Ever watched a YouTube video and thought, "I need to share this exact moment with my friends?" Well, you're in luck. Sharing specific moments from YouTube videos is actually pretty easy. Whether you're on a computer, iPhone or Android device, I'm here to show you how easy it is to do just that.

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YouTube has recently introduced a new, simplified method for sharing video timestamps on Android.

Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer. 

These updated steps make sharing timestamps much simpler, as you no longer need to use Chrome or request the desktop site. For those using older versions of the YouTube app or Android OS or if the update isn't yet available on your device, here are the previous steps:

Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer. 

Both methods allow you to share specific moments in YouTube videos on your Android, but the new process is more streamlined and user-friendly.

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Sharing specific parts of a YouTube video has never been easier. Whether you’re on a computer, iPhone or Android device, these steps ensure that your friends and family get to the exact moment you want them to see. Try it out and streamline your sharing experience.

Now that you know the steps to share an exact moment, follow our guide and share a specific part of our video with your friends right away. Don't forget to let us know their reactions by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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Can’t remember the last time you turned your phone off? Is Bluetooth always on? Do you plug into any charger you can find?

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If you answered yes to any of these questions, the NSA says you’re playing a crapshoot with your privacy. The National Security Agency’s purpose is to listen and collect communications from satellites, cellphones and anywhere else, really. 

THESE MISTAKES COULD TANK YOUR CREDIT SCORE

Let’s take a deeper look at five smartphone rules they use that you can, too.

1. Restart your phone once a week

It’s dead simple and absolutely worth doing. Turn off your phone, wait 10 seconds, then turn it back on. This works to combat zero-click exploits where a hacker can get in simply by sending you the right code.

Heads up: A restart won’t work for other types of malware. If your phone becomes infected, you’ll need to do a full factory reset.

2. Disable Bluetooth when you don’t need it

Bluetooth works similarly to Wi-Fi and cellular networks but performs simpler tasks at shorter ranges. You don’t need a cellular signal or network connection to use Bluetooth, and it doesn’t use data. And like any other connection, it’s not 100% safe.

Hackers and scammers must be close to you to use Bluetooth to hijack your phone. But in just about any public space, you’re arm’s length from strangers.

The NSA’s advice: Turn off Bluetooth when you’re not using it. It’ll help battery life, too.

Airplane mode also disables Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, among other things, so it works in a pinch — but you won’t receive calls or texts.

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3. Skip public USB ports

In spaces like the airport or coffee shop, hackers can use them to install malware or steal your data. Now, actual cases of juice jacking are rare in the U.S. but it’s still a real threat. They happen through USB connections, so if a kiosk has actual power outlets to charge your phone using your own adapter, you’re good to go.

Stay away from USB ports of any size, especially when traveling overseas. USB standards are international, and foreign hackers can target USB ports in hotels or rentals to steal your data, even if you’re not using a kiosk.

More and more public kiosks have wireless charging pads instead of USBs. This method doesn’t exchange data directly with your phone, so it’s virus-free by default. 

If you’re desperate for juice, you can use a USB connection safely … with the right cable. Pack a charge-only cable for your trip. They’re cheap and compact, and they don’t allow for data transfers.

4. Don’t use public Wi-Fi

It's a playground for snoopers. Public Wi-Fi is open to everyone, and every device is susceptible, whether it’s your smartphone, laptop or tablet.

Just because a public Wi-Fi network pops up and asks if you want to join doesn’t mean it’s legitimate. If you’re at a coffee shop or hotel, ask an employee for the specific name of their Wi-Fi network. Scammers will sometimes create networks called "Coffee Shop" or "Hotel Guest" to make you believe you’re connecting to the real thing when, actually, you’re not.

Here’s a good rule of thumb: If it requires a username and password to log in, you should only access that site from your own private network. If you do need to access sensitive sites or info on a public network, don’t do it without a VPN enabled.

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5. Cover your mic and camera

The NSA says it’s best to use a protective case that drowns out your microphone and covers your camera when you’re not using it.

In "hot-miking" attacks, hackers activate your microphone without you knowing it so they can listen into your conversations. It happens when your device has been compromised in some way, usually through malware or an app that’s exploiting permissions you granted. Most folks aren’t targets for attacks like this, but I’d rather be safe than sorry.

Start with app permissions to check what access you’ve handed out:

It’s not just hackers to worry about. Most of what you type, say, search and buy is being tracked in one way or another.

The only unhackable layer of security is physically blocking the sound or camera feed. There are expensive cases out there that do the job, or you can buy a mic blocker for around $10. 

It slides into your headphone port to stop recording. You’ll need an adapter unless your phone still has an audio jack. For a cheaper DIY option, grab your oldest corded headphones, snip them off and plug that into an adapter.

Pro tip: When your phone’s microphone is on or was recently accessed, you’ll see a small orange dot at the top of the screen. You’ll see a green dot if your camera is in use or was recently recording. 

While this is on your mind, go a step further. Here’s a quick 5-minute phone cleanup I like to do a few times a year.

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Experiencing a Windows 11 boot loop can be incredibly frustrating, transforming your computer into a seemingly endless cycle of restarts that disrupts productivity. When your system continuously fails to load the login screen and instead repeatedly attempts to restart, you're facing a critical technical issue that demands immediate attention.

This persistent reboot problem can stem from various causes. So, what do you do? Let's look at some ways to diagnose and resolve the Windows 11 boot loop, helping you restore your computer's functionality and get back to work.

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There's no single cause for a Windows 11 PC getting stuck in a reboot loop. A reboot loop can be caused by an issue with your computer's power supply, a malware infection, overheating or even hardware drivers. Here are the different things to check if your Windows 11 laptop or desktop keeps restarting.

When you are troubleshooting any problem on your PC, you should boot your computer in safe mode. If your PC is in safe mode and no longer experiences the restart loop, this means that the default Windows 11 settings and drivers aren't causing the issue. This allows you to narrow down the sources of problems causing your Windows 11 PC to crash, making it easier to troubleshoot. Here's what you need to do to boot in safe mode:

When your computer restarts, it will automatically restart in safe mode. If your computer restarting is making it difficult to follow these steps, you can also follow these steps at the sign-in screen:

Now, when your PC restarts, you will be presented with a list of options. Select 4 or F4 to start your PC in safe mode. If you need to use the internet while the computer is in safe mode, you can select option 5 or press F5.

WINDOWS 11 TIPS AND TRICKS YOU DIDN'T KNOW YOU NEEDED

If your automatic rebooting problem began after installing a new app, uninstall that app and monitor your PC. If you still notice your PC restarting, there's a chance that the app has infected your system settings before you uninstalled it. To fix this, you'll need to restore the system. To do a system restore, you should first boot your PC in safe mode and then follow these steps:

An overheating laptop or desktop will try to prevent damage to critical hardware components by shutting itself down. This is one of the leading causes of a Windows 11 PC getting stuck in a restart loop. If you've noticed your desktop giving off a lot more heat than usual or a laptop feeling hot to the touch, chances are you have an overheating issue.

A computer's CPU and GPU generate the most heat, so I recommend monitoring those hardware pieces to see if they are overheating. You don't need any additional software to monitor the temperatures of your GPU, as some temperature readings are built into Windows 11. Here's how to check your hardware temperatures in Windows 11:

Unfortunately, the built-in temperature reading doesn't read your CPU temperature, and you'll need to manually go into the UEFI/BIOS to check the temperature without installing any additional software. However, there's a multitude of free-to-use apps that manufacturers have developed to measure your CPU temperature, including Core Temp, HWMonitor or Open Hardware Monitor.

When you open one of these monitoring tools, you'll be able to view your PC's stats, including CPU and GPU temperatures and loads. If your CPU or GPU is running too hot, try cleaning the components to remove dust. For custom-built desktops, adding more exhaust fans to the case can improve airflow and cooling. Persistent overheating, especially in older laptops, may indicate that it's time to consider upgrading your machine.

TAKE YOUR WINDOWS PC'S SECURITY TO THE NEXT LEVEL

A computer will randomly restart when it has a failing power supply unit (PSU). If you have an issue with your power supply, you'll know if your computer won't restart or turn on. In addition to causing shut-offs and restart loops, a faulty power supply can also cause a blue screen of death error. In severe cases, you might even smell a burning scent or witness smoke coming from your PC's power supply exhaust vent. If you use a laptop with PSU issues, you cannot send your computer to a repair shop or the manufacturer for repair.

Desktop PC owners have it a bit easier, assuming they have a pre-built PC that can be altered easily. If you do have a desktop, turn off and unplug your computer before going into the case to investigate if dust build-up is affecting your PSU. If your PSU fails, you must purchase and install a new one.

Malware and other viruses are a common cause of a crashing or constantly restarting PC. The easiest way to do this is by using strong antivirus software. Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

If your computer is stuck rebooting, you may need to boot in safe mode in order to run an antivirus application. Here's what you need to do to boot your PC in safe mode with Windows 11:

Now, your computer should act more stable after booting in safe mode, allowing you to run an antivirus scan.

10 USEFUL WINDOWS KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS YOU NEED TO KNOW

If you have automatic restart enabled in Windows 11, your PC will restart every time it encounters a system failure. You can easily disable this future within the Windows 11 command prompt. Here's what you need to do:

Keep in mind this isn't a fix for the problem, but it will help you further troubleshoot the restart loop problem by disabling automatic restarts.

An issue with your Windows 11 system files may be causing your PC to constantly restart. If you think a corrupted system file is why your PC keeps restarting, there's a quick and easy fix you can do within the Windows Powershell. The System File Checker (SFC) is a built-in tool that will scan your Windows system files for corruption or any other changes. If a system file has been modified, it will automatically replace the file with the correct version. Here's how to run the SFC command:

If there's no problem with your Windows system files, after the scan, you'll see a message that says, "Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations." If you instead see a message saying, "Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them," you should try running SFC again but in safe mode.

Your PC might be restarting itself because it doesn't have access to enough random access memory (RAM). Windows 11 may become unstable without enough RAM in your computer, causing the OS to randomly reboot. You can use the built-in Memory Diagnostics Tool in Windows 11 to check your computer for issues related to RAM. Here's what you need to do:

When your PC restarts, the Windows Memory Diagnostics Tool will check for any RAM-related issues; if the test detects an error, take note of the error code. You can check the error code online to find the correct fix for that specific error.

These are the best fixes for a computer that is constantly restarting. While you can perform these fixes at home, it might be your best bet to send your computer to a repair shop or back to the manufacturer if you continue having an issue with your Windows 11 PC being stuck in a restart loop after these fixes. It also may be time to invest in a new laptop if you are experiencing a system slowdown and random restarting on your Windows 11 PC, but I would recommend trying to fix the problem first before buying a new machine.

What was the most challenging computer technical issue you've ever encountered, and how did you resolve it? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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The job market hasn’t been great in the last few years, especially in tech, leaving a lot of people actively looking for jobs. 

Scammers are taking advantage of this. They have come up with a new trick where they pretend to be recruiters to spread crypto miners on people’s devices. 

It starts with an email inviting the person to schedule an interview for a job. But when they click the link, it installs a malicious app that secretly mines cryptocurrency. This app hijacks your PC’s resources, like the CPU and GPU, which slows down its performance significantly.

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This malicious campaign begins with an email that tricks victims into thinking it is part of a recruitment process, as reported by Dark Reading. In most cases, these emails are pretending to be from recruiters at the cybersecurity company CrowdStrike.

The fraudulent email contains a link claiming to take the recipient to a site where they can schedule an interview. However, in reality, it redirects the victim to a malicious website that offers a download for a supposed "CRM application."

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The site provides download options for both Windows and macOS. Regardless of which option the victim selects, the download will be a Windows executable written in Rust. This executable then downloads the XMRig cryptominer.

The executable performs several environmental checks to analyze the device and avoid detection. It scans running processes, checks the CPU and more. If the device passes these checks, the executable will display a fake error message while secretly downloading additional payloads needed to run the XMRig miner.

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A cryptomining app can significantly impact your PC’s performance. Once installed, it hijacks your computer's resources, including the CPU and GPU, to secretly mine cryptocurrency. This process requires a lot of computational power, which can cause your system to slow down drastically. You might notice your computer becoming unresponsive, running hotter than usual, or consuming more power. 

In some cases, prolonged use of cryptominers can also lead to hardware damage due to the increased strain on your components. Additionally, these miners often run in the background without your knowledge, making it harder to detect the issue until the damage is already done.

CrowdStrike is aware of the scam and advises individuals to stay vigilant. "This campaign highlights the importance of vigilance against phishing scams, particularly those targeting job seekers. Individuals in the recruitment process should verify the authenticity of CrowdStrike communications and avoid downloading unsolicited files," the company said in a blog post. 

"Organizations can reduce the risk of such attacks by educating employees on phishing tactics, monitoring for suspicious network traffic and employing endpoint protection solutions to detect and block malicious activity."

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BEWARE OF ENCRYPTED PDFS AS THE LATEST TRICK TO DELIVER MALWARE TO YOU

1. Check if you applied for the job: If you receive an unsolicited interview invitation, think back to whether you actually applied for that job or company. Scammers often target jobseekers randomly, hoping someone takes the bait. If you didn't apply, it's likely a scam. Always confirm directly with the company before proceeding.

2. Verify recruiter credentials: Always double-check the recruiter’s details before responding to an email or clicking any links. Verify their email address, LinkedIn profile and company association. Legitimate companies will use official email domains, not free services like Gmail or Yahoo.

3. Avoid downloading unsolicited files: Be cautious of emails asking you to download any files or applications. Legitimate recruitment processes rarely require you to install software. If unsure, contact the company directly to confirm the request.

4. Inspect links before clicking: Hover over any links in the email to see their actual URL. Scammers often use URLs that mimic legitimate sites but have subtle differences. If a link looks suspicious, avoid clicking on it.

5. Use strong antivirus software: Use strong antivirus or endpoint protection software to detect and block malicious downloads. Regularly update your security tools to ensure they can handle new threats effectively.

The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR BANK ACCOUNT IS HACKED

Cybercriminals always manage to come up with new ways to exploit people. While this particular scam is more focused on using your computer’s resources than stealing data, it is still very dangerous. It shows that if a hacker can easily install software on your PC, they can also go ahead and steal your financial information and other personal data. Always verify the emails you receive, and try not to download anything you don’t trust.

Have you ever received a suspicious email that looked like a job offer? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

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Do you know the difference between 550 and 780? Yes, they’re 230 digits apart, but they’re also examples of bad and good credit scores, respectively.

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If you don’t check yours regularly, now’s the time to start. Small mistakes are a lot more common than you think, and they can do some serious damage to your credit score. I’ll let you in on some of the most common credit report mistakes and what you can do to fix them.

5-MINUTE CLEANUP FOR YOUR PHONE AND COMPUTER

Step 1: Get your free credit report

The three credit reporting agencies (TransUnion, Experian and Equifax) are required by law to provide you with one free credit report a year. Sweet. There are a few ways you can request a copy from each agency.

Online is the fastest route. If you submit a request via phone or mail, expect to wait two weeks after the paperwork is received.

Pro tip: Grab your report from the fourth credit bureau, Innovis, too.

Step 2: Look for the most common mistakes

Typos or wrong info: Anything from your name spelled incorrectly to your address or your birthdate off by one number. Tiny mistakes can mix up your credit with someone else’s.

Accounts you don’t recognize: If you see something you don’t recognize, don’t ignore it! This includes credit cards you never applied for, loans in your name or purchases you didn’t make.

Duplicates: It’s not normal to see a debt twice on a credit report. This includes things like the same collection account, transferred debts showing as separate accounts or paid-off debts still sitting there.

Incorrect account info: Sometimes, payments can mistakenly show up as late, or closed accounts may still show as active. Other times, reports may show the wrong credit limit or mess up your payment history.

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Outdated info: Bankruptcies older than 10 years, late payments older than seven years and outdated collections accounts should not be showing on your credit report.

Make sure websites are following your rules: How to check permissions

Step 3: Report anything strange

Don’t panic! Write down and make copies of anything that looks off, then file a dispute with the credit reporting company by mail, phone or online.

If you’re filing online or by mail, explain in writing exactly what’s wrong and why, and include copies of documents with proof. Make sure to include your contact info, credit report confirmation numbers and a copy of your version of your credit report.

And always follow up! Bureaus are required to look into your disputes within 30 days. Track its progress until you have a resolution in writing. If your dispute is valid, the bureau has to fix it and tell the other bureaus as well.

A lot of these issues boil down to good old-fashioned human error. It happens, but don’t let that stop you from taking charge.

Related: How to run a 5-minute privacy check on your phone

While you’re at it, find your job number

Equifax also runs a database of 716 million income and employment records, including, potentially, yours. It’s called The Work Number, and employers use it to make sure you are who you say you are.

Your Employment Data Report (EDR) includes things like where you’ve worked, when you worked there and your exact past salary numbers.

TECH TIP: SAVE YOUR MEMORIES BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE

Trying to get a new job? An employer could use your EDR to find your past salary range and lowball you in negotiations. And, of course, Equifax will sell your EDR to anyone who’s buying, including debt collectors. 

Money smarts: It’s not just bogus calls and emails putting your bank info at risk

How to stop it

You can freeze your EDR just like a credit report. You can also see who’s tried to access it within the past two years. You’ll need to make an account with The Work Number to do it. 

Once you register, look over your report and make sure it’s accurate. Fill out this data dispute form if you find anything fishy.

Then, head back to the dashboard and click Freeze Your Data. Fill out the Data Freeze Placement Form and submit it. The Work Number will send you a freeze confirmation letter, along with a PIN. Save your PIN in your password manager. You’ll need it if you ever want to unfreeze your report.

You can always log into The Work Number or call them to unfreeze your report.

If you can’t find your employer: They may not be registered with The Work Number. Call the freeze helpline at 1-800-367-2884 to double-check.

Unless you’re actively applying for a loan or government benefits, or unless an employer actively requests your EDR, it’s a no-brainer to freeze it. And if a potential employer insists on checking your EDR to hire you, maybe it’s not the right fit after all.

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If you suspect your PC has a virus, it's important to act quickly to remove it and protect your data. 

Keep reading to discover the key warning signs and the steps you can take to address the issue.

There are several red flags that could signal your computer may have a virus. One of the most common is if your computer starts running unusually slow. 

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Another warning sign is the appearance of unfamiliar apps or programs that you don’t remember installing. Additionally, if your usual programs start crashing frequently or behaving oddly, it’s a cause for concern. 

Finally, an overheating computer is a good reason to start investigating further.

WINDOW USERS ARE BEING TRICKED BY SNEAKY MALWARE SCHEME

Realizing you have a virus can be scary, but there’s no need to panic. Here’s what to do next.

1. Disconnect from the internet:

2. Enter safe mode:

3. Run a virus scan:

WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?

4. Delete or quarantine infected files:

5. Clear temporary files:

6. Reset browser settings:

7. Check Startup Programs

8. Update your software:

9. Backup your data:

HOW TO REMOVE MALWARE ON A PC

Here’s how to be proactive about protecting your PC from viruses down the road. 

Use safe browsing practices: Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading files from untrusted sources.

Enable firewall: Make sure your firewall is enabled to block unauthorized access to your computer.

Download apps and software from trusted sites only: Check the number of downloads, as more suggests greater reliability. 

Use a secure VPN connection: Mask your IP address with a trusted VPN (virtual private network) service to secure your online activity. Many sites can read your IP address and, depending on their privacy settings, may display the city from which you are corresponding. A VPN will disguise your IP address to show an alternate location. For the best VPN software, see my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

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By following these steps, you can effectively remove a virus from your PC and protect your data. Staying vigilant and practicing good cybersecurity habits will help safeguard your system from future threats.

What other PC issues would you like help with? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

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Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:

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Digital junk piles up faster than clutter in real life. There are files you don’t need, all those random screenshots, apps you downloaded and used once, and blurry photos clogging up your camera roll.

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It all adds up, slowing your devices down and making everything feel messy. The good news? Cleaning it up is easier than you think. Let’s do a quick declutter that will make you say, "Ahhh, that feels better."

Step 1: Update your devices

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There are too many dangerous bugs out there to skip security patches.

Start with your phone

Scroll through your app list and delete any you’re not using anymore. If it’s been months, you’re not going to use it. Trust me. And even if you do want it later, great, download it again. 

YOUR SSN IS ON THE DARK WEB — HERE’S WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT

While you’re at it, move the apps you want to spend less time using (Instagram for me) off your phone’s home screen. You can hide the app or just move it to another page or folder.

On iPhone: 

On Android: 

TECH TIP: SAVE YOUR MEMORIES BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE

On iPhone or iPad, the Photos app makes this a breeze. 

On an Android, open the Files by Google app, select Clean, then:

Onto your computer

Here’s the quick and dirty way. Create a new folder, then drag all the random files, screenshots and whatever else into it. 

Pro tip: Sensitive documents have no place on your desktop. If you do insist on saving private docs locally, at least give a snoop a more challenging time by naming the folder something off-base like "Vacation Photos." Be sure your computer automatically locks when you’re away and requires a password on startup, too.

Quick lock: For Windows, hit the Windows key + L. On a Mac, use Ctrl + Cmd + Q.

They take up a decent amount of space, so regularly clear out anything you’re not using. Beyond that, outdated apps could put you at risk. By keeping old programs on your computer, you’re potentially leaving a door wide open for cybercriminals to slip in.

On a Windows PC:

On a Mac:

Don’t forget the outside

We’re aiming for quick, so let’s tackle those fingerprint-covered screens.

On your phone, remove the case and accessories. You want to reach every nook and cranny. For a computer monitor, dust the back top, sides and any ledges that collect dirt before you start cleaning.

A microfiber cloth works, but I prefer screen-cleaning wipes. They’re just so easy. Skip paper towels. They’re too rough for delicate jobs like this.

I always come back to this 210-pack of screen cleaning wipes. Use them on smartphones, tablets, monitors, TVs, remote controls and even glasses. They’re scratch-free and made with anti-static tissue that cleans without leaving behind streaks or lint.

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Award-winning host Kim Komando is your secret weapon for navigating tech.

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I was having dinner with my husband in Paris. We got the wine menu and all the names, of course, were in French. Barry wanted something equivalent to a Napa cabernet, so I took a picture of the menu and asked ChatGPT. In seconds, it recommended a wine. I double-checked with the waiter, and he gave it a thumbs-up.

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You might think AI is just for businesses, programmers, or the ultra tech-savvy, but it’s not. It’s for anyone willing to give it a try.

AI EXPERT: CHATGPT PROMPTS YOU’LL WISH YOU KNEW SOONER

Instead of ignoring this powerful tool, make this the year you embrace AI. It’s easier and more helpful than you think.

Let’s start with the basics

"So, uh, where do I find ChatGPT?" I get that in my email every day. Use it on the web or download it for iPhone or Android. 

The free tier works for most people. I pay $20 a month for ChatGPT Plus. It’s worth it to me for access to the better features and faster response times. Start with free. If you find yourself relying on your favorite AI tool regularly, consider upgrading. It is worth considering.

ChatGPT isn’t the only option, but it is my preference (at least for now) and the most popular. You can also try Google Gemini, Perplexity and Claude.

With all these, the workflow is the same. Think of it like Google, but instead of punching in one search term and scrolling through results, you have a "conversation" with the bot to get exactly the output you want. 

Like any tool, you need to use AI wisely and triple-check its results. Trust me, you don’t want to end up like those lawyers who used AI to draft court documents, only to have the judge catch the glaring mistakes. 

BIOMETRIC DATA: IS IT SAFE TO HAND IT OVER TO ANY COMPANY THAT ASKS?

You’ve heard of prompts, right?

This is what we call the text, question or command you provide an AI system to guide its response or action. It’s your instruction on what you want, so the better your prompt, the more useful and accurate the response will be.

"Priming" is the insider term for telling a chatbot exactly what you want from it. With ChatGPT or any other, the more constraints you give, the better your answer. Examples: "Limit your response to 250 words," "Give me the list in bullet points," "Format the results as a table," "Use this data to create a bar chart."

Remember, AI can’t read your mind. It only knows what you tell it. Use "do" and "don’t" in your prompts to get the results you want. Say you’re cooking for friends, and some have allergies. Say, "Create a recipe for six people. Do include protein, fruits, vegetables and carbs. Don’t include dairy products, shellfish or nuts."

7 prompts to make life easier

Make your goals actionable: "I have a goal for 2025 to [fill in the blank]. Can you help me make it SMART?" (SMART is an acronym for Specific, Measurable, Assignable, Realistic and Time-related.) Maybe you’re not there yet. Try this: "I want to [fill in the blank], but it feels overwhelming, and I don’t know where to start. Can you help me by breaking it down into more manageable tasks?"

"Give me 10 more examples": That’s a prompt I use with ChatGPT all the time to make the chatbot a better brainstorming buddy. Some of its "ideas" are downright bad, but it might spark something creative in your brain, too.

"How can I make this better?" Add in anything you’ve written — a blog post, a travel plan, a resume or even a heartfelt email. This prompt works wonders for polishing your work and pointing out improvements, like a personal editor at your fingertips.

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Your very own free assistant: Say you have messy notes from a meeting. By hand, you’d spend 15 minutes turning those into an email fit for your boss or team. Instead, open a chatbot and say, "Turn these notes into a professional, friendly email to my team." Paste your notes at the end and voila. Pro tip: Ask your bot of choice, "Is there anything that needs more details?" to fill in any missing info.

Shortcut your inbox: When you get a really long email, open your AI chatbot of choice, and type in the prompt, "Summarize this email for me. Tell me what I need to do, then write a thoughtful reply. Here is the email." Paste in the email and let AI do its magic.

Wanna get in shape? Ask your AI to create a custom fitness plan. Try this: "Create a 30-day fitness plan for fat loss and muscle gain tailored to a [male/female] beginner at [your age]." Or get specific: "Create a four-week fitness plan to help me run a mile for the first time." Don’t sweat it.

Spouse forgot to load the dishes again? Instead of firing off a rage-filled text, let AI step in. Ask your fave chatbot to reframe your frustration into something a bit more … constructive. I like this prompt: "Make this message sound more friendly." 

Don’t forget about privacy

It's easy to think your bot is a trusted ally, especially when it’s pumping out helpful answers all day long. But it’s definitely not. It’s a data-collecting tool like any other.

Be smart about what you say. Never type in passwords, sensitive financial data, or confidential work or business information. My rule of thumb: Don’t tell a chatbot anything you wouldn’t want made public. 

With a free ChatGPT or Perplexity account, you can turn off memory features in the app settings that remember everything you type in. For Google Gemini, you need a paid account to do this. 

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Are you an aspiring Android or iPhone photographer? Both Android OS 15 and iOS 18 bring professional photography features to their new smartphones with advancements made in artificial intelligence-assisted photo processing and top-of-the-line digital camera sensors in the top-line smartphones.

Even if you don't enjoy taking photos directly from your smartphone, most cameras now allow you to instantly transfer pictures from a camera to a smartphone via Bluetooth. 

You can also print high-quality pictures from your phone, and it's surprisingly easy. Here are a few different ways to print a photograph from your smartphone.

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Using a Wi-Fi-enabled printer

Many of the most popular printers available today feature Wi-Fi functionality, and if you have a Wi-Fi-enabled printer, you can print photographs directly from your phone. Most modern photo printers are fully wireless, allowing you to easily print photos directly from their Android or iOS smartphones. Check out my top printer picks here. Here's how to print from a wireless printer on both Android and iOS:

For iPhone:

For Android:

Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer.

Portable photo printers are handy for printing on the go. They usually connect via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi and come with apps for easy printing. Portable photo printers are a great idea if you want a compact photograph printer that's great for taking with you on trips. Many portable printers are small enough to fit in a travel bag and are battery-powered, so there's no wired setup necessary. Check on my picks for the best portable printers here.

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Using an online photo printing service

You can also use apps or websites like Shutterfly or Snapfish that offer photo printing services. Upload your photos, choose your print options, and have them delivered to your home or picked up at a local store. Similar services are also available at your local print shops or even at big-box stores such as Staples, which also provide high-quality poster and image printing. Using a print service and shop to process your photographs can be a great idea, as you can rest assured that your photographs are being printed on high-quality prints with great printers.

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Transferring photos to your computer

You can transfer your photos to your computer and print them from there using your home printer. This is a great option if you have an older printer or an older photo printer that doesn't support Wi-Fi. Here's a list of our printer recommendations. I recommend looking at the options for color printers that we've highlighted. We made the list for everyone, so we made sure to include printers that can print beautiful photographs with ease. Here's how to do it from an iPhone to your computer:

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HOW TO PRINT, SAVE, AND SEND ANDROID TEXT MESSAGES

It's exciting to see how both Android and iPhone have stepped up their game in mobile photography. With all the cool AI features and top-notch camera tech, taking amazing photos is a breeze. Plus, printing those memories is super easy now, whether you're using a Wi-Fi printer, a portable one, or an online service.

What challenges have you faced while trying to capture or print your photos, and how did you overcome them? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

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The internet is a treasure chest of information … if you know where to look. Whether you’re trying to verify a website, learn more about your neighborhood or dig up what’s floating around online about you, a little tech know-how goes a long way.

Here are some simple, powerful tricks to level up your sleuthing skills.

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Win a pair of $329 Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses. Enter here, no purchase necessary!

See the details of any website

You’ve come across a website that offers an incredible promise of a free trip to Hawaii. Aloha! All the site needs is your personal info and a credit card. Before you take the plunge, make sure you’re not getting screwed over.

A WHOIS lookup search checks a database that contains information about domain names and their registrants — so you can find out who owns the website and see if they have a real business address and contact information. 

How do you get this done?

Next time you think a friend is getting scammed, pull out this awesome tech party trick. You could save them some cash and embarrassment!

RELATED: Your IP address: What it is and why you need to protect yours if you care about privacy

Run a free background check

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Your online business is everyone’s business, like it or not. How can you check what the internet’s got on you? Here’s a quick and easy way:

Find out who your neighbor is

Go introduce yourself. If that’s not possible, you can find out online in most cases through a county’s assessor site. These government-run sites use data from assessors to estimate the value of real property within a county, city, town or village.

Once you get there, you can see where your person of interest lives, get details on their home or any other properties they own, and much more. You can even view signed documents, like the deed to their home. Yes, really.

The easiest way to find your county assessor’s site is a quick Google search. Just type in the county you’re looking for, along with "assessor." You can also go to Publicrecords.netronline.com. This directory includes official state and county websites you can search for by ZIP code. 

Every county assessor’s site works a little differently, but here’s an overview of how to search on the Maricopa County site here in Arizona.

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Click on the Go to Data Online button next to the County Assessor option, then search by name or address. Click the magnifying glass icon to search and you’ll see the address, owner, parcel number and other information. Then click on the parcel number and to get even more detailed information and access any related documents.

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A picture is worth a thousand words

Words and profiles are one thing, but what about pictures of you? All these sites are

worth checking to see what pops up.

RELATED: Think of Google Lens as the smarter version of Google Images.

Go down memory lane

Not all online sleuthing is of the sneaky variety. This one is fun to try with all the places you’ve lived or a home you’re considering buying.

Pop into old Street View photos on Google Maps. You’re able to see what a place looked like going back as long as Google has captured photos there. I’ve spotted pictures going back over a decade. Talk about a hit of virtual nostalgia.

Now, share this article and impress your friends with your tech savvy — or save them from falling for a scam. Either way, you’ll look like the smartest person in the room. 

Get tech-smarter on your schedule

Award-winning host Kim Komando is your secret weapon for navigating tech.

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