Microsoft Tips, Tricks & Info
2024OCT15
Table of Contents / Source:
How to Wipe a Computer Clean of Personal Data
Before selling, donating, or recycling your outdated laptop or desktop, protect your privacy with this important step.
Note: The Computer Club does not endorse one method of wiping data from devices over another due to various device configurations (HD, SSD, etc.).
Further reading:
- How To Remove Your Personal Information Before You Get Rid of Your Computer - ftc.gov
- How to completely wipe your old computer’s hard drive - microsoft.com
- How to Scrub Personal Information From Your Electronics - aarp.org
- Proper Disposal of Electronic Devices - csa.gov
- 3 Simple Tips for Recycling Old Electronics - https://www.msn.com/en-us/video/webcontent/3-simple-tips-for-recycling-old-electronics/vi-27W4/f+OsjokGA?vid=HmEhTIMfZiI&provider=yt&ocid=socialshare
🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷
Lightweight operating systems to run on old laptops
As time and technology marches forward, a laptop or two will fall victim to aging out of more modern operating systems -- Windows 10 or Windows 11 -- but that doesn't mean they belong in the trash. While it may not be a treasure either, your old laptop may have some fight left in it.
Further reading:
- Want to save your old computer? Try these 5 Linux distributions - zdnet.com
🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷
The complete guide to secure printer recycling
Before you throw it in the trash, remember that – like any other type of electronic waste, printer recycling requirements mean your device needs to be disposed of properly for security and environmental reasons. Plus, you may not be aware, but it contains valuable data that you’ll want to protect first.
🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷
OpenAI reveals Swarm —a new open-source method for getting AI to do things on your behalf
OpenAI has released a new AI technology called the Swarm Framework. This open-source project marks a new milestone in the ongoing AI gold rush.
The framework offers developers a comprehensive set of tools for creating multi-agent AI systems that can complete tasks and goals while cooperating autonomously.
🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷
Check if Your Social Security Number Is Included in the National Public Data Hack
Check if your Social Security number was stolen in the massive data theft and what to do to secure your personal information.
🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷
7 password rules to live by in 2024, according to security experts
Here's what the experts recommend when you need to create a new password -- and one rule likely goes against what you're made to do at work.
🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷
What to do if you're a victim of funds transfer fraud
FTF attacks are on the rise, but quick action can help mitigate the extent of losses. If an organization believes a recent transaction, email, or other communication looks suspicious, here are some helpful steps to take. Remember: it's only during the first 24 to 72 hours that a reaction to an FTF event has any hope of success.
Coalition policyholders who notice a wrong payment should immediately reach out to Coalition so our incident response team — available 24/7 — can launch into action right away. With the guidance of the Coalition Claims team, here are some helpful steps to take (policyholder or not):
Further reading:
- Can Wire Transfers be Reversed? What You Need to Know - veem.com
- Victim of Wire Fraud? the FBI’s FKKC program can help! - pbigroupsolutions.com
🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷
The best no-log VPNs of 2024: Expert tested and reviewed
No-log VPNs claim to not keep records of their customers' online activities. These are the best no-log VPNs to protect your privacy.
🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷
What to Do With Old Cell Phones (Because You Can’t Throw Them Away)
You shouldn’t just throw a smartphone in the trash. In fact, they are one of the items that are illegal to throw away in many states. Some of the electrical components can be toxic to the environment.
So, if you don’t have a way to use your old smartphone at home, what are you supposed to do with it? Ahead, we’ll explain the various options that will keep both your data and the planet safe.
🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷
How to Clear Cookies on iPhone and Android—and Why You Should
We've all been there: You're chatting with someone on Facebook about something random—say, going to Portugal or making brisket—and then suddenly you start seeing online information and ads about Portugal or brisket everywhere. What gives? Is your phone spying on you? Sort of. It all boils down to your device's cookies, which could also be responsible for a sudden downturn in your phone's performance. And that's exactly why you need to learn how to clear cookies on your iPhone or Android device.
