We’re relaunching my Tech Tips & How-tos newsletter as The Current Tech Hacks. Our goal is to provide you with even more useful tips and tricks to get the most out of your tech, all in a more streamlined, skimmable format.

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Do you want a quick and safe way to pay for stuff without whipping out your debit or credit card? There are built-in ways to pay without downloading an app if you have an Android phone or an iPhone. We'll show you how.

Google’s tracking is invasive. There’s no denying that. But sometimes it’s really handy, too.

You can check Google Maps for details about upcoming events like flights, restaurant and hotel reservations, and car rentals. It pulls this information from messages you’ve received in Gmail. You must be signed into Google with Web & App Activity turned on. 

Here’s how it works:Open Google Maps and tap Saved in the bottom menu row.Tap Reservations and select an item for more information.You can also type the following terms into the search box: my reservations, my flights or my hotels.The Web & App Activity setting is just one of many worth trying. Here’s how to see more personal details Google knows about you (and how to erase them).

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Are you thinking about starting a business? Let me help. Here are three invaluable lessons that I learned along the way in building my successful company.

You need the right tools to do it. A virtual private network, or VPN, is a great place to start. A VPN encrypts your data and hides your IP address, giving you an extra layer of protection from snoops, advertisers and Big Tech companies looking to profit off you.

Some VPNs slow your connection or, worse, track your internet activity and compromise your security. Not ExpressVPN.

ExpressVPN’s servers run on RAM, or volatile memory, that’s cleared each time the server is reset — meaning they don’t save your data. You can connect in just one click from a Windows PC, Mac, iPhone, Android, iPad, you name it.

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When your Wi-Fi is running smoothly, it feels like everything is right in the world. But when there's any disruption, it can feel like a day-ruining experience. Even worse, tracking down the problem can be difficult. Thankfully, these apps can help pinpoint what's causing Wi-Fi difficulties.

You lug your suitcase into your rental, flop onto the couch and look up to see ... a surveillance camera. Now what? I've got the questions to ask before you book and the steps to take once you arrive at your destination. Plus, I'll tell you exactly what to say to the police if you find cameras you weren't expecting.

One of the most unexplored places on Earth is the ocean's deepest points. We know more about the moon's surface than what may be down there. A few people have gone deep, and what they have discovered is incredible.