Erik takes your computer questions. Ring Doorbell and parent company Amazon face lawsuit over alleged camera security hacks. Erik tries out the "smart" Nexx garage door opener. Contractor admits to planting "logic bombs" in software to ensure continued work. A listener asks for help in uninstalling his McAfee software in Windows 10. A caller seeks advice in backing up her computer before upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 10. Upgrade questions continue as a listener asks if Windows 7 computers will stop working after Microsoft stops issuing security updates. Windows 7 computers will actually continue to work, but will stop receiving security updates. However, Windows Defender antivirus software will still receive updates from Microsoft. A caller running Windows 7 seeks a specifications for a replacement desktop computer. We recommend an Intel i5 processor, 8th or 9th generation processor, 8 gigabytes of RAM, solid state or hybrid drive running Windows 10. Also she is seeking a replacement for the Google Picasa photo management software that she likes, but is no longer updated by Google. A caller looks for specifications for a computer for financial-only transactions.
Dutch company Wolters Kulwer left many customers in the dark after its accounting software was hacked. A listener concerned about excessive charges from his cable company asks if there is any difference between modem rentals and WiFi rentals and seeks ways to lower his bill. A listener who edits MP3 files wonders if a standard hard drive is better than a solid state drive for M3 audio file processing. A listener who purchased a Chromebook for financial transactions asks if he should move his credit card accounts to his Chromebook. We recommend the use of two-factor authentication with physical security "keys" that plug into the computer, such as Yubico's YubiKey or the Google Titan security key. A caller asks for Erik's opinion about using password managers for security. Also he asks if Webroot anti-virus software should be used on an iPad. A listener wonders if she should add a Chrome extension onto her browser to complete a printing task at a website. Also she seeks a way to stop her Gmail account from opening when she opens her YouTube account. A caller looking to cut his cable bill tries to see if home cellular service is available in his area. Finally, the last caller looks for a compatible modem to use with GoNetspeed fiber optic internet service.
