We want to wish you a Merry Christmas from us at the Computer Doctor! We appreciate all your support and want to thank you for your continued business!
If you or anyone you know is going to receive a new computer or laptop this holiday, then we suggest letting that person know about the default privacy settings in new Windows 10 systems. If you are part of the minority of people who read the Privacy Statements or Terms of Service Agreements, then you probably already know about the lack of privacy in Windows 10. However, if you are part of the majority who doesn’t read them, we’ll let you know what to look out for on your new computer!
You would be surprised by the amount of personal information Windows 10 collects from its users—information including phone numbers, GPS location, credit card numbers, and even video and audio messages. All of this collection of data is outlined in the Privacy Statement that you would most likely agree to without reading (because who has the time to read the whole thing anyway?!).
Microsoft goes through 3 ways to use your personal data: “(1) to operate our business and provide (including improving and personalizing) the services we offer, (2) to send communications, including promotional communications, and (3) to display advertising.”
“To operate our business…” essentially means that the Microsoft applications that you use require your personal information to operate. For example, the application Maps needs your location to assist you properly. However, Maps is not the only application to use your location. Cortana, (the Windows equivalent to Siri), also uses your location and the only way to prevent that from happening is to not use Cortana at all. Microsoft also collects data to improve applications and try to fix any bugs, but this also means they track your usage of these applications. For instance, if you are using Microsoft Office and it crashes, then Microsoft will be able to see all of your documents that were open during the crash.
“To send communications…” means that Microsoft needs to make sure it can reach you if the primary means of communication fails. Microsoft discloses in the Privacy Statement that it collects your phone number, email, and mailing address; but claims that it uses this information to send promotions— and also to share with Microsoft partners. Click here to manage these communications.
“To display advertising.” is similar to the tracking that Facebook and Google uses to sell ads. Microsoft generates revenue from ads and sells demographic information to third-party advertisers. You even have your own advertising ID for your interest-based advertisements. You can choose to opt-out of these interest-based ads, but it won’t prevent data collection or less ads. If you don’t want to be tracked on the internet or if you want less ads, then we recommend installing this free extension for your browser.
To protect your personal information and data, then go to your privacy settings by clicking Start, then Settings, then Privacy. From there you can change how your computer uses your information from your location, microphone, camera, etc. You might also want to click on Feedback & Diagnostics and change the Feedback Frequency to “never” and Diagnostic and Usage Data to “basic” to prevent Microsoft from gathering random information.
If you are concerned about your private information, then you should not create a Microsoft account at start up. By not creating an account, your activity and information will be local to your computer and won’t be sent to Microsoft to further piece together your identity. To delete or mange your Microsoft account, go to Settings, then Accounts, then Your Account.
Your privacy is also at stake when you are using the internet. Microsoft Edge, (the new version of Internet Explorer), sends your internet browsing history to Microsoft to improve Cortana. To prevent the sharing of your browsing history in the settings for Microsoft Edge, go to Advanced Settings, then click View Advanced Settings, and under Privacy and Services turn off “Have Cortana Assist Me in Microsoft Edge.” And while you’re at it, back in the Privacy and Services menu turn off “use page prediction to speed up browsing, improve reading, and make my overall experience better.”
Cortana seems to be one of the most intrusive components of Windows 10 because she has to gather so much information from you. She collects anything from location, to contacts, to even speech and handwriting data. And all your interactions with Cortana are stored in the cloud. If you are suspicious about the data Cortana collects from you, you can adjust your settings and clear your data that she has learned from you.
While Windows 10 is very customizable and has a lot of neat features, there are some security aspects that could be concerning. At Computer Doctor, we want to protect you and make sure all your personal information is safe.
If you are worried about your privacy or need assistance in setting up your new Windows 10 computer, please give us a call at 862-7019! You can also stop in at 50 Main Road North in Hampden or come to Reboot Computer Services at 88 South Main Street in Brewer.
Merry Christmas and take 25% off any service if you come see us and mention this article before January 25!
We have all experienced that frustrating moment when Netflix suddenly stops loading and the room goes silent. For some reason, the WiFi signal dropped again, and the binge watching is put on hold until this annoying issue is fixed. Sometimes, just walking a bit closer to your router will revive your program, but what about those of us who believe WiFi should be everywhere and we should not have to walk a foot to access it? Routers often do not get as much attention as they deserve, which is why we put together a few recommendations for how to improve WiFi signal. From a simple solution like changing the location of your router, to a more high tech option like a high-range antenna or signal repeater, there are ways to ensure your WiFi signal reaches every corner of your home.
The first step in improving WiFi signal is to make sure your router is set to the proper settings. Some older routers still support 802.11g or 802.11n. 802.11ac is now much speedier and has been available since January 2014. Older technologies will likely slow down internet speeds. This can be checked in your router settings, and if you do not see an 802.11ac option on a router you have rented from your service provider, contact them immediately and request an equipment upgrade. A simple solution for how to improve WiFi signal is to put a password on your network to lock out any unwanted users. The fewer devices on a network, the faster the connection will be. Once you have confirmed that you are using the “ac” option and have set a network password, the next tip for how to improve WiFi signal is to physically move your router to a more centralized location.
Most of us install our routers and set them up, then leave them in a corner or a cabinet until they have an issue. Some of the best advice for people who ask how to improve WiFi signal is to put your router near the middle of your home so that its signal can reach all areas. A relatively good place to keep your router is behind the television in your living room. If you have a two story home, be sure that the router is near the ceiling if placed on the first floor and near the floor if it is on the second floor; this way both floors will have more even coverage. Although walls and barriers do weaken the signal from a router, interfering signals can have a much larger impact. Be sure to check for interfering devices such as baby monitors, Bluetooth devices, cordless phones, and microwaves. The signals put out by these devices can weaken the WiFi signal from your router drastically.
Another recommendation for how to improve WiFi signal is to use a dual bandwidth router. Most electronic devices run on a 2.4Ghz band, which means that interference will come from all of the devices on this bandwidth. If you can, switch your router to use the 5.0Ghz band, as it will be less crowded and offer less resistance. If replacing your router seems like a step too far, we have a few alternatives for how to improve your WiFi signal with simple additions to your router.
We have discussed ways to improve your WiFi signal, but what about range? By adding a high-range antenna to your router, the perimeter that is reached by your WiFi signal will increase, meaning that those troublesome corners of your house can once again become WiFi hot spots. Most routers have external antennas that can be unscrewed and replaced; we have done research and this antenna seems to be the best value. But, if your router does not have an antenna, consider investing in a network repeater or range extender. Netgear’s EX3700 WiFi Range Extender costs about $60 and is very easy to use. Simply plug it into an outlet and it is capable of transferring speeds over dual bandwidths up to 750MBps. Adding an antenna or extender is a great answer to how to improve WiFi signal without adjusting any router settings or getting a new router altogether.
If you are hesitant to perform any of these upgrades or changes on your own, feel free to call us at 862-7019, or click on Request Service on our website to connect directly with our technician. If you are struggling with how to improve WiFi signal in your home, don’t fret, just give us a call and we can get your network roaring in every corner of your home or office. Don’t bother dealing with your internet provider who will leave you on hold for hours only to tell you to try turning your router off and on again; get real help from the real Computer Doctor!
We are located at 50 Main Road North in Hampden, Maine. If you mention this article, you will receive 10% any at-home service!
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