Ask-A-Techie, Where you can have all of your questions answered.

Did my wireless network get hacked?

Posted by Chris Allard on Mon, Jul 07, 2014

Dear Techie,

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Tags: Hacking, Network Security, wireless security, wifi security, router security, network, online safety, Hackers, Ask-a-techie, encrypted passwords, Computer Protection, Security

Could Somebody Track My Location Using My Cell Phone's IP Address?

Posted by Chris Allard on Thu, Oct 24, 2013

Dear Techie,

Is it possible for someone to track my location if they had my cell phone's IP address? Someone I know asked me for it recently and I thought it was odd.

 

- Unsure in Idaho

 

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Tags: mobile security, spyware, Anonymity, Anonymous, cell phone, smartphone, online safety, privacy, internet service provider, Ask-a-techie, Safe Practices, Security

Can Someone Track My Location When I Send Them An Email?

Posted by Chris Allard on Sat, Aug 03, 2013

I would like to understand if an IP address on an email gives away your location to an ordinary person, or a person with some reasonable IT savvy.  I was given to understand that a computer's IP address is embedded in a header somewhere in emails sent out.  If I am in city X and send out an email, and I go to city Y and send out another email to the same person, would they be able to discern that my location has changed?  And if yes, how?  And I wonder if you wouldn't mind answering the same question if I am using my IPhone to send emails.  Would it be discernible to the same person that my IP is no longer in city X, but in city Y?

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Tags: mobile security, spyware, Anonymity, Anonymous, Tor, ip masking, online safety, privacy, internet service provider, Ask-a-techie, Safe Practices, Security

Did Someone Bug My Computer?

Posted by Chris Allard on Sat, Jul 06, 2013

I went on vacation with my boyfriend last year and we both took our laptops. At one point, my boyfriend wanted to use my laptop because he said his didn't have online connection. I said sorry but I have personal stuff on my laptop and I wouldn't let him use it. I went out for a while and when I came back, my laptop was stacked right on top of his laptop on the table. When I asked why my laptop was sitting on top of his laptop, he said he didn't know, it could have been the hotel housekeeping that put it there.

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Tags: Dirty little tech secrets, spyware, key logger, key logging, Viruses, Strong passwords, PC Tips & Tricks, Protection, Ask-a-techie, password protection, password security, Computer Protection, Safe Practices, Windows Tips, computer keyboards, Security

Is Mobile Malware a real risk?

Posted by Edward Drummond on Thu, Nov 08, 2012

Hi Techie,
I've been hearing about viruses that attack smartphones. Is this just scary digital campfire stories, or do I have something to actually worry about with all the things I do on my phone?

Sincerely,
Digital Worrier

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Tags: iOS, mobile security, mobile malware, Macs, online safety, Protection, Ask-a-techie, android, Security, virus alert, Tech Industry News

Can printers store personal information?

Posted by Edward Drummond on Fri, Nov 02, 2012

Hi Techie

I have an old HP scanner/fax/printer. I recently heard that my printer can store your personal info inside somewhere and you should remove it before getting rid of it? I called HP and they said they don’t think that it could store anything. I want to believe them, but I also want to be sure.  Help! – Jane

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Tags: Dirty little tech secrets, external hard drives, Protection, privacy, Ask-a-techie, Security

What is Carbonite and do I need it?

Posted by Edward Drummond on Wed, Sep 26, 2012

Dear Techie,
Being bored and an insomniac, I happened to come across a late-night commercial for a service called Carbonite. It claims to automatically back up all my data so if something happens (or as they say "Before disaster strikes") my data is all protected. I just can't really get my mind around what the service is. I have a few gigabytes of photos and documents stored on my PC and I am worried that it will die on me one day and I will be left without copies. Should I use this service?  Will disaster strike me?  Did I leave the oven on?  Why is the number 42 important?  The suspense is killing me!
— Freaked out non-geek

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Tags: Keeping your PC working, online safety, PC Tips & Tricks, Hard drives, Ask-a-techie, PC tips, PC Tips'n'tricks, Windows Tips, Security, Data Backup

How do I transfer my purchased iTunes downloads?

Posted by Edward Drummond on Sat, Jul 28, 2012

Hi Techie,

I just bought a new PC to replace my old machine, unfortunately, iTunes has none of my music on it.  I've downloaded hundreds of dollars worth of music through the program, but I can't get it to open.  What do I do?

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Tags: itunes, Ask-a-techie, PC tips, PC Tips'n'tricks

What does "Delayed Write Failed" mean?

Posted by Edward Drummond on Mon, Jun 18, 2012

Hi Techie,
A message popped up on my screen that said "Delayed Write Failed" to my USB drive. What does that mean and what should I do?

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Tags: flash drives, Ask-a-techie, PC tips, PC Tips'n'tricks, Windows Tips

Pros and Cons of External Hard Drives

Posted by Serges LaRiviere on Tue, Apr 03, 2012

Dear Techie,

What are the main upside and downsides to using an external hard drive versus a hard drive installed in your computer?

—Driven

 

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Tags: HDD, external hard drives, flash drives, SSD, Ask-a-techie, PC Tips'n'tricks, Windows Tips