The new year is upon us, and what better time to brush up on the most basic (but still critical) privacy and security practices? From using strong and unique passwords to enabling your smartphone's built-in security features, here's how to get a safe and secure start in 2023.

Wouldn’t it be nice to know how crowded an area is before going? You can with Google Maps. 

• Just open the app and navigate to your destination. 
• Zoom in or out until you see highlighted patches with a “busyness” indicator. It’ll say something like “Not busy,” “Busier than usual” or “As busy as it gets.”
• Tapping on the Busy area label will bring up a chart that shows how busy the area is at different times of day, along with a directory of nearby restaurants, shops and recreational places. 

🕒 This is a really smart way to find the best time to stop by a store you’ve been meaning to check out. The busy indicators work for restaurants, too. Check out more Google Maps tricks.

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You take all the right steps to make sure you're protected online. You don't click strange links, you secure your accounts with strong passwords and you don't skip out on important updates. But what about your Wi-Fi network? Do you know how many devices are connected and who they belong to? It's all too easy for someone to jump onto your network without your knowledge.

Over on my Instagram page, I share photos of my life. I keep my profile private, but I'll add you!

Computer systems in cars are the new normal. When something breaks, it could cost a fortune. And now is not the time for expensive repairs. That’s where CarShield comes in. You could save thousands on covered repairs. CarShield offers customizable and flexible payment plans with no long-term contracts — plus, you can choose your favorite mechanic or dealership to do the work. They also offer complimentary 24/7 roadside assistance and a rental car while yours is being fixed.

CarShield has helped over 1 million customers! Drive with confidence with America’s No. 1 auto protection company. Protect yourself from surprises and save thousands for a covered repair!

There are all kinds of hidden Easter eggs in your phone, from small but useful features to entire apps you'll never see on your home screen. I'll reveal the best hidden apps in your iPhone or Android, starting with one I use all the time: The secret magnifying glass that helps you read the smallest type without pulling out glasses.

Pop-ups, strange messages, constant low battery. These are just some of the warning signs something is not right with your smartphone. But it’s not always easy to tell if a phone has been compromised. Here are some tips for diagnosing a hacked phone.

Twitter is full of trolls and politics. Not my page, though. Come say hi and learn a thing or two.

It sure was a busy year. In 2022, we finally returned to the moon and discovered that crustaceans could help with renewable batteries. We learned a lot, and even someone paying attention to the news probably missed some of these incredible finds.