.
This portable charger caused a house fire - Do you have one?
Third-party smartphone accessories are often convenient and affordable, especially in a pinch. The facts, however, suggest that using unauthorized things like chargers could put your household at risk.
Even trustworthy companies have problems with their products at times. One couple learned this valuable lesson after a fire almost destroyed their Maryland home recently. The brand behind the power bank is already pulling products from its site.
12 things you should never do online
We all make silly mistakes sometimes. We answer robocalls (those numbers do look awfully familiar), click links we should have checked first, and open spam emails.
Everyone is vulnerable and can be caught off guard. It’s what we do next that really counts. Do you believe the caller claiming to be an IRS employee, use your credit card on a sketchy site, or download files from a sender you don’t recognize?
Amazon's big "disappointment"
What happens if you buy a faulty product from a third-party seller on Amazon? You might think you’re out of luck, but not anymore. Amazon’s typical ‘not our problem’ stance just got a serious challenge.
Clippy’s back …: … Kind of. Winpilot, a third-party tool that helps optimize your Windows OS, now includes a built-in assistant called — you guessed it — Clippy. Much like the original Office 97 assistant, it mostly assists with stuff you can do already in your Settings menu. But it can help you remove Windows 11’s built-in AI assistant, Copilot. Assistant-on-assistant crime: You hate to see it.
Nice try, Google: YouTube’s ad blocker crackdown now includes third-party apps. That would explain why folks are seeing “The following content is not available on this app” errors. Google says it’s to ensure creators get their dues. Smells like a push to get you to pay for YouTube Premium.
Malicious new apps are stealing bank details - Here's what to look for
Screen recordings can be very useful when you want to explain something to a friend. A screenshot can also help you remember places, prices or contact details. But when malware records your screen without your knowledge, you are in trouble.
8 secrets to shop Prime Day without getting ripped off
Prime Day started in 2015 as a one-day event to celebrate Amazon’s 20th anniversary. Prime members were given access to many deals, and inventory sold out quickly. There was some criticism that the sale did not include the most in-demand products.
One place you should never download games for your phone
Android fans are in an interesting predicament when it comes to downloading apps and games. On one hand, Google Play has far more apps to download, as well as a far less restrictive app approval policy. On the other hand, the Google Play store is regularly infested with malware.
5 essential downloads every Mac user needs
It’s been said that Mac users are a spoiled bunch, and it’s hard to disagree. Compared to PCs, which tend to come packed with bloatware and useless apps, the programs baked into MacOS are often simple and expertly designed.
Facebook will now alert you when another company accesses your data
It’s hard to imagine the modern internet without the presence of Facebook — or should we say “omnipresence?” It’s everywhere you look on the web, and the login buttons that connect websites and apps with the platform are still a common sight.
