Thanks to technology more people are more connected in more ways than ever before.

While it might seem like polarization, fake news, comment cesspools, and worse, are all the result, in reality technology is much more than the social media where most of that seems to originate. In reality it's always been there -- if anything, empowering more people to connect in more ways has allowed a greater light to be shed on all corners of society.

It's the horrific stuff that makes the headlines.

This week's featured article reminds us of all the ways we're connected, much of which we now simply take for granted.

Also this week:

Once your computer has been compromised it's natural to want to know exactly what was compromised. The news is not good.

Windows 8.1 comes between Windows 7 and Windows 10, so it's probably less of a leap to maybe switch to it instead of going all the way to 10, right? Well, to paraphrase click-bait headlines, the answer will almost certainly surprise you.

Keeping sensitive data on a thumbdrive is common. Doing so securely is not, even though it's not that hard.

Not sure if you've noticed, but I've pulled together the first volume of The Best of Ask Leo! into ebook and paper form. Check it out: The Best of Ask Leo ' Volume 1.

I mentioned last week a technology change on the Ask Leo! website -- it all seems to have gone well. If you're someone who likes to print Ask Leo! articles, you might give that another try. The new technology seems to be handling that better. (Do print from the web site itself. Click through to any articles mentioned in email to get to the website. Printing email has its own special set of additional complications, many of which I have no control over.)

Have a great week!

Does Technology Isolate or Connect?

I sometimes hear folks complaining that today's technology isolates people, and — depending on the ferocity of their opinion — is leading to society's moral decay and eventual collapse.

I couldn't disagree more.

I see technology as part of the solution, rather than the problem.

Continue Reading: Does Technology Isolate or Connect?
https://askleo.com/18781

Which Files Were Affected by a Hack or Malware?

How can you determine which Windows files or registry settings have been compromised after your system has been hacked?

You cannot.

Once your machine has been hacked, it's not your machine any more.

And yes, that sounds serious, because it absolutely is.

Continue Reading: Which Files Were Affected by a Hack or Malware?
https://askleo.com/77257

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Should I Upgrade to Windows 8.1 Instead of Windows 10?

After reading the most recent article about Windows 7 support updates ending in 2020, what are your thoughts about moving from Windows 7 to Windows 8.1 versus switching to Windows 10?

I have been very content with Windows 7, even more so than with Windows XP, but my adult-daughter told me several years ago that I might not be happy with Windows 10 and should remain where I am at.

My strong recommendation is that if you switch, you switch to Windows 10.

There are several reasons, not the least of which is often referred to as the informal “every other version” rule for Windows.

Continue Reading: Should I Upgrade to Windows 8.1 Instead of Windows 10?
https://askleo.com/77270

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How Do I Password-protect a Flash Drive?

I want to put all of my websites and passwords in a text file and store them on a flash drive for safekeeping. How do I password protect it?

There are several different ways to do this.

You can purchase flash drives that have built-in password or PIN protection. They tend to be pricey, but they're almost perfect for this kind of situation.

Frankly, I don't recommend them. There are other solutions that are more flexible and less costly.

Continue Reading: How Do I Password-protect a Flash Drive?
https://askleo.com/3660

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