One of themost common errors encountered by Microsoft users upgrading from Windows 7 or Windows 8/8.1 to Windows 10 is the Error Code 0xc1900106. Microsoft users experience a failure in the installation process. Either they will be notified that the installation process was ended but failed or that Windows is not able to install the update.
Solution
Error Causes
More and more Windows users are having trouble upgrading their operating system to Windows 10. There are a lot of errors being encountered by users and one of them is the Error Code 0xc1900106. This error is normally due to the misconfigured system files. If a Windows user encounters this error, most likely their device has some registry problems.
Further Information and Manual Repair
Fixing error code-related issues could be best resolved to do manual repair methods. Applying repair methods manually can help Windows users address the root causes of the errors they encounter, as well as apply definite solutions to rectify the issue.
Most Windows users can be able to implement manual repair methods themselves but there are some cases where help from a Windows professional is needed. If you’re not a very tech-savvy person and not confident performing the manual repair methods yourself, it would be advisable to seek help from a professional Windows technician who is knowledgeable enough to address the errors or problems you are encountering. However, if you don’t want to resort to seeking help from a professional, you can also consider using a powerful automated tool.
In trying to fix Error Code 0xc1900106, here are the following manual repair methods you can take:
Method One: Custom Installation
Make a backup of your personal files
Users of Windows 8/8.1 should Refresh first then proceed to upgrade.
If the Refresh process does not work, reset your device then try again.
If resetting your device still does not work, you can proceed with a custom installation.
When your Windows installation media is ready, you need to choose to boot from CD, DVD, or USB drive to begin setup. (For example purposes, this article will discuss booting from DVD).
When your device is all set to boot from DVD, you will be prompted to Press any key to boot from CD or DVD…
Once you’ve pressed any key, the screen will show the Windows logo which might take a while. No need to worry though, as long as you can see the indicator, you’re good.
Choose your Language, Time, and Keyboard method from the drop-down menu then hit Next.
Click on the Install Now button then wait until Setup begins.
Tick on the I accept the license terms check box then select Next.
Choose Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)
Choose the Primary partition then select Next. You will be prompted by the following warning: The partition you selected might contain files from a previous Windows Installation. If it does, these files and folders will be moved to a folder named Windows.old. You will be able to access the information in Windows.old, but you will be able to use your previous version of Windows. Just click the OK button then wait as the Windows continue to install. Windows will restart once this phase of the setup completes and will reboot into setup once again.
At this point, Windows will detect and install your hardware. Once this finishes, Windows will restart again.
Method Two: Reset Windows Update Components
From your device’s desktop, hit Windows key + X to open the command prompt as admin.
Once the command prompt window appears, you can type or copy and paste the following commands (all at once):
net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
ren C:WindowsSoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:WindowsSystem32catroot2 catroot2.old
net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver
pause
Exit the command prompt.
After you reset the Windows Update components, see if you receive Windows Updates which includes the firmware updates for your computer.
Method Three: Ensure Windows is Updated
If you have an antivirus, make sure to disable it during the upgrade process.
Run Windows Update to check if the system is updated.
Ensure that the latest firmware and drivers are installed. To be able to do this, go to the computer manufacturer’s website or you can also try contacting company support.
Google Chrome is the most used browser in the world with the most user downloads. Most users are using browsers how it is, open it up and just surf but Chrome offers more than just plain surfing. Here we are presenting you with some interesting features that most users do not use but should.
Use Omnibox to search inside websites
Chrome's Omnibox, also known as the address bar got its name because it can do much more than just search the internet. You already probably know that just by typing any word you will search the internet with Google or another search engine of choice.
You can also set specific keywords inside Chrome settings to tie them with specific websites, for example, you can tie the letter E with errortools, and then just by typing E windows error you will search term windows error on website errortools. There are some already predefined things and you can add anything you want so this is a great feature in order to speed up your work skipping part of actually opening the site.
Search the internet for selected text
On any webpage, you can simply select any text and right-click on it to get a new menu entry that will say search Google for "your selected text" and by clicking on it you will automatically search the net for the selected term.
Grouping tabs
When we surf the internet some of us tend to have plenty of open tabs and over time they can clutter and shrink in width making the surfing experience an unpleasant one.
Chrome has tab groups and you really need to start using them since you can organize much better all the tabs, even color-code them.
Search all open tabs
On top right part on title bar right next to minimize button there is small arrow pointing down, once you clik on it all opened tabs will be displayed by name as a listand by clicking on it you will automatically switch to it.
Change download location
Google Chrome has its default download destination but you can change that destination and even turn on option to be asked where you would like your download to be saved each time.
Live Captions
YouTube has cations for its videos but Chrome itself has live caption option in order to provide you with automatic AI captions for any type of video or audio on any website. If you are struggling with following what is being said try this awesome option.
Extensions
Using extensions in Chrome is awesome, specialy if extensions are usefull but if you go incognito they are not active. There is an option in Chrome to turn on the extensions even in incognito mode and even better, you can even choose which ones you want to be active, you do not need to turn all of them.
Chkdsk (Check Disk) is a built-in Microsoft Windows O/S utility tool.
This tool is designed to verify the integrity of data stored on the hard drive. In addition to this, it resolves and finds errors that may corrupt and damage stored data on your system and affect your PC’s performance.
This tool is intended to keep your PC’s Windows database clean.
However, this tool has certain limitations. It prevents the hard disk from getting damaged but if it gets damaged and corrupt then this tool is no good. It fails to disk check and repair. As a result, you may come across Chkdsk error pop-ups.
In such an event, it is not advisable to run the malfunctioned Chkdsk utility on your PC as it may damage your system beyond repair making you lose all your valuable data saved on your system.
Solution
Error Causes
Chkdsk errors are triggered by multiple reasons:
Viruses
Hard Drive failure
Registry Corruption Due to Data Overload
Poor PC Maintenance
Chkdsk errors may cause PC to freeze and lag and also result in data loss as we discussed above.
Further Information and Manual Repair
To avoid serious damages that the Chkdsk error code can cause to your system, it is advisable to fix it. You can either hire a professional or install Restoro. The latter is not just the best way but also a time and money-saving option. It is fast, user-friendly and you can download it for free thus saving hundreds of dollars that you would be paying for professional services.
Why Use Restoro?
Restoro is an advanced PC repair tool embedded with multiple features such as a registry cleaner, anti-virus, system optimizer, and Active X and Class error scanner. It helps resolve practically all types and kinds of PC-related errors including the most notorious ones like the Chkdsk errors.
It has an automated and intuitive interface smoothly integrated with the latest technology that enables this software to scan your entire PC and detect errors in seconds.
With the help of its super functional registry cleaner, Restoro detects errors registry issues triggering Chkdsk errors on your system.
It cleans all the unnecessary files like junk files, bad and invalid registry entries, and internet files that are stored in your hard disk and taking a lot of space. It removes the clutter and frees up your disk space and repairs the damaged registry.
It boosts the speed of your systemand ensures that programs run smoothly on your PC and there are no hang-ups or system freezes.
The privacy error detector functions as a powerful anti-virus. With the help of this feature, Restoro identifies and scans for viruses and malware infecting your system. These are removed right away.
Restoro is 100% safe and efficient. It has a backup feature that enables users to create backup copies. This is carried for safety purposes. In case you lose your data during the repair of the Chkdsk error, you can always recover and restore the lost files without any hassle.
With some registry cleaners and repair tools you may often have to struggle with compatibility issues but not with this PC Fixer.
Restoro is compatible with all Windows versions.
It is simple and very easy to use. From beginners, intermediate to experienced, all levels of users can use it with ease.
Once the installation is complete, run the fixer for a scan. You have the option to either scan some portions of the PC or the entire PC.
Scanning will take a few seconds
Once the scanning is complete, Restoro will display the scan results. This is presented in a comprehensive report showing you errors found including the Chkdsk error and errors related to it.
After that, all you need to do is press the repair button to resolve the error(s) promptly.
Once the error is resolved, try running the Chkdsk utility again.
Windows 10 users a set of rules or standards called Network Protocols in communicating over the internet. These protocols are the ones that made sure that the data is correctly sent between computers. However, if any of the Network Protocol is missing in your Windows 10 computer, then you will most likely encounter a problem like not being able to browse the internet, or share files. For this, you can try to run the Incoming Connections troubleshooter:
As you were not able to connect to your internet connection using your PC, you can try to run the Incoming Connections troubleshooter as it might resolve the problem. Refer to the following steps to run this troubleshooter:
Tap the Win + I keys to open Settings.
After opening Settings, go to Update and Security.
Next, navigate to the Troubleshoot pane and select the Incoming Connections section and click the Run Troubleshooter button to get started.
Wait until the troubleshooter is finished doing its job and then try connecting to your network again.
If after running the Incoming Connections troubleshooter you receive an error message instead that says, “Network Protocol is missing”, then here are some suggestions you need to check out to fix it. Take note that you must have admin privileges before you start troubleshooting the problem.
Option 1 – Try to update or rollback or uninstall the Network drivers
You might also want to update, roll back, or disable your Network drivers to fix the “This operation failed as no adapter is in the state permissible for this operation” error.
Tap the Win + R keys to launch the Run window and then type in the “devmgmt.msc” command and hit Enter to open the Device Manager window.
Under the Device Manager, you will see a list of drivers. From there, look for the Network Adapters and expand it.
Then right-click on each one of the Network drivers and depending on your preference, you can either select “Update driver”, “Disable device” or “Uninstall device”.
After that, restart your PC and see if it helped in fixing the netio.sys Blue Screen error.
Option 2 – Try to reset Winsock, TCP/IP & Flush DNS
You might also want to try resetting Winsock, TCP/IP, and flushing DNS might help you resolve errors. To do so, follow these steps:
Right-click on the Start button and click on Command Prompt (administrator) so you can pull up an elevated Command Prompt.
After that, execute each one of the commands listed below. And after you typed in one after the other, you have to hit Enter.
netsh winsock reset – type in this command to reset Winsock
netsh int ip reset resettcpip.txt – type in this command to reset TCP/IP
ipconfig /flushdns – type in this command to flush the DNS cache
Next, restart your PC and check if the problem’s fixed.
Option 3 – Diagnose the Network Adapter
To diagnose the Network Adapter, go to Control Panel > All Control Panel Items > Network Connections, and from there, look for the network adapter that could be causing the error. Note that if you are using a Wi-Fi connection, then it’s probably your Wi-Fi adapter, otherwise it has something to do with your Ethernet adapter. Just right-click on the problematic network adapter and select diagnose to troubleshoot.
Option 4 – Try to perform Network Reset
You can also try to perform a Network Reset to resolve the problem. This will reset the entire network configuration including your IP address. To perform Network Reset, follow these steps:
Tap the Win + I keys to open Settings.
From there, go to the Network and Internet section.
Next, scroll down and look for “Network Reset” under the status pane.
After that, click on Network Reset and then on Reset now to start resetting the network configuration. Once done, check if it is able to fix the error or not.
Option 5 – Try importing Winsock settings from another computer
If resetting Winsock or the Network didn’t fix the problem, then you can try to import settings from a computer that’s in good condition. You need to have access to the registry to get this done and then export and import a couple of settings. Refer to these steps to get started:
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, go to this registry path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServices
Next, look for two registry keys named “Winsock” and “Winsock2” and then right-click on each one of them and select the Export option.
Now copy the registry keys to a USB drive and then copy the keys on the PC in excellent condition.
Then double click on each one of them and it will install the WINSOCK keys.
Error 429 is a type of runtime error. It sometimes occurs when you use the new operator or the CreateObject function in Microsoft Visual Basics to create an instance of a Microsoft Office application.
The error code is displayed on your computer screen in the following format:
Runtime Error ‘429’: Active X component Can’t Create Object
Solution
Error Causes
The runtime error code 429 is triggered for several reasons. These include:
Mistake in the application
Incorrect system configuration
Missing ActiveX components in the application
Damaged Active X and class application components
DLL required by the application is damaged
Active X object was not registered properly
Corrupted applications
Corrupted Windows registry
Class ID issues
The runtime error code 429 not only causes you inconvenience as it hampers your ability to access programs but delays in repairing this error code can lead to serious PC damages such as system freezes, crashes, and failures.
Further Information and Manual Repair
To resolve the runtime error 429 on your PC, try the following recommended solutions:
1. Re-register the Application Causing the Error
Identify the Office application causing the error and re-register it. For instance, if Office Excel is the prime cause of the error message pop up, simply re-register it.
Click on the start menu and then run. Then type this in “: C:/Program Files/Microsoft Office/Office/Excel.exe /regserver” and press OK.
This will hopefully resolve the issue.
2. Go to The Microsoft Windows Script Update Page and Download Microsoft Updated Installation File
This will also assist you in repairing runtime error 429.
Simply follow the installation wizard and update your MS Office Applications. The corrupted files and missing components in them would be easily corrected by the update file. However, if this doesn’t work, then this means that the cause is more crucial than you think.
It is either related to damaged Active X objects or a corrupted Windows registry.
3. Repair the Active X objects and the Registry
To repair both the registry and the Active X objects in one go, it is advisable to download Restoro.
This is an advanced, next-generation, highly and multi-functional PC repair tool. It is deployed with powerful and numerous utilities like a registry cleaner, Active X and class scanner, privacy error detector, and system stability module.
The registry cleaner embedded in this repair tool enables you to wipe out obsolete, unnecessary, malicious, and invalid files and registry entries saved in the registry. It frees up your disk space, repairs damaged DLL files and the registry thus resolving the runtime error 429 on your system.
The Active X object and Class feature identifies and scans Active X issues on your PC and resolves them right away.
Besides this, with this error tool, you can also scan for viruses and also improve your PC performance.
Why Total System Care?
Total System Care is a one-stop solution to resolve all kinds of PC-related issues including the runtime error 429.
To run it on your system, you don’t have to be a computer programmer. It is very easy to operate. It has easy navigation and a user-friendly interface. There is nothing complex about it. It is safe and efficient. It resolves all PC issues in a few seconds.
You can run it in the background while performing other tasks on your system.
Furthermore, it is compatible with all Windows versions.
Click here to download Total System Care and resolve the Runtime Error 429 on your system today.
Each time you execute a command on your computer, it takes into account a number of files and space for the code in the background for the command to be executed. Thus, executing the command is not that easy which is why you could encounter some errors along the way due to various limitations or poor allocation of memory, and so on. One of the errors you might encounter when executing a command on Windows 10 and Windows Server is the “Not enough storage is available to process this command”.
There are several potential fixes you can check out to fix this error. To fix this error, you can try to delete the temporary files in your computer, run the DISM tool or apply some registry tweaks. For more details, refer to each one of the given options below.
Option 1 – Try to delete the temporary files
The error could be caused by some temporary or junk files in your computer and so you need to clear them up to fix the problem. You can achieve that using the Storage Sense feature.
Open Setting > System > Storage from the WinX Menu.
From there, you will see a list of all the local and connected storage devices along with the details on the free space. Make sure that Storage Sense is on.
Next, find a link that says “Free Up Space” and click it to open.
After that, a screen which is the built-in program in Windows 10 will appear and will scan your computer for the following junk files so you can free up disk space:
Windows Upgrade Log Files
System created Windows Error Reporting Files
Thumbnails
Temporary Internet Files
Previous Windows Installation Files
Delivery Optimisation Files
DirectX Shader Cache
Choose the files you want to get rid of and then click on the remove files option. Note that you’ll have an idea of the total size as you select any of the junk files listed above.
Now go to the “Free Up Space Now” section and click the Clean now button. This will get rid of all the temporary or junk files in your computer and should hopefully fix Error 1310.
Option 2 – Run the DISM tool
You can also run the DISM Tool as it could also help in fixing the “Not enough storage is available to process this command” error in Windows 10. Using this built-in tool, you have various options such as the “/ScanHealth”, “/CheckHealth”, and “/RestoreHealth” that could help in fixing error 0x80246019.
You can run the DISM tool via Advanced Startup Options or you could boot your computer into a Clean Boot State and then select Command Prompt.
Open the Command Prompt with admin privileges.
Then type in the following commands and make sure to hit Enter right after you type each one of them:
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
Do not close the window if the process takes a while as it will probably take a few minutes to finish. Once it’s done, restart your computer and try again. If it didn’t work, you can try to use the “/StartComponentCleanup” parameter: Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /StartComponentCleanup
Option 3 – Try to use the Registry Editor
The memory range allocated for the tasks and commands to be executed is associated with the IRPStackSize DWORD. Thus, to fix the error, you need to extend the range by applying some registry tweak. Before you proceed, make sure that you create a System Restore point first. Once you’re done, follow these steps:
Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box and type “Regedit” in the field and tap Enter to open the Registry Editor.
Next, navigate to this registry key: ComputerHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicesLanmanServerParameters
From there, look for the DWORD named “IRPStackSize” and right-click on it. If you can’t find this DWORD, just right-click on any empty space and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
Input “IRPStackSize” as the DWORD name and double click on it and set its Value data to be greater than its default value. Note that the maximum value allowed is “0xc” and the range starts from “0x1”.
Now click on OK and exit the Registry Editor and then restart your computer and see if the error is fixed.
If you are getting this error even if STEAM.EXE is present on your system then follow the easy guide to solve the issue.
Scan your system for malware
Scan your complete system for viruses and other malware. If all the scans come negative then move to the next step.
Disable your anti-virus software
Some anti-virus and anti-malware software can detect steam as a potential threat and block it. Turn off your protection software and try to run Steam once all your protection is disabled. If this works you will need to either place Steam in the applications exception list or to move to another protection software.
Remove administrator privileges from steam client
Right-click on steam.exe and choose properties, go to the compatibility tab, and uncheck run this program as administrator. Try to run Steam again.
Delete Steam registry value
If everything else failed try deleting the registry value for steam. Open registry editor and locate key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options
Double click on Image File Execution, find steam on left, right-click on it, and choose delete. Save and exit the registry editor.
Error Code 0x80072efe is a fairly common error code that generally occurs in Windows 10. It is most often associated with the process of performing updates using the Windows Update tool.
Common symptoms include:
Inability to install or complete updates on your Windows machine
Computer freezing as programs are run or started
Inability to perform installations of downloaded programs
Programs crashing or failing to work properly
While Error Code 0x80072efe can cause a number of frustrating issues on your device, the good news is that there are several methods that can be used to fix this error. The two most common methods are actually fairly easy to perform and do not require advanced tools or knowledge. However, if you don’t feel like you will be able to perform the necessary steps on your own, be sure to get in touch with a qualified computer repair technician to help you in the resolution of this particular error.
Solution
Error Causes
Two things are generally behind the appearance of Error Code 0x80072efe on a Windows device. The first is that one or more of your registry keys are not available, have been corrupted, or are not installed properly. The second is that necessary DLL files aren’t working properly within your machine.
However, other things can mimic these causes, which is why the two methods listed below will resolve the issue in most cases.
Further Information and Manual Repair
Fortunately, there are two resolution methods that can be used quickly and easily when Error Code 0x80072efe arises on your Windows computer. Neither of these requires advanced knowledge or skill, but if you don’t feel comfortable with performing these steps on your own, it is recommended that you contact a qualified computer repair technician in order to get assistance.
Here are the best ways to resolve Error Code 0x80072efe on your computer:
Method One: Check Your Time and Date Settings for Accuracy
If your time or date has been set incorrectly, it can make your system logs appear to have incorrect information, which can lead to the appearance of Error Code 0x80072efe. Because this is the easiest thing to fix if it is indeed the problem that is making the error code appear, this should always be the first thing that you try when this error code arises.
In order to check your time and date settings, follow these simple steps:
Step One: Make sure that you are logged into your computer as an administrator.
Step Two: Click on the time and date listed on the lower right edge of your screen. If the settings are not correct, choose the option to change the time and date.
If method one has not successfully resolved Error Code 0x80072efe, you may need to attempt method two.
Method Two: Check Your Firewall Settings During Updates
In some cases, your firewall can prevent your machine from accessing the information that it needs in order for the installation or update to go through correctly. If that is the case, you can follow a few simple steps to turn off your firewall, just while you install the update, and then turn it back on.
In order to do so, follow these steps:
Step One: In the Start menu, choose the option to open the Control Panel.
Step Two: Select the option for System and Security, looking for and clicking on Windows Firewall.
Step Three: Turn off any private network firewalls.
Step Four: Reboot your computer to apply the changes that you have made.
Step Five: Re-attempt to run your Windows Update.
Note that if this method allows you to successfully bypass the error code, you’ll need to make sure to turn the firewall back on when you are finished. Even though it can interfere with the Update process, your firewall is still very important to your computer.
Method Three: Use An Automated Tool
If you wish to always have at your disposal a utility tool to fix these Windows 10 and other related issues when they do arise, download and install a powerful automated tool.
If you’re suddenly unable to launch or open Google Chrome or unable to load web pages, then it’s most likely that the files in Chrome have been corrupted or some plugin is taking up a lot of resources which is why you encounter an error message saying, “Google Chrome has stopped working”. And when you try to check the Task Manager, you’ll see that Chrome is really taking up lots of resources, however, when you check the Taskbar, strangely, you will see nothing. If you are currently facing this issue in Chrome on your Windows 10 PC, follow the given options below.
Option 1 – Kill Google Chrome’s process in the Task Manager
If you aren’t able to open Chrome, then maybe its process is running in the background and you don’t see the browser windows. If that’s the case, you may have to force quit the browser and then try to open it again.
First, right-click on the Taskbar then select the Task Manager. And if the Task Manager is not responding, you can just use the Alt + Ctrl + Del keys and then select the Task Manager.
After opening the Task Manager, under Processes, look for Google Chrome’s process which would most likely be named “chrome.exe”.
Right-click on Google Chrome’s process and then select the End task option.
Now try to open Google Chrome again.
Option 2 – Try checking if your antivirus program is blocking Google Chrome
There are instances when due to false-positive, a security or antivirus program might block Chrome which is why it failed to open properly. Thus, you can just disable the security program temporarily and then check if you can now open Chrome or not.
Option 3 – Delete the User Profile in Chrome
You can also try deleting the User Profile folder in Chrome. To do so, follow these steps:
Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
Then copy and paste “%USERPROFILE%AppDataLocalGoogleChromeUser Data” and hit Enter.
From there, look for a folder named “Default folder” and then copy the folder to another drive as a backup.
After creating a copy of the folder, delete the Default folder.
Next, open Google Chrome again and go to Settings > Advanced > Reset.
Option 4 – Disable the Extensions in Chrome
There are instances when issues on a browser are triggered or caused by some problematic extension. To find out which one of your extensions is causing the problem, disable them all first and then enable them back one by one.
Click on the three-dotted icon for the menu located at the top-right corner of your screen.
Then click on the More tools option and go to Extensions.
From there, you will see a list of all the installed extensions in Chrome.
Disable all these extensions and restart the browser.
Now enable them back one by one to figure out which one of them is the culprit. You could also remove extensions that you no longer use.
Option 5 – Run the Chrome Cleanup tool
You might also want to try running the Malware Scanner & Cleanup tool in Chrome. This is a built-in tool that can help you get rid of any unwanted pop-ups, banners, ads, unusual startup pages, toolbars, and malware. Thus, it can help you to resolve the issue in Chrome.
Option 6 – Try to reinstall Chrome
If running the Malware Scanner & Cleanup tool in Chrome didn’t work out for you, you can try reinstalling it. To do so, follow these steps:
Open the Settings app and go to System > Apps & features.
From there, look for Chrome and uninstall it from your PC.
Then go to the official website of Google Chrome and download its latest version and install it.
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.
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.
Interesting information has come out from Microsoft, Windows 11 dark theme will include a different sound theme from its standard light one.
When in dark mode on Windows 11, the system sounds generally become softer, and they echo a bit, creating a more soothing experience that matches the overall look and feel of the dark mode. Flipping back to light mode brings the system sounds back to their normal level.
However, even though the light model has slightly louder sounds than the dark mode, Microsoft has taken great care to make sure the audio is more soothing, according to a report from CNBC.
The designers of Windows 11 took inspiration from an approach called calm technology. Microsoft’s Christian Koehn and Diego Baca wrote about calm technology in a post on Medium. In it, they said, “Windows 11 facilitates this through foundational experiences that feel familiar, soften formerly intimidating UI, and increase emotional connection.”
According to a Microsoft spokesperson in a statement to CNBC, “The new sounds have a much rounder wavelength, making them softer so that they can still alert/notify you, but without being overwhelming.”