Hello, and welcome…
This is your Rick’s Daily Tips Tech Update for Tuesday, July 6, 2021.
Topics covered in this issue…
–Heads-Up: Security experts are now classifying ‘Audacity’ as spyware
–Scam alert: These malicious apps could be stealing your Facebook login credentials
–Q&A: Will a ‘Modified Sine Wave’ UPS damage my computer?
–Q&A: How does Two-Factor Authentication work?
–Why the U.S. Capitol is located on the coast instead of somewhere in the middle of the country
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Today’s Quick Tip….
Do you use Audacity, the uber-popular open source audio manipulation program?
If so, you surely know just how awesome it is.
Unfortunately, Audacity was recently acquired by new owners and they have just updated the program’s Privacy Policy in a way that makes me (and lots of others) no longer feel comfortable recommending it.
In a nutshell, the app has started collecting a lot more user data and sending it back to the parent company, and some of the data being collected is rather intrusive.
For the sake of brevity, I won’t go into detail here about the enhanced data collection that’s taking place.
If you’re interested you can read the details for yourself on Audacity’s updated Privacy Page.
Suffice it to say several security firms that study and analyze these things are now classifying Audacity as spyware.
Bottom line: I’ve been recommending Audacity to folks who need a good audio manipulation program for years, but I simply no longer feel comfortable doing so now that all this extra user data and info is being collected and “phoned home” back to the new owners.
If you’re a current Audacity user you can decide for yourself whether you want to keep using it or not.
As for me, I’ve made the personal decision to uninstall it from my computers.
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From the blog…
Scam alert: These malicious apps could be stealing your Facebook login credentials
Nine popular apps have just been removed from the Google Play Store for stealing users’ Facebook login credentials. Are they stealing yours right now?
Q&A: Will a ‘Modified Sine Wave’ UPS damage my computer?
A reader wants to know if ‘Modified Sine Wave’ battery backup devices can damage the computers that are plugged into them? This post has the answer.
Q&A: How does Two-Factor Authentication work?
A reader asks how Two-Factor Authentication works to keep hackers out of an online account. This post explains.
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Rick’s Daily Pick…
NOCO Boost Plus GB40 1000 Amp 12-Volt UltraSafe Lithium Jump Starter
Have you ever tried to start your car only to discover that the battery was dead?
Yeah, me too, more than once. And it’s never fun.
But if you keep one of these little jewels in your vehicle you won’t have to bother with calling a tow truck or asking a stranger to “jump start” your car for you.
Just connect the terminals to your car’s battery, wait a minute or two, and then start the engine.
Yep, it really is that simple. And it’s safe too.
If you accidentally connect the clamps to the wrong battery terminals it won’t damage anything. In fact, it won’t even cause a spark.
In my humble opinion, this thing belongs in every vehicle’s trunk or glove compartment.
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Today’s inspirational post from ‘My Daily Smile’…
Why the U.S. Capitol is located on the coast instead of somewhere in the middle of the country
There’s a very good reason why Washington, DC was designated to be the capitol of the United States instead of another city that’s closer to the geographic center of the country. This post has the explanation.
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Chances are I’ll be able to recover them for you, even if the machine won’t turn on or start up correctly.
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Thanks so much, and have an amazing day.
Your tech buddy,
Rick Rouse
https://www.RicksDailyTips.com