Technology

How to use Windows Terminal and what it’s useful for

Published

1 year ago

September 23, 2024

How to use Windows Terminal and what it’s useful for

Scratch the surface of Windows (and macOS), and you’ll find a command line console underneath, a lingering remnant of how these operating systems started out: as user-friendly graphical wrappers built on top of text-based, monochrome interfaces.

If you’re as old as I am, you might remember having to launch apps and games on a computer by typing out text commands, rather than pointing and clicking. The modern-day methods are much easier, of course, but the old ways are still available — and they’re actually still useful for multiple tasks, as the list below shows.

To begin with, Windows kept the Command Prompt utility as a reminder of its MS-DOS roots. That was later joined by PowerShell (Command Prompt with extras), and in the latest versions of Windows 11, Command Prompt and PowerShell are now both wrapped up in a tool called Windows Terminal.

Windows Terminal supports all the original Command Prompt instructions, and you can launch it from the Start menu. It’s simple:

Search for Terminal.
Right-click on the program icon and choose Run as administrator to make sure all of the features are available to you.

Now that you’ve got the Windows Terminal open, here are some of the commands that might make it worth your while. To make use of them, type the text shown and then hit Enter.

There are more ways to shut down your computer than you might have realized.

Screenshot: Microsoft

1. Shut down your computer after a certain time

Shutting down your computer via the Start menu isn’t difficult, of course, but Terminal gives you a few more options, like timed shutdowns. The command above orders a shutdown (“/s”) rather than a restart, after a time (“/t”) of 600 seconds. Simply adjust the timing as needed.

Another handy option is “shutdown -r -o” (without the quotes), which restarts (“-r”) your computer and launches the Advanced Start Option menu — very useful for troubleshooting. Just type “shutdown” by itself to see other flags you can use.

2. See a visualization of your folders

Type “tree” and hit Enter to see a visual representation of the folders and subfolders on your system — very useful for seeing how your Windows drive is organized. You can include a drive and folder path (such as. “C:Programs”) to focus the listing on a specific area of the drive and use the “/f” flag to see files listed as well as folders.

3. Troubleshoot network problems

The “ipconfig” command is often used to troubleshoot networking problems. Use it on its own, and you’ll see your router’s current IP address, but add the “/flushdns” flag, and connections between your computer and the websites you visit get reset (via the DNS server), which can help if websites aren’t loading up as they should.

You can also use “ipconfig /release” and then “ipconfig /renew” to get a fresh IP address for your computer — potentially solving connection problems between your Windows device and your router or your device and the internet.

You can get a plethora of information about your system.

Screenshot: Microsoft

4. Get more information about your system

The classic “systeminfo” command will tell you just about everything you could possibly want to know about your system and then some: it returns your Windows 11 version and CPU model, the amount of RAM and storage installed, all the active network connections currently detected, and even how long your PC took to boot up last time around.

5. Check your Windows 11 drive for errors

The “chkdsk” command has long been a favorite of IT technicians, and you’ll see it appear in many a troubleshooting guide. It essentially checks your system disk for errors and can fix some of the most fundamental ones. For example, if you’re having trouble accessing files and folders, or booting up your PC, chkdsk might be able to help.

There are lots of flags you can use with it, too. The command on its own just looks for errors, but add a space and “/r” at the end, and the utility will try and fix those errors while recovering all the data it can. Use “chkdsk /?” to see other options.

The “tasklist” command gives you more or less the same information as the Task Manager, showing you which applications are putting the most strain on your system. Using the process ID numbers (or PIDS) that it shows, you can then forcefully kill apps using “taskkill /pid /f” — which can be handy for troublesome software.

You can use these PID numbers to force-kill troublesome apps.

7. Analyze the energy states of your computer

This is another classic command line prompt, which, with the “/a” flag, will return all the sleep states your computer supports (such as hibernate and fast startup). You can also get a detailed battery report via “powercfg /batteryreport” — which is saved in the default folder for the current user account.

Dig deeper and there’s more: “powercfg /devicequery s1_supported” lists all the devices connected to your system that can wake it out of standby, for example. Change that “s1” if you need to analyze a different standby state — the codes will be listed when you run the original “powercfg /a” command.

8. Check Windows 11 system integrity

Like many other command line prompts, this one is really useful when it comes to troubleshooting. It checks the integrity of key operating system files and applies fixes where necessary. If you’re noticing bugs and crashes all across Windows 11, this is one of the first steps that a lot of troubleshooting guides will recommend.

9. Get advanced networking information

Another simple word that conceals a host of useful diagnostic utilities: Use “netstat” on its own and it’ll tell you about all the devices your computer is connected to, from printers to smart speakers (use Ctrl+C when you want it to stop).

Like many other commands, you can tweak the command in a myriad of ways (use “netstat /?” for a full list). You can, for example, use “netstat -b” to see which apps are currently communicating with the web, which can help spot programs that are being more active online than perhaps they should be.

Technology

Substack data breach exposed users’ emails and phone numbers

Published

7 hours ago

February 5, 2026

Press Room

Substack data breach exposed users’ emails and phone numbers

Substack is notifying some users that the email addresses and phone numbers linked to their accounts were exposed in a “security incident” last year. In an email to account holders, Substack CEO Chris Best said that a hacker had accessed internal data without authorization in October 2025, but that passwords, credit card numbers, and other financial information remain secure.

“On February 3rd, we identified evidence of a problem with our systems that allowed an unauthorized third party to access limited user data without permission, including email addresses, phone numbers, and other internal metadata,” Best said in the email. “We do not have evidence that this information is being misused, but we encourage you to take extra caution with any emails or text messages you receive that may be suspicious.”

Substack says that it has since fixed the security problem, and is now conducting a full investigation alongside bolstering its systems “to prevent this type of issue from happening in the future.” The platform didn’t provide any details regarding what the security issue was, or how many users have been impacted — myself and several Verge colleagues who also use Substack did not receive the email. We have reached out to Substack for clarification.

“I’m incredibly sorry this happened,” Best said in the email to users. “We take our responsibility to protect your data and your privacy seriously, and we came up short here.”

Technology

How tech is being used in Nancy Guthrie disappearance investigation

Published

8 hours ago

February 5, 2026

Press Room

How tech is being used in Nancy Guthrie disappearance investigation

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Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of “Today” show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, was reported missing from her home in the Catalina Foothills area near Tucson after she failed to appear for church and could not be reached by family. When deputies arrived, several things stood out. Her phone, wallet and car keys were inside the home. The daily medication she relies on was left behind. Given her age and mobility challenges, investigators said she would not have left voluntarily.

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department has since stated publicly that the case is being treated as a suspected abduction, and the home was processed as a crime scene. As the search continues, investigators are piecing together not only physical evidence and witness tips, but also the digital trail left behind by everyday technology.

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149 MILLION PASSWORDS EXPOSED IN MASSIVE CREDENTIAL LEAK

Investigators are examining digital clues from phones, cameras and networks to help narrow the timeline in the Nancy Guthrie missing person investigation. (Courtesy of NBC)

Why technology matters in missing person investigations

In cases like this, technology rarely delivers a single smoking gun. Instead, it helps investigators answer quieter but critical questions that shape a timeline. Investigators ask when everything still looked normal. They look for the moment when devices stopped communicating. They try to pinpoint when something changed. Phones, medical devices, cellular networks and cameras generate timestamps. Those records help narrow the window when events may have taken a dangerous turn.

YOUR PHONE SHARES DATA AT NIGHT: HERE’S HOW TO STOP IT

Smart cameras and neighborhood footage can provide crucial time markers, even when images are unclear or partially obscured. (Courtesy of NBC)

How investigators connect data across agencies

Behind the scenes, investigators rely on advanced analytical systems to connect information from multiple sources and jurisdictions. In Tucson and across Pima County, law enforcement agencies use artificial intelligence-assisted crime analysis platforms such as COPLINK, which allows data sharing with at least 19 other police departments across Arizona. These systems help investigators cross-reference tips, reports, vehicle data and digital evidence more quickly than manual searches.

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department, Tucson Police Department and the FBI also work through real-time analytical crime centers, including Tucson’s Real-Time Analytical Crime Center (TRACC). These centers allow analysts to review large volumes of data together, from phone records and license plate reads to surveillance timestamps.

This type of analysis does not replace traditional police work. It helps narrow timelines, rule out possibilities and prioritize leads as new information comes in.

Bluetooth data and Apple’s potential role

iOS may retain low-level Bluetooth artifacts outside the pacemaker app. Access to this data typically requires:

Legal process
Apple cooperation
Device forensic extraction

Bluetooth artifacts cannot determine distance. They cannot show that two devices were a few feet apart. What they can sometimes provide is timestamp correlation, confirming that a Bluetooth interaction occurred. That correlation can help align pacemaker activity with phone movement or inactivity. It is not publicly known whether Apple has been formally contacted in this case. An inquiry has been made. Apple typically does not comment on specific investigations but may confirm what categories of data could be available.

What the iPhone itself may reveal

Even without medical data, the iPhone left behind may provide valuable corroboration. With proper legal access, investigators may examine:

Motion sensor activity
Cellular network connections
Wi-Fi associations
Camera metadata
Power and usage patterns

This data can help establish whether the phone moved unexpectedly or stopped being used at a specific time. Again, the value lies in confirming timelines, not speculating motives.

Cell tower data and coverage around the home

Public mapping databases show dense cellular coverage in the area surrounding the Guthrie residence. There are 41 cell towers within a three-mile radius. The closest carrier towers are approximately:

AT&T at 1.0 mile
Verizon at 1.4 miles
T-Mobile at 3.0 miles

Carrier records can be analyzed to identify device connections, sector handoffs and anomalous activity during the critical window between Saturday evening and Sunday morning. This analysis is complex, but it can help confirm whether a device moved or disconnected unexpectedly.

Cameras, license plate readers and neighborhood footage

Investigators are also reviewing surveillance systems. Tucson primarily uses Verkada cameras integrated with the Fusus platform. Flock Safety cameras are used in other parts of the region, including South Tucson.

More than 200 automatic license plate readers are deployed in the broader area, allowing investigators to review historical vehicle movements during the critical time window. These systems can capture license plates, vehicle make and color, vehicle type and alerts tied to suspect vehicles.

Private sources may matter just as much. Neighbor doorbell cameras and home systems can provide important timeline markers, even if the footage is grainy. Some modern vehicles also record motion near parked cars if settings are enabled.

SUPER BOWL SCAMS SURGE IN FEBRUARY AND TARGET YOUR DATA

Everyday devices quietly record timestamps that may help investigators understand when something has changed and where to look next. (Courtesy of NBC)

Ways to keep your loved ones safe

Technology can help protect older or vulnerable relatives, but it works best when combined with everyday habits that reduce risk.

1) Use connected cameras

Install smart doorbell cameras and outdoor security cameras that notify family members when someone unfamiliar appears. Alerts can matter just as much as recorded footage. Many newer systems allow AI-based person detection, which can alert you when an unknown person is seen at certain times of day or night. These alerts can be customized, so family members know when activity breaks a normal pattern, not just when motion is detected.

2) Wear an emergency pendant or medical alert device

Emergency pendants and wearable SOS devices let someone call for help with a single press. Many newer models work outside the home and can alert caregivers if a fall is detected. Some devices also include GPS, which helps when someone becomes disoriented or leaves home unexpectedly. This remains one of the most overlooked safety tools for older adults.

3) Enable device sharing and safety features

If your loved one agrees, enable location sharing, emergency contacts and built-in safety features on their phone or wearable.

On smartphones, this can include:

Emergency SOS
Medical ID access from the lock screen
Trusted location sharing through apps like Find My

These features work quietly in the background, allowing help to reach the right people quickly without requiring daily interaction.

4) Create simple check-in routines

Use apps, text reminders or calendar alerts that prompt regular check-ins. If a message goes unanswered, it creates a reason to follow up quickly instead of assuming everything is fine. Consistency matters more than complexity.

5) Use devices with passive safety monitoring

Some phones, wearables and home systems can detect changes in normal daily activity without requiring a button press. For example, smartphones and smartwatches can notice when movement patterns suddenly stop or change. If a device that usually moves every morning stays still for hours, that shift can trigger alerts or prompt a check-in from a caregiver. Smart home systems can also flag unusual inactivity. Motion sensors that normally register movement throughout the day may show a long gap, which can signal that something is wrong. Passive monitoring works in the background. It reduces the need for constant interaction while still creating early warning signs when routines break.

6) Know emergency contacts and escalation steps

Enable smart alerts from home security systems so that family members know when doors open late at night, remain open longer than normal or when systems are armed or disarmed. Fire and smoke listener alerts and bedside panic buttons add another layer of protection, especially overnight. Car apps can also share safety signals, such as when a vehicle is unlocked, a door or window is left open or when location sharing is enabled with trusted family members.

“No single device can protect someone on its own,” a law enforcement expert told CyberGuy. “What helps most is layering. A camera paired with a wearable. A phone paired with check-ins. Technology paired with human attention. Each layer adds context and reduces blind spots. Together, they create earlier warnings and faster responses when something goes wrong.”

Kurt’s key takeaways

The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie is heartbreaking. It also highlights how deeply modern technology is woven into everyday life. Digital data from phones, cellular networks, and cameras can offer valuable insights, but only when used responsibly and in compliance with privacy laws. As this investigation continues, technology may help law enforcement narrow timelines and test theories, even if it cannot answer every question. In cases like this, every detail matters.

As digital footprints grow more detailed, should tech companies give law enforcement broader access when someone goes missing? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Technology

Google’s annual revenue tops $400 billion for the first time

Published

19 hours ago

February 4, 2026

Press Room

Google’s annual revenue tops 0 billion for the first time

Google’s parent company, Alphabet, has earned more than $400 billion in annual revenue for the first time. The company announced the milestone as part of its Q4 2025 earnings report released on Wednesday, which highlights the 15 percent year-over-year increase as its cloud business and YouTube continue to grow.

As noted in the earnings report, Google’s Cloud business reached a $70 billion run rate in 2025, while YouTube’s annual revenue soared beyond $60 billion across ads and subscriptions. Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai told investors that YouTube remains the “number one streamer,” citing data from Nielsen. The company also now has more than 325 million paid subscribers, led by Google One and YouTube Premium.

Additionally, Pichai noted that Google Search saw more usage over the past few months “than ever before,” adding that daily AI Mode queries have doubled since launch. Google will soon take advantage of the popularity of its Gemini app and AI Mode, as it plans to build an agentic checkout feature into both tools.