POST
Welcome to POST by ResTech Solutions
Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Every week we will bring you new content covering recent events and news related to technology, Microsoft, Apple, Google, tips & tricks, useful information, and more! To read the full articles in our newsletters you can either click on the image or article headline. We've had a great response each week to our newsletter and we've been hard at work to bring you even more great information this week. Please let us know what you've enjoyed thus far about our newsletter. To see past issues click on the archives link above.
Why the name POST? In the world of computers POST stands for Power On Self Test. This is the action computers take when they are first powered on to check their basic functionality prior to loading the operating system. We decided to take this same concept and to provide you with useful technology information at the beginning of your week to help get you started. POST is also a term associated with news as well and we felt this was an appropriate and fitting name.
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POST by ResTech Solutions
News
A Security Breach Exposed Emails and Site Passwords of 1.2 Million of GoDaddy’s WordPress Customers
Image from Gizmodo
Last week GoDaddy disclosed a security breach that exposed email addresses, site admin passwords, and customer numbers for active and inactive Managed WordPress customers. The hackers were able to gain access to GoDaddy's system through a compromised password. If you are a GoDaddy customer and have ever used their managed WordPress hosting then you need to change the password on your active WordPress site and/or change any password that is the same you may use for any other system. You should also consider changing your GoDaddy account password and enable multifactor authentication if you have not already done so for your GoDaddy account.
As a reminder, every account should have a unique password and passwords should not be reused. Enabling MFA where it is available will also further secure your accounts.
gizmodo.com
Cyber Security
Were the FBI's Email Servers Hacked? Here's What You Need to Know
Image from MUO
Yes, the FBI's servers were hacked as unauthorized access was obtained due to a software misconfiguration. The person did not force their way in but took advantage of an existing flaw. You can read the full details in the linked article.
It is important to ensure that all equipment is properly configured and regularly tested for any vulnerabilities.
makeuseof.com
Can Malware Go Undetected? How Viruses Hide From You
Image from MUO
Yes, there is always a chance malware can go undetected. No antivirus solution will be 100% effective. The rate of effectiveness can vary depending on how the application operates. One of the big takeaways here is to know what to watch out for and to know what threats exist and how to deal with and avoid them.
Check out the linked article for full details. There is some great information in the article.
makeuseof.com
Windows
Find Anything Using Enhanced Search Mode in Windows 10
Image from MUO
Have you ever tried to search your PC for a file but were unable to find it? Perhaps the file is stored in a place that is not searched by default. There is a way to perform an enhanced or customized search within Windows to be able to find these files. Check out the linked article for full details.
makeuseof.com
9 Things to Do Before Updating to Windows 11
Image from MUO
If you are planning to upgrade to Windows 11 there are several tasks you will need to complete first to ensure your computer and data are ready. You will need to know that your hardware is supported along with your applications. You will also need to backup your data in case something goes wrong. Check out the linked article for all the steps you need to take along with instructions on the various steps.
As we are still in the early days of Windows 11 it may also be wise to hold off on upgrading to allow time for any initial bugs to be addressed by Microsoft or other third parties.
makeuseof.com
Tips & Tricks
9 Everyday Tasks You Can Automate Using Zapier
Image from MUO
Zapier is a great tool that can be used to automate tasks between different applications. Depending on your plan you can create more advanced "zaps" to perform more complex tasks. If you are looking to add more automation to your daily workflow you should compare Zapier with other similar platforms such as Integrately and Pabbly Connect. You will also need to check if your applications are supported on the platform.
Automation opens up many possibilities and is worth considering if you have not considered it before.
makeuseof.com
Useful Information
How to Test Your Wi-Fi Speed (And 7 Mistakes You Should Avoid)
Image from MUO
If you've ever experienced an issue with your Wi-Fi connection the best way to get answers is to test the connection and its speed. How you test will differ based on your need. The linked article provides a great breakdown of this process and will guide you on performing a proper assessment of your Wi-Fi.
makeuseof.com
Google vs. Bing vs. DuckDuckGo: The Ultimate Search Engine Showdown
Image from MUO
If you've only used Google's search engine then you may be missing out on other options that may be a better fit depending on your need. For example, if you are very privacy focused then DuckDuckGo would be the search engine you need to use. The linked article will compare Google, Bing, and DuckDuckGo looking at their search features, index method, user privacy, and user experience. After reviewing you should be able to make a more informed choice on the search engine you want to use. You may find that you will want to use a different search engine for different tasks as well.
makeuseof.com
Access Point vs. Router—What's the Difference?
Image from MUO
In simple terms, a router routes traffic on your network like a cop might direct traffic on the street. An access point is simply a point of access that allows wireless devices to connect to the network.
Your network will always need a router but may not need an access point. If you have a wireless router it can also serve as the access point.
For more information and details check out the linked article.
makeuseof.com
FAQ of the Week
Is Amazon's Alexa Spying on You?
Image from MUO
Each week we will address a frequently asked question. This week we are looking at Amazon's smart assistant, Alexa, and determining if she is spying on you.
The device is designed to always be listening for its wake word. Because of this, the device is always listening to you or the environment it is in. The bigger question is what is happening with all the recordings it has.
If you are concerned about the data being collected you can always mute the device so it is no longer listening. You can go a step further and delete all the recordings Amazon has saved from your devices. For more information and actions you can take check out the linked article.
makeuseof.com