There is something disturbing you should know about Chrome 69 before you update it. S. Bálint pointed out that starting with Chrome 69, logging into a Google Site is tied to logging into Chrome. Matthew Green describes the change as a “forced login policy”, which sounds pretty accurate to me.
The easiest to understand explanation I found about this change comes from S. Bálint’ blog post:
So what changed with Chrome 69? From that version, any time someone using Chrome logs into a Google service or site, they are also logged into Chrome-as-a-broswer with that user account. Any time someone logs out of a Google service, they are also logged out of the browser. Before Chrome 69, Chrome users could decline to be logged into Chrome entirely, skipping the Sync and other features that require a login and they could use Chrome in a logged-out state while still making use of Gmail for example.
I use a Mac, but was using Chrome for a few websites that didn’t work very well on Safari. I noticed that the photo I use on my Gmail account was appearing in the corner of the Chrome browser. I have since deleted Chrome from my computer and the Gmail app from my phone.
Personally, I’m not entirely clear on what, exactly, Chrome 69 wants to Sync from my Gmail account and the Chrome browser. It feels kind of grabby. The impression I got from the blogs I read (and linked above) is that even if Google says that it’s not automatically activating the Sync feature, that doesn’t mean it can’t or won’t do that in the future.
Google started out with a code of conduct that started with the sentence: “Don’t be evil.” The changes coming to Chrome 69 might not technically be “evil”… but they certainly aren’t nice.
I prefer to access my various Twitter accounts thru the TweetDeck web interface. It organizes all of the different accounts and their associated streams very well, and it makes it much easier and more enjoyable to use Twitter.
Today, TweetDeck announced a new “Teams” feature, which will allow multiple users to access the same Twitter accounts but those users won’t need to share passwords in order to log in. From the Twitter blog, linked above:
TweetDeck Teams is a simple solution to Twitter account sharing. It enables you to delegate access to as many people as you like, and remove accounts when they no longer need access.
TweetDeck Teams works by having the owner (Admin) of one Twitter account create a team inside of TweetDeck and from there, that owner can add other users (Contributors). Those users confirm their place on the team thru an e-mail invitation. Account owners can also remove team members anytime. More from the Twitter blog:
Admins are users who sign in to TweetDeck with their personal account. As an admin, the user can Tweet from the account (plus build lists, follow or unfollow accounts, send Tweets and schedule Tweets), add or remove team members and view the team. An admin cannot access the account off of TweetDeck or change the credentials or password.
And contributors are those people who can Tweet from and act as the account (plus build lists, follow or unfollow accounts, send Tweets and schedule Tweets). Contributors cannot view, add or remove team members, and can not access the account outside of TweetDeck.
It’s that time to go and get your gifts for the kids, parents, siblings and the hubby. Some of us braved the cold and dark of night to stand in line for some super doorbuster deal. However, others stayed at home with cocoa and a restful nights sleep, for their trip to shop means turning on the computer and getting it all online.
As you get ready to brave the online crowds on the website, let’s run through a little checklist so you can be safe in purchasing items. With these ideas, you are better protected from malware and scams.
Update Your Computer, Browser and Anti-Virus
This is probably the most important thing to do. There are several security updates that patch holes to your computer. If you are planning on entering a credit card, you want to make sure nobody can watch your transaction. Run some scans on your computer, run the updates to the computer (Mac or PC), then open up your web browser and check for updates.
– Chrome : Choose the wrench icon on the right and “About Google Chrome”. It will update software automatically.
– Firefox: Choose the “Firefox” tab on the top-left. Choose “Options -> Options”. Select “Advanced” and the “Update” tab.
– IE: Go through Windows Update to get the latest version
– Safari: Through the software update option
– Windows 7: Windows Start button – Type in “Windows Update” in the Run box.
– Windows XP: Open IE browser and type in Update.microsoft.com
– Mac: Choose the Apple and Software Update
Anti-Virus may be trickier since there are different versions out there. Most important, if you don’t have anti-virus on your computer, put it on now. Avast and AVG are two great programs that have free versions.
What Websites are You Shopping At?
If you are going off the beaten internet path, it’s important to make sure the website is a verified seller. Most of the time, you can find badges on the site saying if they are trusted. When in doubt, do some simple searches. Also check the retailer’s reviews at a site like Resale Ratings.
Finally – When you are checking out, make sure you are on a secure page. Chrome, Firefox, Safari and IE all indicate if your credit card will be encrypted or not. If the lock icon is closed, you are on a secure page.
Email: Trusting links, Query Confirmation Email or Bank Email
You might be getting tons of “Black Friday” or “Cyber Monday” deals through email. Be careful what you select – there are misrepresented Spam mails out there. I just got one the other day from the New York Times to get a 1 year subscription. The email looked like it was from the NYTimes, but the links went to some other site like newyorktimes.some_domain_name dot com.
When in doubt, do a Google search on the email deal. If Walmart is having an online sale, then go to Walmart.com and find the deal through their website.
You might also see confirmation emails that could be phishing schemes. You get an email saying “Congratulations: You just purchased…”, but you didn’t purchase anything. There is a link saying “I didn’t purchase this” or something related. When you click on the link, it tells you what to do on a refund.
DON’T CLICK! (don’t even trust the links in the email)
What you should do is go to the website directly and find a phone number to call. Verify with an agent there is a purchase for you. Also, check your card statements. some purchases update within minutes.
Buy with Credit Card
Speaking of Credit Cards, most major cards and Paypal come with fraud protection. If you feel unsafe about any purchase, make a call to your credit card company. Never purchase online by sending a check or wiring cash to someone’s account. If they cannot get a verified payment service like Paypal, Amazon, Visa, Mastercard, American Express or more, then this purchase isn’t worth it.
Ask For Help
Ok, so you are not Internet savvy. You read through this article and your head began to spin. If that is the case, then ask people for help. Talk to your friends. Seek out someone you know that does this stuff on a regular basis. What is worse is if you do not update your computer. Never think “Oh, I’ll just do it later…”
Cyber crime rises during the holidays. We are purchasing more online. So it’s important to stay safe. That, and get the best deal on a tablet…
Ok Folks new Studio will be a go. In order to make it happen I am introducing the Plank Owner program tonight.. If we can get 1000 Plank Owners we will hit the goal for the new studio plans.. If we reach half that amount the studio goes to the Garage believe me I do not want to go to the Garage :)
Support my Show Sponsor: 5 Best Godaddy Promo Codes
$0.01 GoDaddy coupon for a New domain name cjcfs3geek
$1.99 a month Economy Hosting with a free domain name. Promo Code: cjcgeek1h
$2.99 a month Managed WordPress Hosting with free Domain name. Promo Code: cjcgeek1w
Support the show by becoming a Geek News Central Insider .
Follow @geeknews on Twitter
Geek News Central Facebook Page
Purchase GNC gear from the Ohana Store! Show Hotline 24/7 1-619-342-7365 or e-mail geeknews@gmail.com
I talk more about the studio upgrade initiative and hope that you will be inclined to support the podcast. The goals is to raise $10,000.00 in the next 30 days a hundred dollars or more at a time. This is to help finance the planned studio upgrades. Support is completely voluntary details on the Geek News Central Insider page. Congrats to Brian and Sam for winning our contest for the month of June. More details are in the show.
What does a GPS and a Traffic Jam equal? Detour! I think you will get a kick out of how my GPS saved me hours in my car stuck in a massive traffic jam in I35 in Texas. Find out how Julie wife of long time listener Ronald was able to score days off work by using GotoMyPC. I have a new contest you need to listen to win you have a few short days to act. My 2009 24hr Podcast Charity Announced!