Windows - TechCreative

9 Best Password Managers for Windows and Mac in 2020

by Martin on September 24, 2020 add comment

Passwords. Our lives revolve around them. If you are still writing passwords on Post-It notes, envelopes, & napkins, it’s time to consider using a password manager. Luckily there is no shortage of password managers to choose from. They all store your username or password combinations, but some boast features make your online life more comfortable and secure. We will glance at nine of the best and top-rated password managers so you can make an informed decision.

The Problem With Passwords

Passwords are essential for managing personal, financial, or other identifying info online. But as we manage more & more information on more & more websites, password management becomes troublesome and problematic. Especially when all of the password advice out there tells us that you can’t use the same passwords on multiple sites.

Of course, there is good reason to use a quirky password for each site. In case someone gets their hands on one of your passwords, they do not gain access to all of your accounts. But using a unique and different password for every account, you can manage quickly. Moreover, the average email address in the U.S. is associated with 130 accounts. Very few of us could remember that ample different passwords.

So what happens? We find ourselves reusing passwords, or using insecure passwords, and creating variations thereof. None of those methods adequately protect and secure us. Perhaps you do not want to rely on using Google Chrome to manage passwords.

So what is the answer?

Password Managers to the Rescue

By using a password manager app can improve your password game dramatically. Most of the managers we will talk about today work as a browser plug-in. They can insert your usernames & passwords (automatically or manually), and even store new logins.

If you’ve multiple logins for one domain, all of your logins will be listed. Just tap the appropriate one, and you are in. Most will even detect when you change your password & prompt you to update the saved credentials. Once your passwords are stored in an app, you can use quirky or complex phrases without committing them to memory. Most password managers will generate secure passwords for you.

If you have never used a password manager before, that can be a bit unsettling, not knowing your passwords. It is also a bit strange the first few times your password manager automatically logs you into sites. But, you will quickly adapt & see the benefits.

Besides, not all password managers are created equally. They work in similar ways indeed but differ in price & features. Some are best for single users, others for families or organizations. This guide offers the key features & pricing for the best password managers available today.

Well, most of the password managers on this list will cost a bit of money. But many of them can be used for free, although without all the features of the paid versions. If you try a free version and admire it, consider paying for the premium version. It’s money well spent.

Let’s get to it.

Keeper
LastPass
RoboForm
Dashlane
Zoho Vault
Password Boss
1Password
Sticky Password
LogMeOnce

Note that all of the benefits listed probably not be available in the free versions of the programs.

1. Keeper

Keeper is focused on business users, but they provide a personal plan also. Features instant synchronization with every mobile device & PC that you use. Keeper is among the top-notch password managers for a good reason.

Key Benefits of Using Keeper

Face & fingerprint recognition.
Mobile version of the app.
Generates passwords.
Stores other personal data (credit card numbers, addresses, etc.).
Manages non-website app passwords.
Also, import login data from another password manager.
Integrated secure browser.

Pricing

Free personal plan available.
The personal plan starts at $2.91/month.
4 other tiers with multiple pricing options are available.

2. LastPass

I use LastPass to be biased, but it belongs in any list of the top-rated password managers. Remember, I said that the average email address in the U.S. is associated with 130 accounts? My LastPass vault has 442 entries. I’ve been using it for many years, and it’s never failed me.

Key Benefits of Using LastPass

Face & fingerprint recognition.
Mobile version of the app.
Generates passwords.
Flags weak passwords.
Stores other personal data (credit card numbers, addresses, etc.).
Manages non-website app passwords (LastApp).
Also, import login data from another password manager.

Pricing

Free personal plan available.
Premium single user $3/month.
Premium family $4/month (6 licenses).
Multiple business tiers are available with per-user pricing.

3. RoboForm

RoboForm automatically captures & saves passwords and has a “security center” to evaluate your online security. It even stores notes (you will use this feature more often than you think) & contacts. It’s also been all around for a very long time, so you know they have an excellent track record.

Key Benefits of Using RoboForm

Pricing

Free personal plan available.
Personal $23.88/year (1 license, no monthly plan available).
Family $47.75/year (5 licenses, no monthly plan available).
Multiple business tiers are available for per-user pricing.

4. Dashlane

Dashlane features a friendly UI and several security extras some other managers do not offer. And it can be not very easy for users new to password managers. Also, it is a bit on the pricey side compared to alternatives.

Key Benefits of Using Dashlane

Face & fingerprint recognition.
Mobile version of the app.
Generates passwords.
Stores other personal data (credit card numbers, addresses, etc.).
Manages non-website app passwords.
Integrated VPN.
Also, import login data from another password manager.

Pricing

Free plan available (limited to 50 passwords).
Premium $4.99/month.
Premium Plus $9.99/month.
Family Premium $7.49/month (6 licenses).
Multiple business tiers are available for per-user pricing.

5. Zoho Vault

Zoho Vault is another best password saver with great features aimed at business users. But it also does the job as a personal password locker. Besides, one feature that stands out is a password change reminder. You can set reminders to alter your passwords at whatever interval you would like. Most of us do not change passwords often enough (if we change them), so it is a valuable security feature.

Key Benefits of Using Zoho Vault

Fingerprint recognition.
Mobile version of the app.
Generates passwords.
Stores other personal data (credit card numbers, addresses, etc.).
Manages non-website app passwords.
Also, import login data from another password manager.

Pricing

Free personal plan available.
Standard $0.90/user per month (billed annually).
Professional $3.60/user per month (billed annually).
Enterprise $3.60/user per month (billed annually).

6. Password Boss

Password Boss is one of the top and easier to use password managers. But that does not mean it skimps on features. Like Zoho Vault & LastPass, it has a security check feature. You can even designate someone to get access to your passwords in case of an emergency.

Key Benefits of Using Password Boss

Mobile version of the app.
Generates passwords.
Stores other personal data (credit card numbers, addresses, etc.).
Remote device delete.
Also, import login data from another password manager.

Pricing

Free personal plan available.
Premium $2.50/user per month.
Families $4/month (5 licenses).
Multiple business tiers are available for per-user pricing.

7. 1Password

1Password bills itself as “The world’s best-loved password manager.” They make it easy for families & businesses to share passwords and even credit card info. It’s easy-to-use, but the free version is merely good for 30 days.

Key Benefits of Using 1Password

Face & fingerprint recognition.
Mobile version of the app.
Generates passwords.
Flags weak passwords.
Stores other personal data (credit card numbers, addresses, etc.).
Manages non-website app passwords.
Also, import login data from another password manager.

Pricing

30-day free trial available.
Personal $2.99/month (billed annually).
Families $4.99/month (5 licenses, billed annually).
Multiple business tiers are available for per-user pricing.

8. Sticky Password

Sticky Password comes with a portable password manager who works from a memory stick in any USB port. It got a small memory usage footprint & one of the more intuitive interfaces. Besides, they also have a discounted student rate, which none of the other managers offer. Additionally, they are helping to save endangered manatees (really). It is a pretty safe bet that none of the other companies on this list can say that!

Key Benefits of Using Sticky Password

Pricing

Free personal plan available.
Premium $29.99/year.
Academic $12.95/year.
Teams $29.99/user per year.

9. LogMeOnce

What’s PasswordLess login? LogMeOnce uses a quirky photo-based login system. You can now use a selfie in place of a password. Passwords are still generated behind the scenes, but it is a fun alternative to the usual password generation tool. LogMeOnce is not just a gimmick; it has the same tools & features as most password managers.

Key Benefits of Using LogMeOnce

Face & fingerprint recognition.
Mobile version of the app.
Stores other personal data ( credit card numbers, addresses, etc.).
Manages non-website app passwords.
Also, import login data from another password manager.

Pricing

Free personal plan available.
Professional $2.50/month.
Ultimate $3.25/month.
Family $4.99/month (6 licenses).

Convenience & Protection Do not Usually Come in the Same Package.

But in the case of password managers, indeed, you get both convenience & protection in one package.

Besides, password managers can protect you from phishing sites because they will not enter your password unless you are on the correct domain.

Your password manager will help you replace all of your old passwords with new strong, random versions. When you have done that, you can not fall victim to a password-reuse attack. That’s when hackers use a stolen username & password to try to log-in to other sites. Password-reuse attacks are often very successful since many of us re-use the same password on many sites.

Moreover, a password manager’s unintended benefit is it offers you a place to see all of your online accounts in one place. You can either look at the list of websites in your password manager from time to time to weed out unused accounts. Or to remind yourself to re-visit a website you have forgotten about.

All password managers covered here are cloud-based software. If that does not sound secure enough to you, you probably prefer a local password manager. They generally come in the form of a hardware key that plugs into USB ports & goes with you when you leave the PC. No login info is stored in the cloud.

Furthermore, Hardware keys are more secure than software/cloud-based password managers. But they have some downsides. They are typically more expensive than software options, and they can not be used on mobile apps. Plus, there is the issue of remembering to take the key with you when you go to work or a remote location.

So the password managers we have talked about here can be accessed almost anywhere. Although they rely on the cloud, they all use the excellent available encryption methods to protect your data.

Which of the Password Managers Is the Best?

If I recommend merely three password storage solutions, it would have to be LastPass, Dashlane, & Keeper. But sincerely, you can not go wrong with any of the password managers listed here.
Dear Visitors, if you already use a password manager, perhaps you have found something more intriguing here & are ready to make a change.

If you’re concerned with your online security, try one of these password managers today. I guarantee that you will soon find it to be an indispensable part of your everyday life.

Mac Windows

7 Best Malware Removal & Protection Software in 2020

by Martin on September 24, 2020 add comment

Malware removal is an essential aspect of having a computer. This protection is something everyone needs. Today, you will find out some of the best and top-rated malware removal & protection software available. Let’s dive in headfirst. Unless you’re already running some of the best antivirus software available, you’ll be in danger of suffering a malware infection. And it does not matter what sort of device you’re using. Mac, PC, Android phones, & even iPhones all have the potential to get infected.

Moreover, a specific vulnerability in your browser or its plugins can open a vast door for an attack route for malware to spread in to other parts of your system.

Using a reliable VPN can help reduce the chances of a malware infection. Although there are still other protections, you can put in place by getting some malware detection software. Let’s take a glance at what exactly malware is, where it came from, and then we’ll dive into our list of the top-notch malware removal & protection tools available.

What is Malware?

The term malware is short for “malicious software.” The term refers to any program/process that has an end purpose of being harmful or even criminal.

One of the earliest & most widely known forms of malware was the computer virus. It is the name of a program that infects other programs with its code and replicates when the infected program runs. Believe it or not, numerous early forms of viruses and malware didn’t have a malicious payload involved. Instead, these were sent out by the coders to show off their skills. Since the term “virus” was very often used early, we still use the name “antivirus” for all software types that secure and protect against malware.

Worms have been all around even longer than the Internet. The first one, known as “Creeper,” hit Arpanet in 1971.
And the now-infamous “Morris Worm,” which was released in 1988, was intended to measure the nascent Internet’s extent. But the problem was that there was an error in the code, unluckily, which ended with thousands of servers being crashed & earned a felony conviction for its creator.

Furthermore, the point is, these things have been around for an extended period and will continue to be around. That’s why having the best malware scanner is essential. All things need to be watched out for these days, including:

Viruses
Malware
Worms
Bots
Trojans
Ransomware
Adware
PUPs

It is why having malware removal is so essential. You can never be too safe & secure anymore with your devices.

The Best Malware Removal Software Available

Let’s look at some of the best & top-rated malware removal and protection software tools available today.

1. Norton 360 – Best Malware Removal

Norton 360 uses (AI) artificial intelligence as a part of its malware detection software engine. It’ll protect and secure you from literally everything, including ransomware & spyware. It even includes a pretty decent VPN that will provide you with good speed and a wide range of server locations.

Besides, this service is particularly suitable for families as well. It is because Norton comes with some of the best built-in parental controls you will find from any malware removal service. Norton 360 comes with several different packages & features to choose from. It’s world-class protection for any of your devices that need a robust, all-around anti-malware program.

With the list of benefits and fair pricing, you’ll have difficulty finding a better malware removal and protection product.

Features and Benefits

Excellent malware protection
A unique parental control system
Secure VPN
Privacy manager
Good value for the price
Cloud backup
Strong password manager

Pricing

Norton Antivirus Plus: $19.99/year
360 Standard: $34.99/year
Norton 360 Deluxe: $39.99/year
360 with LifeLock Select: $99.99/year

2. Kaspersky Antivirus – Good Malware Removal

Kaspersky is another excellent malware removal and protection software tool you will find out there today. It provides excellent malware removal and security for both beginners & experts. The program is somewhat of a stripped-back the security package that focuses on all of the core security essentials required. It has excellent web filtering, blocks dangerous URLs, and gives a smart engine that removes threats.

Also, it comes with technologies that track and reverse malicious actions that have happened.
Kaspersky is a straightforward malware removal program to use. It has a clean, smooth UI that is neither too basic nor too complicated to use. Some of the other standout features like automatic scans & simplified security management.

Features and Benefits

Close to perfect malware protection
Excellent security package
Parental controls
Easy-to-use
Smooth interface
Full live & phone chat support
Drive-by crypto mining infection protection
Reliable and consistent

Pricing

Pricing varies based on several selections that Kaspersky enables you to make from their website. To get proper pricing for what you need, go to their site above, and make your selections. Their price model is fair, also provides you complete control of your product.

3. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Removal

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware is the best and effective malware removal software that also comes with deep scans & daily updates. The daily updates are quirky in a way that enables you to quickly & easily identify any threats that may appear and remove them instantly.

Besides, they have a free version to use, but I suggest getting the Paid one. It comes with a 14 days free trial, so you’ll be able to test it and see how perfect it works for your situation. Moreover, the product includes preventative tools like real-time scanning & specific protection from ransomware.

Recently, Malwarebytes also bought AdwCleaner. It further targets and removes annoying programs that hijack your browser by changing your homepage, resetting your default search engine, and adding unwanted toolbars.

All of these things can be a big issue if not taken care of. It is why Malwarebytes is a highly recommended malware removal tool.

Features and Benefits

Perfect malware protection
Established solution
Deals with all malware
Daily updates
Deep scanning
Comes with Adwcleaner
Free version available

Pricing

$29.99 protects 1 device for one year
$59.98 protects 1 device for two years

4. Trend Micro Antivirus Plus Security

Trend Micro Antivirus Plus Security provides a simple yet strong malware protection software package that’s easy to use with above-average anti-spam. It also comes with a useful “Folder Shield” module to block ransomware.
Protection levels rival Bitdefender, and there is not a major slowdown in the system when used. It is a big deal as you want both malware removal & protection and something that does not slow your machine down when you are using it.

The trend even comes with other standout features that help put it over the top. These include ransomware protection, email scam safeguarding, advanced AI learning, & the very popular “Pay Guard.”

Features and Benefits

Simple yet powerful menus & interface
Very impressive malware protection
Folder Shield anti-ransomware
AI learning tech
Pay Guard included
Affordable pricing options

Pricing

Antivirus + Security: $29.95 for 1 year & 1 device
Antivirus + Security: $59.90 for 2 years & 1 device

5. TotalAV – Excellent Malware Removal

TotalAV is another one of the excellent malware removal & protection software programs available. While it’s somewhat of a newcomer, it already has very robust malware removal & fighting abilities that have helped it to earn a high reputation in the cybersecurity world. Besides, this product has one of the best malware detection rates of all the products listed in this post. You receive full malware security and protection, but there are also many other features included.

TotalAV’s real-time protection engine is fast & secure. Avira built it, so you know it is going to be good. The product is a little pricey, but it’ll provide you with some of the most comprehensive anti-malware protection available on the market today. With one of the most robust scanning engines, this one is worth looking if you need top-notch malware removal & protection.

Features and Benefits

Top of the line performance & optimization tools
A safe Site browser extension
Password vault
Safe browsing
Powerful scanning engine
Strong malware removal
VPN

Pricing

Total Security: $59/year
Internet Security: $39/year
Antivirus Pro: $19/year

6. Bitdefender – Malware Protection Arena Leaders

Bitdefender has been a great choice for some time and continues to be one of the malware protection arena leaders. It has an artificial intelligence & machine learning-based anti-malware engine that successfully detected cent percent of the malware files in real-time.

Moreover, Bitdefender comes with many built-in options that are eye-catching & effective in fighting malware. It also comes with a one-click device optimization option, gaming and movie modes, loaded Internet security tools, microphone & webcam breach protection. Additionally, there’s even a premium package to consider that comes with unlimited VPN, but it is quite pricey. That being said, the other Bitdefender Paid options will provide you excellent malware removal & protection.

Features and Benefits

One-click device optimization
Powerful malware protection
Internet security tools
Game mode
Movie mode
Mic & webcam breach protection
Ransomware protection
Award-winning Platform
Online management for devices

Pricing

Total Security: $44.99 for up to five devices & 1 year
Internet Security: $39.98 for up to three devices & 1 year
Antivirus Plus: $29.99 for up to three devices & 1 year per year

7. McAfee – Malware Removal & Protection

Rounding out our list of the great malware removal & protection software is McAfee. Already well-known in the universe of cybersecurity, its latest product is easy-to-use, highly customizable, and offers you the best malware removal protection.

Besides, the real-time protection engine is also one of the very excellent in the entire industry. It, along with ample other options, keeps McAfee in the conversation every year. The product comes with optimization tools, encrypted storage, a password manager, and an ad-blocking web extension. They provide you a package that has everything you need.

Finally, the “Total Protection” package gives a full-suite anti-malware engine. This engine is capable of detecting & removing all kinds of cyber threats. McAfee continues to shine because it is so versatile.
If this is the type of product you’re interested in, McAfee will be a clear front runner for you.

Features and Benefits

“Total Protection”
Excellent malware protection
Highly customizable
Easy to use
Removes an assortment of cyber threats
Optimization tools
Very versatile

Pricing

Total Protection: $44.99 for up to ten devices & 1 year
Total Protection: $29.99 for up to ten devices & 2 years
Any of the products above will offer you top-of-the-line security & malware protection for your devices. A lot of choices will be based on personal opinion and work for you the best.

Conclusion

Malware removal and protection is critical for most of us. You never want to be in a situation where something can get onto your PC. In case it does, then it is going to cause you all sorts of problems and difficulties.

To prevent this from happening, choose any of the products listed above. They are some of the top-rated malware removal & protection tools available out there today. They are all offering excellent deals for your first year, so there’s no better time to go & get yourself some malware removal protection.

I sincerely hope this article showed you that there are indeed many different options available for malware protection. Please go check them out, test them, see which one works best for you. Before you know it, you’ll be protecting all of your devices without any issues.

Windows

We Couldn’t Install Windows 10 – 0xC1900101 Error Fixed

by KEN on September 15, 2020 add comment

According to a software expert, 0xc1900101 Error basically occurs with the BSOD, and that’s why it is quite irritating and painful. In this article, you will learn some effective ways to settle down this error. If we talk about installing or Updating the Windows 10, a large number of issues that you could experience.

In most cases, the system displays an error message that could help you to figure out the issue. This article might help while updating and installing the Windows 10 operating system. Windows 10 Installation error comes with the error message is –

Couldn’t update to Windows 10, Sorry we couldn’t complete the update to Windows. We’ve restored the previous version of Windows 10 to this PC.

Here is a series of Windows 10 Installation Error that frequently appear while installing the Windows 10.

0xC1900101 – 0x3000D
0xC1900101 – 0x20004
0xC1900101 – 0x30018
0xC1900101 – 0x4000D
0xC1900101 – 0x2000c
0xC1900101 – 0x20017
0xC1900101 – 0x40017

How to Fix Windows 10 Installation Error 0xC1900101

To Fix Windows 10 Installation Error 0xC1900101, follow the steps –

1: Disconnect All External Devices

Sometimes, the issue related to the Windows 10 Installation Error 0xC1900101 might occur because of the connected multiple peripheral devices to your computer. For example – Microphone, digital camera, speaker, printer, and many others. When the operating system tries to figure out the drivers for each of them, that results in getting stuck. However, the drivers of external devices sometimes may not be compatible with the operating system.

Accordingly, in order to fix this problem, we recommend you to unplug all non-essential external devices. After that, restart your computer & check if the error 0xC1900101 is still persisting there. If it doesn’t work for you, then move to the next workaround.

2: Free up Hard Drive Space to fix 0xC1900101 Error

Sometimes, you may experience the Windows 10 Installation Error 0xC1900101 issue while updating your system. It is one of the common problems that is being encountered by Windows users. In order to upgrade a 32-bit Operating system, you must have at least 16 GB of the free space in your hard drive. Whereas, to upgrade a 64-bit Operating system, your system requires a minimal of 20 GB space.

Alongside this, the minimum space must be available in your C drive so that the Windows could download the updates directly in the required folder. If you don’t find a way to get the space in the drive, you can quickly free up your hard drive using the Disk Cleanup method. Here is how to do it –

Click on the Start button and type cleanmgr in the text field.
Select the Disk Cleanup option from the list.
Choose the C: drive and then click on the OK button.
At this moment, your device will start checking the temporary and unnecessary files.
Next, click the “Clean up system file” button.

Select the C: drive again and press the OK button.
Mark all the check-boxes and hit OK to delete these data.

Once it completes the process, restart your system so as to remove any leftovers as well.

3: Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

If there is something wrong with your hardware, it can result in the occurring of the Error 0xc1900101 on your screen. In this case, you can run Windows Update Troubleshooter to check whether the problem exists due to your hardware. Here is how to do it –

Tap on the Start button & then select the Settings icon, available in the left sidebar.
Select the Update & Security category to continue.
From the left pane, select the Troubleshoot option and then move to the right pane.
Select the Windows Update feature and then click on the Run the troubleshooter button.

After that, wait for a while until the device detects the problems.
If there is any issue found with the hardware, it will be displayed when the scanning process gets completed.
So, at this time, all you need to select the problems and fix them.

However, if it doesn’t encounter such problems, then it may not be a hardware problem. And in this case, you need to move to the next method.

4: Use Windows Device Manager to 0xC1900101 Error

Microsoft recommends to always keep all the system drivers updated. This would be quite useful for third-party accessories that are installed on your Windows. It is the network driver or graphics driver available on your computer. If you are unable to find the update via Windows, then you need to check with the OEM website and, after that, update it. In order to update it, follow the below steps –

Right-click on the Start button and select Device Manager from the list.
In the Device Manager window, find the driver you have to update. There is usually a yellow exclamation sign before the defined category so that you can easily identify these drivers from the list.
From the list of the drivers, expand each hardware section, and view for any issue.
Once you find the driver, right-click on it and select the Properties option.
In the wizard, move to the Driver tab and select the Update Driver option.
On the next page, click on “Search automatically for updated driver software.”
That’s it. Windows will automatically identify, download, and install the driver.

Once you complete the above procedure, restart your device and check if the 0xC1900101 Error still persists. If this method doesn’t resolve it, then try the next one.

5: Remove third-party security software

Anti-Virus and the Security related solutions are commonly known as the savior of the computer device as it helps to protect them against malware and security breaches. However, it becomes notorious and vulnerable when it appears to perform any high-level changes in the Windows Update.

In this case, you need to disable such applications, including Windows Defender. Also, you can keep them away from your device until the update issues get fixed.

6: Run Disk Checking Utility via Command Prompt

Sometimes Windows Update fails due to the appearance of problems in the hard drive. In that case, you need to run an elevated command prompt and execute run chkdsk command line. That way, you can free the Windows from the nagging issues. Here is how to do it –

Click on the Start button and type cmd.
Select Command Prompt from the list and then do a right-click on it.
Now, From the context menu, select Run as administrator.
If UAC prompts on the screen, click on the Yes button.
In the elevated Command Prompt, type the following command line.

chkdsk C: /f /r /x

C – It represents the Disk where the OS is installed. You can change this to D:, E: or any depending upon your usage.
F – indicates fixing the scanned bugs.
R – implies detecting the existing problems in the Disk.
X – stands for splitting up the disk volume to help the detection process.

Pressing the Enter key, the Disk Checking Utility starts looking for bad sectors.
This will take a while; therefore, wait until this gets over.
Finally, restart your device so that the changes come into effect.

7: Perform a Clean Boot to install the Windows Updates

In this state, you. In case if none of the above workarounds work for 0xC1900101 Error, then you can start your system into Clean Boot State. In this state, you need to run Windows Update and check whether it works. However, there is a great possibility that it could work. It helps you to stay connected with the internet so that you can download and install the updates with minimal conflict issue.