There are many reasons why you might want remote access to one of your computers, but most solutions that used to be free now charge for that access. There is one, however, that's still completely free and very powerful: Google's Remote Desktop via the Chrome browser. It's incredibly easy to set up with a quick download of a tool from their website that integrates with the Chrome browser. Once you've spent a minute or two configuring the tool along with your Google account, it makes the computer accessible by a myriad of devices through your account. It'll even become accessible via your smartphone or tablet, which can be a lifesaver in certain situations. You don't have to be a brain surgeon to get this tool to work, so if you don't have anything set up yet, we love this for users of all skill levels. Here are the links to the downloads: Chrome Remote Desktop Add-on:and#160;https://chrome.google.com/remotedesktop Android remote app:and#160;https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.chromeremotedesktop iOS remote app:and#160;https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/chrome-remote-desktop/id944025852?mt=8

By now, most everyone understands how ingrained our smartphones have become in our lives and that includes the bad guys. Security experts have been concerned for years about the various methods being tested by hackers to compromise smartphones. One of the latest attack vectors is malicious apps since apps are so popular. There have been very crafty ploys in the past that leverage apps which mimic legit companies which can provide full remote access to compromised iPhones. These malicious apps are posted as downloads outside of the App Store which is why they can bypass the security set up by Apple. Links to these tainted apps are posted all around the Internet or via compromised social media accounts in an attempt to fool friends that are connected. It's common knowledge that iPhone apps should only be downloaded via the official App Store, but the malicious tactics continue to evolve, so make absolutely sure you know where you are whenever you download an app.

For most projects around the house, taking accurate measurements is a critical step in ensuring a successful outcome. Once you have those measurements, documenting them for yourself and especially if you are going to involve others becomes just as important. It's not uncommon to take a picture and send along some notes when communicating with others, but there's a better way. Why not include annotations, measurements and notes right on the picture to reduce the chances of creating confusion? An app called My Measures will allow you to do just that! Now instead of sketching out what you're working on or using multiple ways of conveying your needs, you can snap a photo with your smartphone and quickly add the details that will make it very clear for others. It's an easy app to use and the visual guides will be much more efficient and accurate, so if you're interested, check it out at:and#160;http://www.mymeasuresapp.com

As time goes on, we hear of more and more Mac-specific security issues because so many new users have migrated to Apple's operating system. There was a time when there was no reason to install a third-party Internet security program on a Mac, both those days are long gone. Despite the excellent tools built into the macOS, there are still points of exposure that should be addressed, especially with all of the browser-specific exploits. The more careless the users, like with those youngsters in your household, the more important it is to have that extra layer of protection. Users that spend a lot of time downloading and installing new programs, games and apps are at a much higher risk of exposure to new risks. Cyber-thieves have also learned that those using the more expensive Apple computers are more likely to have more money, making them a more appealing target. Remember, the Internet provides direct access to your computer from anywhere on the planet, so adding layers of security is always a good idea.

An essential component of doing business these days is having a website, but it's only effective if it's available. Ensuring that your window to the world is up and running is the focus of this tip. If you own or are in charge of any website, there's a free tool available that will automatically monitor your site called "Up Time Robot" you should know about. It checks your site every five minutes and only sends you an email when it can't access it, which generally means that it's down for the entire world. If you operate more than one website, there's still no charge as you can monitor up to 50 sites with a free account. Since there are so many possibilities that would suddenly make your website inaccessible, it's best to know as soon as there is a problem so you can address it. This resource only takes a minute or two to get setup, so if you don't already have something that monitors your website, get that extra layer of comfort at https://uptimerobot.com

Many companies try to lure you into a paid service by offering what appears to be a free credit reporting service. Ongoing credit reporting service generally charge a fee, but you can get a free report once a year using https://www.annualcreditreport.com If you'd like more of an ongoing resource for monitoring your credit files, a website now owned by Google called CreditKarma is an option. The basis for this free service is that it will offer you deals on various financial services based on your actual credit scores, so you'll have to be OK with providing even more info to Google. CreditKarma can be accessed via your computer or mobile devices via the web or by downloading their app. Keeping track of your credit files to avoid becoming an ID theft victim is important and CreditKarmaand#160;https://creditkarma.comand#160;provides lots of great tools for doing just that.

One of the most important things in achieving goals is actually putting those goals in front of you so you can keep them front of mind. Most people that use the Google Calendar may not have noticed an option for creating an event called Goals. Google's developers felt that if you treated goals like calendar events, you'd have a higher chance of achieving them. Unlike standard events that get added to the calendar, goals are managed to avoid time conflicts and can be kept on the schedule so you eventually can mark it as done. The Goals feature will only appear when you are using the Calendar mobile app, but once it's on your calendar, it will bug you on your computer and your smartphone. You can now have your calendar nag you to accomplish tasks that you aren't all that motivated to complete on your own via the calendar you use every day already. If you're interested in experimenting with this feature, here are the instructions:and#160;http://bit.ly/2QgxFFp

Covid has restricted travel in so many ways, but taking a road trip in the U.S. is still a viable option. There are plenty of resources for the obvious places to visit, but if you're looking to experience locations that aren't where all the crowds go, check out a web resource called Road Trippers. You start by typing in where you will start and end you trip to find lots of options in between. What's great about this tool is that you can see how long it will take to get to each destination, so you can be more strategic about your trip as well as calculate the fuel expense. Even after you've decided on the major points of interest, you can discover a plethora of additional sites to see using Road Trippers zoom tool. If creating your own itinerary is too much for you, you can start with lots of existing trips on the site and modify them to appeal to your senses for a quick way to create a plan. Check it out at: https://roadtrippers.com

A critical component in Internet security requires that you have a unique password that is long and complex for each of your online accounts to protect you in the event of a breach with any of the companies that you do business with. Trying to remember all those passwords is a fool's errand, so you're going to have to come up with some way to securely store the passwords for all your accounts. You can certainly write them down somewhere and do your best to keep the password list hidden or take advantage of secure tools such as Roboformand#160;https://www.roboform.com to do the work for you. Not only can it help you with complex password storage, but it also has secure form storage for all those addresses and account numbers you routinely use online. Once you've set it up, you can use some automated tools to open a web browser tab and input your username/password with one click of the mouse and all you have to do is remember one primary password from then on. You can also secure the primary password with two-factor authentication to further reduce the ability of hackers to take over your accounts.

The promise of the Internet was to create one-to-one connections for anyone that participates. One of the travel connection services online is in the realm of hotel reservations that are no longer needed by the original booker via a group that calls themselves Roomer. It's essentially an exchange for buyers and sellers of hotel reservations similar to those that help those looking to sell concert tickets by making it much easier than selling on their own. Our tests of the site seemed to imply that the best deals are available when you are searching for a room in a large urban area. Keep in mind that flexibility is the key to getting the best deals, which means if you are limited to a specific number of days, this may not yield the best results. Taking advantage of the entire unneeded reservation is the best way to save money because you're helping the original booker out. This is also a bookmarkable website in the event you ever find yourself in a situation of hotel reservations that you can't use:and#160;https://www.roomertravel.com