In addition to gobbling up most of the internet, ChatGPT now wants access to your OneDrive and SharePoint files, too. It makes sense. One of the earliest uses of AI was to summarize documents and folders of documents, and there’s only so many times you can ask it whether Spider-Man would beat Wonder Woman in a fair fight. It would be more productive for AI to collate and make sense of your own personal information, assuming you want to grant access to it. According to OpenAI, ChatGPT can now connect to your OneDrive or SharePoint document libraries, assuming you’re a paid ChatGPT Plus, Pro, or Team user who lives outside the EEA, Switzerland, and the UK (via Windows Central). You’ll obviously have to connect ChatGPT and give it permission to start poring over your cloud documents. Specifically, you’ll need to enable ChatGPT’s “Deep Research” function, which normally scours the web for information. Now, it appears you can specify which folders in Microsoft’s cloud services to make accessible to ChatGPT on a once-and-done basis. Click the “down arrow” to select either OneDrive or SharePoint, then log in to the Microsoft services. You can also go to ChatGPT Settings, then Connected Apps, Connectors, and click Connect next to Microsoft OneDrive (work/school). From a privacy perspective, you’re sharing the request with both OpenAI and Microsoft. “ChatGPT generates search queries from your prompts to locate relevant information within your connected Microsoft document libraries and sends these queries to Microsoft,” said OpenAI. Theoretically, this should work similarly to Microsoft Copilot for OneDrive, which launched a year ago. However, Microsoft still says the service is only available to users with a work or school account, and will be added to Microsoft 365 subscribers (Personal or Family) in the coming months. Microsoft also says that Copilot for OneDrive can only work with five files at a time. OpenAI doesn’t specify any limitations at all for ChatGPT. Things move fast in the AI world and it’s certainly possible that competition will spur Microsoft on. But for now, ChatGPT’s cloud integration looks like a more powerful option. Read...

You’ve updated to Windows 11, changed all the settings to optimize the system, cleaned out the junk, and turned off Microsoft advertising. You’ve gotten used to the new Start menu and other quirks. In short, you’re warmed up to Windows 11. So now what? Time to roll up your sleeves and become a power user with these tricks! PowerToys Jon Martindale / IDG Microsoft has developed a bunch of smart features that the company has deemed a little too advanced or unique to fit directly into Windows. Instead, they are included in something called PowerToys. It’s a program you install from Github, the Microsoft store, or via Winget in Terminal (see below), which then acts as a setup and installation program for the many features included. You can choose which features you want to enable, and can use PowerToys even if you’re only looking for one or two features. Here are three of my favorites: PowerToys: Workspaces and Fancyzones – pin layouts on steroids Jon Martindale / IDG Do you like Windows pinned layouts, but wish they were a bit more flexible and above all more permanent? Then you should look at Workspaces and Fancyzones. Workspaces are a way of creating sets of applications whose windows are pinned to different parts of the screen, which you can reopen at any time, even after restarting. Fancyzones are a more advanced version of the system’s built-in pinned layouts that allows you to create your own layouts. You can then position application windows quickly and easily in any of the preset areas of the screen. This is most useful on large, high-resolution screens — especially ultrawide screens where using applications in full-screen mode is a waste of space. PowerToys: Run An example of the Run commands as found on Microsoft’s web page for the utility.Microsoft A launcher for more efficient keyboard control — press a keyboard shortcut, start typing the name of what you want to open and press return to open. Can also be used as a calculator and for a range of other functions. For example, you can start with a question mark to search for files, an equal sign for calculators, two exclamation marks to see previous commands, and so on. Powertoys: Peek Have a look with Powertoys.Foundry Preview images and other files from Explorer with a keyboard shortcut. Similar to the Overview feature on Mac. You can choose the keyboard shortcut yourself and the preview can fill most of the screen, unlike the usual small previews that Explorer can show on the right. Further reading: Hate Windows 11? These 9 free apps make it feel like Windows 10 again Windows Terminal Windows 11 and later updates of Windows 10 have a new and more modern program for control via text commands. It’s basically a shell for the old Command Prompt and Powershell, and you can open tabs with both to access unique commands that only exist in one or the other. In everyday computer use, there may not be much to do in Terminal, but it can be very handy to know how it works. For example, there are system settings that can only be made from here, and it is often easier to add or change in the Windows registry. However, there is one feature that even a regular user can benefit from in everyday life: the ability to install, update, and uninstall programs. The system has a built-in tool called Winget that is used for everything in the Microsoft store. For other programs and terminal commands, there are several third-party options, such as Chocolatey. For example, here’s how to install Microsoft Powertoys for your user account. Type the command and exit with return: winget install Microsoft.PowerToys -s winget If you type just winget and hit return, you will see a list of available features. If you add –help (should be double hyphen-minus), the help file for a particular feature will be displayed — for example, winget install –help for info on how to use the install feature. If you want to install a program for all users on your computer, you can add –scope machine after install. Terminal and Winget.Foundry You can also update installed applications via Winget instead of having to launch the application and check for updates. Type the following command followed by return to update all installed applications for which Winget finds updates: winget upgrade –all –silent For applications that require admin privileges to install/update, you will need to approve each update, but you can bypass this by running Terminal as administrator. Chocolatey is a package manager similar to ones you may have seen on Linux. It’s a bit more complicated to install, so if you’re curious, I recommend reading the developers’ instructions. Let the keyboard work for you Florian Krumm The keyboard is often a faster way to work with your computer than clicking around with a mouse or trackpad. Both Windows itself and most programs are full of keyboard shortcuts that instantly perform a function, open a tool, or change a setting. Sometimes it saves just one click on a toolbar, but often it shortens the work by several steps — and you don’t have to take your hands off the keyboard. You’re probably already familiar with common keyboard shortcuts like Ctrl+C/V for copy and paste, Ctrl+P for print and Ctrl+T for new tab, but there are many, many more. Microsoft has a huge list of shortcuts in the system, but for third-party programs you either have to look in the menus yourself or search online. Below I have collected some really useful examples. 10 handy keyboard shortcuts Ctrl+W – close an open document or tab, normally without closing the program. In Word, for example, closing the last open document takes you to the File menu.Ctrl+Shift+T – opens the last closed tab in a browser. Handy as the undo function rarely works to undo when you have closed a tab by mistake.Ctrl+Alt+V – this one you have to activate first in Powertoys, but is incredibly handy. Pastes text from the clipboard without formatting.Win+Point – displays the emoji and character selector.Win+Shift+S – displays the screenshot tool for screenshots and screen recordings.Ctrl+Shift+Esc – opens the Task Manager.Win+[number key] – opens the nth program from the left in the Taskbar, for example Ctrl+1 for Explorer if it is on the far left of the shortcuts.Win+D – display the desktop.Win+Ctrl+Shift+B – restarts the graphics driver, can sometimes save you from a reboot if the screen has gone black or is behaving strangely.Ctrl+arrow keys – navigate one word (left/right) or paragraph (up/down) at a time. Combine with Shift to highlight. While you’re at it, you can also learn that Ctrl+Backspace deletes backwards one word at a time and Ctrl+Delete forwards one word at a time. Change the way your keyboard works with Autohotkey Autohotkey is a versatile program that can extend the functionality of your keyboard in a variety of ways. In short, it involves writing macros — text files with a kind of code — that add or change the way your keyboard works. You can also download and use macros created by others, or copy the parts of a macro that you find useful. As an example, I use a macro myself that makes the Windows keyboard work like the macOS, where it’s easy to type with diacritics that aren’t built into the keyboard layout. For example, it’s easy to type ü by pressing Alt+U followed by U, or ñ with Alt+N followed by N. Check out the Autohotkey Reddit group for help and inspiration. Use a local account Using a Microsoft account to sign in to Windows has some advantages. For example, it’s easier to activate the system and you’ll be automatically logged into some Microsoft applications. But there are also advantages to using a local account, and some people prefer it for ideological reasons. In fact, the easiest way to use your computer with a local account is to start with a Microsoft account and then create a separate local account that you use normally. If you need to do something with the Microsoft account, such as activate Windows, you can temporarily log in to it. Open Settings > Accounts > Other users and click Add account. In the dialogue box that appears, click on I don’t have this person’s login information and then on Add a user without a Microsoft account. Now another dialog box will open where you fill in the username and password. You can set a pin code or use your face to sign in with Windows Hello even with a local account. Further reading: Speed up your Windows 11 PC: 12 must-do tweaks Control the volume of individual programs Volume mixer for individual programs. Foundry Windows has a built-in sound mixer that makes it easy to change the volume of individual programs. The only trick is that the application must be open to be visible in the settings, but the setting is not reset when you shut down the application. You can access the volume controls in several ways, either in Settings > System > Sound > Volume mixer or by clicking the volume button on the far right of the Taskbar and then the button to the right of the volume slider (scroll down a bit to see each program’s slider). Windows X menu Foundry Right-click on the Start menu to display the X menu, also called the power user menu. It brings together shortcuts to a wide range of advanced settings that you’d normally have to root around in the old Control Panel or find via the search function, like Device Manager and Disk Management. Also the fastest way to launch Terminal as an administrator. Phone Link connects your mobile to your computer Microsoft Windows 11 can have a really close connection to your mobile, thanks to the Phone Link feature. Microsoft has also continued to develop it so that today it is more competent than a few years ago. For iPhone users, you can now make and receive calls, manage notifications, read and send text messages, view contacts and share files. For Android users, everything that’s on the iPhone is included, but you also get access to the photo library. Type Phone Link into Windows search bar to get started. Back up smart Hopefully you’re aware of the importance of backing up important files, so that you don’t lose priceless photos or other important items just because a hard drive fails, a computer is stolen, or if disaster strikes and a fire destroys all your electronics. Windows 11 has a built-in backup feature that can keep certain folders and your computer settings backed up to OneDrive. Microsoft is keen for users to activate it and will nag you if you haven’t done so, but of course it’s not a requirement. There are many other backup solutions that are more competent, and where neither Microsoft nor anyone else can access your files. A common recommendation among security experts that I follow myself is called the 3-2-1 principle. It means that you should always have at least three copies of your files, on at least two different media, with at least one backup physically located in a different place. Having 10 different backups on different hard drives in your home won’t help if your house burns down. Windows’ backup feature can be an easy way to accomplish the latter without, for example, subscribing to a cloud backup service. But since having enough space on OneDrive requires a Microsoft 365 subscription, there’s a better, more privacy-protective way that also allows you to back up everything on your computer if you want to: Get a third-party online backup software that supports OneDrive as a target. Skärmdump I recommend Arq Backup or Duplicati. Both of these encrypt the backups so that no one but you can ever access the files. They use deduplication which means they can save many full backups without taking up huge amounts of space. This way, you can open a months-old backup and restore individual files, or restore the entire disc from the last backup. Further reading: Your PC’s Windows install needs spring cleaning too. Here’s how to do it Read...

TL;DR: Less than 75 codes left in stock: Microsoft Office for Windows at $49.97 (reg. $219.99). Internet down? No problem. With a Microsoft Office download, you can keep working without skipping a beat. This offline suite installs directly onto your PC, so you can edit reports, build spreadsheets, and create presentations anywhere — no cloud access or internet connection required, like with Microsoft 365. And since it’s a one-time purchase, there are no surprise renewal fees. This suite includes all the essential productivity staples: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams (Free version only), OneNote, Publisher, and Access. Use Excel to crunch data offline, draft emails in Outlook without waiting for Wi-Fi, and design presentations in PowerPoint wherever inspiration strikes. Everything saves locally, so you can access your files instantly without relying on cloud services. Best of all, it’s yours for life — one payment, no subscriptions. Download this lifetime license to Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows for just $49.97 before codes are sold out (reg. $219.99). No coupon is needed to get this price. Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime LicenseSee Deal StackSocial prices subject to change. Read...

Valve’s Steam Deck “Verified” program is pretty great, but extremely specific to… well, the Steam Deck. But now that SteamOS is expanding into other non-Steam Deck devices, we’re going to need something a little more general to tell if a Steam game will work on a particular device. Enter the SteamOS Compatibility system, a rating that will be similar but separate to the Steam Deck Verified status. According to Valve’s announcement post, a game needs to pass a pretty low bar to be marked as “SteamOS Compatible” on the store. Basically, it needs to boot up on SteamOS (either by offering a Linux version of the game or just running in the Proton compatibility layer) and not have any middleware that breaks in the Linux-based OS. “Middleware” means any of the extra software that a game relies upon to boot up, run, and get you your primary experience—some elements like the anti-cheat in popular multiplayer games might be a stumbling block here. Valve In short, if you can get the game working without any massive or insurmountable hurdles, it’s SteamOS Compatible. Valve might mark the game with a couple of warning flags, like requiring an active internet connection for first-time setup or needing a mouse/touchscreen for the game’s separate launcher program. (By the way, if you sell a game on Steam and it needs a separate launcher, everyone hates you.) But those things won’t preclude a game from the SteamOS Compatible badge. At the time of writing, only the Legion Go S Powered by SteamOS (yep, that’s its full and terrible name) is officially part of the program, and it doesn’t launch until later this month. But there are reportedly more SteamOS-powered handhelds on the way, and I get the feeling that this compatibility badge will be helpful for others as well, like those rolling their own SteamOS hardware with projects like Bazzite. Read...

About a week ago, I decided I would never buy another Ethernet cable, ever. If you’re like me, you have a box or drawer with dozens of cables. And while some cables have specific connections, like USB-C, my wired network (such as it is) is just a random collection of colored Ethernet cables with tiny little markings telling me what they can or can’t do. How much data can that cable transfer? I had no idea. And that’s bad. I had never really thought about which Ethernet cables were being run between my cable modem, router, Xbox, and desktop PC. But I had performed speed tests more than once, and worried that my network was running slower than usual. And I also knew the problem: my network would run only as fast as its slowest segment. If my Ethernet cables were transferring less data than my router or gateway, I was potentially wasting money. I didn’t need to spend time researching the fastest mesh router or the best Internet gateway. If my cables were ancient, my entire network would be bogged down by my slowest cable. If my ISP quietly increased the speed of my broadband connection, I might not see any benefit. And I had already found an old Cat5 cable hooked up to my Xbox, a standard which had been basically extinct for about two decades. Ew! A Cat5 cable may be good enough for your current router, but it might not be for long.Mark Hachman / Foundry About a week before my colleague Dominic Bayley published a helpful explainer on the differences between Ethernet cables, I researched the problem myself. Ethernet comes in different categories, all the way from the ancient Category 3 to the latest Category 8. So Category 8 is the latest and greatest? OK, fine. How much does a Category 8 cable cost? Basically nothing, as it turns out. I discovered I could buy a five-pack of color-coded, nylon-braided Category 8 Ethernet cables for $26.99 on Amazon. Broadband services are always getting faster. Cable modems are, too. But even the fastest cable modems and broadband plans offer just a few gigabits per second, while this Cat8 cable offers a whopping 40Gbits/s of speed. Owning color-coded, braided Ethernet cables for about the price of a nice lunch made me happy.Mark Hachman / Foundry For me, it was a no-brainer. I bought the cables from Amazon, quickly swapped out my existing cables for the new color-coded options, and resolved never to think about what Ethernet cable I owned ever again. Read...

When Microsoft Defender is mentioned, most users think of the antivirus software included in Windows (currently called Windows Security). On the one hand, this is correct, as the antivirus engine within Windows Security is called Microsoft Defender. On the other hand, an app called Microsoft Defender is available for Microsoft 365 subscribers, which can manage the security settings of up to five devices in the local network. The difference between them is not immediately obvious. Reason enough to clarify the terms and differentiate between the two programs. Further reading: Windows Security vs. Microsoft Defender A look back at the history of Defender Defender originated from software developed by Giant, which was acquired by Microsoft in 2004. At that time, spyware and adware programs were flooding Windows computers. Microsoft felt compelled to take action. Following the takeover of Giant, Microsoft renamed the program Windows Antispyware and made it available as a free download for Windows XP. In 2005, it was integrated into the newly developed Windows Vista. Pure confusion: The Windows antivirus tool is called “Microsoft Defender Antivirus.” At the same time, however, Microsoft Defender is an app that only indirectly has anything to do with antivirus.Foundry Windows Antispyware only combats adware and spyware. To defend against malware such as worms and Trojans, users still had to rely on antivirus programs from third-party manufacturers. This only changed in 2012 with the release of Windows 8, where the tool replaced a lightweight antivirus program called Microsoft Security Essentials, which had been available as a free download since 2009. The former antispyware now recognized malware of all kinds and became an integral part of the operating system under the name Windows Defender. Further reading: Windows Defender antivirus: 5 settings to change first With Windows 10, Microsoft began to integrate Defender into a larger suite of security products that were managed via the new Windows Defender Security Center. This center is now simply called Windows Security and is used to manage the various security modules in the operating system. The former Security Center is now called “Windows Security” and summarizes the Windows 11 security modules in one overview. Foundry Windows Security can be accessed via the taskbar. You can usually find the icon by clicking on the arrow for the hidden icons. It appears as a blue shield. If there are no complaints, you will see a white tick on a green background. Alternatively, you can also access the area via the “Settings” of Windows 11 and the “Privacy and security” item. Click on the “Windows Security” button there. Overview: Windows Security Windows Security comprises several modules, all of which are more or less concerned with data protection and data security within Windows. In detail, these are: Virus & threat protection: Here you will find the antivirus tool Microsoft Defender Antivirus as well as ransomware protection, which is designed to monitor access to Windows folders. Account protection: In this area, you control the synchronization of your important data with the cloud service Onedrive as well as the Windows login options. Firewall & network protection: In this module, you have access to the Windows firewall settings. App & browser control: Windows offers extensive options for protection against dangerous apps and websites as well as phishing protection. Foundry Device security: This area includes a range of Windows-internal functions for working with the security hardware in your computer. Device performance & health: The operating system provides reports on the current security status of the computer here. Family options: This module links to an online administration — primarily for parental control settings in your Microsoft account. Protection history: A log of actions performed relating to protection against viruses and potentially unwanted programs appears here. Microsoft Defender: What the app can do Microsoft Defender Antivirus should not be confused with the Microsoft Defender or Microsoft Defender for Individuals app. The manufacturer announced the app for the U.S. market in June 2022. It is only available for subscribers to the Microsoft 365 Office package in the Single and Family versions and is installed automatically together with the Office applications. If this does not work, the app can be downloaded free of charge from the Microsoft Store. Microsoft Defender manages the security of up to four devices via a central dashboard. In addition to PCs and laptops, this also includes smartphones and tablets with Android and iOS as well as desktop computers with Mac OS. Warnings and notifications about newly recognized threats can be played out simultaneously on all devices. It is interesting to note that Microsoft Defender not only works with the internal virus guard Microsoft Defender Antivirus, but also with almost every antivirus tool on the market. For example, the app also forwards the messages from Avast or Norton antivirus programs. Microsoft Defender app. Microsoft Microsoft Defender app: Protection for multiple devices Use the “Add devices” button to extend the protection of Microsoft Defender to other devices. To do this, either scan the QR code that appears and follow the links to the Google Play Store, the Apple App Store, or the Microsoft Store. Or you can send the link to Defender in the Microsoft Store to other devices and users. You can check the security status of the current computer and the other devices that you manage via Microsoft Defender via “Device protection.” You will also find the “Security history” there, which you can also access via “Warnings and history” on the start page. Microsoft Defender centrally manages the security of all devices on which it is installed. This also includes mobile devices such as smartphones.Foundry If you click on it, it shows you in list form which actions Defender has performed on the individual devices, for example where it has removed malware or activated web protection. Mobile version of the Defender app Microsoft Defender for Android is not installed automatically, even for Microsoft 365 subscribers. Instead, you must obtain and set up the program via the Google Play Store. Only once you have signed in to your Microsoft account in the app will the mobile device on which the app is running appear in the list of protected devices. And there is something else that distinguishes the app from the Windows version: Defender for Android not only comes with its own virus scanner, but also includes web protection that warns you of dangerous websites and prevents you from downloading apps that want to spy on personal data. It also regularly displays security tips and recommendations. You can find the antivirus program and web protection on the start page by tapping on “Device protection.” On the following page, make sure that “This device” is selected at the top and go to “Protection against malware.” On the next page, you will see the “Monitor for malicious apps” function. It is active by default and checks existing and newly downloaded apps for malware. Click the “Scan” button under “Run a manual scan” to initiate an additional virus scan. Defender performs a scan every day even if you don’t click it. One page back, “Web protection” takes you to the function of the same name. It compares the web addresses you visit with a list of fraudulent or dangerous websites compiled by Microsoft and issues a corresponding warning if necessary. You can access a list of previous warnings and notifications as well as virus detections on this device via “Security history.” This function corresponds to the “Device protection” in the Windows version of Microsoft Defender. Use another antivirus program in parallel As soon as you install the virus scanner of a third-party manufacturer, Windows Defender automatically withdraws. The antivirus program you have chosen is now responsible for monitoring the system for suspicious actions. Only if Windows detects that this software is out of date, has expired, or is not working properly will the Defender come back into play. Enable Microsoft Defender Antivirus if you want it to continue working alongside a third-party antivirus program Foundry However, you can also run additional scans with Defender using a functioning third-party product. To do this, open “Virus and Threat Protection” in “Windows Security”, click on “Microsoft Defender Antivirus options” and set the “Regular Scan” switch to “On.” As soon as new virus definitions are downloaded, the Defender now performs a quick scan once a day. Read...

They say good things come in small packages, and that’s definitely true when it comes to mini PCs. I mean, just look at this Acemagician M1 mini PC that’s only $398 on Amazon (was $499). I challenge you to find a similarly priced laptop that offers this much power. Yeah, I’ll wait. The Acemagician M1 features an AMD Ryzen 7 6800H processor that’s bolstered by a chunky 32GB of DDR5 RAM, a delightfully productive combo that’s affordable yet powerful enough to handle most of the tasks you’d want to do, from spreadsheet calculations to web surfing to editing photos to mind-melting Netflix binges. The 1TB SSD offers fast enough file operations to boot up and move data in a flash. And if this isn’t enough, you can always upgrade to 64GB of RAM and 4TB of storage. The chip in this mini PC also has Radeon 680M integrated graphics, which is actually pretty good for light to moderate gaming and maybe even some video editing. It’s also performant enough to support triple 4K displays, which you can connect using the HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C video ports. In fact, it’s a productivity beast complete with six high-speed USB-A ports, plus 2.5Gbps LAN and 3.5mm audio. It also has built-in Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 for your wireless connectivity needs. Honestly, this thing is an absolute bargain. Get it now for just $398 on Amazon while you still can because this limited-time deal won’t last. Get this Ryzen 7 mini PC with 32GB RAM for just $398Buy now at Amazon Read...

TL;DR: Take a second screen anywhere with an AOC USB-powered 15.6? portable monitor for $49.99. If you’re tired of juggling windows on a single screen while working remotely or traveling, a portable monitor can help streamline your setup. This AOC 15.6-inch USB-powered display gives you some extra screen space without the bulk or cable clutter. Right now, it’s also available for just $49.99 (reg. $124.99). This LED-backlit monitor has 1366×768 resolution with a 60Hz refresh rate and 8ms response time, making it a solid choice for basic productivity tasks like emails, spreadsheets, and web browsing. It runs entirely through a single USB 3.0 cable that powers the display and delivers the video signal. No HDMI or power adapter needed. This monitor can adapt to your work. The foldable Flexi-Stand and auto-pivot support lets you switch between portrait and landscape modes depending on your workflow. It’s also VESA-mount compatible if you’d rather fix it in place. This Open Box version has been verified to be in new condition, though the packaging may show signs of previous handling. It comes with a 1-year third-party warranty. Whether you’re on the road or just trying to make the most of a small workspace, this compact second display could be a practical and budget-friendly upgrade. Get an AOC Portable Monitor on sale for $49.99. AOC (E1659FWU) 15.6? USB 3.0 Portable HD LED Monitor (Open Box)See Deal StackSocial prices subject to change. Read...

At a glanceExpert`s Rating Pros Identifies electrical problems before they can cause house fires Very easy to install and configure Subscription service pays the first $1,000 in repair costs (labor only) Available for free from some insurance companies Cons Ongoing subscription costs $49 per year Device doesn’t emit any visual or audible warnings if it detects a problem Some homes will need more than one Ting, and each needs its own subscription Our Verdict Ting warns you of electrical problems in your home that can cause a fire if left unaddressed. With any luck, the only time you’ll need to think about Ting post-installation is when the subscription comes up for renewal. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today A working smoke detector will alert you to a fire that’s already started. Install a Ting Sensor in your home and the subscription-based smart plug will alert to any electrical faults with the potential to start a fire long before one starts. Specifications This smallish device from Whisker Labs plugs into one of your home’s AC outlets, where it measures (30 million measurements per second) and analyzes voltage, looking for the anomalies that are characteristic of electrical arcing, a type of unsafe electrical discharge between conductors. And it’s important that you use a standard outlet, not a smart plug, a surge protector, or an uninterruptible power supply. Ting delivers peace of mind: I know I’ll be warned of a dangerous electrical fault long before the problem can start a fire. The Ting sensor uses a Bluetooth connection for initial pairing with its app, and you’ll then connect the device to your home’s 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network.Michael Brown/Foundry To understand arcing, consider lightning: The electricity in a cloud travels, or arcs, either to the ground or to another cloud. In the home, arcing can be caused by an overloaded circuit, or defective or damaged electrical wires or components (e.g., an outlet, a switch, or even the circuit-breaker panel itself). Arcing can also occur when electrical wiring or components become exposed to water, such as from a leaky pipe, a door or window, or the roof. A Ting Sensor will not only detect arcing, but it can also identify the source of the arc: light switches, outlets, plugged-in devices, and so on. If problematic arcing is detected, a member of Ting’s fire-prevention team will call you to help isolate the hazard by instructing you to turn off circuits at your breaker panel, one at a time. Once the circuit with the problem has been identified, Whisker Labs will arrange for an electrician to be sent to your home to fix the problem. Ting subscriptions come with $1,000 in labor credit toward needed repairs performed by a licensed electrician. The Ting app reports the voltage on your home’s electrical system in real time and sends push notifications when issues pop up.Michael Brown/Foundry The device has an onboard 2.4GHz Wi-Fi adapter, and once it’s connected to your home network and you’ve installed the Ting app on your phone, the device will send you notifications of any detected problems. The Ting will also monitor the electricity coming into your home from your local utility, reporting voltage in real time, noting the peaks and valleys, and alerting you to service outages and when they’re restored. An LED on the device, below its logo, indicates its operational state. You’ll want to see a solid green, which indicates normal operation. Dark blue indicates the Ting is in Bluetooth-pairing mode, blinking yellow means the device is acquiring an IP address; it turns solid yellow while checking for internet connectivity. A blinking green LED means the sensor is connecting to a Ting server; cancel the Ting service and the LED will glow a solid red. Curiously, the Ting’s LED won’t change color to warn you of an electrical problem; the device doesn’t have a speaker to sound a warning, either. Should you buy a Ting? Ting falls into that category of home safety that never proves its worth until it prevents a disaster. In that respect, it’s a lot like a smoke or carbon monoxide detector. I’ve had two Tings installed for nearly a year and have mostly forgotten they’re even here. I haven’t had any electrical problems pop up, so the only time I receive a notification from the Ting app is when there’s a utility outage. In addition to real-time reporting, Ting will also email you a weekly voltage report. Your utility should be providing 120 volts, but it can dip as low as 108 volts and peak as high as 132 volts without damaging anything plugged into your home’s outlets.Michael Brown/Foundry With any luck, I’ll never get a Ting alert that I need to act on. But I like the peace of mind that comes from knowing I’ll be warned before a dangerous electrical fault starts a fire. Most homes will need just one Ting, which sells for $99, but in situations where there is more than one electrical service panel—such as an outbuilding or a room addition that has its own panel—you’ll need another Ting for each panel. That’s the situation I’m in after having a detached studio built in my backyard. And unfortunately, each Ting needs its own subscription, which costs $49 annually after the first year. Before you buy a Ting, you should check with the company handling your homeowners’ insurance to see if they provide the device and service as part of your coverage. Two of the largest companies do: State Farm and Nationwide. You’ll find more listed on Ting’s website. Read...

Devices need security updates to stay safe. That’s probably not news to you if you’ve used a phone in the last 20 years, or you’re staring down the barrel of a Windows 10 end-of-life deadline. But it applies to almost every gadget you own, even and especially your home networking equipment. The United States FBI says it’s time to upgrade if you’re using an outdated router. In a “Flash” alert (PDF link) from the FBI’s Cyber Division (spotted by Bleeping Computer), the Bureau recommends ditching old routers that no longer get security updates and are known to be targets of active malware and coordinated attacks. The following models are called out specifically: Linksys: E1000 E1200 E1500 E1550 E3200 E4200 WRT310N WRT320N WRT610N Cisco: Valet M10 Cradlepoint: E100 E300 The FBI’s list isn’t in order or broken down by brand, I had to do a little research to break it down. I wonder if they’re dealing with staffing shortages. If you’re using any of these, it’s time to upgrade — it sucks, and it’s not fair, but companies don’t support hardware forever. Even if your gear isn’t on the list, you might want to peek at your web interface and do a quick search to make sure it’s running the latest firmware. Read...