When you install or update apps on your smartphone, do you get prompts for permissions? Access to your camera, contacts, photos, network, etc. Clear or confusing? Is there a choice — all or none or just some? CNET’s article “Your Android phone is too damn nosy” discussed this issue. On Android phones, people have faced… Continue reading Smartphones and privacy — tuning app permissions
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Trading away personal info — twilight of privacy?
Imagine you’re visiting a mall and occasionally someone stops you and asks for some personal information: Your favorite places to shop? Things you like to purchase? Brands you like? … You’re told that as a reward for providing that information you’ll get a gift certificate. What if that happens to you on the street, just… Continue reading Trading away personal info — twilight of privacy?
Trust, ad-blocking, and do-not-track reality check
So, you’ve been using an ad-blocker and set your Web browsers to not accept cookies and enabled their option / preference to not track you. How’s that working? Well, Re/code’s article “Understanding ‘Do Not Track’: Truth and Consequences” discusses the reality. Make no mistake, this challenge started with publishers. Although many people in the ad… Continue reading Trust, ad-blocking, and do-not-track reality check
No more support for Windows 8, Internet Explorer 8, 9, 10
If you’ve not been following Microsoft’s posts regarding lifecycle milestones for Windows and Internet Explorer, PC World’s article “Microsoft Patch Tuesday kills off Windows 8 and Internet Explorer 8, 9, and 10” (January 12, 2016) noted some important end-of-support events. Microsoft will cease support for the 3 year, 2 month, and 17-day old operating system.… Continue reading No more support for Windows 8, Internet Explorer 8, 9, 10
New PC ? — what to do first
If you got a new PC for the holidays, congrats. What’s next? Windows 10, Cortana, customization, updates, privacy settings, another browser, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free, backup, … fun. As for prior years, PC World posted several articles about what to do first with a new PC. 1. “Windows 10: The best tricks, tips, and tweaks” Here… Continue reading New PC ? — what to do first