Technology

How to safeguard your older PC

Published

10 months ago

May 15, 2024

Whether you have an older PC lying around your home or you’re considering buying a used/refurbished PC to save money, there’s nothing wrong with doing this. However, there is one problem you should know about: older computers can be more vulnerable to security threats because they haven’t been given updates in a long time. This not only puts you at risk, it can also make your computer run more slowly. Additionally, if you sell or giveaway an older PC without properly clearing out the system, you never know who could still have access to your files and data.

So, how can you make sure your old PCs – whatever you intend on doing with them – are up to date and don’t pose a risk for you? Let’s find out.

CLICK TO GET KURT’S FREE CYBERGUY NEWSLETTER WITH SECURITY ALERTS, QUICK VIDEO TIPS, TECH REVIEWS AND EASY HOW-TO’S TO MAKE YOU SMARTER

Man on his PC (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What are the risks associated with using an older PC?

Using an older computer poses a number of security risks based primarily on the fact that the software it’s running is outdated. This includes operating systems and applications that may lack essential security patches. These systems are more susceptible to known vulnerabilities and exploits, increasing the likelihood of malware infections and other potential cyberattacks.

Additionally, older hardware may have inherent vulnerabilities that simply can’t be mitigated through any type of software update, and compatibility issues with modern security software that you could potentially install to mitigate this could only exacerbate the problem. Essentially, as newer systems receive more attention and updates, older computers become increasingly vulnerable and less capable of defending against evolving threats.

Man working on his PC (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

MORE: DON’T TOSS YOUR OLD INTERNET ROUTER UNTIL YOU DO THIS

How to keep an older computer secure

Knowing the security risks that come with older computers doesn’t mean you should always just resort to buying a new computer. But, it is important to take security seriously and ensure that old computer is as secure as any new one.

Here are five steps you can take to keep your system safe:

1) Regular updates: Ensure your operating system, antivirus and firewall programs are up to date. This helps patch security vulnerabilities and guards against known threats.

2) Consider upgrading your OS: Unsupported operating systems like Windows XP are particularly vulnerable. Consider upgrading to a newer OS or switching to a free alternative like Linux to access current security updates and support.

3) Use secure browsing alternatives: Opt for safe and private browsers instead of Internet Explorer, which has officially been retired and is out of support.

4) Have good antivirus software: The best way to protect yourself from clicking malicious links that install malware that may get access to your private information on your PC is to have antivirus protection installed on all your devices. This can also alert you of any phishing emails or ransomware scams. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices.

5) Maintain best practices: Adopt good habits like shutting down your computer regularly, uninstalling unused programs and backing up your files to mitigate the risk of data loss due to hardware failure or cyberattacks.

Man at his computer taking notes (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

MORE: WHY DOES MY PC FREEZE AND HOW DO I FIX IT? EXPERT ANSWERS

How to speed up an old computer

Free up disk space: Remove unnecessary software and delete unused files to free up disk space, which can help improve overall performance. Tools like “Disk Cleanup” on Windows can be very helpful for this.

Defragment your hard drive: Regularly defragmenting your hard drive organizes data more efficiently, making it easier for your computer to access and improving its speed. This process is automated on modern versions of Windows (7 and later), so there’s no need to do it manually. However, if you’re using an older version, you can use the built-in defragmentation tool.

Consider adding more memory: Increasing the amount of RAM in your computer can significantly enhance its multitasking capabilities and overall speed. Research the type of RAM your computer uses and consider adding more if needed. If you’re not comfortable with this, a professional or a tech-savvy friend can help.

Update your drivers: Ensure your device drivers are up to date to prevent compatibility issues and optimize performance. Many drivers update automatically, but it’s wise to check periodically. You can also visit the manufacturer’s website for instructions.

Manage start-up processes: Control which programs launch during startup to reduce boot time and improve performance. Disable unnecessary startup processes using guides tailored to your operating system. On Windows, you can use the “Task Manager” to disable start-up programs.

Woman on her PC (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

MORE: 10 TIPS TO SPEED UP YOUR PC’S PERFORMANCE

What to do if you sell an old computer?

Before selling or getting rid of an older computer, it’s crucial to take steps to protect your personal information and ensure the next user doesn’t have access to your data. Here’s what you should do:

Back up your data: First, make sure to back up any important files, documents, photos or other data you want to keep. You can transfer these files to an external hard drive, cloud storage or another computer.

Securely erase data: Simply deleting files or formatting the hard drive may not completely erase your data, as it can still be recovered using specialized software. Consider using a data erasure tool or disk-wiping software to securely erase the entire hard drive, making it nearly impossible for anyone to retrieve your personal information. Check out our top data recovery software solutions by clicking here.

Sign out of accounts: If your computer is linked to any online accounts or services like your email, social media accounts or software subscriptions, make sure to log out of these accounts before resetting the computer. This prevents the next user from accessing your accounts unintentionally.

Remove external devices: Don’t forget to remove any external devices connected to the computer, such as USB drives, external hard drives or printers, as they may contain personal data as well.

Perform a factory reset: Performing a factory reset is not only essential to wipe all your personal data from the computer and restore it to its original settings, it’s often the easiest and quickest option instead of manually doing all the steps above. This process removes all files, applications and user accounts, essentially giving the next user a clean slate. Be sure to follow the specific instructions for your computer model to initiate a factory reset properly, and make sure to check that it worked and none of your files are still there!

By following these steps, you can ensure that your personal information is safeguarded and that the next user receives a clean and secure computer.

Kurt’s key takeaways

Computers that are regularly updated tend to have less security risk. But that doesn’t mean you need to trade in your perfectly good PC for a new one. It just means you have to pay extra attention and take a few additional steps to keep your PC secure. Doing these steps can also ensure your older computer isn’t slowing down either.

How has the evolution of technology influenced your decision-making when it comes to updating or replacing your devices? 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.

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover.

Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:

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

Bigscreen’s super light Beyond 2 headset adds optional eye-tracking

Published

5 hours ago

March 21, 2025

Press Room

Bigscreen’s super light Beyond 2 headset adds optional eye-tracking

Bigscreen has just revealed the Beyond 2, a custom-fit virtual-reality headset with a 116-degree field of view it claims is wider than the Meta Quest 3 and Valve Index. The wired headset weighs just 107 grams (~3.8 ounces) and starts at $1,019, but you’ll have to pay extra if you want eye-tracking capabilities.

The Bigscreen Beyond 2 is compatible with SteamVR base stations and comes with the same micro-OLED displays as its predecessor, offering a 5120 x 2560 resolution and up to 90Hz refresh rate. However, Bigscreen says the Beyond 2 has upgraded pancake optics offering “edge-to-edge clarity,” improved brightness, and less glare. It also lets you adjust the position of each lens separately, allowing it to match the distance between your pupils.

There’s also a Beyond 2e, which starts at $1,219 and tracks the movement of your eyes with “incredibly tiny camera sensors the size of a grain of sand.” This can come in handy if you want your virtual avatar in apps like VRChat to reflect your eye movement.

You can still use an iPhone XR or newer to create a 3D scan of your face, allowing Bigscreen to make a custom-fit face cushion. Alternatively, if you don’t have an iPhone, the Bigscreen Beyond 2 now offers a universal-fit Halo mount and cushion.

The Beyond 2 and Beyond 2e are available to order now with black, orange, and clear cover shells. Shipments are expected to arrive in June 2025.

Technology

The 10 telltale signs of AI-created images

Published

5 hours ago

March 21, 2025

Press Room

The 10 telltale signs of AI-created images

It’s becoming more common for images to be made with AI tools.

As the artificial intelligence generation gets more advanced, it’s getting trickier to tell the difference between AI-made and human-made images. However, there are still signs to look out for.

Here are some key indicators that an image was created by AI.

GET EXPERT SECURITY ALERTS, MUST-KNOW TECH TIPS AND THE LATEST DIGITAL TRENDS STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX. SIGN UP FOR KURT’S THE CYBERGUY REPORT NOW

Example of an AI-created image (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

1. Detail problems

When it comes to photos of people, AI still has trouble mastering fine details like faces, textures and hands. Keep an eye out for inconsistencies such as extra fingers, strange skin tones or too many teeth.

2. Glossy or fake-looking textures

AI can’t always get textures right, so images may look too smooth or shiny. This shows up a lot in things like skin (which might look unnaturally poreless) or in nature scenes where trees or grass look kind of plasticky. If everything looks just a little too perfect, it’s probably AI.

ALERT: MALWARE STEALS BANK CARDS AND PASSWORDS FROM MILLIONS OF DEVICES

3. Lighting and shadow issues

One of the easiest ways to spot AI is by looking at how lighting and shadows work. You might see shadows in odd places, or the lighting could look flat or inconsistent.

4. Background irregularities

AI struggles with depth and perspective, so check the background for anything that seems off. For instance, you might see blurry objects or a distorted skyline. Sometimes, the background won’t even correctly match the image subject.

5. Messed-up words

If there are words in the image, they might look jumbled, misspelled or nonsensical. This is because AI has a tough time making legible text, especially in more complex images.

6. Hidden biases

AI learns from existing data, which can have a lot of built-in biases. As a result, AI images can showcase forms of discrimination. For example, most AI images of prestigious jobs will automatically feature White males.

Example of an AI-created image (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

FBI’S NEW WARNING ABOUT AI-DRIVEN SCAMS THAT ARE AFTER YOUR CASH

7. Unrealistic elements

Sometimes, AI images will incorporate things that simply don’t make sense. This might include animals in bizarre colors, impossible gadgets and other truly unbelievable settings. If you’re questioning whether something is real, there’s a good chance it isn’t.

WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?

Example of an AI-created image (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

CAN AI MAKE PHOTOS OF YOU LOOK BETTER THAN YOU DO IN REAL LIFE?

8. Watermarks

Some generative AI tools automatically add a watermark to the image. This will either be included in the lower corner of an image or be embedded in the background.

9. Missing metadata

While you might not be able to see it right away, AI images usually lack metadata. This is the information that’s attached to an image file, such as photo resolution or copyright details.

To view image metadata in Windows:

Right-click the image file and select Properties
Click the Details tab in the window

To find it on a Mac:

Right-click the image file
Select Get Info

On real photos, metadata will be displayed. This information is missing when a photo is generated by AI.

10. Reverse image search

For the more deceptive photos, try doing a reverse image search to track down where one came from. If it’s all over social media but not on trusted sites, be wary.

Think you can spot the fake? Put your skills to the test with my “Find the Fake” games here.

Kurt’s key takeaways

AI-generated images are becoming increasingly popular. While the technology may be useful in certain situations, it can also bring up big concerns around trust and security. That’s why it’s crucial to know how to spot AI images to help stop misinformation and protect brand credibility.

What other types of AI content would you like help identifying? 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.

Alert: Malware steals bank cards and passwords from millions of devices.

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover.

Follow Kurt on his social channels:

Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions:

New from Kurt:

Technology

The crypto bars are invading Washington

Published

16 hours ago

March 21, 2025

Press Room

In a true sign of a vibe shift in Washington, a DC bar beloved by Republican staffers announced that it was shuttering its doors – and will reportedly be replaced by a bar that only accepts cryptocurrency as payment.

Local news site PoPville first reported on Thursday that a D.C. outpost of Pubkey, a bar located in Greenwich Village that describes itself as a “vibrant bitcoin community”, had taken over the lease of Hill Country, a popular Texas barbecue restaurant and music venue, which recently announced it would close its doors in Penn Quarter after 14 years.

It’s part of a trend of crypto-centric social venues opening up across the country in the past several years. Pubkey, which opened in 2022 near New York University’s Manhattan campus, has a notably casual atmosphere: a subterranean dive bar-slash-podcast recording studio, with a pub grub menu designed by an Eleven Madison Park alum, where anyone could hang out – so long as they paid with cryptocurrency. (When Eater visited in 2022, they observed “a variety of regional styles” of hot dogs on the menu, as well as a stuffed raccoon next to “a television that appeared to be playing A Christmas Story”.) But unlike its competitors, Pubkey has a unique link to the White House: Donald Trump made a high-profile visit during the 2024 campaign and used $998.70 worth of bitcoin to buy smash burgers for the entire bar, becoming the first president to conduct a bitcoin transaction – a symbolic embrace of the crypto community.

When reached for comment, Pubkey owner Thomas Pacchia confirmed that they would be opening a DC location in the coming months, but declined to specify the location. “The DC location will have podcast studios, event space, all that stuff,” he told The Verge. Although he acknowledged the negative publicity surrounding Trump’s visit, Pacchia added that Democrats such as Rep. Ritchie Torres and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand had visited Pubkey as well and hoped the new location would draw a bipartisan crowd. “Anybody that wants to come and talk about Bitcoin is welcome. Literally, anyone.”

The bar it will reportedly replace has diametrically opposed vibes. Located close to DC’s power lobbying firms, Hill Country, a bar whose decor could not scream “TEXAS” any louder, has long been known as a DC nightlife spot particularly beloved by Republican staffers looking for live country music, a good smoked brisket, and decently priced well liquor. It’s also a place where one could witness high-powered GOP lawmakers letting loose: Rep. George Santos was once spotted singing “I Will Survive” on a Wednesday karaoke night in 2023, while under a federal and Congressional investigation for fraud and lying about his background. (This reporter has personally attended several live karaoke nights and at least one company holiday party at Hill Country over the past several years.)

Pubkey’s arrival in Washington comes at a notable time in crypto’s history, whether it displaces the Republican bar or not. Once considered an unserious group of libertarians by lawmakers, the cryptocurrency community now has massive influence with the Trump administration, thanks to key crypto players such as David Sacks and Elon Musk supporting Trump’s reelection. Trump himself has embraced cryptocurrency more than previous presidents, launching his own memecoin, appointing Sacks as a “crypto czar” and announcing a potential cryptocurrency strategic reserve. (The rise of crypto has inadvertently stoked competition between the nativist MAGA right and the global economy-focused tech right, a tension so palpable that Vice President J.D. Vance recently had to call for a truce between the two.) With the upcoming opening of Pubkey, it appears that in the nation’s capital, the crypto faction is literally gaining ground.