Msvcr80.dll is a runtime dynamic link library file. This file is typically required to run programs written with Visual Studio.
Msvcr80.dll error messages might appear when using or installing certain programs on your PC, that are dependent on the Msvcr80.dll file to run and load.
This error message may appear on your computer screen in either of the following formats:
"Msvcr80.dll Not Found"
"This application failed to start because msvcr80.dll was not found. Re-installing the application may fix this problem."
"The file msvcr80.dll is missing."
"Cannot start [APPLICATION]. A required component is missing: msvcr80.dll. Please install [APPLICATION] again.
"APSDaemon.exe - System Error - MSVCR80.dll is missing from your computer."
"Cannot find [PATH]msvcr80.dll"
Solution
Error Causes
Msvcr80.dll error is a common Windows PC error. This error code may occur due to multiple reasons. These include:
Removal and corruption of Msvcr80.dll file
Registry issues
Viral infection
Hardware failure
Improper software installation
It is advisable to resolve this error code to avoid inconvenience. This error may hamper your ability to access and run your desired program.
Further Information and Manual Repair
Here are some of the best and easiest DIY solutions to fix the Msvcr80.dll error on your PC right away:
1. Check your Recycle Bin for the Missing Msvcr80.dll file or Download the Msvcr80.dll file from a Trusted Website
If you receive the error message ‘missing Msvcr80.dll file’ then first check the recycle bin. It is possible that you may have unknowingly deleted the Msvcr80.dll file while uninstalling a program from the PC.
Remember dll files are shared files. These files are used by a number of programs on your PC to run and load. There is a possibility that the program you uninstalled shared the same file to run on your PC. So, when removing that program from your PC it could have also deleted the Msvcr80.dll file.
Therefore, check your recycle bin to restore the missing file. Nonetheless, if in case you are unable to locate the missing Msvcr80.dll file, then try downloading it on your PC. However, when doing so, make sure you download the file from a reliable dll download website.
2. Uninstall and Reinstall Apple iTunes Program
This error commonly pops up when running Apple iTunes on your PC.
To resolve this issue, and ensure smooth access to Apple iTunes, here’s what you need to do: uninstall from Windows the following programs in this order: Apple iTunes, Software update, Apple Mobile device support, Bonjour, application support, iCloud and mobile me.
Skip over software that you haven’t installed already on your system. When uninstalling the programs, if you have two entries of the same software, then uninstall the older version first and then the newer one.
To do so, go to Applet in the Control Panel. It is called programs and features in Windows 7, 8, and Vista and add/remove programs in Windows XP. Once all Apple software is uninstalled, the next step is to download the latest version of iTunes from Apple. After the software is downloaded on your system successfully, run it. This is most likely to resolve the issue.
3. Scan for Viruses
If the issue still persists, then the underlying cause could be related to malware invasion. Therefore in such circumstances, it is advisable to scan for viruses and malware with a powerful antivirus on your PC and remove them right away.
Please note, using an antivirus may slow down your PC performance.
4. Perform Registry Scan and Repair
When the registry is overloaded with unnecessary and redundant files like junk files, cookies, invalid entries, and bad keys, it gets corrupted easily thereby generating errors like Msvcr80.dll errors. To resolve this issue, you must perform a registry scan and repair it with a powerful registry cleaner.
Whether the cause of the issue is a viral infection or the cause is related to registry problems, the best way to resolve the issue without compromising the speed of your system is to download Restoro.
This is an advanced, cutting-edge, and multi-functional PC repair tool. It is compatible with all Windows versions.
This software is embedded with multiple PC repair and performance-boosting utilities such as a registry cleaner, an antivirus, and a system optimizer. It has a high functional intuitive algorithm and a user-friendly interface.
The registry cleaning feature detects all registry issues, wipes unnecessary files, cleans and repairs the corrupt registry and damaged dll files.
The antivirus utility scans for all types of malware, viruses, Trojans, and spyware and removes them immediately. While the system optimizer module helps boost your computer’s performance to its optimal level. In just a few simple clicks, the Msvcr80.dll error is resolved.
To get started, click here to download Restoro on your PC today!
If your Windows 10 computer or laptop keeps on going to sleep randomly even when you’re using it, read on as this post will walk you through the process of resolving the problem.
There are a number of users who reported about how their Windows 10 computers would automatically go into Sleep Mode. One particular user claimed that when he installed a fresh Windows 10 version he began experiencing the same problem.
It turns out that the screen goes to sleep but what’s odd is that the power lights and the keyboard are still working. The computer is also warm to touch which shouldn’t be the case when it is in sleep mode. And when some users tried checking the event log, it showed them that the computer didn’t actually go into sleep mode but it shut down instead. To fix this issue, here are some possible fixes that could hopefully work.
Option 1 – Edit the Power Plan settings using Control Panel
Click the Cortana button and type “control panel” in the field and select the appropriate result to open Control Panel.
After opening Control Panel, click on the Power Options.
From there, select the “Edit Plan Settings” option and make sure that the option to “Put the computer to sleep” is set to Never.
Option 2 – Edit the Power Options using Settings
Tap the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
After that, select Settings and go to the Power & sleep section.
Next, set the system to “Never” when the device is running on battery power or plugged in.
Now restart your computer to make sure that everything is working properly.
Option 3 – Try running the Power Troubleshooter
Another option that could help resolve the problem is the Power Troubleshooter. This built-in troubleshooter in Windows can help you get things up and running again.
Option 4 – Troubleshoot Sleep Mode issue in a Clean Boot State
The issue with Sleep Mode might be caused by some third-party programs installed on your computer. This program might be the one that puts your computer to sleep and so to isolate this possibility, you have to put your PC in a Clean Boot State using the steps below.
Log onto your PC as an administrator.
Type in MSConfig in the Start Search to open the System Configuration utility.
From there, go to the General tab and click “Selective startup”.
Clear the “Load Startup items” check box and make sure that the “Load System Services” and “Use Original boot configuration” options are checked.
Next, click the Services tab and select the “Hide All Microsoft Services” check box.
Click Disable all.
Click on Apply/OK and restart your PC. (This will put your PC into a Clean Boot State. And configure Windows to use the usual startup, just simply undo the changes.)
After that, try to install the Windows Updates or upgrade again.
Option 5 – Try checking the Sleep Advanced Settings
Click on the Windows key and type “control panel” in the field and select the related search result.
Next, select the Security and Maintenance option and click on the Power Options.
After that, you have to select the Change Plan Settings but keep in mind that this option is barely readable so you need to read each option carefully.
Now click on the Change advanced power settings button and a new window will appear.
Then look for the “Sleep” option and expand it to select the Allow hybrid sleep” option. Turn this option off and close all the opened windows.
Reboot your computer and check if your computer now functions properly. If it still didn’t work, you may have to reverse the changes you’ve made.
Option 6 – Try installing v9 or 10 of the MEI or Intel Management Engine Interface
Note that this option only applies to users who are using an HP laptop. And if your motherboard does not support Hybrid Sleep, you might have to downgrade the Intel MEI to version 9 or 10. To install v9 or v10, you need to go to the HP Drivers & Downloads page and look for the MEI driver version 9 from the website’s Driver Chipset section. Once you’ve downloaded the driver, install it and if a dialog box warning pops up, simply ignore it and proceed.
Option 7 – Update the device drivers
Reboot your computer into Safe Mode with networking support.
Tap the Win + R keys on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
After that, type “devmgmt.msc” in the field and hit Enter or click OK to open the Device Manager.
After opening the Device Manager, update all the outdated Device drivers on your computer.
Next, right-click on all the driver entries that are appropriately labeled, and then click the Update driver option.
Now restart your PC and check if your computer is now back to normal.
When downloading a Windows update, it is important to remember that these updates are what keeps your computer safe. Some users have reported seeing error code 0x80070490 when allowing updates for their Windows PC. This error code may appear when the user is trying to connect to the update site for Windows and maybe a result of a corrupted CBS manifest. Having this error code will not only stop the update of the system, but it will also certainly halt any work being done with the computer. Quite a few Windows users have written in complaints about this error while updating from any prior Windows update to Windows 10.
Common symptoms include:
While a user is performing the updates, the Windows computer will stop running the updates, and it will show the error code 0x80070490.
Windows updates will not install any new features and will not install security patches.
The computer will not continue with the Windows update, and it may revert back to the previous state that the computer was in, prior to attempting the updates.
Error Causes
There is not a lot known about what exactly causes the error code 0x80070490, but it is something critical that makes Windows abruptly stop its updates. It could be caused by a simple glitch in the computer system, or it could be caused by a larger problem. One thought is that the CBS (Component-Based Servicing) manifest can be corrupt. Another thought is that the computer's anti-virus software may be interfering with the computer's ability to perform the necessary updates.
Further Information and Manual Repair
There is very little information known about error code 0x80070490 and why it exists, but there are a few methods in which to correct it. Users should be careful when trying to fix this error themselves. If the user feels that the methods are too complicated or they are uncomfortable taking it on themselves, they should contact a Windows repair technician to fix the problem. Not all methods listed will suit the user's needs, but it is dependent upon the problem at hand as to which method will be the best fit to fix the error code. If these steps are taken and the error is not corrected, it is vital to contact the Windows repair technician.
Method One: Creating a new local account
Create a new local account on the computer, and allow administrator privileges on it. Next, move all of your documents and personal files to the new account. Delete the old account (you will no longer be using this) and switch over to the new one. After switching to the new local account, add the Microsoft account to it.
Method Two: Delete user ID, Store cache from the registry
You will need to open the Registry Editor. Do this by pressing the Windows Key and R, then typing in “Regedit”. After this is typed in, press Enter or click the OK button to start the registry editor.
When this starts, you will need to navigate all the way to the following key on the left pane:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionAppxAppxAllUserStoreAfter this, find the key that is similar to this: S-1-5-21-1505978256-3813739684-4272618129-1016
NOTE: this is just an example. The keys will be in a similar format but will not look exactly like this.
Select all the keys that look like this, and then delete them. After these keys are deleted, close the Registry Editor and restart the computer.
Method Three: Check to see if BITS, MSI Installer, Cryptographic, and Windows Update Services are running
Press the Windows key and R. Then, type in services.msc. After the Services window starts up, find the following services: BITS, MSI Installer, Cryptographic, and Windows Update Services. When these services are found, make sure that they are up and running. If one or more of these services is not running, make sure that they are started. To do this, select the service and then click on Start the Service.
Method Four: Windows Update Troubleshooting
Press the Windows key plus W and then type in “troubleshooting”. Select Troubleshooting. On the top left corner, select View All. Click on Windows Update troubleshooter. After this, follow the on-screen instructions in order to run the troubleshooter. After the troubleshooter has run, the issue should be fixed.
This is a typical system error code. It stops your ability to run or load programs on your PC. The error message is displayed in the following format:
‘Windows cannot verify the digital signature for this file.
A recent hardware or software change might have installed a file that is signed incorrectly or damaged, or that might be malicious software from an unknown source.’
Solution
Error Causes
Error 577 may be triggered due to several reasons. However, the most common causes of this error include:
Device Driver Conflicts
Hardware Malfunction
Viral Infection
Windows Registry Corruption or Damage
Software File Corruption or Damage
Error 577 can prove to be fatal if the underlying causes are related to viral infection or registry corruption.
Further Information and Manual Repair
To resolve error 577 on your PC, you don’t have to hire a professional and spend hundreds of dollars on repair. The process for fixing this error is simple and easy.
Here are some of the best and efficient methods to repair error 577 - no technical expertise is required.
Method 1 - Check and Update Device Drivers
If the problem is triggered by the outdated or corrupted driver for the device reporting the error then it is advisable to update the driver.
To do this, first, uninstall the corrupted driver and then reinstall the latest version.
For this simply click the start menu, go to the control panel and then click Performance and Maintenance, and then System. In the new window, you will then see a tab called Hardware and the Device Manager.
Double click on the device whose driver you need to uninstall. Click on the properties window with a tab marked driver. Then click on the driver you want to uninstall. To activate changes reboot your PC.
Now reinstall the latest and updated version of the driver uninstalled using the Plug and Play feature.
Method 2 - Scan For Viruses
System error codes like 577 can also pop up if your PC is infected by viruses. Viruses enter through phishing emails and downloadable files from unreliable websites.
If the reason for error 577 is a viral infection, then simply install a powerful antivirus, run it to scan your entire PC. Remove all the viruses and malicious programs immediately to resolve.
If the issue still persists, then try method 3.
Method 3 - Repair the Registry
Sometimes registry corruption can be the underlying cause for error 577. The registry is the part that saves all activities performed on the system.
It stores both important and unnecessary files like junk files, cookies, and bad registry entries. If these files are not removed from the registry frequently, they accumulate and corrupt the registry which then generates system error codes.
To resolve and repair the registry in seconds, simply download Restoro. This is a user-friendly PC Repair Tool embedded with a registry cleaner. It wipes away all unnecessary files corrupting the registry and repairs it.
Click here to download Restoro.
In recent times, some Windows 10 users have seen an error code BCM20702A0, when using Bluetooth and they are concerned as to what it is all about. We can say for certain that it has something to do with your Bluetooth driver. The error message in question is:
The drivers for this device are not installed. There are no compatible drivers for this device.
The problem here tends to no longer allow specific Bluetooth components to properly communicate with your Windows 10 operating system. It also affects laptops that do not have native Bluetooth support; therefore, the manufacturer installed a dongle on the inside to deliver the service. This is not the best way to do things because native support is always better. On the other hand, maybe you’re using a Broadcom USB Bluetooth dongle that is acting up, and as such, the error is showing.
Below are solutions provided for this particular error and how to eliminate it.
Run the Bluetooth Troubleshooter
Press ⊞ WINDOWS to open the menu and select settings
In settings choose Update & Security
Go to troubleshoot and on the right panel click on additional troubleshooters
Click on Bluetooth
Select Run the troubleshooter, then sit back and allow the tool to do its thing. Once you’ve completed the task, click on Apply this fix if any repairs are needed
Reboot your computer
Install Broadcom driver from official website
Windows drivers for Broadcom Bluetooth devices are no longer posted on their website. They should be available through Microsoft’s Windows Update service. If drivers were not downloaded automatically by Windows Update, use Device Manager to refresh the driver from Windows Update.
However, the Broadcom Bluetooth drivers seem to be available here on the Lenovo website. To fix the BCM20702A0 driver error, you may download and install them.
After downloading it, right-click on the downloaded item, and select Run as administrator. After installation, restart your computer, then check again if it works.
Remove all Bluetooth drivers and USB controllers
If previous solutions did not work, go to device manager and remove all Bluetooth devices along with all USB controllers.
Reboot your computer and Windows will automatically reinstall and set all devices.
Free Ride Games is a desktop casual game program and potentially unwanted application. It sets its player to run in startup boot with Windows and installs additional files outside of its designated installation folders. The software reads PC information to display targeted advertising and runs a background process that cannot be shut down even by exiting the FreeRide Player. The player runs in full screen with no visible window controls to exit or minimize, and contains unskippable advertising in its function. While not malicious, the FreeRide Player possesses many traits that as of publication time have caused some AntiVirus programs to designate it as potentially unwanted adware. It has also been associated with adware distribution toolbars such as GameVance.
About Browser Hijackers
Browser hijacking means a malicious code has power over and modified the settings of your browser, without your consent. Browser hijacker malware is created for a variety of reasons. Typically, hijackers will force hits to websites of their preference either to increase web traffic generating higher ad earnings, or to gain a commission for each and every user visiting there. Many people think that such websites are legitimate and harmless but that is incorrect. Nearly every browser hijacker poses an actual threat to your online safety and it is vital to categorize them under privacy risks. When the malware attacks your computer or laptop, it begins to mess things up a whole that slows your system down to a crawl. In the worse case, you will be pushed to deal with serious malware threats as well.
Browser hijacking signs
There are numerous signs that could indicate a browser hijacking:
1. you find unauthorized modifications to your Internet browser’s home-page2. when you enter a URL, you find yourself regularly directed to some other website than the one you actually intended3. the default web engine and the default browser settings are modified4. discover new toolbars that you didn’t add5. you might find numerous pop-up adverts on your computer screen6. your internet browser has become unstable or starts running sluggishly7. you are blocked to access those sites of security solution providers.
How it infects your computer
Browser hijackers could use drive-by downloads or file-sharing websites or even an email attachment to reach a targeted computer. They can also come from any BHO, extension, toolbar, add-on, or plug-in with malicious objectives. Also, certain freeware and shareware can put the hijacker in your computer through the “bundling” technique. An example of some notorious browser hijacker includes Conduit, Anyprotect, Babylon, DefaultTab, SweetPage, Delta Search, and RocketTab, but the names are constantly changing.
Browser hijacking can lead to serious privacy issues and also identity theft, affect your web browsing experience by taking control of outbound traffic, substantially slows down your personal computer by depleting a lot of resources and lead to system instability as well.
How to remove a browser hijacker
Some hijackers could be removed by just uninstalling the related freeware or add-ons through the Add or Remove Programs in the Windows Control Panel. However, most hijackers are difficult to eliminate manually. Regardless of how much you attempt to get rid of it, it might keep returning again and again. Furthermore, manual removals demand in-depth system knowledge and therefore can be an extremely difficult task for beginner computer users.
Can't Install Safebytes Anti-malware due to the presence of Malware? Try This!
Malware can cause all kinds of damage when they invade your system, from stealing your personal details to erasing files on your computer system. Some malware sits in between the computer and your net connection and blocks a few or all internet sites that you really want to check out. It might also prevent you from adding anything on your PC, particularly anti-malware applications. If you are reading this, chances are you’re stuck with a malware infection that is preventing you to download and/or install the Safebytes Anti-Malware program on your system. Even though this sort of problem can be harder to get around, there are a few actions you can take.
Install the anti-virus in Safe Mode
If the virus is set to load automatically when Microsoft Windows starts, entering Safe Mode could block the attempt. Only minimal required applications and services are loaded when you boot your computer or laptop into Safe Mode. To launch your Windows XP, Vista, or 7 PCs in Safe Mode with Networking, please do as instructed below.
1) At power on, hit the F8 key while the Windows splash screen begins to load. This will bring up the Advanced Boot Options menu.2) Select Safe Mode with Networking with arrow keys and hit ENTER.3) When you are into this mode, you should have online access once again. Now, get the malware removal application you want by using the browser. To install the software, follow the directions in the setup wizard.4) Following installation, run a complete scan and let the program delete the threats it discovers.
Download the antivirus program in an alternate browser
Web-based viruses could be environment-specific, aiming for a specific web browser or attacking specific versions of the browser. If you appear to have malware attached to Internet Explorer, then switch over to a different web browser with built-in safety features, such as Firefox or Chrome, to download your favorite antivirus program – Safebytes.
Make a bootable USB antivirus drive
Another option is to save and operate an anti-malware software program entirely from a USB drive. To run anti-malware from a USB drive, follow these simple steps:
1) Download the anti-malware program on a virus-free PC.2) Plug in the pen drive into the clean computer.3) Run the setup program by double-clicking the executable file of the downloaded application, which has a .exe file extension.4) Select flash drive as the location when the wizard asks you exactly where you wish to install the application. Follow the directions to complete the installation process.5) Remove the flash drive. Now you can use this portable antivirus on the infected computer.6) Double-click the Safebytes Anti-malware icon on the thumb drive to run the software.7) Click on the “Scan” button to run a full computer scan and remove viruses automatically.
How SafeBytes Anti-Malware Keep your Machine Virus Free"]If you are planning to buy anti-malware for your desktop, there are numerous brands and applications for you to consider. Some are very good ones, some are decent, while some are merely bogus anti-malware applications that will damage your computer themselves! You have to look for a tool that has gained a strong reputation and detects not just viruses but other types of malware also. Among few good applications, SafeBytes Anti-Malware is the highly recommended program for the security-conscious end user.
SafeBytes anti-malware is really a powerful, highly effective protection tool made to assist end-users of all levels of computer literacy in detecting and removing malicious threats from their PC. After you have installed this tool, SafeBytes sophisticated protection system will make sure that no viruses or malicious software can seep through your PC.
SafeBytes has excellent features when compared to other anti-malware programs. The following are some typical features found in this software:
Active Protection: SafeBytes provides complete and real-time security for your personal machine. It will check your computer system for suspicious activity continuously and its unrivaled firewall protects your PC from unauthorized access by the outside world.
Most effective AntiMalware Protection: Using its enhanced and sophisticated algorithm, this malware removal tool can detect and eliminate the malware threats hiding in your computer system effectively.
Web Protection: SafeBytes checks and gives a unique safety rating to each and every website you visit and block access to webpages considered to be phishing sites, thus safeguarding you from identity theft, or known to contain malicious software.
Faster Scanning: Safebytes Anti-Malware, using its advanced scanning engine, provides extremely fast scanning which can quickly target any active online threat.
Light-weight: This software is lightweight and will work silently in the background, and that does not have an effect on your computer efficiency.
24/7 Online Tech Support: You can get 24/7 technical support to promptly resolve any concern with your security tool.
Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)
If you wish to manually remove FreeRideGames without the use of an automated tool, it may be possible to do so by removing the program from the Windows Add/Remove Programs menu, or in cases of browser extensions, going to the browsers AddOn/Extension manager and removing it. You will likely also want to reset your browser.
To ensure the complete removal, manually check your hard drive and registry for all of the following and remove or reset the values accordingly. Please note that this is for advanced users only and may be difficult, with incorrect file removal causing additional PC errors. In addition, some malware is capable of replicating or preventing deletion. Doing this in Safe Mode is advised.
The following files, folders, and registry entries are created or modified by FreeRideGames.
Microsoft has implemented a number of small features in Windows 10 to enhance user productivity. These features make a difference in the overall experience and productivity of users. However, there are times that instead of helping users, these small feature causes some issues instead which causes the computer to function in an unusual way. One of the issues caused by these features is where the Mouse automatically scrolls up or down even without any user intervention. This can get really annoying especially when you’re doing an important task on your computer. So if this bug takes place repeatedly, it can make your computer unusable. If you are currently facing this problem, worry not for this post will guide you on what to do to fix the mouse auto-scrolling issue in your Windows 10 computer.
Use the options provided below to fix the mouse auto-scrolling issue.
Option 1 – Try to toggle the appropriate Mouse 10 setting
Tap the Win + I keys to open the Settings app.
After that, navigate to Devices > Mouse.
From there, toggle the “Scroll inactive windows when I hover over them” setting to off.
Now restart your computer and see if the issue is resolved.
Option 2 – Try to uninstall the installed Windows Updates recently
The mouse issue might have something to do with a recent update you have installed on your computer. It is possible that there are some recently installed updates that have messed up some settings in your computer. Thus, you can try to uninstall this recent Windows Update to try and fix the problem. Not that the best way to do this is in Safe Mode.
Boot your computer into Safe Mode first.
Once your computer has restarted, tap the Win + I keys to open the Settings app.
Next, click on Update and Security, and from the left side menu column, select Windows Update.
After that, select the “View installed update history” option on the right-side column.
Then click on Uninstall Updates. This will open a window where you’ll see the list of all the installed updates on your computer.
Select the update you want to uninstall and click on the Uninstall button located in the lower-right corner of the window.
Option 3 – Try to run System Restore
You might have made some adjustments in your computer’s settings that caused the issue with the mouse. You can undo those changes using System Restore.
Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
After that, type in “sysdm.cpl” in the field and tap Enter.
Next, go to the System Protection tab then click the System Restore button. This will open a new window where you have to select your preferred System Restore point.
After that, follow the on-screen instructions to finish the process and then restart your computer and then check if your mouse is now back to its normal state.
If you have a BlueTooth device on your computer, you know that each time you need to receive or transfer the file you need to find the icon in the system tray, right-click on it and choose the desired option. But there is a simpler solution, create a Bluetooth icon on the desktop so it is always easy to access.
Open File Explorer by pressing ⊞ WINDOWS + E
Go to C:\Windows\System32
Find fsquirt.exeRight-click on it and choose copy
Go to the desktop and right-click, choose pasteRename the file to Bluetooth
And, you are done!
Have you been feeling anxious in the digital space? Feeling like you have a million eyes on you each time you visit a website? It can definitely make you uneasy. Luckily there’s an easy fix, and it’s called a VPN.
In this article we’ll take you through the basics of what a VPN does and some of the biggest benefits you can reap from buying one.
VPN: definition and how it works
VPN stands for Virtual Private Network, so its name already says a lot about what it does.
A VPN is specialized software that keeps your browsing private and secure. Essentially it hides your identity, preventing possible cyberattacks and data theft. This is especially important in cases of public network use, where you’re highly exposed to potential threats.
To be more specific, this software encrypts your Internet Protocol (IP) address by filtering it through a server hosted by the VPN provider first. That way, it prevents your Internet service provider, third parties and lurking online thieves from tracking the actual you.
Credit: FLY:D on Unsplash
Some providers, such as Surfshark VPN with its IP Rotator feature, even make it a habit to frequently change your IP address to further protect your identity. With most VPN providers, you can also appear to be in a completely different country, adding to your disguise.
There are tons of advantages you can look forward to if you decide to use a VPN. Take a look at some of the crucial ones.
Benefits of using a VPN
When choosing a VPN, you can find both free and paid options. We recommend you go with the paid ones, since they have stronger security, encryption and data protection, as well as more advanced features. Free VPNs come with limitations and risk of malicious attacks on the software itself.
You can choose to buy a singular VPN service or opt for antivirus software that has a VPN built in, for example Bitdefender’s Ultimate Security plan. That depends on what you use your computer for and how much.
When you pick one, here’s what it can do for you.
1. Access region-specific content
When we said you could change your location, we meant it. Say you’re using a streaming service and a show you desperately want to watch isn’t available in your country. You can use your VPN to make it look like you’re browsing from a country where it’s unlocked.
This option is also convenient for gamers who want to access maps, skins and other in-game items unavailable in their location.
In addition, you can use this powerful feature when you’re traveling to a region where some of your favorite content may not be accessible.
Do keep in mind that you need to read the Terms and Conditions (yeah, we know - who does that?) of your games and services before doing this, since you could end up getting a penalty. It’s also important to remember that there are entire countries that have strict regulations or even bans on VPNs, for example Belarus, Russia and China. So make sure to be very cautious with your VPN use, friends.
2. Browse like no one’s watching
VPNs shield your browsing habits from prying eyes on the web. Those can be malicious hackers or just third-party cookies tracking your every move to later bombard you with targeted ads. For example, Surfshark VPN features a Cookie blocker that blocks all cookie-related pop-ups and lets you browse in peace (and secret). It works even when the VPN is turned off, which is also pretty neat.
In addition, their CleanWeb 2.0 technology makes sure ads and especially malware don’t stand a chance at all, since they’re blocked before they can even load.
The inability of sites to track your browsing means they can’t collect and analyze any of your data. So, your personal information - or your company’s information in case that’s what you’re using your computer for - is entirely hidden and secure.
3. Save money
It’s well-known that the prices of certain items and services vary based on your location, browsing time, age and many other factors. This most commonly goes for airline tickets and hotel stays.
You can use your VPN to avoid high prices and surcharges. Clear all cookies, turn on your VPN and visit an online shopping site to check out their prices. Then compare your findings with the offers you see when your VPN is off, when you spend a long time on the site or have an active account with the company.
Sometimes this can really help you find the best deals and avoid breaking the bank. But again, check the Terms and Conditions before you purchase something using a VPN.
4. Secure your smart home
The more smart devices you have connected to your network, the more exposed you are to potential cyberattacks. Phones and computers are generally designed to be decently secure even without a VPN or antivirus, but smart home devices leave a lot to be desired in that regard.
Protecting your home network with a VPN software means all devices connected to it are secure, be it an air purifier or Alexa.
Credit: Bence Boros on Unsplash
5. Prevent connection slowdown
Your ISP can intentionally slow down your internet speed based on how much data you’ve consumed (data throttling) or your activities online (bandwidth throttling).
But with a VPN, what kind of data you send and receive and how much is entirely hidden. Therefore, if your ISP can’t see you, they can’t control you and they can’t throttle down your speed.
The bottom line
You can never be too safe online. So definitely think about getting yourself a solid VPN to pump up your privacy and security as much as you can. And if you have any questions or need help choosing the perfect software for you, feel free to reach out to us.
A slow PC startup can be pretty annoying. This usually results from various computer issues. If your computer is acting sluggishly, here are four ways to speed up your PC startup.
There is a lot of software on the market today, but from time to time we discover something extraordinary and unique worth sharing and today we have a threat for you. Ventoy is a tool that will help you with system reinstallations and system maintenance once and for all.
If you are a computer user that has multiple operating systems or you are installing and maintaining different hardware via different OS there is a high chance that you have multiple USB sticks with different operating systems on them.
Now the problem with that is that there are probably too many unlabeled sticks around or you do not have enough so you keep making system USBs depending on which one you might need.
Ventoy solves all of these problems by letting you have as many operating systems images as your USB has capacity. The only thing you need to do is get the software here: https://www.ventoy.net/en/index.html and make a USB with it, then you can freely just copy your ISO images onto the USB and once it is inserted into the computer you will be given a menu to choose which one you would like to start with, simple as that.
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