PC – Tech Savvy Life

Opt-Out Guide for National Public Data: Regain Your Privacy

The article discusses the resurgence of National Public Data, a site previously infamous for leaking millions of Social Security numbers. It offers users the ability to search personal information and opt out of data display. Caution is advised regarding online privacy, as data security on the web remains a significant concern.

RAYMOND OGLESBY @RaymondOglesby2
September 2, 2025 – 8 minutes read time

Note! Although we recommend you use this tip, we are NOT responsible for what happens to your data. Also, remember there is no such thing as “privacy” on the web. If major USA companies get hacked, so will you. But this tip will help protect your data.

Overview

National Public Data is back with new owners, joining the ranks of other creepy, people-finding services. The website, infamous for its role in leaking millions of Social Security numbers in 2024, has returned with the ability to look up anyone’s personal information.

The site shut down in December amid a wave of lawsuits against parent company Jericho Pictures after a breach exposed an estimated 272 million unique SSNs and 600 million phone numbers. Since then, the site has been relatively dormant. But recently, we spotted it springing back to life with a new interface.

It looks like the domain has changed hands:. In a page about last year’s breach, the site’s new owners write: “Important Notice: Jericho Pictures, Inc., the Florida company that suffered a major data breach in 2024, no longer operates this site. We have zero affiliation with them. We are keeping this page, originally posted by Jericho Pictures, Inc., intact so its history remains traceable.”

Why You Will Like This Tip

Protect your privacy from others or companies
View and/or remove your personal data from pubic searches
Be in control of your data

System Requirements

This tip was performed on a Dell XPS desktop running Windows 11 Pro. Screenshots are from the latest update for the Google Chrome browser.

Your Profile On National Public Data Website

First, it’s relatively easy to look up anybody’s information using their website. Click here to access their interface. Refer to the image below:

SSN Leak 1 — National Public Data website

The site does not explain who the new owners are, but a domain lookup shows that it’s registered to Florida-based “Perfect Privacy,” (what an oxymoron), a brand name associated with a VPN service. However, Perfect Privacy VPN has no affiliation with National Public Data.

The new site functions as a “free people search engine,” which might alarm the public since National Public Data housed a huge trove of sensitive data on Americans.

It is unclear where the site is getting its data. But the new National Public Data says: “We collect the data you find on our people search engine from publicly available sources, including federal, state, and local government agencies, social media pages, property ownership databases, and other reliable platforms. After the data is in our hands, we verify and filter it to make sure it is indeed accurate and up-to-date.”

Next, key in your full name, City/State. Both fields are autofill. As you enter the information, it pops up with matching criteria. Then tap the Search button. The search is extremely FAST. I tried both of my names and got the same results.

My wife used the site in her genealogy research to find a distant cousin’s phone number and contacted him. See the image below:

Now, your basic profile information will be displayed. We have redacted specific fields for privacy. We noted that the basic profile information was correct except for the landline phone number, which we no longer have. When I clicked on my relatives, the data was incorrect. To view more information, click the View Full Profile button. See the following image for basic details about myself:

Still, what makes the site disturbing is how you can freely look up people’s data, including neighbors, and sometimes find accurate addresses, phone numbers, and dates of birth, along with a person’s relatives. None of the data is behind a paywall. That said, the new site is not much different from other people-finding services, which serve up similar data for free.

The new National Public Data adds: “On our people search website, you can find pretty much anything you need, from someone’s contact info, location, age, and birthday to workplace, relatives, and criminal records. No need to sift through different web pages.” It does not reveal your SSN.

Next, the data it reveals is a lot. Refer to the image below about the data it finds:

SSN Leak 4 — Listing of what the website searches

Opt-Out From National Piblic Data Site

Now, the new National Public Data site has an opt-out form to delete your profile data. However, many users are likely unaware of such an option, enabling these types of sites to continue trafficking their information. See the image below:

Remember, proactively managing your online privacy and staying informed about potential data breaches are crucial steps in protecting your personal information.

Here’s how to delete your data:

Search your name on nationalpublicdata.com
When you find your profile, click View Full Profile
Copy that URL
Go to nationalpublicdata.com/optout.html
Drop the URL into the Your Profile Link field and click Request Removal
Enter an email address, and the site will send you a message and ask you to click to confirm deletion. You need a separate email address for each profile you want to delete.

We tried the opt-out function, and the site appears to remove our data immediately. Some commenters say they have not received the confirmation email. Check your Spam folder and make sure you are dropping the full URL for your profile into the Link box, not just the search results page.

Atlas Privacy Website

Sites such as Atlas Privacy have emerged to help people remove their data from the open web and people-finding services. Note: we did not try their service.

Atlas Privacy focuses on removing your personal information from data broker websites and other online sources, NOT your own website. They help you regain control of your data by removing it from places where it’s being collected and shared without your consent.

They scan over 150 sites to remove your information and help protect your privacy by removing your name, age, address, phone number, and other personal details from these sources. Atlas Privacy does not have its own list of websites it searches, but rather, it targets specific data brokers and people finder sites.

Unlike the National Public Data, you must create an account to use their service. There are both free and paid services.

After you have removed your data, recheck to see if it’s actually deleted!

Note! Remember you are responsible for your own data. Acting proactivity by removing your data allows you to be in control.

Want to Recover Your Dara (Why Would You)

National Public Data

If your data has been removed from Natural Public Data sources, it is generally not possible to get it back in the same way it was stored. Once data is deleted, it is often permanently removed from the system or archived in a way that is not easily accessible. However, the possibility of data restoration depends on the specific circumstances of the removal and d the policies of the data provider.

Atlas Privacy

If your data has been removed from Atlas Privacy, in some cases, you may be able to restore data that has been removed.

Sources: National Public Data, Perfect Privacy, Jericho pictures, Microsoft, PCMag, Atlas Prvacy, Meta

Disclaimer

Technology is constantly evolving, and smartphone and desktop tech rarely remains static. Therefore, the information in this post is only accurate as of the date it was written. Blog posts that are older than six months may contain instructions that are no longer compatible with your device or operating system. We hope that the content from previous posts continues to function as intended. Thank you for reading TechSavvy.Life, where technology works for you.

Quote For the Day

“The art challenges the technology, and the technology inspires the art.”

– John Lasseter, Co-founder of Pixar

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Top 6 Tips to Enhance Your Windows 11 Experience

This article presents six essential tips for optimizing the Windows 11 experience. Key features include using passkeys for security, utilizing tabs in File Explorer, customizing the Start Menu, exploring new sound modes, learning keyboard shortcuts, and managing desktop clutter with Title Bar Shake. Stay updated as Microsoft refines the operating system.

RAYMOND OGLESBY @RaymondOglesby2
April 22, 2025 –5 minutes read time

Overview

With these hand-picked tips and pointers, customize your Windows 11 experience, learn about the best new features, and get the most out of Microsoft’s superb desktop OS.

Windows 11 has been out for a while now, but you likely do not know about every setting and feature this operating system offers. We have done all the hard work for you, collecting six of our favorite tips and tricks that help you maximize your enjoyment and productivity with Windows. Microsoft is always refining and updating Windows 11, of course, so we will continue to update this story with new and exciting pointers.

Why You Wil Like This Tip

Learn some new tips about Windows 11.
Improve the Windows 11 operating system.

System Requirements

Any device running Windows 11. Screenshots are from a desktop running Windows 11 Pro.

1,. Increase Security by Using Passkeys

Passwords are so passé and not as secure as other options. Forward-minded websites and apps support more secure Passkeys to log in, which are linked to a specific device. Windows 11 can now store your passkeys or use those you store on other devices, such as your smartphone. On Windows 11, head to:

Settings > Accounts >Passkeys

Passkeys take advantage of Windows Hello authentication via facial recognition, fingerprint, or PIN.

2. Add Tabs to File Explorer

Explorer tabs save you from littering your desktop with multiple File Explorer windows when you need to view more than one at a time. Just right-click on a folder and choose Open in New Tab, like you would in a web browser. You can even drag a file between tabs. Just drag it to the desired tab and then down into the file list for that tab. You can also drag tabs sideways to rearrange them and press Alt-Left Arrow to navigate back in a tab (but not Ctrl-PgUp and Ctrl-PgDn as you can on a web browser).

With the initial Windows 11 release, Microsoft streamlined the ribbon at the top of the File Explorer menu. Cut, Copy, Paste, Rename, Share, Delete, Sort, and View choices get prominent buttons at the top, saving you from having to wade through multiple menus you seldom use. Windows 11 also adds a New button for creating new folders and shortcuts, as well as documents based on installed programs. The buttons change based on context, too. So, for example, when you are searching in the right-hand search box, you get a Search Options button.

3. Customize the Start Menu

In Windows 10, the Settings button appears above the Start button when you tap it by default. Not so in Windows 11, but you can add it back via:

Settings > Personalization > Start > Folders

You can add folders from here, as well as Settings, File Explorer, and Network buttons, as well as folders for music, pictures, documents, and so on.

4. Listen With New Sound Modes

In Windows 11, you have extra control over your audio output, including mono audio and enhanced audio modes. To go Mono, open:

Settings > System > Sound

then enable Mono audio to combine the left and right audio channels.

For enhanced audio, which includes bass boost, loudness equalization, room correction, and virtual surround, under the Advanced Section, click:

All sound devices > (choose a device) > Properties

and enable its options.

5. Learn New Keyboard Shortcuts

Windows 11 has new keyboard shortcuts, and they are worth learning:

Windows Key-W to open the Widgets panel
Windows Key-A to access the Quick Settings
Windows Key-Z to access Snap Layouts
Windows Key-K to Cast Media

A couple of the best keyboard shortcuts are still in place from Windows 10, including Windows Key-V to show clipboard history and Windows Key-Shift-S for the Screenshot Tool.

6. Clear Your Desktop With Title Bar Shake

(

The Windows Title Bar Shake setting is a favorite of ours. It’s off by default, but you can enable it in:

Settings > System > Multitasking

(or just search for “shake” in Settings). It lets you grab a window’s top title bar and shake it to dismiss all other windows. We use it all the time to clear out a messy desktop and focus on the active window.

Disclaimer

Quote For the Day

“What I did in my youth is hundreds of times easier today. Technology breeds crime.”

― Frank W. Abagnale

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How to Use the New Windows Backup Tool

The new Windows Backup tool allows users to back up specific folders, apps, settings, and credentials to OneDrive, enabling restoration on the same or different PCs. A Microsoft Account is required, while traditional desktop apps cannot be backed up. Users can manage their backups through the Windows Backup interface.

RAYMOND OGLESBY @RaymondOglesby2
April 15, 2025 – 5 minutes read time

Overview

The new Windows Backup tool will back up specific folders, apps, settings, and credentials to the cloud.Also, user data and files, including documents, pictures, music, and videos, are backed up. You can then restore all those items to the same PC or a new computer. To use this feature, you need a Microsoft Account (work and school accounts are not supported, and neither is a local account). You also need adequate storage space. OneDrive offers 5GB for free, but you may need to upgrade to one of the paid Microsoft 365 plans for more storage.

NOTE! The primary limitation of the Windows Backup tool is that it will back up only certain locations and items. For example, it will not back up and restore traditional desktop apps, such as Microsoft 365 (which is strange), so make sure you have the software and sources for all the programs you will need to reinstall.

Why You Will Like This Tip

Peace of mind knowing your PC is backed up.
If something goes wrong, you can restore your data.

System Requirements

A PC Desktop or Laptop running Windows 10 or 11. Screenshots are from Windows 11 Pro.

Backup

First, turn to the PC you want to back up. In Windows 10, click the Start button and select Windows Backup from the menu. In Windows 11, click the Start button, go to the All Apps screen, and then select Windows Backup. The Windows Backup Tool offers four different categories to configure—Folders, Apps, Settings, and Credentials. Refer to the image below:

Now, click the down arrow next to Folders and enable the folders you wish to back up. If you have previously done a folder(s) backup, the last backup date will be shown and is enabled. You will be able to back up the Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders. See the image below:

Next, click the down arrow next to Apps. Make sure Quickly access apps on any Windows device is turned on, as this will generate a list of installed apps so you can more easily recover them when you restore the backup. See the following image:

Now, click the down arrow next to Credentials and make sure the switch for Accounts, Wi-Fi networks and other passwords is turned on. Refer to the image below:

Backup 4 — Selecting everything else to backup

Next, when you are ready, click the Continue button. The items you selected are then backed up to your OneDrive storage. As the backup runs, you can minimize the Windows Backup app and work on other tasks. When the entire backup is finished, you will see that each of the four categories has been backed up. See the image below:

Backup 5 — Clicking Continue to start the backup

Now, you will receive a screen stating that your backup is in process. See the following image:

Now, if you reset Windows or switch to a new PC, you can restore your saved files during the setup process. You should see a screen welcoming you back and telling you that there are backups saved from the previous PC. Click the More options link. Refer to the image below:

Backup 0 — Selecting to start a Restore from a backup

Next, select the name of the backup of your previous PC, and then click the Restore from this PC button. The items that you chose to back up are restored to your new computer. After this process is done, continue with the setup. When finished, sign in to your PC. See the image below:

Backup 8 — Clicking Restore from this PC to begin the restore process

Now, click the Start menu, Settings screen, and File Explorer to see which apps and settings have been restored. Any program that needs to be reinstalled will display an arrow with the word Install on the icon. Click the app to either automatically reinstall it or open the Microsoft Store so you can download the program.

Disclaimer

Quote For the Day

“Good, bad, or indifferent, if you are not investing in new technology, you are going to be left behind.

— Philip Green

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Essential Tips for Cleaning Your Keyboard

The article provides a comprehensive guide on how to clean your keyboard effectively. It emphasizes that keyboards harbor numerous germs, making cleaning essential for functionality. Key tips include shaking out debris, brushing between keys, using compressed air, and wiping surfaces. For mechanical keyboards, washing removable keycaps is also recommended.

RAYMOND OGLESBY @RaymondOglesby2
April 8, 2025 – 5 minutes read time

Overview

From the classic shakedown to bathing your keycaps, these easy tips will help restore order to the most important peripheral on your desk.

We have to talk about your keyboard. It likely has more germs than a toilet seat, which is gross but can also disrupt your device’s functionality. With spring upon us, now is the perfect time to clean things up. Disconnect or turn off your keyboard, and clear off a work area. Now, let’s explore how to properly clean your keyboard.

Why You Will Like This Tip

A clean keyboard means clean fingers.
Increase of typing speed and accuracy, no sticky keys.

System Requirements

Any device with a physical keyboard.

Turn Your Keyboard Upside Down and Give It a Good Shake

Place the keyboard on a large cloth or clear surface and turn it upside down, giving it a few good shakes. With the keys facing down, tap the back, then hold the board at different angles and pat it firmly but gently across the entire surface to knock free additional loose particles. Expect a cascade of debris. If you’re using a keyboard with removable keycaps (a mechanical keyboard, for instance), carefully pull those off and give the panel another upside-down shake. Refer to the image below:

Brush Out the Muck

To remove even more from your keyboard, grab a keyboard brush or even just a toothbrush or bottle brush and run it through the spaces between your keys. See the image below:

Blow Out Dust and Debris

Now to get those particles even a brush can miss. Compressed canned air dislodges dust and dirt with a pressurized blast. Before inserting the straw-like plastic hose and blasting away, though, make sure there are no items nearby that will take on whatever gets knocked out of your keyboard.

You might even want to take this part outside or do it over a bathtub or sink. Just remember that canned air tends to create condensation, so be sure to leave some room between the keyboard and hose to avoid any moisture that could damage inner circuitry.

Prop the keyboard sideways on a steady surface, then, using the duster as directed, aim the straw at an angle along the crevices for a series of short bursts. Give the keyboard another few taps, and repeat the process until you are satisfied. You may be surprised at just how much flies out, even if you do not eat at your desk or have pets who climb across your keyboard at the most inopportune times. Removing the keycaps will make this process all the more effective.

On our humanitarian trips to South America and Southeast Asia, we would always carry 1-2 canisters of compressed air, called Blaster. This item was extremely hard to find. But airport customs, especially in Southeast Asia, would confiscate the canisters. The customs agents thought they were a bomb. See the following image:

Keyboard 3 — Using a compressed air canister

Wipe Everything Down

Take a microfiber cloth and dampen it with the tiniest bit of water and wipe down your entire keyboard. Go over it with a dry part of the same cloth. Make sure the keyboard is completely dry before plugging it back in or powering it on. Refer to the image below:

Give Your Keycaps a Bath

This tip is not for everyone; only those with a mechanical keyboard and removable keytops should follow these instructions. Start by snapping a quick picture of your fully assembled keyboard to avoid mixing up letters, numbers, and commands later. Then simply soak the keycaps in a container of water with a bit of dish soap. After a few minutes, give the keys a scrub with a small brush or rag and set them out to air dry.

If you have a lot of dirty keycaps, our recommendation is to purchase a new keyboard. See the image below:

Disclaimer

Quote For the Day

. “Man is a slow, sloppy, and brilliant thinker; computers are fast, accurate, and stupid.”

― John Pfeiffer

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Author’s eBook

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Enable Advanced Data Protection for Your Apple Devices

Apple has disabled Advanced Data Protection (ADP) for iCloud in the UK due to government demands for law enforcement access. This compromises data security, as backdoor access could be exploited. In contrast, ADP offers end-to-end encryption unavailable to Apple, ensuring only users can access their data. Users outside the UK retain this protection.

Insert dRAYMOND OGLESBY @RaymondOglesby2
April 1, 2025 – 6 minutes read time

Overview

Recently. Apple took the unusual step of turning off its highest level of iCloud encryption, Advanced Data Protection (ADP) for customers in the UK. The British government has reportedly demanded that Apple provide a method for law enforcement to access encrypted data as part of criminal investigations. But that creates a serious security problem, because this type of backdoor access can also be exploited by criminals or untrustworthy governments.

Why You Will like This Tip

Have the best encryption for your Apple devices.
Prevent hackers from accessing and viewing your data.

System Requirements

See below for the Apple software versions. These screenshots were captured using iOS 18.3.2 on iPhone 14 Pro.

Click here to learn how to update your iPhone to the latest iOS version.

United Kingdom vs United States

For people in the UK, ADP can no longer be enabled. If you are currently using ADP, you will need to turn off the feature at a future date.

If you are outside the UK and concerned about who can see your data, ADP adds an extra layer of security by making it unreadable even by Apple. If ADP is disabled, your data could be at risk because it can still be unlocked by Apple, a legal request or a data breach.

Let’s explore how to turn Advanced Data Protection on, and how it differs from the default iCloud encryption methods.

How Does ADP Work

The key difference between ADP and how Apple encrypts data by default is how accessible your information is when stored on Apple’s servers.

In what Apple calls standard data protection, information sent between points, such as files stored on iCloud Drive and iCloud backups of your devices, is encrypted and transmitted securely. If someone intercepts that data between the two points, they will see only gibberish.

That data remains encrypted when it’s stored on Apple’s servers, so you can access it from other devices, for instance. However, Apple can still access the encryption keys to unscramble and read the data; and provide it to law enforcement following a legal request.

By contrast, when you enable Advanced Data Protection for iCloud, the data is end-to-end encrypted, meaning only your trusted devices possess the encryption keys to read it. The information remains encrypted on the servers, and not even Apple can access its contents. (Not all iCloud data can be end-to-end encrypted. Apple breaks out-which types of information, such as iCloud Mail messages, that remain covered by standard data protection even when ADP is turned on.)

The UK’s Investigatory Powers Act, the “Snooperd’s Charter”, makes that inaccessibility illegal, which is why Apple is turning the feature off for UK customers.

Some services are end-to-end encrypted regardless due to the sensitivity of the data, such as passwords, information stored in the Health app and payment information.

Setup Your Account for ADP

Note! Setting up ADP applies to all devices in your Apple account.

To set up ADP on your account, first make sure you have met all the prerequisites for the feature:

Your Apple Account must use two-factor authentication.
You must have a recovery method set up in case you lose access to your account. That can be a 28-character Recovery Key or a person you have designated as a Trusted Contact.
Every device connected with your Apple Account must be able to run at least
iOS 16.2, iPadOS 16.2, MacOS 13.1
WatchOS 9.2
TVOS 16.2
HomePod 16.0

For Windows computers, make sure iCloud for Windows is at version 14.1 or later.

If any of your devices do not qualify, you will be warned during the ADP setup process. If any of those are too old or you no longer have access to them, head to:
Settings > Remove Devices and delete them from your list.

Refer to the below image:

How to Setup

To turn on ADP on an iPhone, iPad or Mac do the following:

1. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud. On a Mac, open System Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud.

2. Scroll down to Advanced Data Protection, which likely says Off, and tap that to enable. This will take some time, and the screen will appear to be unresponsive; Just be patient. Later, if you want to disable ADP, repeat the above steps and select the Turn Off button.

See the below image:

3, If there are any of the aforementioned impediments to setting up ADP, such as needing to update other devices on your account, you will review them on the next screen.

4. In the following screen, tap Review Recovery Options. You need to have a Recovery Key, Recovery Contact or both to ensure that you can get your data if you lose access to your iCloud account.

5. Enter your device’s passcode to finish.

See the following image:

Activating ADP on one device means it’s on for all of your devices using the same Apple account, so you only need to set it up once.

Disclaimer

Quote For the Day

. “Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited, whereas imagination embraces the entire world, stimulating progress, giving birth to evolution.”

-Albert Einstein

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4 Tips to Speed Up Google Chrome for Better Performance

The article emphasizes the importance of a web browser, specifically Google Chrome, in daily online activities. It provides four methods to enhance its performance: updating Chrome, clearing the cache, upgrading security settings, and managing performance settings like using Memory Saver. These steps aim to ensure a smoother browsing experience.

RAYMOND OGLESBY @RaymondOglesby2
March 11, 2025 – 6 minutes read time

Overview

In many ways, your web browser is as important as, if not more so than, your computer’s operating system. Think about it: Nearly everything you do, from writing emails and posting on social media to editing documents and streaming videos, can happen inside a browser. So when Chrome starts feeling sluggish, it can affect your whole online experience, professionally and personally. Do not get bogged down by your browser. Here are four ways to speed it up.

System Requirements

This tip works on devices running Google Chrome. Screenshots are from Windows 11 Pro running Chrome Version 134.0.6998.36 (Official Build) (64-bit).

1) Update Google Chrome

Each new version of Chrome contains fresh features, security fixes, and performance improvements. So, it’s possible that updating to the latest version may help your speed woes. Even if it does not, it will keep you safer from online threats. When a new version is available, Chrome automatically updates in the background, when you close and re-open the browser.

First, open Chrome and click the Menu icon (the 3 dots) in the upper right. From the Menu, click the Settings option. Next, on the left side, scroll down to the bottom and click on the About Chrome option.

If Chrome is not up-to-date, Chrome will automatically download. Now, click the Relaunch button to update Chrome and reopen the browser. Your Chrome browser is now up-to-date. Refer to the below image:

To check which version of Chrome you are running, repeat the above. Chrome will show the version and indicate it is up-to-date. See the below image:

2) Clear Google Cache

To clear your cache in Google Chrome, you clear your browsing data. This will clear your cache, cookies, and other browsing history.

Clearing your cache can fix problems with loading or formatting on websites.

In the Chrome browser:

Open Chrome and click the Menu icon (the 3 dots) in the upper right.
From the Menu, click the Settings option.
On the left side, click Privacy and security option.
Under the Privacy and security section click the Delete browsing data button. See the following image:

Chrome 3 — Accessing Privacy and security options

A new dialogue box will open.
Click the Basic menu option.
Select the period to delete from in the Time range drop down menu
(To clear all cached data and cookies, select All time, this is recommended).
Ensure check boxes for Browsing history. Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files are ticked.
Click on Delete data and wait for that dialogue box to exit.
Close all open Chrome tabs.
Restart Chrome.

Refer to the below image:

Chrome 5 — Selecting what data and when to delete

3) Upgrade Chrome Security

Once upon a time, Google developed the Chrome Cleanup Tool, an application that helps find and remove unwanted software (UwS), toolbars, and other automatically installed extensions that antivirus probes may miss from Windows devices. These types of programs can slow down your browser, so checking it for unwanted add-ons every so often is a must.

Unfortunately, the program was shut down in 2023. However, Google says users will remain “automatically protected” by its Safe Browsing features in Chrome. For extra protection, navigate to:

Settings >Privacy and security > Security, > Enhanced Protection

And enable which offers “real-time, AI-powered protection against dangerous sites, downloads, and extensions that’s based on your browsing data getting sent to Google.” See the below image:

4) Manage Performance Settings

There are two types of people in the world: Those who open just a few tabs at a time, then close them, and those who hoard tabs like they have never heard of bookmarking. If you are the latter, it’s a safe bet what’s causing your slowdown, and you should take action. Not sure which tabs to close? Hover over a tab, and the pop-up preview shows how much memory it’s taking up.

For something more automatic, Google introduced Memory Saver mode in 2022. This feature frees up resources from unused tabs in order to improve performance on tabs that are in use. While this feature should be enabled by default, you can open:

Settings > Performance > Memory Saver

and set to Maximum so tabs become inactive sooner. See the following image:

Chrome 7 — Setting Memory Saver to Maximum

While you are here, go one further and scroll down to the Speed section. Make sure Preload pagesis enabled so websites and search results load faster. For an extra boost, enable Extended preloading for an even faster experience, though Google will be able to see what sites are being preloaded for you. Refer to the below image:

Chrome 8 — Enable Preload and Extended preloading

Disclaimer

Quote For the Day

“Technology is nothing. What’s important is that you have faith in people, that they’re basically good and smart, and if you give them tools, they’ll do wonderful things with them.”

-Steve Jobs

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HDMI vs DisplayPort: Which Should You Choose for Your Monitor?

RAYMOND OGLESBY @RaymondOglesby2
February 25, 2025 – 7 minutes read time

Overview

Not sure whether to hook your new monitor up to your computer using HDMI or DisplayPort? Different ports have different capabilities and compatibilities. Let’s find out which is best.

What is Best?

One often overlooked consideration when choosing your PC monitor is the ports that come with it. The two primary standards are HDMI and DisplayPort, which offer different features and capabilities. Displays often use one over the other, while some even feature both options. But which should you use? The answer, as always, is “it depends.”

Let’s break down the major differences between standards, and help you identify which will better suit your individual needs and setup. Refer to the below image for the rear view of our Dell 8960 PC which supports both:

Dell 8960 Rear View — Rear View of Dell 8960 PC

HDMI

Let’s start by talking about HDMI, the standard with which you are probably most familiar. See the below image:

HDMI is most commonly used on TVs, sending high-definition video and audio signals over one cable for an easy, clean setup. There have been multiple versions of HDMI, each improving on the last. On modern monitors, you will find any combination of the following:

HDMI 1.4: Supports up to 4K (4,096 by 2,160) at 24Hz, 4K (3,840 by 2,160) at 30Hz, or 1080p at 120Hz.
HDMI 2.0: Supports up to 4K at 60Hz, and later versions (HDMI 2.0a and 2.0b) include support for HDR.
HDMI 2.1: Supports up to 10K resolution at 120Hz, adds improved HDR with dynamic metadata and enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) to send Dolby Atmos and DTS:X audio from display to receiver. HDMI 2.1 includes a variable refresh rate, like FreeSync, though some HDMI 2.0 monitors also support it.
- HDMI 2.1a: Adds Source-Based Tone Mapping (SBTM).
- HDMI 2.1b: Adds up to 48Gbps in bandwidth.
HDMI 2.2: Introduced at CES 2025, it supports 96Gbps data-transfer speeds, 12K resolution, and a Latency Indication Protocol (LIP) specification that assists in synchronizing audio and video signals between devices. However, it will take years before devices and media catch up to this new standard.

These are somewhat simplified explanations of each HDMI version, as there are other feature improvements in each standard, but they are the things most users will care about. If you want to take full advantage of those specifications, you will also need an HDMI cable capable of the correct bandwidth.

For example, if you are running 4K at 60Hz with HDR, you will want a cable labeled Premium High Speed or 18Gbps (or better). For 8K at high refresh rates, you may need even more bandwidth, so check the description and reviews of any cable you plan to buy. Lower-spec cables may still work under certain circumstances, but can be finicky, adding “snow” to the image or not routing your surround sound audio properly. If you ever experience issues, make sure the cable is up to snuff.

In addition to the above, all modern HDMI ports should support AMD’s FreeSync technology, which eliminates screen tearing in games by matching the monitor’s refresh rate to your video card’s output framerate (with newer HDMI versions supporting FreeSync at higher refresh rates). Nvidia’s similar G-Sync technology, however, does not always work over HDMI; on many monitors, it’s DisplayPort only.

DisplayPort

DisplayPort looks similar to HDMI but is a connector more common on PCs than TVs. See the following image:

It still allows for high-definition video and (in many cases) audio, but its standards are a bit different. On modern monitors, you will likely find any of the following:

DisplayPort 1.2: Supports up to 4K at 60Hz, some 1.2a ports may also support AMD’s FreeSync
DisplayPort 1.3: Supports up to 4K at 120Hz or 8K at 30Hz
DisplayPort 1.4: Supports up to 8K at 60Hz and HDR
DisplayPort 2.0: Supports 16K with HDR at 60Hz and 10K without HDR at 80Hz.
DisplayPort 2.1: Adds USB4 compatibility.

When shopping for a DisplayPort cable,we recommend picking one from DisplayPort’s certified cables list to ensure it performs as advertised. In addition, DisplayPort has a few other useful features. First, it supports AMD’s FreeSync and Nvidia’s G-Sync, so you can have a tear-free gaming experience no matter which brand of card you use (as long as your monitor supports the technology, of course).

You can also drive multiple monitors from one DisplayPort connection, rather than having to use multiple ports, which is handy. Laptops can even send DisplayPort signals through a USB-C port. Similarly, some modern laptops feature Thunderbolt 2/3/4, which can route DisplayPort signals over a different connection. Many DisplayPort cables also have clips to keep them securely in your monitor, which is both a pro and a con because they can sometimes be tough to get out!

Which Cable to Use?

One cable is not better than the other across the board, but each has its place. Refer to the below image:

First, you will need an output on your GPU that matches the desired input on your monitor, as well as an appropriate cable. If you are choosing between DisplayPort 1.4 and IDMI 2.0, DisplayPort would be the better option. If a monitor only gives you the choice between, say, HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.2, HDMI could be the way to go for HDR support, as long as all your devices support the HDMI version.

Ultimately, if you are a gamer looking for the highest-end performance and the most future-proofed standard, DisplayPort 2.1 is the best option. It offers the highest maximum data transfer rate (at 77.37 Gbps, it’s nearly double HDMI 2.1’s 42.6 Gbps maximum), much higher refresh rates at both 4K and 8K than HDMI (240 Hz and 85 Hz vs.144 Hz and 30 Hz), as well as higher Display Stream Compression (DSC) resolutions and refresh rates than IDMI. This is especially important for monitors that require compression to reach their highest resolution/frame rate specs.

That said, DisplayPort 2.1 adoption is far from universal on the monitor side, and many GPUs do not provide the bandwidth required to properly make full use of it regardless. DisplayPort 2.1 supports three different transmission modes, called Ultra High Bit Rate: UHBR10, UHBR13.5 and UHBR20. Only UHBR20 takes full advantage of the full bandwidth potential of DisplayPort 2.1, and only the most recent graphics cards support it. The best choice you can make is what’s best for your particular setup. Check every link in the chain before you buy a cable, so you can pick the best combination for optimal performance.

Source: Various PC manufacturers

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Quote For the Day

Don’t become a slave to technology – manage your phone, don’t let it manage you.

-Richard Branson

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How to Send eBooks to Your Kindle: A Step-by-Step Guide

The Amazon Kindle is an effective ebook reader, linked closely to Amazon’s ecosystem. Users can send various ebook formats to their Kindle via methods like the Send to Kindle tool, Kindle app, or email. Free ebooks are readily available through various platforms, enhancing Kindle’s reading options.

RAYMOND OGLESBY @RaymondOglesby2
January 28, 2025 – 7 minutes read time

Overview

The Amazon Kindle is a great ebook reader, but it’s tightly tied to Amazon’s ecosystem. If you have a Fire tablet or a smartphone, you can download other e-reading apps to beef up your library, but with the Kindle hardware, you are pretty much tied to getting your content directly from Amazon. Well, sort of. Using some free software, you can take ebooks in various formats and zap them over to your Kindle.

Let’s explore how to send other ebook formats to your e-reader, and where to get free ebooks.

Why You Will Like This Tip

Of course, we all like free stuff.
A large variety of free ebooks to choose from.
Download in a variety of formats for reading on your Kindle.

System Requirements

This is for the Amazon Kindle. It uses the iPhone, Android, PC, and Mac. The screenshots are from Windows 10 and iPhone 14 Pro.

Use “Send to Kindle”

Amazon offers a Send to Kindle page where you can upload ebook files saved on your device. First, on amazon.com/sendtokindle, click Select files from device. Refer to the below image:

Next, select the book you want on your Kindle. This tool supports PDF, DOC, DOCX, TXT, RTF, HTM, HTML, PNG, GIF, JPG, JPEG, BMP, and EPUB formats on ebooks up to 200MB in size. (Amazon no longer supports sending new Mobi files.) Ensure the Add to your library toggle is ON, then click Send. See the below image:

Now, a status bar will appear, letting you keep tabs on the upload. You will see a checkmark and an In Library notice when it’s ready. See the following image:

Amazon also has an app for Windows and macOS that lets you do the same thing. Chrome has an extension you can enable though results are mixed.

Use Your iPhone

If you have the Kindle app installed on your iPhone or Android device, you can add ebooks to your library with a few taps. In the example below we downloaded an ebook from Project Gutenberg on the iPhone.

First, open your Kindle app on your iPhone and search for an ebook. Next, tap the ebook. From here, you can Download sample to see a preview or tap the Share icon. Now, locate the Kindle app and tap it. Refer to the below image:

Kindle 5 — Selecting a file to send to Kindle

Next, ensure the Add to your library toggle is ON, then tap Send. Now, the ebook will be saved in your library in the Kindle app and on our Kindle device. The process is similar for Android. See the below image:

Use Your Kindle Email

Amazon also lets you email ebooks to your Kindle account via a specially crafted email address. First, to get your Kindle’s email address, go to:

amazon.com/myk

or go to:

Account & Lists > Content Library > Devices

Next, in the list below, find your Kindle device and click it. In the drop-down window, click [your name’s] Kindle. See the following image:

On the next page, you will see a Device Summary that lists your @kindle.com email address. (It’s set to a default address, but you can change it by clicking Edit.) Refer to the below page:

Back up top, click the Preferences tab, and scroll down to Personal Document Settings. Click the down arrow on the right and scroll to Approved Personal Document E-mail List. The email attached to your Amazon account should be listed here. If that’s the email address you will be using to send ebooks to your Kindle, you are all set. To use a different email, click:

Add a new approved e-mail address and enter the address you want to use.

Remember, your Kindle needs to be attached to a Wi-Fi network for this to work.

Use a PDF

Amazon can automatically convert PDFs into the Kindle format, but you get two formatting choices. If you want your Kindle to display every page in the PDF as if it were a graphic, just email the .pdf file to your Kindle’s address without a subject line, upload it via the Send to Kindle website, or drag and drop the file onto a Kindle that’s attached to your PC with a USB cable.

That will maintain the formatting and graphics; it will appear on your Kindle like on your laptop. However, the font size may be too small to read.

Your other option is to attach the PDF file to an email and make the subject line “convert”—just that word. Send it to your Kindle email address and your PDF will be converted into a Kindle version that will let you mark it up and change the formatting. The graphics will still be in there as well, but you will lose the layout of the original PDF.

Third-party software, such as MiniTool PDF Editor – Kindle format converter, can also convert PDF files to Kindle formats like Word, image, TXT, and HTML.

Where to Find Your eBooks

Once you have emailed your ebook, on your Kindle head to:

Home > From Your Library

It might take a few minutes, but if your Kindle is connected to Wi-Fi, it should update automatically and the ebook will appear.

Want to delete the ebook? Tap the Menu icon (the three-dots) on the bottom right of your ebook in Your Library and select Remove download to remove it from your Kindle or Permanently Delete to remove it from your Amazon account.

Where to Find Free eBooks

Amazon hosts periodic Stuff Your Kindle Days, where select ebooks are free for a 24-hour period. They are usually grouped by theme.
To hook into public library catalogs and send ebooks to your Kindle, check out the Libby app from OverDrive. (Hoopla offers a similar service.)
If you want classics, Project Gutenberg has 70,000+ copyright-free ebooks.
For historical and academic texts, check out archive.org.
ManyBooks.net has a mix of free and paid classics and self-published titles.
Free-Ebooks.net has a large collection of self-published ebooks and classics; provide your email address to get five free ebooks per month.
If you like science fiction, the publisher Baen also has a set of free ebooks.
BookBub has a free ebook section filled with romance novels and other casual reads.

Source: Amazon, PC Mag

Disclaimer

Technology is always changing. Rarely is there static tech for smartphones and desktops. Thus, the contents of this post are only valid at the time of writing. Blog posts older than six months may have directions incompatible with your device or OS. Hopefully, older post content will continue to work as advertised. Thank you for reading TechSavvy.Life for Technology at Work For You.

Quote For the Day

Technology is just a tool. In terms of getting the kids working together and motivating them, the teacher is the most important.

-Bill Gates

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How to Monitor CPU Temperature in Windows

The post warns about the risks of overheating computers, which can harm performance and lifespan. It suggests monitoring CPU temperatures using the BIOS or third-party software like Core Temp. Tips for reducing heat include cleaning dust, adjusting fan settings, and ensuring proper CPU cooler contact. Regular checks are advisable for maintaining optimal performance.

RAYMOND OGLESBY @RaymondOglesby2
January 14, 2025 – 8 minutes read time

Overview

If your computer gets too hot, its performance will suffer and the CPU could get damaged.

Just as you do not want your phone to get too hot, an overheating computer is no joke. If your CPU goes over a certain temperature, it will start throttling performance in an effort to reduce excess heat. If your internal components get too hot for too long, it can decrease the lifespan of your PC, not to mention burn your thighs if you are using your laptop on bare legs, which, by the way, is not a good idea.

Unfortunately, most PCs do not have user-facing temperature-monitoring tools, so you can not easily check how hot your computer is getting at any given time. If you want to see how hot your computer is running, you will need to download some extra software. Let’s explore what you need to check your machine’s internal temperature.

Why You Will Like This Tip

Ability to monitor the CPU core(s) temperature.
Keep your PC running at peak performance with a cool CPU temperature.

System Requirements

Windows 7 or above with 32 or 64 bit OS.

Screenshots are from Dell XPS 8960 running Windows 11 Pro.

How to Monitor CPU Temperature in Windows

Use the BIOS Screen

Do not want to install third-party software? The only way to observe your PC’s internal temperature is from the BIOS screen. To access this menu, restart your computer and hit a button on the keyboard that will disrupt the normal boot process (it can be Delete, Esc, or Enter; it will say on the screen). Or Google your machine for the button to press to view its BIOS screen upon a restart. For our Dell XPS 8960 desktop, it is the F2 key.

Every BIOS screen is different, so we cannot tell you where to look for your specific manufacturer, but the machine’s internal temperature should be displayed on the main screen. Some may even show CPU and motherboard temperatures separately. Refer to the below image:

The CPU temperature is not displayed on our Dell XPS 8960 desktop, so we need to use a third-party app.

Use Core Temp App

Unfortunately, this is no way to consistently monitor your PC temperature, so you will want to use third-party software instead.

There are dozens of temperature-monitoring programs out there, but we recommend Core Temp for Windows for most users.

Note! We are downloading the app from the CNET website. We recommend only using this website. The CNET webpage will point to the ALCPU page, the app’s owner. Click the download button on the left of your screen. See the below image:

The Core Temp main webpage has too many download buttons to choose from is the reason for using CNET. Some of their download buttons will download blotware, browser extensions, etc., that you do not need.

Also, when installing the app, consider the install options as they want to install a game.

The app provides plenty of information without being as overwhelming as more thorough utilities, and it comes as an installer and EXE file. Plus, it allows you to monitor your temperature from the Windows taskbar, which is great if you want to keep an eye on it over time.

Our Dell XPS 8960 desktop has an Intel i9 processor with 24 cores. See the following image:

The top portion of the window lists your CPU, its current load, and a few other technical tidbits. The real meat is at the bottom, where it says Temperature Readings. You will see the current temperature in the left column, alongside the lowest and highest recorded temperatures since you last launched it. If you are using an AMD CPU, you will probably have one value here, while Intel CPUs will likely have one reading per CPU core; just watch the hottest core to keep things simple.

We highly recommend heading to:

Options > Settings

and playing with the options available here, especially those under the Notification Area tab, which will let you view your CPU temperature in the taskbar. We personally recommend selecting Highest Temperature here, then clicking the system tray’s arrow and dragging Core Temp’s icon to the taskbar to keep it visible at all times. You can also enable Core Temp to start with Windows. Refer to the below image:

Use Other Third Party Apps for Windows

HWINFO – Provides detailed reporting on chipsets, graphics cards, and processors for AMD and Intel families. It can also help detect overheating, performance loss, and overload.

Click here to download

Speccy – Provides detailed information on every piece of hardware in your computer.

Click here to download

COU-Z – A free system profiling and monitoring application that provides detailed information about your computer’s hardware.

Click here to download

What is Too Hot

If your CPU gets too hot, it will reduce performance to try and reduce the temperature; meaning whatever you are doing at the time will probably run slower. It will also keep your fans spinning at high speeds—meaning lots of noise; and could permanently damage your CPU, fan, or battery.

“Normal” temperatures, though, can vary wildly depending on the CPU type of computer. A thin and light ultraportable laptop that crams a powerful CPU into a small space with little airflow, for example, will likely get hotter than a desktop PC with a low-power CPU, even when performing the same tasks. And a CPU running at 70 degrees is likely to be just as effective as a CPU running at 40 degrees in that given moment.

That said, your CPU does have a maximum threshold; a specific temperature it will try to avoid going over. This is known as the maximum temperature junction or TJ Max. It varies from CPU to CPU, but for most chips, it lies somewhere between 95° C and 105° C. (Our Dell XPS 8960 TJ Max temperature is 100 degrees). So if your computer is regularly hitting that temperature, it’s probably throttling itself (and, if it cannot decrease the temperature, it may even shut itself off to prevent overheating.)

Lower CPU Temperature

If you regularly experience that kind of heat, you have a few options. First, open up your computer, either by removing the side panel on a desktop or unscrewing the bottom case on a laptop, and blow out any dust bunnies with an air blower or Blaster. This should help improve airflow and reduce temperatures. You can also adjust your CPU’s fan behavior, allowing it to run at higher speeds more often.

If you have a desktop, you may even want to reseat the CPU cooler to make sure it’s making good contact with the CPU, and if your computer is rather old, some new thermal paste could help lower temperatures as well. If you have a thin laptop known for overheating, though, these tips may only take you so far; and you will just have to deal with the excess heat. The next time you buy a laptop, be sure to read through reviews that include heat and fan noise before you commit.Spacer

Disclaimer

Quote For the Day

“Technology made large populations possible; large populations now make technology indispensable.”

– Joseph Krutch

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How to Disable AI Overviews in Google Search

This post provides tips for handling AI-generated summaries in Google search results. It explains how to disable these overviews using specific search modifiers.

RAYMOND OGLESBY @RaymondOglesby2
July 23, 2024 – 3 minutes read time

This is for devices running Google or Bing. Screenshots are from Windows 10 desktop

Get the Latest Desktop Google Update

Open Google, click the 3-dot menu icon (upper right corner), then click the Settings option. If Google is outdated, it will automatically update.

Why You Will Like This Tip

View your Google or Bing search results without an AI-generated summary.
Narrow your search results to what you just want to preview.

Overview

We rely on Google every day to provide us information. But what happens when our source of knowledge becomes messy and unreliable? AI Overviews utilize Google’s Gemini AI to provide an answer to your query right on the search page; no need to click.

Using the AI Modifier

Still in its infancy, this feature occasionally surfaces incorrect information, so some web surfers look to disable it entirely. There are a few ways to make an AI Overview go away, but no method is as simple as tricking Google itself into getting rid of it. Google uses search modifiers, named operators, which help narrow search results. Here are a few examples:

Use quotations (” “) to search for the exact phrase
Add site: to search a single website
Search for a certain type of file with filetype:
Exclude terms with a minus (-) symbol. The minus symbol stands for NOT.

If we ask “who owns Facebook” an AI-generated summary will be displayed. Refer to the below image:

Google Tip 1 — With AI-generated summary

And if you add the term -AI at the end of the query, an overview is not generated. It’s a very simple solution to the AI Overview problem that can be quickly repeated on subsequent queries without needing multiple steps. See the below image:

Google Tip 2 — Without AI-generated summary

However, it’s worth noting that this does not work because of the -AI modifier. On subsequent tests, we found that putting pretty much anything in there (Ex: -i, –sports, -farm) also did the same thing.

Summary

So, no, Google did not add a secret AI kill switch to its search engine. Instead, AI Overviews are likely only available under certain conditions, and by using a search modifier, you circumvent those parameters. Still, it’s an easy way to game the system until we get an easier way to disable these overlays.

Disclaimer

Quote For the Day

“Real gs move in silence like lasagna.”

Lil Wayne

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Overview

Why You Will Like This Tip

System Requirements

Your Profile On National Public Data Website

Opt-Out From National Piblic Data Site

Atlas Privacy Website

Want to Recover Your Dara (Why Would You)

National Public Data

Atlas Privacy

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Quote For the Day

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I Would Like to Hear From You

Share this:

Overview

Why You Wil Like This Tip

System Requirements

1,. Increase Security by Using Passkeys

2. Add Tabs to File Explorer

3. Customize the Start Menu

4. Listen With New Sound Modes

5. Learn New Keyboard Shortcuts

6. Clear Your Desktop With Title Bar Shake

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Quote For the Day

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Share this:

Overview

Why You Will Like This Tip

System Requirements

Backup

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Quote For the Day

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I Would Like to Hear From You

Share this:

Overview

Why You Will Like This Tip

System Requirements

Turn Your Keyboard Upside Down and Give It a Good Shake

Brush Out the Muck

Blow Out Dust and Debris

Wipe Everything Down

Give Your Keycaps a Bath

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Quote For the Day

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I Would Like to Hear From You

Share this:

Overview

Why You Will like This Tip

System Requirements

United Kingdom vs United States

How Does ADP Work

Setup Your Account for ADP

How to Setup

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Quote For the Day

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Share this:

Overview

System Requirements

1) Update Google Chrome

2) Clear Google Cache

3) Upgrade Chrome Security

4) Manage Performance Settings

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Author’s eBook

Share this:

Overview

What is Best?

HDMI

DisplayPort

Which Cable to Use?

Disclaimer