Category Archives: Computer Repair

Statement on SolarWinds Breach

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On Monday, Dec 14, SolarWinds reported that its Orion platform had been breached by an insertion of malicious code. This code was then distributed through the system to approximately 18,000 potential users. The code targeted large scale corporate and governmental network infrastructure(s). This exploit impacted emails through the Treasury and Commerce departments, as well as the Department of Homeland Security prompting an immediate disconnect from all services based on the Orion platform by US government agencies.
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Fortunately, the SolarWinds software that we provide to our clients is not a part of the corporate scale Orion system and our systems and the software we use was not subject to any data loss or breach.This attack targeted large scale, multi-server networks at the corporate and government level and is in no way connected to the SolarWinds services we provide to our clients. Despite not being the targets of this hack, our SolarWinds team is working proactively to monitor the situation and maintain the integrity of our own services to ensure that our client’s information is safe and remains private.
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At this time, the server the attack originated from has been identified and federal cybersecurity experts are working to identify the individuals responsible as quickly as possible. We value the trust and faith our clients place in us and hope that this announcement will calm any uncertainty resulting from this situation. Any of our clients that would like to ask questions about this incident are more than welcome to call into our head office at 1-800-620-5285 and speak with the Helpdesk for clarification on the circumstances of this breach. We understand that our clients trust us with their information and we are working tirelessly to monitor the situation and provide proactive support and response — should other platforms under the SolarWinds banner become compromised. Any further updates will be provided as quickly as possible.

Thank you,
The Karls Technology Team

What is the X-Mode Tracker?

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The Wall Street Journal shared a report recently about the X-Mode Tracker. But why it is being banned from certain phone apps?

This particular tracker collects information for government organizations. The information taken is then bought and sold for many purposes.

According to the report, “The two largest mobile-phone platforms told developers this week that they must remove X-Mode’s tracking software from any app present in their app stores or risk losing access to any phones running Apple’s or Google’s mobile operating systems.”

Both Apple and Google told all developers they will ban any apps that include the X-Mode software, unless it is removed within 7 days.

Although many apps with this software include a terms of service. This include an opt-in for data collection. The decision for removal is to protect the users. Even if the user accepts the terms, their data can be abused by the ones collecting it.

For software related inquiries, 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 from our staff at the Frisco Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Frisco, TX please call or text the local office at (469) 299-9005.

Use Cortana to Find Files on Your Computer

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Another Windows 10 update will be released soon, but for now the devs are having some fun. Windows Insiders are getting a sneak peek at the new Cortana feature, which will extend its skills.

According to Tech Radar, “Windows Insiders that have updated to the latest build of Windows 10 can now use Cortana to translate their thoughts into direct actions to find and open files which helps save time spent navigating around the operating system.”

Source: Windows Blog

Cortana became a separate app for Windows 10 in the May 2020 update. The option to disable Cortana was available to users as well. But it seems like maybe users will want to enable it to give this new, upcoming feature a try.

For any Windows 10 feature inquiries, 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 from our staff at the Arvada Computer Repair Service, if you need better SEO or computer repair in Arvada, CO please call or text the local office at (720) 441-6460.

Update Google Chrome ASAP

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There is an incredibly serious vulnerability in Google Chrome. Experts are pushing users to update the browser as soon as possible.

According to Forbes, “Within the space of just three short weeks, Google has patched no less than five potentially dangerous vulnerabilities in the Chrome web browser.”

They explain that these issues are what’s called a zero-day. This means that Google can begin to alleviate the issue once it’s caught. However, the hackers are already ahead of Google.

“Google has released Chrome version 86.0.4240.198 for Windows, Mac, and Linux. This version addresses CVE-2020-16013 and CVE-2020-16017. An attacker could exploit one of these vulnerabilities to take control of an affected system. These vulnerabilities have been detected in exploits in the wild.

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) encourages users and administrators to review the following resources and apply the necessary updates.

Google Chrome Release

Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC) Advisory 2020-154“

Source: CISA

If you use Google Chrome, be sure to update the browser as soon as you’re able to. This security vulnerability is to be taken seriously.

For any security inquiries, 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 from our staff at the Arvada Computer Repair Service. If you need better SEO or computer repair in Arvada, CO please call or text the local office at (720) 441-6460.

Thunderbolt Connection Issues with Windows Update

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Microsoft Support shared an issue with the Windows 10 October update.

According to the Support team, a problem with the Thunderbolt NVMe SSD had occurred with the newest Windows 10 update, relating to a confliction in the system.

It stated, “If you are trying to update to or install Windows 10, version 2004 or Windows 10, version 20H2, you might encounter an update compatibility hold and receive the message, “Your PC has hardware that isn’t ready for this version of Windows 10. Windows Update will automatically offer you this version of Windows 10 once the issue has been resolved.”

This may cause a BSOD or other error pop-ups. Microsoft and Intel are currently in the works for a solution and is expected to be resolved in a November update.

If you ever have an issue with any macOS updates, 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 from our staff at the Garland Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Garland, TX please call or text the local office at (469) 299-9005.

Special Apple Event November 10

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Apple announced recently a special “One more thing” event occurring on November 10th at 10 am PST.

Although there seems to be no information on what it would entail on their Apple Events website, it seems it may be focusing on Apple Silicon Macs.

9to5Mac says on their website, “This November event is expected to focus on the upcoming transition to Apple Silicon in the Mac lineup, with Apple having promised its first Apple Silicon machine would come before the end of the year. The “One more thing” tagline is a classic Apple reference from previous keynotes.”

The Apple Silicon is the new Apple processor. It was announced at WWDC earlier this year, stating the switch from Intel processors. The Silicon was said to be released sometime in 2020. This event should be it. You can watch it on Apple’s website next Tuesday.

For inquiries with Apple, 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 Fort Worth Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Fort Worth, TX please call or text the local office at (817) 865-5180.

Bugs in Windows 10 Cause Connection Issues

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There has been confirmation with Microsoft that there are a couple bugs in Windows 10.

Many of the users have shared problems with internet connection when attempting to use the Microsoft App Store and Spotify. Others have said that the VPN might be the culprit in all this, but it is unclear.

There have been resolutions in place, however. WindowsLatest stated on their blog, “In the changelog of Windows 10 KB4580364, Microsoft confirmed that it has resolved an issue with certain virtual private network (VPN) connections where an authentication dialog box incorrectly prompts for credentials and network disruption is observed.”

Despite these bugs, Microsoft has acknowledged them and are currently working on the fixes. It is unsure as to when the issues will be mended, however.

Bugs happen all the time in Windows 10, and they’re all quite nuisances. If you would like to report a bug, go to the Feedback Hub in the Start menu.

If you’re having software 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 from 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.

New Feature for Windows 10 and Android Phones

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Windows 10 is focusing more and more on Android lately. With their Your Phone application, they’re working to include the brand new “sent from phone” feature.

This feature will allow links, photos, and notes from your phone to your PC with ease. And while their main focus is Android, they’re hoping future updates will include the iPhone as well.

Source: WindowsLatest.com

The Windows 10 update is not available just yet, as it is in beta testing with the Windows Insiders Program.

WindowsLatest shares that although it’s only for a few selected beta testing members, when it comes available, it’ll be easy to utilize. They state on their blog, “To use “sent from phone” screen, Microsoft says you’ll need to access the share menu on your phone.

In the share menu of Android, simply select ‘Your Phone companion’ option and shared contents will appear under ‘sent from phone’ screen, as shown in the screenshot below.”

If you need help with Windows 10 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 from our staff at the Arvada Computer Repair Service. If you need better SEO or computer repair in Arvada, CO please call or text the local office at (720) 441-6460.

YouTube is Getting a Facelift

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In today’s world, more and more people are enjoying the experiences of watching and interacting with online videos on one very popular platform. Today, YouTube announced its upcoming updates on Android and iOS.

The new design will improve the layout of the videos while modernizing the app all around. The Autoplay button, for example, will be placed on the top of the phone’s screen.

According to YouTube, they state, “To make captions more accessible, we’ve moved the button to a more prominent location, directly on the video player on phones. We also have moved the autoplay toggle to make it easier to turn on or off while you’re watching. (We’ll be testing this on Desktop soon, too.) You’ll also notice small improvements to the player, like re-arranged buttons that simplify its look and snappier controls that make any action you take even faster.”

Source: YouTube Blog

It’s pretty neat at how YouTube is revamping its phone app to make it easier for users to utilize. It also includes handy features, like Video Chapters, and one that allows users to be reminded that it is bedtime. To turn it off, just go to Settings.

There’s not much of a visual difference, but the updates are there. 9to5Google shares, “The general look stays the same, but the Google company has worked to optimize button placement and layouts, while adding some convenient shortcuts.”

For help troubleshooting network issues or your internet connection, 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 from 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.

Skype Gets Icon on Windows Taskbar

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Because of the pandemic, tech software companies are searching for the best ways to keep communities safe by enhancing features used most at home.

Only released for testing for now, Microsoft and Skype are working together to bring a “Meet Now” button to the Windows 10 taskbar. This will allow users to video call with just a couple clicks, making remote chatting as simplistic as possible.

According to Gadgets 360, “The new development comes over six months after the Redmond company introduced the Meet Now feature on Skype to let people start a virtual group conversation without requiring any app or sign up. Emerging players including Zoom have seen a significant increase in their adoption during the pandemic. However, Skype hasn’t received any major growth. Microsoft’s latest move is, thus, a strategy to boost Skype usage.”

This feature will also be free and won’t require registration or downloading anything.

It is unsure when this feature will become available, but if the testing is successful, it should come out in a near future update. If you’re in the Windows Insiders Program, you can get involved in the beta testing of this handy feature.

For inquiries about Microsoft, 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 from our staff at the Denver Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Denver, CO please call or text the local office at (720) 441-6460.