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iOS tip: Getting spam calls on your iPhone? Here’s how to block them

iOS tip: Getting spam calls on your iPhone? Here’s how to block them

by ben patterson | Apr 12, 2017 | how-tos, privacy

Lately, I’ve noticed a surge in suspicious calls to my iPhone from Florida, and the callers always say the same thing. They claim that I have an unpaid debt that needs to be paid, and could they verify my social security number, please? Yep, that’s a scam...
Facebook tip: How to view everything you’ve ever “liked”

Facebook tip: How to view everything you’ve ever “liked”

by ben patterson | Mar 8, 2017 | how-tos, privacy, social networks

So, how many photos, updates, web pages, and other online items have you liked on Facebook? A few dozens? Hundreds? Maybe even (gulp) thousands? If you’ve lost track of your various Facebook likes over the years, a quick trip to your “Activity Log” on Facebook will...
Facebook tip: How to remove an app from your Facebook account

Facebook tip: How to remove an app from your Facebook account

by ben patterson | Oct 13, 2016 | privacy, social networks

Lost track of how many third-party apps and websites have access to your Facebook account? Trust me, you’re not the only one. As it turns out, I’ve granted more than 30 (!) apps and websites access to my Facebook profile over the years. Some of them were games...
Reader mail: Are third-party keyboards spying on me?

Reader mail: Are third-party keyboards spying on me?

by ben patterson | Apr 27, 2016 | how-tos, phones, privacy, tablets

Geraline writes: I read your “How to type with a swipe” article. I had an Android phone that came with Gesture Typing, but I’ve today been given another Android phone, and it doesn’t have that. I’ve downloaded third-party keyboards...
Facebook tip: How to keep the world from seeing your Friends list

Facebook tip: How to keep the world from seeing your Friends list

by ben patterson | Mar 30, 2016 | desktops, how-tos, laptops, privacy, social networks

John writes: Do Facebook fan pages and other likeable pages (including those “what color is” quiz pages) get to see my Facebook friends list? Hi John! If you “like” a fan page on Facebook, the owner of that page will (of course) see that...
3 ways to unfriend a Facebook friend without really unfriending them

3 ways to unfriend a Facebook friend without really unfriending them

by ben patterson | Aug 12, 2015 | Featured, how-tos, privacy, social networks

[Updated February 20, 2018] Got an oversharing Facebook buddy who can’t stop with the food photos, a sullen friend who’s bringing you down with all his depressing updates, or a frenemy who you don’t want peeking at your Facebook photo albums? Well, you could always...
7 must-know privacy tips for Instagram newbies

7 must-know privacy tips for Instagram newbies

by ben patterson | Apr 28, 2015 | apps, how-tos, phones, privacy

So, what’s the big deal about Instagram, you ask? Well, it’s not just a smartphone app for adding eye-popping color filters and blur effects to your photos. Above all, Instagram is about sharing your latest snapshots with friends, other Instagram users, and yes, the...
Facebook tip: How to keep your list of Facebook friends private

Facebook tip: How to keep your list of Facebook friends private

by ben patterson | May 14, 2014 | how-tos, privacy, social networks

Danelle writes: Love your tips about Facebook. Do you know of any way to not allow Facebook friends to view other friends profiles? I have a friend that snoops and I don’t want any comments made to any of my other friends that would cause harm. Any thoughts?...
Google tip: How to clear the saved searches in your “Web History”

Google tip: How to clear the saved searches in your “Web History”

by ben patterson | Jun 27, 2013 | desktops, how-tos, laptops, privacy, search

Here’s a question for you: When you search on Google, are you also signed in to Google? If so, there’s a good chance Google is saving a so-called “Web History” of each and every one of your searches, stretching back for months or even years. I checked my...
Facebook tip: 4 ways to keep photos, likes, and comments private (updated)

Facebook tip: 4 ways to keep photos, likes, and comments private (updated)

by ben patterson | Jun 10, 2013 | how-tos, privacy, social networks

So, have you seen this epic rant pop up on your Facebook news feed lately? Hold onto your hats… SPOILER ALERT: it’s all about how to keep your photos, likes, and comments private on Facebook! Please do this for me. Once I see it on your wall, I’ll do...
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