Ten Computer Repair Myths

September 14, 2023
, , , Computer Problems

Facts Over Myths Myrtle Beach

If you’re like most of us, it’s hard to know what’s fact and what’s fiction when it comes to computer repair. We thought we’d take some common myths and shed some light on what you really need to know.

  1. Slow computers need to be reformatted. This is perhaps one of the most common myths out there. Just because you have a computer that is running too slow doesn’t mean you need to reinstall Windows! Slow computers can be caused by many things, including lack of hard drive space, malware and viruses or just having too much stuff on it. Unused software takes up a lot of space and can bog down your machine. We don’t reformat computers in our shop unless it’s a last resort!
  1. My computer is running slow so I need to buy a new one. We would never tell you not to buy a new computer if you want one, but you don’t have to do that just because your current one is running a bit slowly. Computers don’t run slow simply because they are puckering out. There’s usually a reason that is very fixable. Allow a professional computer repair company to look at your old computer before jumping into the decision to spend money on a new one. You might be surprised what can be done!
  2. If I have a Mac, I won’t get a virus. Let’s be clear—Macs are NOT immune to viruses. It’s true that in the early days of Mac, viruses weren’t able to handle their operating system. However, Mac’s OSX and iOS now are more vulnerable as cyber hackers have come up with viruses that can, indeed, infect Mac computers.
  3. Windows Firewall is all you need to stay safe. We wish this were true, but alas, it’s not so. Windows firewall is excellent and goes a long way to protect your computer, but it isn’t enough. To avoid problems, it’s imperative that you also have a good antivirus software and malware protection.
  4. Windows Defender is built into Windows, so it’s always the best. We hear this one a lot and felt the need to shed some light on this myth. While Windows Defender is good, there are still other third-party antivirus software programs that are superior. To get the absolute best antivirus protection, talk to Tech Sentries! We’ve got your back.
  5. You need new memory to keep your computer from continuing to crash. This is outrageous to assume that faulty RAM is the only reason your computer crashes. There are many things we look for, including updates gone wrong, Windows errors, conflicts with software and several other issues that a good computer repair shop will know to check for.
  6. Name brand parts always last longer and work better. This can be true of many things, for sure. However, when it comes to computer parts, the main difference is the quality control and tech support offered by branded parts. Often, the parts are made under the same roof as the generic parts and have the same standards of production. Branded parts do not always work better or longer.
  7. You should always drain the battery in your laptop to get the longest charge. While this may have been true in the early days of laptops, it is no longer the case. Older batteries were made of Nickel-Metal-Hydride and it was thought that draining the battery was necessary to keep your battery working longer. Today’s laptop batteries are made from lithium ion and work the opposite. Draining your lithium battery before charging will actually cause it to resist charging over time. The answer here is to charge your battery whenever you feel like it, no matter how drained it is.
  8. Wipe your hard drive clean with a magnet before you sell them. Here’s the truth—it doesn’t work. It worked back when we still used floppy disks, but this is no longer the case. The only way to securely wipe your hard drive clean is by employing specific software that overwrites several times over each memory sector.
  9. You’re completely safe online as long as you’re in private or incognito mode. This is a big one and it’s completely untrue. Private mode will prevent you being tracked on your own computer, but it will not prevent you from outside tracking or from hackers, viruses or malware. Private mode does prevent the browser you are using from using any cookies or creating data from your searches. If you are on a network computer at work, your employer may still be able to track your online searches, so it’s important that you stay safe and avoid any websites that could cause problems for you, whether you are in private mode or not.

For more computer repair myths, stay tuned to our blog! Tech Sentries is the best protection on the market today!

Got questions?  Call us at 843-282-2222!

computer problems Myrtle Beach

Top Ten Computer Problems Your IT Specialist Can Fix Remotely

September 14, 2023
, , , Computer Problems

computer problems Myrtle BeachRemote IT support has come a long way, with many IT issues able to be solved without having the device in hand. An IT technician can usually speak with the user and handle most issues remotely. This means you don’t have to live in the same city as the IT expert. It also means that they must be able to handle a host of issues quickly and efficiently. Gone are the days where the user had to be guided step by step by the expert. Logins and desktops can be accessed remotely, making computer repair easier than ever.

While remote IT repair has indeed come a long way, it can’t fix everything. There are some problems such as networks, printer issues or peripherals, that must be fixed in person. Read on to see the top ten issues that can be fixed remotely!

  1. Windows Blue Screen of Death (BSOD).  This is a scary problem to most users and usually the assumption is made there is no coming back from the blue screen. However, it doesn’t always mean that you need a whole new set of hardware. Often, simple things like updating Windows or replacing a driver can solve the blue screen horror.
  1. Can’t Connect to the Internet. Believe it or not, this is usually a very easy fix. More often than not, it’s an unplugged cable or a locked-up router. A tech can remotely login to your system and with the assistance of a person on the other end, have it resolved quickly.
  1. Can’t Log In. Most of the time, this too can be solved remotely. Something as simple as cap lock being on or a cable being loose is often all it is. Sometimes the problem is a little deeper, such as an Active Directory problem or a profile that has become corrupt. All of these problems can be addressed remotely.
  1. Accidentally Deleting Files. This one is by far the most common issue IT techs face. The biggest thing to stress here is GET A BACKUP plan! It’s always better to plan ahead before a problem happens. Tech Sentries has the best backup available. Having said that, it is possible in some cases to retrieve deleted files. Even so, you should perform backups on a regular basis.
  1. Computer Running Slowly. This is a big one. We see these calls all the time and it can make for a very frustrated user. Most of the time, a good cleaning of the computer’s files and functions will solve this problem. It could also be malware that needs to be removed, a failed update that got stuck running in the background, or even a faulty app. These issues can all be resolved remotely.
  1. Random Rebooting. If you’ve ever dealt with this, you already know it can be maddening! Often, your work is lost if the computer reboots itself randomly so it’s crucial to get this repaired. Good news is that your IT specialist can usually fix this remotely.
  1. The Network Printer Won’t Print. It’s hard to say why this happens sometimes, but it can usually be fixed remotely. It could be un unplugged cable or toners and cartridges that ran dry. Even if it’s a configuration issue. Network printer problems are usually easily solved.
  1. Slow Internet. The internet can get boggy when too many people are using it with incorrect configurations. While it could be a virus or other malware, a slow running internet is often fixed simply by rebooting and reconfiguring the router, which be done by your IT specialist remotely.
  1. Wi-FI Network Randomly Dropping Devices. Most of the times, this problem is a configuration issue. Sometimes exterior problems such as super thick walls or a lot of metal all around can be the culprit. Unfortunately, we can’t solve these issues. But, most other Wi-Fi connectivity problems can easily be fix on a remote basis.
  1. Frozen Computer. Although you don’t usually need professional IT help for a frozen computer, it’s one of the most common calls that come in. If this happens to you, unplug the computer for a few minutes and reboot. If it continues freezing up on you, an IT specialist can log in once it’s up and running again and diagnose the problem. It can be challenging to fix this issue remotely, but not impossible.

No matter how great your computer is, you should always have a relationship with an IT support team. Whether it’s proper backup or major computer repair, Tech Sentries is the best in the business! Call Tech Sentries today! (843) 282-2222.

computer threats

The Top 5 Threats to Your Computer Security

August 2, 2017
Computer Problems

computer threats

A recent publication summarized the Top Five threats to your computer security. Tech Sentries mission is to help you “Guard Your Technology.” One of the ways we do that is by making you aware of potential threats to your computer system.

 

Denial of Service attacks disrupt servers and networks connected to the internet. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to create the attack. )“Attack Packages” are affordable and readily available on the black market.) However, mitigating an attack typically requires technical experts like Tech Sentries.

Phishing is the practice of sending fake emails or other kinds of bait to you to collect your user information. Phishing is difficult to detect because it looks like so many innocent communications. Aside from collect personal or business information, the biggest threat may be that you become reluctant to share basic information with anyone.

APT threats attack your computer network through the proverbial back door. These attacks use malicious code to gain system credentials, proprietary information, and other data. Malicious codes may sit dormant on your system until detected by a tech security professional.

Cyber-crime Syndicates are like any other criminal syndicates. They don’t just “follow the money.” They are out to get the money. Ransomware falls into this category as does Identity Theft and emptying of bank accounts.

Hacking is an umbrella of multiple types of attacks intended to gain large amounts of enterprise company and customer information. Retail – online or brick and mortar – healthcare, and other businesses with a large consumer base are particularly vulnerable, but they are not the only targets of cyber threats. You and your business could be too.

 

Threat AKA Frequency
Network and Application Attacks Denial of Service (DoS) Very Common
Social Engineering Phishing Common
Advanced Persistent Threats APT Increasing Annually
Organized Cybercrime Cybercrime Syndicates On the Rise
Major Data Breaches Hacking, etc. Constantly in the News

 

Connecting any device to the internet exposes it to potential threats. Security is not a matter of convenience. It is a necessity. Being aware of the threats is a starting point to guarding your valuable technology.

Tech Sentries is always on duty helping you “GUARD YOUR TECHNOLOGY” at all hours of the day and night. Don’t wait. Contact us today. (843-282-2222).

Avoid Spam Myrtle Beach

How to Avoid Spam Like a Kid at Supper Time

November 7, 2016
, , , Computer Problems

Avoid Spam Myrtle Beach

 

It’s true! Everybody hates SPAM, but “Nobody doesn’t like Sara Lee.” Why is that? It’s because Sara Lee is always sweet. Spam is about as appealing as a pig’s shoulder, which is, as it turns out, one of the commercial product’s main ingredients.

How Spam E-Mail Got Its Name

It all started with a Monty Python skit about the commercial product – Now available in 18 different varieties! Yuck. The skit is about a woman who doesn’t like Spam trying to order breakfast in a pub where every menu item comes with Spam. The combined annoyance of the woman trying to order something without Spam and the typical Monty Python droll and droning humor led to the name “spam” being attached the plethora of undesired emails filling inboxes everywhere.

How to Control Spam

Spam is. You can’t change the fact that it exists, but you can control how much of it gets into your house. Here are a few tips.

  • Use your provider’s spam filter. Your email provider knows that you don’t like spam. They don’t like it either. That’s why they have provided a spam filter feature for your convenience. Look for it under the Settings menu. Like call blocking, emails from addresses that you list in the filter will not be delivered to you.
  • Identify spam as spam. Every provider offers an option to mark single emails as spam – just like Hormel does with its mystery meat. Once you mark an email message as spam, that information goes to the filter and subsequent messages from that sender email address will fall short of your inbox.
  • Set up email accounts with multiple providers. Once you have done that, use on or two of those accounts exclusively for responding to website requests for your contact information – especially if your visit is “one and done” and you don’t want them pestering you. All their follow up and solicitation emails will end up in an account that should contain nothing but spam. Works like a charm – and it costs nothing.

How to Avoid SPAM

  1. Stay out of Aisle Five. That “Cleanup on Aisle Five” you’ve heard about. That’s the SPAM police clearing the shelves.
  2. Beware of Amazon. Yes, SPAM is available on Amazon in singles, in 12-ounce cans, and by the case. Which begs, the question, “Who would buy SPAM by the case?”

There you have it. Here’s hoping that you receive no more spam, but something nice occasionally from Sara Lee. Nobody doesn’t like something from her.

For help staying clear of SPAM, please call us today!

Just When You Thought It Was Safe…

September 22, 2016
Computer Problems, Security

safe-modeJust when you thought it was safe in the water … Well, you know the rest of the story.

Just because something looks safe, that does not mean that mean that it is. In fact, it now appears that just because something says that it is safe, no longer means that it actually is.

Unfortunately, that now applies to your computer’s Windows’ OS Safe Mode.

No Safe Is Safe

We should all be aware by now that there is no such thing as a safe safe. The infamous Willie Sutton claimed that there would never be a safe that he could not crack. The theory is simple: If you can figure out how to build a safer safe, someone else can figure out how to break into it.

That is precisely what has happened to Windows’ Safe Mode. That even includes computers with Windows 10’s Virtual Safe Mode, according to a report released on September 15, 2016, by CyberArk Labs.

It’s Kind of Like Judo

The attacks on Safe Mode are similar to the fundamental concepts behind Judo and other martial arts. Leverage the other person’s strengths against them. In this case, the strength is Safe Mode and hackers can now use it against you and your business.

The strength of Safe Mode is that it allows users to boot their PCs and servers using only those tools that are essential to the operating system. Put another way, the computer or server booted in Safe Mode restricts the operation of third-party software. That can – and often does – include security software.

Safe This Way

This new innovation of hack enters through the door where you least expect it – the one that is marked “Safe This Way.” While that may sound innocuous enough, to a safecracker more like an invitation. Hackers see it the same way. We think it identifies a safe route or place. Safecrackers and hackers see it as the route to the place where the safe is.

From the hackers’ perspective, “Once in Safe Mode, logins can be stolen and otherwise with defeated pass-the-hash lateral techniques can be used to compromise other networked machines. A fake login screen can be shown using a COM object technique to emulate a normal boot and cloak Safe Mode. Users who then type in their credentials assuming a normal reboot will hand their logins to attackers.

Once attackers break through the perimeter and gain local administrator privileges on an infected Windows-based machine, they can remotely activate Safe Mode to bypass and manipulate endpoint security measures.

In Safe Mode, the attackers are able to freely run tools to harvest credentials and laterally move to connected systems – all while remaining undetected.”

What Should We Do Now?

Unfortunately, not much. However, we advise the following precautionary measures per CyberArk’s and PC Pit Stop’s advice: Network administrators should

  • cycle privileged account credentials to disrupt pass-the-hash attacks
  • enforce the least privilege by stripping local administrator rights
  • deploy security tools capable of running in Safe Mode.\
  • ensure your operating system and applications are updated
  • run a security scan at least once a week
  • think before you click

Finally, read our newsletters and releases to stay abreast of threats and ways to prevent them. And don’t be afraid of the dark.

For any further information, please contact Tech Sentries at 843-282-2222.

cleanup computer files

Cleaning Out Your Computer to Free Up Space – Part 2

July 5, 2016
Computer Problems

In our last article, we gave some great tips on how to free up space and let your computer run faster. Here, we will continue those tips and help you do the organizing needed for a thorough deep clean of your computer. Here we go!

Deleting Apps

If you are a Mac user, drag your unwanted programs and apps to the Trash. This usually
will get rid of the files associated with that app, as well. It will keep support files and preference files. While preference files don’t take up much room, support files can – especially for large media programs like Garage Band. Go to Finder, click on Macintosh HD (or Home) > Library > Application Support. Your files are listed by the app they are associated with. Drag and drop them in the trash. Be cautious to delete only the files associated with the apps you have definitely deleted! There are some good apps that will allow you to delete several apps at once and you can find these in the app store.cleanup computer files

For Windows users, simply go to your Control Panel and click on Controls and Features. Choose the program you want to delete and click Uninstall. That easy!

Getting Rid of Trackers and Spyware

Over the course of casually browsing the net, you can easily pick up minor viruses and trackers unless you’ve been using a great security software or automatic protection by Tech Sentries. Malware is always evolving so you should have your computer regularly scanned for these trackers and Trojans, etc. Tech Sentries will do all this for you automatically!

Finishing the Job….

It helps to minimize the applications you see in your Control Panel or Dock. If you don’t need them every day, get rid of the apps that show up all the time. You can let your computer run faster by doing this. It won’t delete the app, just the icon in your task bar or dock.

Sort things by file type now that you’ve cleaned things out. Merge your duplicate folders. Name the folder you really want to keep and manually merge any duplicates into that folder and delete the old one.

Give Your Photos a Proper Home

First, figure out where your pictures are. They may have auto-synced if you download a lot from a smartphone or email. They may end up in your downloads folder but be available to view through iPhoto if you’re a Mac user. If you are a Windows user with an iPhone, you will want to have iCloud installed and then Apple’s My Photo Stream will download all your newest pictures to your computer. Turn on Photo Stream in settings > iCloud > Photos.

If you have an Android phone, your pics will likely sync to your Google + account. You can also import them to your computer via USB. It’s also good to use a service like Dropbox to store on the cloud. It’s a great way to keep space free on your hard drive.

Another good way of organizing all your photos is with an external hard drive designed especially for photo storage.

Finally, move all your documents to the Documents Folder, move all your songs and mp3s to the Music Folder, and All Movies and Videos to the Video Folder. This may seem simple, but it makes a huge difference to your ease of use! It can be time consuming to sort files but it’s worth it in the end. You will not have to search for thing you’re looking for and your computer will be free of duplicates, which bog it down and cause it to run much slower.

Call us at Tech Sentries today to find out how we can keep your computer running at peak performance and keep you protected!

Cleanup Computer Files

Cleaning Out Your Computer to Free Up Space – Part 1

June 30, 2016
, Computer Problems

If you are seeing that dreaded spinning rainbow wheel from your Mac or the inverted hourglass icon from Windows, then you may have a slow running computer that needs a little housework. It’s easy to get bogged down in files, pictures and duplicate downloads and all of these can seriously slow down the performance of your computer. Following are some great tips for deep cleaning your computer so you can have it running in tip-top shape once again!

Get Started Cleaning Out Your Computer!

Clearing Duplicate Files

You might be shocked to know that duplicate files take up a lot of your storage space so it’s important to get rid of them. Whether it’s mp3 files you might already own or multiple downloads of the same file, the best way to identify these files is through a third party app that scans for the duplicate files in all your folders and then allows you to review and delete as you see fit.Cleanup Computer Files

For Mac users, search the app store for “duplicate file cleaners.” We recommend one called Duplicate Detective for only a couple of dollars. There is also a version for iPhoto so you can get rid of all those duplicate pictures.

You can do all this manually, but why would you? These apps save you time and get the job done right!

For Windows users, we like Duplicate Cleaner, which doesn’t cost anything. There are versions for normal files, music files and photo files. Many of these apps will also flag photo files for example, that have been edited in some way and allow you to choose the one you want to delete.

Clearing the Cache

This is important because your cache creates lots of small files which are temporary as you run various programs. It stores them so you can get to what you need faster if you come back to it. Clearing all these files out from time to time is a good idea and a very good way to do some basic digital dust-bunny clearing!

For Macs, you’ll go to Disk Utility. Click on First-Aid > Repair to scan your hard drive. Get a good Mac Cleaner from the Apps store in order to clear the cache on your system. This will remove all the temporary files and programs that you don’t need and clear up space and let your computer run faster. You can also choose to have it clear your downloads folder but don’t do that unless you are sure or have something in place to save downloads that are important
to you. In our experience, we cleared over 12 GB of space with this app alone!

For Windows, if you are using the Windows 10 version, search for Disk Clean-Up. For Windows 8, you’ll go to the Control Panel to find it. On older versions, you can find it in Systems Tools.

Clean Out Your Downloads Folder

Your downloads folder should be cleaned out regularly! It can hold everything from e-tickets you’ve purchased, PDF files of receipts and other documents you just don’t need any longer. Whether you are on Macs or Windows, open up your downloads folder and take the time to go through it. You can do this by category to make it easier. Move all unwanted files to the Trash (Mac) or the Recycle Bin (Windows). Once you are finished, be sure to go back and empty the trash bins to free up all the space.

In our next article, you will learn how to sort photo, video and music files. You can leave those alone for now until you’re ready to deal with them!

Let Tech Sentries help you keep your computer running at peak performance! We take care of all the necessary backups to keep you safe and protected from all types of viruses and malware. Call us today to see how easy it is to have the best protection available!

Why Outsource Your IT Provider?

April 19, 2016
Computer Problems

It’s a big decision for any business owner to decide whether to outsource your IT support or go with an in-house approach. Many factors go into this decision and we will help you know what you need to know in this article.

First, let’s look at the term known as outsourcing. The definition of outsourcing typically means to hire an outside provider to take care of any business function. This includes the managed services of IT providers.

IT Provider

There’s almost nothing in business that cannot be accomplished without the aid of technology. Our computers are our life and they make our business tick! We rely on them more and more with each passing year, especially as they become more and more sophisticated in their capabilities. But technology is only great if you can manage it well.

To manage technology in the office, you will definitely need an IT support system. For many small businesses you may choose to go with an in-house support person for your IT needs. However, very rarely can this include 24 hour support. If you did find someone who is available around the clock to fix any problem that arises with your technology and computers, the cost of maintaining that staff would surely be far more than you’d want to pay.

Here is where outsourcing IT support comes into the picture. Following are just a few of the reasons why outsourcing your IT support is a good idea for your business!

Savings

It can cost up to $60,000 a year to employ an in-house IT person. While it may be possible to find someone for less, any IT person who is good at what they do and has the proper skill and knowledge needed for the job will not come cheap. You should also consider the fact that there will be vacation days, sick leave, and other times when your IT person may be away and you will need to have a sub lined up. You’ll also need to invest into continuing education and training for your IT person. In short, it could cost up to $100k per year between salary and other costs to have a network administrator who is in-house. Outsourcing an IT expert is a great way to save money and cut costs. Outsourcing will prevent you from having to pay benefits, ongoing education and training, and other expenses that come with hiring someone in-house. Outsourcing your IT expert is very convenient because they will already be trained and know just how to expertly handle all your technology needs.

Experience

The great thing about outsourcing is when you do have an IT problem that arises, you’ll be able to rest assured that only the right IT provider who is skilled in that particular area will come and assess and fix the problem.

Overall Improved Performance

Perhaps the greatest benefit of all when it comes to outsourcing IT support is improved speed and performance of your network. IT providers have skill sets and a wider knowledge base that will allow them to have more accountability and a greater understanding of all areas of IT support. They are far more interested in building lasting relationships with clients, which keeps them motivated and on their toes to handle your particular needs. In short, they provide a greater level of excellence all the way around!

Focus on the Strategy of Your Company

In general, make it a goal to outsource the functions that are not essential to what your company does day to day, and leave the in-house functions to what is done well internally among your own people. Following this strategy will help you build a loyal customer base since your people are free to focus on excellent products and services.

A Few Other Perks for Outsourcing IT Support

  • Reduced Risk. It’s expensive to implement new technology and only qualified IT techs really know how to implement it properly and make sure it’s running smoothly, which will save you lots of time and money! They also take the responsibility should anything go wrong.
  • Keeping Your Networks Running Smoothly. No matter what, you need a system that works all the time. If there is a problem, only an experienced IT tech can monitor things and make sure there is little to no downtime should a repair be required. This definitely translates to money saved!
  • Total IT Coverage. If you hire in-house, you’re going to be up against sick leave, holidays and other vacation days. Outsourced IT providers eliminates this problem and you’ll always know you’ve got someone out there watching over your system and available around the clock should any need arise.

 

What should you look for in an IT provider?

Perhaps outsourcing isn’t the right thing for every business, but most companies will benefit greatly from hiring IT providers on the outside. Here are a few tips to help you know what to look for:

 

  • Make sure the staff you hire is well versed in the type of business software and hardware that you use. They should be somewhat familiar with your business, as well as what it takes to run it.
  • Experience is important—and not just for the reasons you think. Yes, you should have the most knowledgeable IT provider you can find, but doing so will save you money usually, rather than cost you money. The reason is because there are fewer hours required from the IT provider who is highly skilled. They get things fixed faster, which requires less time and therefore, less money.
  • Attitude matters! A good IT provider should want to know your industry and what makes your company tick. Fixing problems is great, but it’s even better if you have someone who can understand your business and the unique needs that come with it.
  • Fast Response. This is crucially important. If you have a system problem, you need to know that your IT provider can be there in a snap and get things up and running with as little downtime as possible. A good IT person will always have 24/7 support so that you never have to panic if a problem arises.
  • Remote access. Make sure your IT person has all the software needed to remotely sign into your computers so they can fix most problems remotely. Any time minor issues come up and they can be handled remotely, this is going to save you lots of time and money that would be spent actually coming to your business to trouble shoot the problem. Believe it or not, many IT issues can be solved remotely! Just part of the amazing digital age we live in!

 

In short, outsourcing your IT network support can be a very smart thing to do, both financially and reliability. For more information on outsourcing IT providers, please give us a call today at Tech Sentries!

Why You Need An Internet Password Manager

February 23, 2016
Computer Problems, Security

Are you one of the millions of people who have only a handful of passwords for the many websites you access daily? Most likely your passwords are weak or not unique enough to keep your information safe. So, what to do? Enter the password manager.

An internet password manager program takes all the various login information that you have across the internet, logging you in automatically when you visit sites that you have stored. As you enter in all your various passwords to the password manager, it encrypts them so that the only one you’ll have to remember is the main master password.Internet Password Manager

Never Reuse Your Internet Passwords!

Reusing passwords has become a huge problem due to all the security breaches it causes, even on large powerful websites. People who are up to no good can use a password leak to gain your personal information, giving them access to sensitive data on all your accounts. If you use the same password at multiple sites, you are only increasing the chances that your identity could be stolen or your bank accounts wiped out.

Preventing this kind of disaster is largely dependent on using strong, unique passwords on every website you register for. Good strong internet passwords should be a combination of letters, symbols and numbers and be long. The unpredictability of this type of password is the best way to keep your information safe.

Big-time web users may have hundreds of passwords to keep up with, while even just the average person could have dozens. Most people aren’t going to be able to remember all these passwords, so using a password manager can not only keep track of the ones you create, but also generate passwords that are secure and unique for the many websites you visit.

What’s It Like To Use A Password Manager?

For one thing, it will ease your mind. Instead of trying to memorize dozens of passwords, you can spend your energy on being productive. The first time you sign into a website, you will enter your master password in your internet password manager, and that will prompt it to automatically fill in the appropriate fields of usernames and passwords on the site you are visiting. Staying logged into the password manager will ensure that this process happens automatically. You’ll never have to try and retrieve the information you created the account with on a particular website. Instead, the internet password manager does it all for you. When creating new accounts on various websites, a password manager will prompt you to let it generate a random password that is strong, unique and safe. Each time you visit a website you have created accounts on, your password manager will immediately fill in your personal information such as email address, username and password.

For more information on password managers, call Tech Sentries today!

Why Browser-Based Password Managers Aren’t Ideal

February 23, 2016
Computer Problems, Security

All main internet browsers have their own built-in password managers. However, they don’t stack up next to a program dedicated to nothing but managing internet passwords. Many browsers such as Firefox, Chrome and Internet Explorer actually store your various passwords unencrypted on your hard drive. Unless your hard drive has been encrypted, anyone is able to hack into your computer and steal your passwords, and thus, your personal information found on all the websites you visit.password manager

While Mozilla Firefox does allow you to store your passwords in a form that is encrypted using a master password, its password manager isn’t the best option either. It has no features in its interface that allow it to create random auto-generated passwords. It also isn’t able to sync across multiple platforms, such as the iOS systems. A password manager that is dedicated will solve these issues, as well as allow you to manage your passwords on all the devices, computers and smartphones that you use. So, which password managers are best? We think three stand out.

Three Great PassWord Managers

Dashlane is newer than several others, so it may not be as recognizable. However, their apps for nearly every major operating system and platform make them stand out. They also have a dashboard that helps you analyze the security of your passwords. It also has a feature that can randomly change your passwords for you. The best part—it’s free if you’re only using one device. If you need to upgrade, it’s simple and inexpensive. With Dashlane, you can choose to store your passwords in the cloud or on your hard drive.

LastPass is a great password manager that is cloud-based. It has everything you could need to operate it across any operating system and multiple browsers. Not only is it very powerful, it also features authentication that requires two steps for added security. This makes it impossible for anyone else to get into your vault.

KeePass. There are people who aren’t willing to use a cloud-based password manager like LastPass. If that’s you, KeePass is a great option. It has mobile apps, browser extensions, and is a desktop-based application. This allows you to always be able to manage and access your passwords and even the program’s code if you felt like it. The part you may not like is having to manage your passwords yourself. Syncing them between all your devices would need to be done manually.

What You Need to Know to Get Started With a Password Managers

There is only one master password you’ll need to remember and so it’s crucial that you make it very strong. You can change this password at a later time, but not unless you know your original master password. Because of this, you may want to store a copy of it in a very safe place such as a firebox or bank vault. These password managers use heavy encryption and is why no one can ever see your stored passwords. If you lose your master password, you would have to sign in to every website you use and re-create an account with a new password and start the whole process over again.

Finally, once you start using a password manager, you should begin to make all the passwords you use more secure. Programs such as LastPass have features that will notify you of duplicate passwords or weak ones that need to be more unique and secure. You can also use your password manager to store and manage other sensitive information, such as credit card numbers.

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