Two Minute Tech

While QR codes have become a convenient way to access digital content and make payments, they can also pose security risks. Learn tips to protect yourself from scammers who use these black-and-white squares for malicious purposes, including some real-world examples of QR code fraud. Show notes available at https://twominute.tech/68 .

Your home's photos and floor plans from real estate listings could be exposing more than just memories to potential criminals. Learn the steps to remove these details from popular real estate websites and protect your privacy. A few steps today can help secure your property from those who could use this information for malicious purposes. Show notes available at https://twominute.tech/67 .

As tax season reaches its climax, reports indicate that some Windows users who attempted to file received malware. While the malicious code has been removed, the company's silence about the incident and potential data breaches leaves taxpayers with concerns about the security of their tax information. Show notes available at https://twominute.tech/66 .

We all have some "useless" junk sitting around our homes. However, that junk could be valuable to someone else, and it could net you some cash. If you're interested in selling some of that junk, here are five apps you can use to turn your junk into cash. Show notes available at https://twominute.tech/65 .

Master digital scheduling with six essential Google Calendar features. From customizing views to setting notifications and sharing capabilities, these power tips will help you take control of your daily planning and boost your productivity. Whether you're managing multiple calendars or trying to coordinate schedules, these tips will help you streamline your calendar. Show notes available at https:...

Tracking devices like AirTags can be help find lost items, but they've also helped enable stalking and harassment. Learn how to detect if someone is secretly tracking you with these devices, including actions both iPhone and Android users should take to protect their privacy. Show notes available at https://twominute.tech/63 .

Amazon's latest attempt to combat low-quality products introduces a new warning label for frequently returned items. While positioned as a consumer protection measure, this move is probably also aimed at reducing costs amid recent layoffs and elevated return rates. This new system marks a shift from Amazon's traditional reliance on customer ratings and reviews. Show notes available at https://twom...

Both Apple and Microsoft released critical security updates this week. Multiple vulnerabilities could allow attackers to take control of devices, and a separate issue nicknamed "Acropalypse" could expose previously cropped portions of your images. Show notes available at https://twominute.tech/61 .

From a robot that delivers toilet paper to a toaster that burns your selfie onto bread, the world of tech has produced some truly bizarre innovations. Take a journey through six of the strangest gadgets ever created. These strange inventions remind us that even in the serious world of technology, there's always room for outlandish ideas. Show notes available at https://twominute.tech/60 .

Losing your precious memories and important files can be devastating, but it doesn't have to be permanent. Learn four essential principles for protecting your digital memories and important files. Review automated solutions that take the hassle out of protecting your important files. Show notes available at https://twominute.tech/59 .

Your iPhone's Face ID has a security setting that could leave your device vulnerable. Learn about an accessibility feature that helps those with visual impairments, might compromise your phone's security if left enabled by other users. Discover when to toggle this setting for convenience without sacrificing protection. Show notes available at https://twominute.tech/58 .

The Google Play Store's data safety section was created to inform users about app privacy practices, but a recent Mozilla study found these labels may be misleading. The research reveals that many popular apps received poor ratings when their data safety disclosures were compared with their actual privacy policies, raising concerns about the accuracy of these privacy summaries. Show notes availabl...

Malicious links can look like legitimate ones, potentially leading you to dangerous websites when you think you’re going to a safe place. Learn a simple technique to unmask where a link will actually take you before clicking, whether you're on desktop or mobile. Discover tools to decode shortened URLs and track redirects so you know whether a link is malicious. Show notes available at https://twom...

Unlock the full potential of your Apple devices by attending free hands-on sessions at your local Apple Store. With courses from basic skills on your device to using that device for photography, music, and coding, expert guidance is available for everyone. Learn how to find and register for these educational events that can help move you from a novice into a power user. Show notes available at htt...

Keep your devices running smoothly and hygienically with proper cleaning techniques for phones, tablets, and computers. Learn the essential do's and don'ts of device cleaning, including the correct alcohol concentration for sanitizing and safe methods for removing dust and debris from your valuable electronics. Show notes available at https://twominute.tech/54 .

Many programs will try to add themselves to the list of items that start up when the computer turns on. While some of these are necessary, such as your antivirus, many of these programs do not actually need to start up. Each program that makes it onto the list slows down your startup time and uses valuable resources on your computer. Here's how you can clean up your start up. Show notes available...

Your web browser is probably the most-used program on your computer, and that means it's collecting the most digital baggage. Learn quick shortcuts to clear your browsing history, manage cached data, and evaluate browser extensions to improve performance and protect your privacy. Show notes available at https://twominute.tech/52 .

Are unused apps secretly hogging your device's resources? Learn quick and simple ways to identify and remove unnecessary applications across all your devices. Discover how to free up storage space by cleaning out those forgotten programs you downloaded but never use. Show notes available at https://twominute.tech/51 .

Spring cleaning isn't just for your home. Decluttering your digital life is also good. Learn how to identify and eliminate duplicate files that waste storage space and create confusion, with practical solutions for identifying these files on both computers and mobile devices. Show notes available at https://twominute.tech/50 .

Need to share what's on your screen with someone else? Whether you're seeking tech support, demonstrating a process, or presenting data, there are several tools at your disposal. From built-in Windows features to online recording and presentation options, discover three simple ways to share what’s on your screen. Show notes available at https://twominute.tech/49 .

Ever wondered how journalists get access to government documents? The Freedom of Information Act isn't just for the media. It's available to every citizen. Learn the steps to request information from government agencies and how to search the information that is already available. Show notes available at https://twominute.tech/48 .

After a long day, the last thing you want is a scam error message on your TV. However, criminals are targeting smart TV users with fake pop-up warnings and bogus support numbers, hoping to steal money or install malware on the TV. Learn the warning signs of these scams and steps you should take to protect yourself from these deceptive tactics. Show notes available at https://twominute.tech/47 .

March Madness is tipping off today, bringing three weeks of college basketball action. Learn how to catch every moment of the men's and women's tournaments through traditional broadcasts, streaming options, or in-person attendance. Show notes available at https://twominute.tech/46 .

Ring's latest announcement marks a significant change to their home security options. Starting March 29, 2023, new Ring owners will need a paid subscription to access several features that are currently free, including app-based controls and real-time notifications. Plus, long-time Ring owners will now need a subscription to use the popular Home and Away mode. Show notes available at https://twomi...

Banks created Zelle to make transferring money easy, but criminals have turned this convenience into fraud. Learn about the social engineering tactics scammers use to exploit Zelle and why banks often refuse to help victims recover their money. Show notes available at https://twominute.tech/44 .