With “Googling it” now a common expression, it’s safe to say you do a lot online. To do it all you’re using a Web browser (such as Chrome, Edge, Firefox, etc.). To do it all more efficiently or effectively, you could be using browser extensions, but this article is going to warn you against doing so.

To clarify, browser extensions are code add-ons that you connect to your browser. You can use them to personalize your surfing experience, and they accomplish many different things, including:

• saving time (e.g. Scribe, Evernote, StayFocusd)
• checking your grammar (e.g. Grammarly)
• managing your passwords (e.g. Keeper, LastPass)
• securing your online activity (e.g. DuckDuckGo, Ghostery)
  
  

Even though we’ve just said they can help secure your online activity and manage your passwords, the problem is that they are also risky.

Consider the fact that we said this represents added code. Now, how much coding do you know? Most will say “not a lot.” That means you’re blindly trusting that browser extension.

If you download a malicious one, that code can wreak havoc. Suddenly, your default search engine gets changed, or you get redirected to a start page with malware on it. You might face an onslaught of pop-ups or ads. They can also track your browsing history without you knowing it.

That’s just the beginning
Many browsers today want to keep you safe from malevolent extensions. They’ll have permissions in place before allowing access. Yet you still end up giving that extension a lot of access. For example, an extension modifying google.com needs access to all your Google activity. That means your Gmail, too.
Browser extensions access everything you’re doing online. So, a malicious extension could also function as a keylogger capturing passwords or credit card details.
A browser extension can also be sold to or hijacked by a bad actor. Then, it’s easy enough for them to push out an update that turns your trusted extension into malware.

What to do about this issue
Does this mean you should do without browser extensions? There are even browser extensions out there to block other browser extensions, but abstinence from extensions is not your only solution.
Instead, we’d recommend reviewing the safety and credibility of that extension. This means you should:

• Check to see who published the extension.
• Look at the reviews. A high number of positive reviews is a good sign. Thousands of people are unlikely to give five stars to a malicious extension.
• Pay attention to the permissions required. If an extension claims to modify only one website, check that it accesses that site only.
• Protect yourself with a good antivirus solution.
• Keep your antivirus solution and other software updated.

It’s also easier to stay safe by limiting the number of installed extensions you use. If you have browser extensions that you aren’t using, uninstall them. This can cut your exposure to potential threats.

Another way to secure your online activity? Work with our IT experts. We can check permissions and review your extensions. We’ll also ensure your antivirus and software are up to date. Contact us today at (888) 234-WDIT (9348).

There was no big retirement party; no one got a watch or engraved memorabilia. Yet Microsoft retired Internet Explorer on June 15, 2022. It was a long time coming, but you still may not be prepared for what that decision means for you.

Internet Explorer could be your go-to. It’s been around since 1995 and was the gateway to online browsing for millions of people globally. But, as Microsoft announced, “the web has evolved and so have browsers. Incremental improvements to Internet Explorer couldn’t match the general improvements to the Web at large.”

Microsoft wants people to switch to its Edge browser instead. Expect to see a redirect screen asking you to make the switch. The company will automatically transfer favorites, passwords, history, cookies, and other data from Explorer to Edge.

For Internet Explorer loyalists, Microsoft Edge even comes with an IE mode that allows you to enjoy Internet Explorer-specific features and a modern browser experience on Windows. It also acknowledges that some websites built with older internet technology work only with Internet Explorer.
Alternatively, you might switch to other software. Google Chrome has grown substantially since its introduction in 2008. Today, it has 77% of the market share. Safari, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge take up the next three spots.

Why you can’t keep using Internet Explorer
When software is retired or reaches the end of its life, the manufacturer no longer supports it. That means if you continue to rely on Internet Explorer, you could put yourself at risk.

As Internet Explorer is “out of support,” Microsoft is no longer securing the browser. If there are vulnerabilities, there will be no patches released. If there are bugs, there will be no updates.

At the same time, hackers know people don’t like change. They see an opportunity whenever software is retired. If you stick to Internet Explorer, you won’t have any help keeping passwords and other data secure.
You could also experience conflicts with your computer hardware or software. Internet Explorer is outdated, and Microsoft knows it. Trying to keep it could mean a reduced user experience. It’s a little like sticking with a soup-can telephone when you could be on a smartphone.

What’s the next step?
Eventually, Internet Explorer will be permanently disabled. That’s for a future Windows update. When that happens, you’ll no longer even see the Internet Explorer icon on your desktop or other devices.

Still, you don’t want to wait that long to move to another browser solution. Hackers are already searching for ways to exploit the application, and security risks will grow.

Microsoft has committed to supporting the IE mode in Edge until at least 2029, so moving to Edge could be the easiest solution. You don’t even need to wait for the redirect message: you can click on the Microsoft Edge icon on your Windows device and begin there.

If you want to transition your browser or decide on the best software to suit your needs, try our IT experts. We’re here to help. Contact us today at (888) 234-WDIT(9348).

​Selecting your home computer was challenging enough. Now, we’re asking you to decide on the right PC browser, too? When will the decisions end? At least we’re making the comparison easier. This article helps you decide if Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge works best for you.

It’s estimated that the average individual spends almost a third of their day online. That means you likely already have a go-to browser. It may be the one that was pre-loaded on your computer when you bought it or the same one you’re using on your mobile devices, but those aren’t the best reasons to select a browser. Keep reading to learn the key features of Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge.

Google Chrome vs. Microsoft Edge: The Basics

Google Chrome is today’s most popular browser worldwide. It has been around since 2008 when it was released to compete with Internet Explorer. At that time, Internet Explorer was the big-shot browser, but within a few years, Google had taken the title. Explorer was replaced with Edge, which Microsoft brought out with Windows 10 in 2015.

Chrome and Edge are available for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices. They are both based on the open-source software, Chromium. Still, Edge has a long way to go before it will reign supreme. In July 2021, Chrome had the lead at 65.27% market share. Safari came in second at 18.34%, and Edge third at 3.4%.

The two are not dramatically different. After all, they are competitors, so any big gap is quickly filled. Still, there are differences. Let’s discuss those next.

User Interface

Both Chrome and Edge allow you to have multiple windows open at the same time. Edge allows you to switch your tabs from horizontal (like Chrome) to vertical. You can group tabs by choosing a name and color for related tabs on both. Your tabs will sync with your mobile devices, but where the tabs appear on the screen will be different in Edge or Chrome mobile.

You can also bookmark (Chrome) or favorite (Edge) your pages. Edge allows you to create Collections of favorites. You can send those to Microsoft Docs, Excel, OneDrive, or Pinterest. Meanwhile, Chrome has a similar feature, and its collections can be shared with other Google account users.

If you want to choose the look of your browser (e.g. a theme or Dark Mode), there’s more flexibility with Chrome. Edge allows you to make choices from 14 themes in its Appearance settings. Otherwise, you’ll have to go to the Microsoft Edge Store.

Both browsers offer private browsing. Your default search engine will depend on your browser choice, though: Chrome uses Google to search (surprise!), whereas Microsoft defaults to Bing.

One standout feature of Edge is its immersive reader. This allows you to look at a page as if you are reading it on an ebook. It’s part of the basic Edge browser tools, but you’d have to add it as an extension if you wanted this in Chrome.

Need for Speed

If performance is important, you’ll want to know that Edge runs faster. There are competing claims, but Avast found Edge runs faster than both Chrome and Firefox. Another source tested the resource consumption of both browsers, and Chrome used more random-access memory (RAM).

Chrome did have the lead on cross-device syncing for a while, but in 2021 Edge added features making it convenient to switch between devices. Note: Chrome sync devices by default, whereas you need to enable it manually in Edge.

Security

Security and privacy are another big areas to consider when picking your browser. Browsers are common malware targets. You’ll want a browser that provides you with security features. Both Chrome and Edge do help you out, but if security is your top priority, look at Firefox, Tor, or Brave instead.

Still, since we’re comparing Chrome and Edge, let's talk about their security tools. Chrome allows you to send “do not track” requests to websites, but Edge allows you to be more selective. Users choose between three tracking-prevention levels and get a blocked tracker list.

Both browsers have built-in anti-malware and phishing protection, but Google is known for updating more regularly, which can keep you safer online. At the same time, though, Google collects more of your data.

Key Takeaway

Microsoft has been steadily closing the gap between its Edge offering and Chrome. For speed and resource consumption, Edge is claiming the lead. Of course, these are only two of the available browsers out there.
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Want help deciding on the best browser for your home? We can help you set up your computers and answer any questions you may have. Call us today at (888) 234-WDIT(9348)!

You may remember playing Duck, Duck, Goose on the playground when you were young. But have you heard of DuckDuckGo? Many haven’t. So, we thought we’d share an introduction to this privacy-focused search engine.

DuckDuckGo promises to let you “search the Web without being tracked.” The search engine site touts a simple privacy policy: “We don’t collect or share any of your personal information.”

You can use DuckDuckGo on their iOS or Android app or extension by adding a private Web search to your favorite browser or by searching directly at DuckDuckGo.com. The site’s privacy browser extension blocks trackers and offers encryption for every device.

Why use DuckDuckGo?

Google is the obvious heavy hitter in search. The problem? The company keeps your search history forever. Plus, they are tracking everywhere you go online. Their trackers are on millions of websites.

Think about it: Ever looked at a new sweatshirt and decided against it only to find it following you in digital ads for days to come? That’s because of tracking. DuckDuckGo promises there are no trackers on its search engine. It even blocks Google’s and other company’s trackers, as well.

You might think you are achieving anonymity in Incognito Mode. But this doesn’t stop Google from saving your history. Companies, internet service providers, and governments can also continue to track you.

DuckDuckGo does not store IP addresses or other unique identifiers in its search logs. This means that they cannot create a search history or data profile on you or any other individual.

Does DuckDuckGo work?

The big question, of course, is how the private engine’s search results compare to competitors. The company claims it provides “truly private search results without tradeoffs in result quality.” DuckDuckGo says it offers “everything you’ve come to expect in your online search experience” including:

• maps;
• weather forecasts;
• local search;
• news;
• images;
• videos;
• shopping;
• definitions;
• Wikipedia references;
• currency conversions;
• flight information;
• calculator;
• timer;
• sports scores;
• Q&A reference.

Can DuckDuckGo compete?

Since its founding in 2008, DuckDuckGo has steadily gained users. On January 13, 2022, the search engine announced it had surpassed 100 billion all-time searches.

According to public traffic statistics in the same week, the highest daily number of search queries DuckDuckGo had seen was 110,439,133. Just a year ago, on January 11, 2021, the company announced hitting over 100 million searches daily.

Those numbers are impressive, yet as Search Engine Land puts it, “DuckDuckGo remains a very niche competitor.” Google has a huge market share (as much as 87.57 of searches). Bing, the next biggest competitor, accounted for 6.31%, Yahoo 3.25%, and DuckDuckGo 2.5%, according to statcounter.com.

Protecting your privacy online

DuckDuckGo is an attractive and useful option for people who want a higher level of online privacy.
There are many other ways to protect your identity online and secure the data on your residential computers. Contact our IT experts today at (888) 234-WDIT(9348) to learn more about the best solution for your personal needs.
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How exciting! You got a new computer for Christmas. It’s sleek, shiny, and so much faster than what you had before. That's great, but it doesn't mean you should leave it untouched. This article shares several steps you might take to secure your data and keep that new device in tip-top shape.

First things first. Before even logging into personal email or other top sites, you'll want to update the operating system (OS). Yes, most computers come out of the box with Windows, but you can’t know when that item was boxed. There could be important updates that you don’t want to miss.

You'll also want to install the latest drivers. Different hardware on your computer can need specialized drivers from the manufacturer. Gamers, for instance, may want to ensure they download the latest to boost performance.

While you’re doing all this uploading and upgrading, also look to remove junk that may have come on the computer. It’s no longer as common, but manufacturers can reduce cost to the consumer by pre-installing software.

You might not have any need for the tools that come already installed. Meanwhile, they slow down your computer. Remove the clutter to improve your computer’s processing. Head to your PC’s Control Panel and look to uninstall programs and utilities that you don’t want. Be careful, though. Just because you don’t know what it is doesn't mean it’s not serving a valuable purpose.

Starting out on a new computer is also a great time to set up the free software. For many of us this includes:

• Google Chrome – the internet browser;
• Skype – for instant messaging, voice and video calling;
• VLC – a multimedia player;
• FoxIt Reader – to create, edit, sign, and secure PDFs;
• 7Zip – used for archiving files.

Involving an IT expert
If you had a great sales experience, you may not want to seek IT help with your new computer. Still, it can prove useful.

Your new computer may also need BIOS updates. Again, the hardware was current when your computer was boxed up but may be lacking the latest by the time it gets to you. A note of caution: this is not an update to do alone. BIOS updates don’t add new features, security patches, or performance improvements, but they may fix a bug with a piece of hardware or add support for your central processing unit (CPU). These updates can be risky if done incorrectly, so work with an IT tech.

Talk also with an IT tech about the best data backup plan for your needs. You'll be creating important documents, downloading sensitive data, and uploading valued images. Don’t risk their security by failing to back up.

IT support will also suggest the best security tool for you to use to protect against malware. With so many free and fee-based third-party alternatives to Windows Defender, you may want help deciding on the best one.

We’re here to help you get the most out of your new computer. Or, if you’re not sure yet which one to buy, we can consult with you on that, too. Contact us today at (888) 234-WDIT(9348)!