Rick’s Tech Tips Newsletter – Tuesday, July 6, 2021
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
---------------------------------------------------
You can make sure these updates keep landing in your Inbox by adding my email address to your Address Book or Contacts List. Click here for instructions.
Did someone forward this newsletter to you? Click here to subscribe.
---------------------------------------------------
Today's Sponsor...
Do you have a DSLR or most any other type of camera that could use a little TLC?
Photo Tech Repair Service can fix your ailing or broken camera, whatever the cause.
Visit our website for complete details.
Interested in sponsoring this newsletter?
Do you have something you'd like to tell the over 11,500 awesome folks who read this newsletter?
Click here to reserve an ad.
---------------------------------------------------
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.
---------------------------------------------------
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.
Rick's Daily Tips is hosted by InMotion Hosting. Click here to find out why.
---------------------------------------------------
Rick's Daily Pick...
Every day I feature a tech item that I’ve hand-picked to be among the best of the best.
Click here to see what I’m loving today.
---------------------------------------------------
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.
---------------------------------------------------
Wondering how you can help me keep doing what I'm doing?
1 - If you'd like to help support my work, you can do so by leaving me a tip.
Every penny of your tip will go towards my blog's web hosting and other related fees, which are substantial.
2 - You can Forward this email to a friend along with a short note of recommendation. (Just click the "Forward" button or link.)
Rest assured that anything you can do to help me keep helping folks will be greatly appreciated.
---------------------------------------------------
Rick's Photo / File Recovery Service...
Do you have precious photos and/or other irreplaceable files that you'd like to recover from a non-working computer?
Chances are I'll be able to recover them for you, even if the machine won't turn on or start up correctly.
---------------------------------------------------
Have a question, comment or suggestion? Hit the Reply button and reply to this email. I love hearing what you have to say...
Thanks so much, and have an amazing day.
Your tech buddy,
Rick Rouse https://www.RicksDailyTips.com