How to remove MyWebFace

There are instances when you might encounter an error that says, “Something went wrong, We couldn’t start your program” when you open any Office program. This could be due to an issue with the Office file and any Office app you open throws the same error message. This applies to Office 2019/2016, Office 365 Home, Office for Business as well as Business editions. In this post, you will be guided in what you can do to resolve this error. There are several potential fixes for this error, you might only have to restart your computer or you may have to repair Office from Apps and Features or you could also uninstall and install it back again. For more details, follow each one of the provided options below.

Option 1 – Restart your computer

You might be unable to launch any Office app due to some background process that got stuck or there might be some glitch in the system. Thus, the first thing you can do to resolve the error is simply restarting your computer. Once you’ve restarted your computer, open the Office app again or you could also try to sign in back with your Microsoft account that’s connected to Office. If you’re not quite sure which account you were using, you can follow these steps:

• Open any Office app.
• Then click on File and look for your name located in the top-right portion.
• Now click on it. This will display the email or Microsoft account that’s related to Office.

Option 2 – Try repairing Office from Apps and Features

Since Windows 10 offers some repair features that could replace some of the core files with the original files, you can take advantage of such a feature to fix the “Something went wrong, We couldn’t start your program” error when opening any Office app.

• Open Windows settings and click the Apps and Features option.
• Next, scroll down until you see the Microsoft Office installation option. Select it and click on Modify.
• This will open a window and from there, select Quick Repair or Online Repair and click on the Repair button.

Note: When you choose to repair, you might be given two options which depend on how Microsoft Office was installed. For instance, it was installed via Web Installer or Offline Installer (MSI-based). In Web Installer, select Online Repair > Repair when you’re prompted on how you would like to repair Office. While in MSI-based, you have to select Repair under “Change your installation” and then click on Continue. The repair process makes sure that the app data remains untouched.

Option 3 – Try to uninstall and reinstall Office

If neither of the two given options above worked, then you might want to uninstall Office and reinstall it. All you have to do is download the Microsoft Office Uninstall tool from the official site of Microsoft and run it. This will remove any incomplete Office installation as well as unwanted files. It will also get rid of all the Office apps and settings on your computer.

Software Updater is an ad-supported browser extension hijacker that claims to update your PC programs and drivers. In addition to managing the installation of your selected software, this install manager will make recommendations for additional free software that you may be interested in. Additional software may include toolbars, browser add-ons, game applications, anti-virus applications, and other types of applications. The hijacked homepage, softwareupdater.com, did not have valid legal privacy and disclaimer policies on its website as of publication date.

This software adds a Windows Task Scheduler in order to launch the program at various times, including system startup. The software has access to all installed applications on your PC and can install bundled products with unwanted malware. It is also commonly distributed in bundles with unwanted software. Several anti-virus programs have classified this software as malware and are therefore not recommended.

About Browser Hijackers

Browser hijacking means that a malicious code has control over and modified the settings of your internet browser, without your consent. They’re made to interfere with browser programs for several purposes. The idea is to force users to visit specific sites that are trying to increase their visitor traffic and produce higher ad revenue. It may appear harmless, but most of these sites are not legitimate and could present a severe threat to your online safety. Browser hijackers can even allow other malicious programs without your knowledge to further damage your computer.

How to determine if your web browser is hijacked

The common symptoms that indicate having this malicious software on your computer are: 1. home page is changed 2. you find new unwanted bookmarks or favorites added, typically directed to advertisement-filled or pornography websites 3. the default search engine has been changed and your browser security settings have been lowered without your knowledge 4. you find unwanted new toolbars added 5. you may find many pop-up ads on your computer screen 6. your internet browser has become unstable or starts running sluggishly 7. you can’t go to specific websites such as home pages of anti-malware software.

Exactly how browser hijacker infects computers

Browser hijackers infect PCs in numerous ways, including via a drive-by download, a file-share, or an infected email. Many web browser hijackings come from add-on software, i.e., browser helper objects (BHO), toolbars, or extensions added to web browsers to provide them additional functionality. Also, certain freeware and shareware can put the hijacker in your PC through the “bundling” technique. Some of the well-known hijackers are SoftwareUpdater, Conduit Search, Babylon Toolbar, OneWebSearch, Sweet Page, and CoolWebSearch. Browser hijackers may record user keystrokes to collect potentially valuable information leading to privacy issues, cause instability on systems, drastically disrupt user’s browsing experience, and eventually slow down the computer to a point where it will become unusable.

Browser Hijacker Malware – Removal

Certain hijackers could be removed by just uninstalling the related free software or add-ons through the Add or Remove Programs in the Windows Control Panel. In some cases, it can be a tough task to identify and get rid of the malicious piece because the associated file could be running as part of the operating system process. Besides, browser hijackers might modify the Computer registry so it can be extremely tough to fix manually, especially when you are not a very tech-savvy person.

How To Get Rid Of Malware That Is Preventing Anti-Malware Installation?

Malware can cause many different types of damage to PCs, networks, and data. Some malware is meant to restrict or prevent things that you want to do on your computer system. It may not permit you to download anything from the net or stop you from accessing some or all of the internet sites, especially the anti-virus websites. If you’re reading this now, you’ve perhaps recognized that a malware infection is a reason for your blocked internet traffic. So how to proceed if you need to install an anti-virus software like Safebytes? Even though this type of problem can be difficult to circumvent, there are a few actions you can take.

Install the anti-virus in Safe Mode

In Safe Mode, you can change Windows settings, un-install or install some software, and eliminate hard-to-delete viruses and malware. In the event, the virus is set to load immediately when PC boots, shifting into this particular mode can prevent it from doing so. To start the computer into Safe Mode, hit the “F8” key on your keyboard right before the Windows boot screen comes up; Or after normal Windows boot up, run MSCONFIG, check “Safe Boot” under Boot tab, and click Apply. As soon as you restart into Safe Mode with Networking, you could download, install, as well as update the anti-malware program from there. At this point, you could run the antivirus scan to remove viruses and malware without hindrance from another malicious application.

Switch to an alternate browser

Some malware only targets certain internet browsers. If this sounds like your situation, utilize another browser as it might circumvent the virus. The best solution to avoid this problem is to select a web browser that is well known for its security measures. Firefox contains built-in Malware and Phishing Protection to help keep you secure online.

Install and run anti-malware from your flash drive

To effectively remove the malware, you might want to approach the issue of running anti-virus software on the affected computer system from a different perspective. Adopt these measures to run the antivirus on the affected PC. 1) Download the anti-malware program on a virus-free PC. 2) Mount the USB drive onto the same computer. 3) Run the setup program by double-clicking the executable file of the downloaded application, which has a .exe file extension. 4) Pick a thumb drive as the place when the wizard asks you exactly where you want to install the program. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation. 5) Disconnect the pen drive. You can now use this portable anti-malware on the infected computer. 6) Double-click the anti-malware program EXE file on the flash drive. 7) Run Full System Scan to detect and get rid of all types of malware.

Features of SafeBytes Anti-Malware

Want to install the best anti-malware software for your computer system? You can find many applications available that come in paid and free versions for Windows systems. Some of them do a great job in getting rid of threats while some will affect your PC themselves. You must be careful not to choose the wrong application, especially if you purchase a paid software. Among few good programs, SafeBytes Anti-Malware is the strongly recommended software for the security-conscious individual. SafeBytes anti-malware is really a powerful, highly effective protection application made to assist users of all levels of IT literacy in identifying and eliminating harmful threats from their computers. Through its cutting-edge technology, this software protects your PC against infections brought on by different types of malware and similar threats, including spyware, adware, computer viruses, worms, trojan horses, keyloggers, ransomware, and potentially unwanted program (PUPs). SafeBytes possesses a plethora of great features that can help you protect your laptop or computer from malware attack and damage. The following are some of the best ones: Real-time Active Protection: SafeBytes delivers complete and real-time security for your laptop or computer. They are very efficient in screening and getting rid of different threats because they are constantly revised with new updates and safety measures. Best AntiMalware Protection: This deep-cleaning anti-malware application goes much deeper than most antivirus tools to clean your personal computer. Its critically acclaimed virus engine finds and disables hard to remove malware that conceals deep inside your computer. Safe Browsing: SafeBytes gives an instant safety rating about the web pages you’re about to check out, automatically blocking unsafe sites and make sure that you’re certain of your online safety while browsing the net. Lightweight Tool: SafeBytes is a lightweight and easy-to-use antivirus and antimalware solution. As it uses minimal computer resources, this application leaves the computer’s power exactly where it belongs: with you actually. Premium Support: You may get absolutely free 24/7 technical support from their computer experts on any product queries or computer security issues.

Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)

If you wish to manually remove SoftwareUpdater 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 SoftwareUpdater

The Windows 10 operating system supports the logging in of multiple users at the same time. Aside from that, it also allows administrators to create a Guest Account that has limited rights. However, there are some instances when you could encounter an error when you use the Guest Account. The error may state:

“Shell Infrastructure Host has stopped working. A problem caused the program to stop working correctly. Please close the program”.

This error indicates that the Shell Infrastructure Host or SiHost.exe process that is used for handling graphical elements, has crashed. And to fix this error, there are several options you can check out. You can try to reinstall the Microsoft Redistributable Packages or run a System File Checker scan. In addition, you can also use a new Guest Account or troubleshoot the problem in a Clean Boot State.

Option 1 – Try to install or repair Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable 2013

A corrupted Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable package or the absence of it can trigger the “Shell Infrastructure Host has stopped working” error – so if you do not have this package yet, you have to install it but if you already have it, follow the steps below to repair it.

• Open Control Panel and proceed to Program and Features.
• Under Programs and Features, look for Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable package among the list.
• Then right-click on it and click the Change button.
• Next, you should see the Repair option – click on it to repair the installation of the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable package.
• The process may take a couple of minutes before it finishes so once it does, you have to restart your PC.

After doing all these steps and you still encounter the problem, you might have to uninstall this package and download it directly from Microsoft’s website. However, if you are using Windows 10, you might not be able to do so since it only supports Windows versions up to Windows 8.1 so just proceed to the next option below.

Option 2 – Try to run a System File Checker scan

• In the Windows Start Search, type “command prompt” and right-click on Command Prompt from the search results, and then select the “Run as administrator” option.
• After opening Command Prompt with admin privileges, type the “sfc /scannow” and tap Enter to execute it.
• Once the scan is finished, restart your computer and see if the Windows Script Host error.

Option 3 – Try using a new Guest Account

You might want to use a new Guest Account as it could help get rid of the error. All you have to do is have your admin delete the old Guest Account and create a new one and see if it helps in fixing the error.

Option 4 – Try troubleshooting the problem in a Clean Boot State

Setting your computer in a Clean Boot State can help you diagnose and later troubleshoot the problems in your computer. During this state, the system will start with a minimal number of drivers and startup programs that help in isolating the problem with the interfering software. To put your computer in a Clean Boot State, follow the given steps below.

• Log onto your computer 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.)
• From there, start to isolate the problem by checking which one of the programs you installed recently is the root cause of the problem.

Hacker group recently came up with claims that they have stolen data from 100 million T-Mobile customers. T-Mobile has responded with confirmation it has been compromised and that over 40 million records were stolen, among them are not just present customers, but anyone who has applied for T-Mobile service as well as past accounts.

What has been stolen?

Report from T-Mobile states that stolen records included first and last name, date of birth, social security number, driver’s license & ID information. The company said that it has “no indication that the data contained in the stolen files included any customer financial information, credit card information, debit or other payment information.” Not really a reassuring statement meaning that they really do not know, but even if the statement is true, already stolen information is as much if even not more damaging and devastating as payment information.

What T-Mobile is planning to do now?

It is stated that the hole used for the hack has been addressed and closed so no more data can be stolen. Considering people that had their personal information compromised, T-Mobile said it is planning to reach out to them and offer them two years of free identity protection through McAfee’s ID Theft Protection Service. Additionally, T-Mobile recommends postpaid customers change their PIN by going online into their T-Mobile account or calling T-Mobile customer service by dialing 611 on their phone. The company also recommends a feature called Account Takeover Protection that prevents unauthorized individuals from stealing a phone number and porting it out of T-Mobile. Finally, the company will publish a website “for one-stop information and solutions to help customers take steps to further protect themselves.”

Windows is one of the most popular operating systems in today's world. Plenty of software and plenty of hardware is working on it without any issues. In order for Windows to deal with this ever-growing hardware and in order for hardware manufacturer's to have stable products in the Windows environment is accomplished via Drivers. A driver is a small piece of software whose sole purpose is to control and communicate with specific hardware and create a bridge between it and Windows itself. it is made in such a way that even if it brakes the rest of the operating system will continue working uninterrupted. Having updated drivers means better performance and better stability for device performance so it is crucial to have the latest drivers installed. Outdated drivers can also lead to some security issues which could be exploited by malicious applications. Here, in today's article, we are presenting you with 4 ways on how to keep your drivers updated and tidy for best performance and stability. The list goes from the most simple way to the most complex and time-consuming one.

1. Use one-click solution, DRIVEFIX

   The most simple and most straightforward solution, install DRIVEFIX, and with only one click on a mouse button, you can have all drivers fixed and updated. This application is made for this purpose and it is doing its job pretty well.

2. Update Windows

   Windows updates come with new drivers for new hardware and with newer versions of existing ones, do update on regular basis and you should have all of your drivers up to date.

3. Download drivers from the manufacturer's website

   Go to the manufacturer's website for your device and download and install the latest driver package.

4. Use device manager to update drivers

   Go to the device manager and right-click on the device which you would like to update the driver. Choose update device driver.

Windows Updates are important and though it is not recommended for any user to turn it off completely, there are just some remote cases where you might have to keep it off. Such are the cases when you want to use your Windows 10 computer just for gaming and you don’t want Windows Update to interrupt it because of some messy driver update. A lot of users have in fact want to disable Windows 10 updates completely. Although you can always use the built-in option to delay Windows Updates or make Windows 10 inform you before downloading the updates, however, there are instances when Windows 10 Update may enable itself even after you turn it off or delay it. To resolve this issue, read on. You may have to disable the Windows Update Medic Service if Windows Update just keeps on starting and turning itself back on even after turning it off in Windows 10 on top of turning off the Automatic Windows Update Service or wuauserv and setting a Guest Log on. To get started, refer to the instructions prepared below.

Option 1 – Change the Log on account of the Windows Update Service

It appears that one of the major upgrades in Windows 10 has made sure that Windows 10 enables back the Windows Update Service all on its own even if the service has been set to disable by the administrator. And that’s the important thing here, Windows 10 uses admin credentials in order to ensure that it can re-enable the Windows Update Service each time it is in a disabled state. So in this fix, you can prevent the Windows Update Service from changing the account credentials used to run it.

• Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run prompt with admin privileges.
• Then type “services.msc” and click OK or hit Enter to open Services.
• After that, locate the Windows Update Service from the list. Once you see it, double-click on it to open its Properties.
• From there, click the Stop button to stop the service.
• Next, go to the Log On tab and select the “Log on as ‘Guest” option which is the Guest account.
• Just leave the password blank and then click Apply to save the changes made.

Note: After you made the changes, every time the Windows 10 Update Service attempts to run, you might get an error message that states, “Windows could not start the Service” or “The account specified for this service is different from the account specified for other services running in the same process”. This is what makes this fix a lot better compared to other software or batch file to keep turning off the Windows Update Service. You did not exactly disable the service but you just changed the account used to run the Windows Update service and since there is a password, the service never really works. On the other hand, Windows Defender can’t be stopped using this trick as it will keep getting an update.

Option 2 – Try to disable the Windows Update Medic Service using the Windows Update Blocker

Aside from changing the Log on account of the Windows Update Service, there is also another way you can prevent the service from enabling itself after you disable it. This alternative you can use is the Windows Update Blocker. This is a new Windows Service that was introduced in the recent Windows 10 versions. You can use this service to disable the service.

In the past, CDs, DVDs, and floppy drivers used to be the primary sources of external storage for many users – that is until the USB storage devices took over. These days, a lot of devices no longer have a built-in CD or DVD writer or reader as it contributes to the thickness of the device. On the other hand, there are still various devices that still come with a built-in CD or DVD writer or reader. However, recently, users who still use CD or DVD on their devices reported a problem where the CD or DVD icon is not visible in the File Explorer as well as in “This PC” or the My Computer page. The cause of this issue is still unknown at the time of writing, but there are still some potential fixes you can try to fix it. You can try to update or roll back the device drivers or apply some tweaks in the Registry Editor. For more details, refer to the given options below.

Option 1 – Try to update or rollback device drivers

The first thing you can try to fix the missing CD or DVD icon is to either update or roll back the device drivers. It is most likely that after you updated your Windows computer that your driver also needs a refresh. On the other hand, if you have just updated your device drivers then you need to roll back the drivers to their previous versions. Whichever applies to you, refer to the steps below.

• Open the Devices Manager from the Win X Menu.
• Then locate the device drivers and right-click on them to open the Properties. Note that the concerned drivers will be listed under the DVD/CD-ROM drives section as well as the IDE/ATAPI Controllers section.
• From there, look for the following drivers:
  • ATA Channel 0.
  • ATA Channel 1.
  • Standard Dual Channel PCI IDE Controller.
• Now, right-click on each one of the listed drivers and update them all. You could also try to roll them back to their previous versions.

Note: You can also directly download the relevant drivers of your computer from the manufacturers’ website. So if you have an SSD, the issue might be due to an old storage driver.

Option 2 – Try to use the Registry Editor

• Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box and type “Regedit” in the field and then tap Enter to open the Registry Editor.
• Next, navigate to this registry key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetControlClass{4D36E965-E325-11CE-BFC1-08002BE10318}
• After that, look for the DWORD values named “UpperFilters” and “LowerFilters”.
• Right-click on each one of these DWORD values and select Delete.
• Now restart your computer and see if it fixes the problem.

Option 3 – Try creating a new Registry entry

There is another option you can try in the Windows Registry to fix the missing icon of the CD/DVD. You can try adding a new entry. How? Refer to these steps:

• Tap the Win ­+ R keys to open the Run dialog box and type “Regedit” in the field and hit Enter to open the Registry Editor.
• After that, navigate to this registry path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicesatapi
• From there, right-click on “ATAPI” and select New > Key.
• After that, name it is “Controller0” and right-click on the sub-key and then select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
• Now name it as “EnumDevice1” and double click on it and then set its value data to “1”.
• Click OK and restart your computer to apply the changes made successfully.

Hello everyone and welcome to our Windows 10 security basics where we will provide you with common practices you should aim to follow in order not to cough some viruses, malware, keylogger, worm, etc. As you are all aware, we live in a digital age where we are surrounded by luxuries of unlimited information, video chats all over the globe, free calls via the internet, applications that track stuff for us, and many many more things that make our lives easier. Sadly with this kind of technology comes risks of cyber attacks that aim to steal your information, credit card numbers, or any other relevant stuff which could be used illegally in order to make purchases, loans, and other theft in your name so ones doing that could not get caught. Think of data stealers the same as you think of armed robbers in a dark alley, just this time their pray is data about your life so they can make purchases for themselves more than once. This article aims to provide you with some common logic, tips, and tricks of what should you do and where should you pay attention in order not to provide wrong people with your crucial information and data. we hope that you will find reading informative and helpful.

1. Keep Windows updated.

   Microsoft is working hard on their Windows defender and firewall to provide protection to its users and fixing any introduced security leaks which are found in Windows itself. By updating and keeping Windows updated you make sure that every security leak that is found is patched and removed from Windows and that you have the latest database of known malware inside the firewall and defender. This common practice, however, should not be limited to Windows only, you should update every application you are using for the same reasons.

2. Use antivirus, anti-malware, and firewall

   These applications exist for a reason and that reason is to protect your data. Dedicated applications specifically made for purposes of defending your data are better than any kind of I am careful mentality since sometimes is enough to just visit a website or just click on some link and you are compromised. You can use Windows Defender and firewall if you wish, they are already in Windows but if you are serious about your data and like to surf the internet some better protection is worth the investment.

3. Get a dedicated password manager

   Your password is bad, if you use the same password everywhere then it is even worse. Computers have come a long way in the last 50 years and so have cyber attack applications which make your commonsense passwords extremely vulnerable and all of your accounts open to cyber attacks. Dedicated password managers that can hash passwords and automate them are your safest bet that your passwords will not be compromised, get one, and get it today.

4. Do not click on anything inside emails

   Cyber attacks come in vast variety and one of them is sending you emails informing you that for example your Paypal or anything else has been hacked and that you must click this link to reset your password. These you do not click, no matter how convincing they sound or how good they look, if you need to update your information on a specific service or website, you delete email, open browser and go to that service and change stuff. The same goes with different offers, discounts, women seeking you, men seeking you, prince sending you 1 billion in gold. Only click on links in emails from a trusted and verified source.

5. Do not click on pop-ups

   Similar to clicking on links in emails you should not click on pop-ups, the same rules, same stuff apply as with emails.

6. Be careful what you are downloading

   Be careful from where you download your software and be careful what are you downloading and stop using pirated software, any kind of malicious applications, keyloggers, viruses, etc could be hidden in these downloads, and by downloading them you are opening doors to your private information. Only use legal software from trusted sources.

7. Never leave your phone or computer unattended

   You can never tell who can implement malicious software or get some crucial information from unattended devices, lock them all time and take them with you.

There you go, 7 common tips and tricks for the basic security of your computer. Thank you for reading and I hope to see you again on our site.

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.

Surfshark VPN (Credit: Dan Nelson on Unsplash)

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.

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.

Sysdata.xml Error Code - What is it?

To develop a good understanding of the Sysdata.xml error code, it is first important to learn what is sysdata.xml file and its function. Sysdata.xml is a type of XML file. The .XML file extension is an Extensible Markup Language file. XML-based formats have now become the default for many office productivity tools including Microsoft Office and LibreOffice. Furthermore, it has also come into common use for the interchange of data over the internet. Sysdata.xml error code usually pops up when .XML based applications are unable to run and crash while loading. This is a type of BSoD (Blue Screen of Death) error code. Common symptoms include:

• System freeze
• The screen turns blue
• Sudden system shut down

Solution

Error Causes

The Sysdata.xml error code is triggered due to multiple reasons such as:

• Faulty hardware
• Malware or viral infection
• Registry issues

No matter what the reason may be, it is advisable to fix this error code right away without any delays. This is a fatal error and can result in a system crash and loss of data. And recovering valuable lost data is the hardest.

Further Information and Manual Repair

Here are some of the effective and easy do it yourself methods to resolve this error on your system:

Method 1: Fix Faulty Hardware

Hardware issues may arise due to many reasons like manufacturing issues or voltage fluctuations. Electrical storms can cause power surges which may affect the hardware causing it to fail. The best way to resolve this is to download the latest drivers for the problematic devices or alter the device configuration in the BIOS setup program.

• To reconfigure the BIOS simply restart your PC and before Windows starts, press Del Key to access your BIOS.
• Now find the factory reset option.
• Select the option and press the button to load your factory defaults.
• After that save changes and confirm your selection.
• Reboot your PC to activate the changes.

Method 2: Scan for Viruses

Sometimes viruses and malware can disguise themselves in the .XML files which can cause them to get corrupted. To resolve the issue, it is advisable to download a powerful antivirus and scan your entire PC for viruses. Remove the detected viruses to resolve the Sysdata.xml error on your system.

Method 3: Repair the Registry

If the registry is not cleaned frequently, it loads with unnecessary and obsolete files like the junk files and cookies. These files clutter and damage the registry and eventually corrupt it and the important files like .XML files stored in it. To resolve the issue it is recommended to download Restoro. It is a user-friendly and powerful PC Fixer embedded with a registry cleaner. It scans your entire PC for registry-related errors and removes them immediately. It cleans the cluttered registry and restores the damaged files thereby repairing the issue right away. Click here to download Restoro.