Monthly Archives: October 2021

4 Reasons Why You Should Clear Cache off Your PC

On Windows 10, there are three sorts of caches that require your attention from time to time. The word “cache” refers to a section of your hard disk devoted to saving browser files that your browser believes it may need to utilize again. These include temporary files, internet browsing, and file explorer. And while these aren’t necessarily bad, there are reasons as to why you should clear caches once in a while.

Files, CSS styles, JavaScript scripts, pictures, and other multimedia material will be saved by your browser. As a result, when you work with a web development business and request updates, it’s important to clear your cache often in order to view these changes automatically.

Like we stated earlier, cache isn’t undoubtedly terrible. However, these caches can accumulate over time, causing them to corrupt and creating system-wide problems. This can lead to slower response times. When you clear your cache, it should speed up your computer.

A third reason comes with security. If your computer become subjected to vulnerabilities, the information stored could be stolen. And with hacker enhancements over the years, finding a way would be simple for them.

When it comes to clearing browser cache, it’s simple and fast to do. Often times, browsers send errors, such as loading issues. Clearing your cache potentially could resolve that problem.


For help troubleshooting PC issues, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you by our staff at the Oro Valley Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Oro Valley, AZ please call the local office at (520) 526-9940.

Let’s Talk Google Sandbox and Privacy


More and more web users are concerned with the amount of data websites are collecting. Online privacy seems more scarce as time goes by. 

David Temkin shared a study by  Pew Research Center on the Google Adsblog, stating “72% of people feel that almost all of what they do online is being tracked by advertisers, technology firms or other companies, and 81% say that the potential risks they face because of data collection outweigh the benefits”.

However, browser companies are working diligently to remove third party cookies. Firefox and Safari have already put that order into place, although no one seems to know how in depth they go with the removal. Google intended on moving in that direction earlier this year.

Back in August of 2019, Justin Schuh, the Director of Chrome Engineering wrote a blog post introducing their new privacy enhancing tool called Privacy Sandbox. But what is Privacy Sandbox? The Chrome Developer blog explains:

The Privacy Sandbox initiative proposes a set of privacy-preserving APIs to support business models that fund the open web in the absence of tracking mechanisms like third-party cookies. It was introduced in 2019, and Chrome shared updates on progress in January and October last year. 

Source: Chrome Developer Blog

Google will not be utilizing any alternative techniques for tracking, in hopes third party cookies will become obsolete.


If you are needing assistance with any computer issues, please give us a call at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities.  This blog post is brought to you by our staff at the Arlington Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Arlington, TX please call the local office at (817) 756-6008.

A Few Computer Tips for your Monday

Knowing and understanding your computer helps immensely with productivity. Whether you utilize it for work or school, or even just personal use, here are a few computer tips for your Monday.

Browser Tab

Didn’t mean to close a browser tab? Simply press Ctrl + Shift + T to reopen that previous tab and get back to it. On a Mac? Try Command + Shift + T.

Quick Hot Keys

Hot Keys are quick access features to make computing a little quicker. As shown above, Hot Keys have combined keyboard keys as shortcuts. For example, open the Task Manager by clicking CTRL + ALT + DELETE. There, it can provide you with information on your memory, performance, open applications, etc.

Focus Assist

A Windows feature, Focus Assist, silences notifications and postpones other notifications. You can set this up automatically or manually. In the Settings app, find the System tab. Focus Assist will show up on the list of options. From there, you can prioritize which notifications you need versus the ones you don’t.

Magnifier

One crucial tool available is the Magnifier, which aids those who are hard of seeing. It shows the text larger than normal, so it can be read more clearly. Utilize this tool easily. Microsoft Support shares how to do so:

To quickly turn on Magnifier, press the Windows logo key+Plus sign (+). To turn off Magnifier, press the Windows logo key+Esc. 

If you prefer using a mouse, select Start  Settings   Ease of Access   Magnifier   Turn on Magnifier

Source: Microsoft Support

If you ever have an issue with your computer, give us a call at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you by our staff at the Riverview Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Riverview, FL please call or text the local office at (813) 400-2865.

How to Uninstall Updates on Windows 10

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, Microsoft has released a handful of troublesome updates to its users. The most recent one, Windows 10 KB4556799, has issued a plethora of problems – including the Blue Screen of Death and reverting back to default settings. There’s no telling how many users are being affected by this issue. However, if you are one of them, the best thing to do is to uninstall the update.

Uninstalling problematic updates is pretty simple and will help get your computer back up to working order.

Here’s how to uninstall updates:
  1. Go to Start Menu
  2. Settings
  3. Update & Security
  4. Under Check for updates, click on View update history
  5. Click on Uninstall updates

This will open up a window showing all of the updates, with the most recent on top. From there, click on the update needing to be uninstalled, right click it, and choose uninstall. If there are certain KB (Knowledge Base) number updates that are needing to be uninstalled, using the Search Installed Updates box in the top right corner of the control panel window is a convenient and quick way of finding it.

It is encouraged that you write down any KB numbers, as they may be needed later on.

If you are needing assistance with any Microsoft issues, please give us a call at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities.  This blog post is brought to you from our staff at the Arlington Computer Repair Service, if you need computer repair in Arlington, TX please call the local office at (817) 756-6008.

Clearing the Clipboard on your Mac

When you use your Mac, one of the numerous apps that runs in the background is the Clipboard. This is a very handy application when it comes to copy/paste. When you copy anything, macOS just remembers it and pastes it to your clipboard.

Thankfully, it only copies one thing at a time. Once you copy something else, the previous is erased immediately.

[T]he native clipboard application on Mac doesn’t allow you to keep multiple text copies in your memory at once. It only opens the last one, overwriting anything you might have copied earlier. Although managing a single entry, it can be difficult for some people to come to terms with the idea of a clipboard storing your search phrases.

Source: NerdChalk

It uses RAM, which may slow down your surfing performance on your Mac. Clearing the Clipboard frees up memory and protects personal or sensitive data.

The Quickest Eraser

While there are a handful of ways to clear the Clipboard by using commands, the easiest is simply restarting your Mac. Head to the top left of your screen and click on the Apple icon.

Scroll down and select “Restart” on the drop down menu. Make sure to save anything you were working on before restarting.


If you have any operating system update issues, or have any questions, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you by our staff at the Lakewood Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Lakewood, CO please call or text the local office at (720) 441-6460.

How to Fix Windows 11 Update Error

Wanting to update your computer to Windows 11, but you see the following error, “This PC Doesn’t Currently Meet All the System Requirements for Windows 11”? Unfortunately, the brand new Windows 11 operating system isn’t available to all Microsoft users.

However, if your computer is compatible, yet you’re still seeing the error, here’s why:

A new issue in the media creation tool and Windows update is restricting suitable customers from switching to Windows 11.

As the issue is prevalent when using the Media Creation tool or Windows update, the known fix is to simply use another upgrade method from Microsoft.

We recommend you start with the new Installation Assistant from Microsoft which is a dedicated utility developed to help you easily upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11.

You can use this comprehensive guide from us to use the Installation Assistant to update your OS directly. You will need a working internet connection to update using the same. 

If Update Assistant doesn’t seem to fit your requirements or if it presents you with the same error, then we recommend you use a Windows 11 ISO instead. Microsoft has also released dedicated ISOs for the new OS and you can upgrade using the same by following this guide.

Source: Nerdschalk

Go to the Microsoft Website

If you head over to the Microsoft website and scroll down close to the bottom of the page, you’ll find “Check for compatibility”. From there, they give you the option of downloading what’s called the PC health check app.

Several users may see the “Error” message. Thankfully, you will still be able to receive Windows 10 updates. Also, keep in mind that the Windows 10 OS’s end-of-life date isn’t until 2025.


If you have any questions regarding Windows 11, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you by our staff at the Phoenix Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Phoenix, AZ please call our local office at (602) 445-9862.

Special Apple Event

Codenamed “Unleashed”, Apple announced an upcoming event to share more information about the “M1X” processor.

According to 9to5Mac, “The new MacBook Pros are expected to feature a mini-LED display, an HDMI port, an SD card slot, MagSafe for charging, and much more.  Apple is also expected to ditch the controversial Touch Bar in favor of a traditional row of function keys. The design of the new MacBook Pros is expected to be similar to the latest iMac, iPhone, and iPad design language with flatter edges.”

It’s also rumored that Apple will publicize macOS Monterey’s release date.

The event will, once again, be virtual due to the pandemic. Everyone can tune in on October 18th at 10 am PST.


For help troubleshooting PC issues, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you by our staff at the Aurora Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Aurora, CO, please call the local office at (720) 441-6460.

Whoops! Microsoft Accidentally Leaked Again…

A Microsoft worker unintentionally released the new Notepad app on Twitter. Unfortunately, all screenshots were quickly deleted once users noticed them.

According to Windows Latest, “Notepad, which has become a separate Store-updateable and optional app on Windows 11, is getting updated with a new command bar and Fluent Design improvements.”

The new Notepad app will have an appearance with rounded corners. Menus, pop-ups, and other sections of the app will have rounded corners.

A Microsoft employee had accidentally leaked the new Media Player late last month. This app will replace the Movies & TV app and will be available in a future Windows 11 update.


For help with any Microsoft issues, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you by our staff at the Mesa Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Mesa, AZ please call the local office at (480) 240-2950.

Ultimate Guide to Safeguard Your Computer

No computer is 100% secure from any and all viruses. However, you can take appropriate steps to protect it as much as possible. Developers from software giants, such as Microsoft and Apple, create applications to further safeguard devices.

Windows Security

We as Microsoft users understand the basic necessity of keeping our PC safe. Windows 10 includes a built-in app, called Windows Security to scan for viruses, along with firewall and network protection. 

Passwords

Microsoft encourages users to go passwordless. Microsoft states, “this will strengthen your device sign-in by switching all Microsoft accounts on your device to modern multifactor authentication with Windows Hello Face, Fingerprint, or PIN, and eliminating passwords from Windows.”

Be sure to have the Microsoft Authenticator app installed and linked to your Microsoft account. Also, change your passwords about every three months.

Weak passwords are the entry point for the majority of attacks across enterprise and consumer accounts. There are a whopping 579 password attacks every second—that’s 18 billion every year.

Source: Microsoft

Safe Browsing

Hackers have the capability of implementing malware from web browsers, not just operating systems.

Browsers, such as Google have been creating a safer environment on their platform. This includes their Chrome browser, Gmail, and the collab with Android.

An application system called “Safe Browsing” was developed by the team to ensure the protection of its users. When unknown sites or apps pop up, the system shows a warning message of the potential threat.


For help updating, restoring, or dealing with any security issues, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you by our staff at the Pembroke Pines Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Pembroke, FL please call or text the local office at (754) 241-1655.

How To Turn on Dynamic Lock

Windows 10 includes such a nifty little feature to help those who are somewhat forgetful when it comes to locking their home screen.

The feature, called Dynamic Lock, automatically locks your device or PC when your bluetooth (which needs to be connected with your computer) is out of range. Here’s how to enable this helpful feature:

  • Start Menu
  • Settings
  • Accounts
  • Sign-in Options
  • Dynamic Lock
  • Check box “Allow Windows to automatically lock your device when you’re away”

No Bluetooth? No problem!

If you’d rather not deal with bluetooth, you can still lock your screen automatically and have it put to a screen saver:

  • Start Menu
  • Type Change screen saver
  • Scroll to Blank
  • Choose allotted time for Screen Saver
  • Check box “On resume, display logon screen”
  • Click Apply, then OK

If you need assistance with Windows 10, please give us a call at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities.  This blog post is brought to you from our staff at the Scottsdale Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Scottsdale, AZ please call the local office at (480) 240-2960 or schedule an appointment at www.scottsdalecomputerrepairservice.net.