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Where are Google Chrome Bookmarks Stored?

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Where is Google Chrome Bookmarks Stored?

Find where your Google Chrome bookmarks are stored can be difficult! Once in a while you’ll find the bookmark files to get rid of a corrupt file or you are searching for old bookmarks or backups. Another reason you may want to find old bookmarks is that you are migrating to a new browser or computer and need to find the location.

In this article we will show you how to find the location of Google Chrome bookmarks. We will show you how to find the bookmark location for operating systems; Windows, Mac, and Linux. Please follow the simple steps below to get started.

Locating you Google Chrome Bookmark Files in Microsoft Windows

Chrome will store you bookmarks and bookmark backups in a file path in Microsoft Windows operating system. Follow these steps:

Google Chrome Bookmarks File Location for Windows
  1. Shutdown/Quit Google Chrome
  2. Go the following path: AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default
  3. The files “Bookmarks” and “Bookmarks.bak” are the files you are looking for
  4. You can copy, modify, migrate or delete these bookmarks files

Locating you Google Chrome Bookmark Files in Mac

Chrome will store you bookmarks and bookmark backups in a file path in Apple macOS operating system. Follow these steps:

Google Chrome Bookmark Location for Mac
  1. Shutdown/Quit Google Chrome
  2. Open a Finder window
  3. Under the drop-down menu for Finder, go to the “Go” menu and then select “Go to folder…” or you can press “shift + command + g” simultaneously
  4. Go the following path: /Users/<your username>/Library/Application Support/Google/Chrome/Default
  5. The file “Bookmarks” will be in the root of that folder
  6. You can copy, modify, migrate or delete these bookmarks files

Locating you Google Chrome Bookmark Files in Linux

Chrome will store you bookmarks and bookmark backups in a file path in Linux operating system. Follow these steps:

  1. Shutdown/Quit Google Chrome
  2. Go the following path: /home/<your username>/.config/google-chrome/Default/ or /home/<your username>/.config/chromium/Default/
  3. You’ll want to be in the command line because the “.config” is a hidden file
  4. The files “Bookmarks” is the file you are looking for
  5. You can copy, modify, migrate or delete these bookmarks files

How to Export Chrome Bookmarks

To export your Google Chrome books, just go to “Bookmarks” in Chrome. You should see a “Bookmarks Bar” option that says “Organize”, just click on that, and then when you scroll the bottom select “Export Bookmarks to HTML File”. Select the folder where you want your backup placed then you are ready to import those Bookmarks onto another browser or computer.

How to Never Forget a Password Again – 2020

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How to never forget a password

How to Never Forget a Password

How to never forget a password again in the days of data breaches. These days we are facing a data breach almost every time we turn on the news! When a data breach happens you have to change the passwords for almost all of your accounts and devices that were affected by the breach. This can be a painful and time-consuming process, not to mention keeping track of all the different passwords you have for all the different sites in accounts that you manage daily.

If you want to protect yourself online one of the things you can do is use a password manager that is compatible with your browser. With a password manager, you won’t have to memorize tens of dozens of passwords, honestly, you don’t even need to know what the passwords are. All good password managers create passwords for you and store them and then automatically fill them when you need to login to a website. Additionally, some password managers can even fill in complete passwords for you across multiple devices such as Android phones iPhones tablets, and more.

Why you’re strong password isn’t as strong as you think?

Not too long ago you could use a combination of lowercase and uppercase letters and that would be all you need to create a strong password. Of course, you couldn’t use a dictionary word or a password such as a password itself but that was usually strong enough to get you by. Unfortunately in today’s world, those types of passwords can be easily cracked in minutes not even hours. 

How to Create a Strong Password

To create a strong password today you need to have a good length for the password. For example, a password like “123SesameStreet” which is a 15 digit password is much stronger than a random 9 digit password. a 15 letter password would take over 50 years to hack according to the website “ how secure is my password?”. Shorter passwords can be hacked in only a few hours.

Should I use Cloud or Local Storage?

Choosing between cloud or local storage typically comes down to cost. The best password managers offer local storage for free. However, if you want to store your passwords in the cloud, which means your information will be stored on their servers, you will probably have to pay extra. As you read further we will go over the top password managers and their features. You should probably test two or three before you decide on a password manager.

How to use a Password Manager and Not Forget Passwords

Password managers are very small programs that you install on your browser which help you manage all your passwords and more importantly generate secure passwords. For iPhone and Android, they usually come in the form of apps. If you are installing on your browser they will be in the form of a plug-in. 

The good news is once you install an app or browser plugin you will only need to remember one password, which would be the password to log into the password manager. Moreover, when you sign up for a new account to a website or service the password manager will create a secure password for you and store it in its database. Password managers allow you to specify the password length and whether you want it to be alphanumeric or contain special characters. The passwords stored in the app manager database will be encrypted as well. Some very good password managers are free, while others require an annual fee for more advanced features.

1Password

If you don’t know, 1Password is a very popular password manager that is available for Mac, iOS, Windows, and Android. 1Password stores all of your passwords locally on your device. For a small fee, they do offer cloud storage as well. Also, 1Password offers the option of using Dropbox or iCloud to store your passwords and share them across devices. For your home network, it can use Wi-Fi to synchronize your passwords locally on your home network.

Dashlane

Dashlane is a great password manager and it’s a way to never forget a password again and has become popular in the past few years. I’ve even seen Dashlane commercials on TV. Dashlane uses a two-step authentication process when you register a device. The two-Step authentication process gives you even more security, especially for your master password. Dashlane is free for one device however there is a small fee if you want to sync across multiple devices. Additionally, with the fee, you do get premium support from Dashlane.

KeePass

You may or may not have heard of KeePass which is an open-source project and free to use. That being said you may need some more technical knowledge to use all of its features. For example, to synchronize your passwords across multiple devices you would need to install a plugin. You would probably need several different plugins and scripts to do some basic things that are already included, other password managers. Moreover, KeePass allows you to use cloud storage applications like Dropbox Google Docs and Microsoft OneDrive. KeePass also allows you to create a password file and share it with many users. So if you are technically savvy, Keepass may be a good choice for you.

LastPass – this how I never forget a password!

Next up we have LastPass which is one of the most popular password managers available. It is mostly free but they do have a premium service. LastPass stores all of its information, your work passwords, in its cloud. This means with a basic installation of LastPass you get synchronization across all of your devices included, all in their basic free version. I’ve been using LastPass myself for years, and I’ve had very few problems with it. One issue I have found is that LastPass often competes with built-in password managers in Chrome and Firefox.

My recommendation is that if you use LastPass you should probably not use the built-in password managers as they compete to fill forms to complete passwords for the same site and cause bad logins and confusion. 

SplashID

A relative newcomer to the field is SplashID. Splash ID is a nice little password manager which gives you many options. With SplashID you get support for Apple, Android, Windows, and even Blackberry. SplashID offers one device free and the ability to sync or synchronize multiple devices for a small fee. One nice feature that SplashID has that others do not is the ability to decide to choose between cloud-based and local storage for your passwords. This is a great security option because certain information such as a bank account password would probably be safer on your local computer versus the cloud. 

BitWarden – the best free way to never forget a password again!

Last but not least is BitWarden which has become a very popular choice it is open source and free. Personally, my experience with Bitwarden was great! If I wasn’t a long time LastPass user I’d probably go with BitWarden. Bitwarden has limitations, however, it’s very polished and user-friendly.

The primary advantage of bitwarden is that it is open-source. When your app open-source anyone can look at the code and check it for bugs and fix them. Doing so you have a lot more people reviewing the code which makes it even safer to go with long-term. Furthermore, BitWarden was audited by third parties to ensure it is secure. You can even install BitWarden on a self-host and run your cloud.

BitWarden also has apps for Android, iOS, Windows, Mac OS, and Linux. Please note that BitWarden also has browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Brave, and Vivaldi.

With Bitwarden you have a semi-automated password filling tool. When you go to a site where BitWarden has a password and username stored you’ll see a little icon that shows you the BitWarden has login information for that site. This is especially helpful if you have multiple accounts for a website. If you want fully automated password completion BitWarden supports that as well.

In Conclusion

There are many great options when selecting a password manager for your computer or mobile device. If I were starting today I’d probably choose between Bitwarden and LastPass. I’ve concluded this because they both offer great free options with features that would be suitable for most users. If you want a premium service Dashlane would be a great place to start because it is so user-friendly. I hope this article helps you choose a password manager. These password managers offer a nice beginning to a more secure easier to use internet experience.

How to Do A VIN Number Check, VIN Lookup, Free VIN Number Check

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How to do a vin number check

Why you Should do Vin Number Check Before Making A Purchase

Learning how to do a  VIN number check is essential if you’re planning to buy a used car, especially from a private party. There are many risk factors involved, and neglecting to check vehicle history to save a few bucks could wind up costing a fortune if you buy a lemon in need of expensive repairs.

You could also wind up paying too much for the vehicle if the true value has been inflated by the seller. A VIN number check produces a vehicle history report, which could reveal serious problems including odometer rollback, theft, lemon status, major collision, reconstruction, water and fire damage, and other pitfalls. A VIN lookup combined with checking the blue book value is the best way to avoid problems and find the best price.

A vehicle history report also documents previous DMV transactions, title transfers, past owners, and similar records useful for determining the actual value of the vehicle and if it’s wise to make the purchase or move on. Whether you’re buying a vehicle from a dealer, or through a private seller, you must complete a VIN number check. A seller could hide vehicle history to get the sale, or they might not even know anything about history at all.

What is a VIN Number?

A VIN number is a code that identifies a unique automobile. It’s like the social security number for your car.

Where To Find The Number For A VIN Number Check

In order to complete a VIN number check, write down the entire 17 digit figure, which is comprised of both numbers and letters. A VIN number is usually located on the dashboard in the far left corner of the driver’s side of the vehicle. The number is usually engraved into the dashboard, on a sticker, or on a label fastened to the surface.

You might also find the VIN number on the side of an opened car door, inside the trunk, near the engine, the inside of the window, or on the passenger side of the dashboard. Unfortunately, you cannot complete a VIN number check for vehicles built prior to 1981, because this is the year the number first came into use.

VIN Number Check For Motorcycles

A VIN lookup is not only used for cars but also motorcycles. The VIN number for a bike is usually 17 digits long, but occasionally only 11 digits. The numbers began to accompany bikes in 1950, so you can complete a VIN check for older bikes. The VIN number is usually printed on a metal plate found on the frame of the engine.

How to do a Vin Number Check and is it really free?

Check out websites advertising a free VIN number check and see what they offer. There are DMV websites that allow a free car history report, but you’re probably only going to receive a partial report and not the complete history. The DMV sites are good because they connect directly to national databases which contain more information.

In most cases, paying for a quality VIN number search is your best bet because you’re going to receive the most information. A free car history report won’t give you much information. Prices to use a VIN lookup service range from $30 – $40, which is actually very reasonable compared to similar types of services. Paying $30 is a wise investment if it can prevent serious financial problems in the future.

Hire a trusted certified mechanic to inspect a vehicle, in addition to using a VIN number check. Do not use the mechanic at the dealership. A good mechanic friend should be happy to pop open the hood and take a look at the parts, as well as complete a test drive.

How to Publish an Ebook – Top 5 Epic Tips

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How to Publish a Book With ePress Online

How to Publish an Ebook

Online publishing companies are flourishing as more readers are purchasing ebooks that can be read on ebook readers and on computer screens.

Online Publishing

Publishing books online is often done by fiction publishers who specialize in romance novels or erotic novels. There are few Internet publishing companies that publish non-fiction, and ePress Online is one of them. The non-fiction genres accepted by the online publisher include the craft of writing, self-help, resource books for writers, and creative non-fiction.

ePress Online is also a fiction publisher. Like most fiction publishers, it has strict guidelines in place concerning the type of fiction is will accept and what is expected from each fiction genre.

1. Publishing Your Ebook

This fiction publisher requires all fiction works to have been completed before submission. Violent and explicit material is not accepted. All manuscripts submitted to the online publisher must be in rich text format (.rtf).

Print books are available through Lulu.

2. Internet Publishing Requirements

The minimum word count for an ePress Online ebook is 40,000 words. The maximum is 120,000. Like most fiction publishers online, romance novels are accepted. These novels must be within the specific sub-genres of fantasy, science fiction, crime, and suspense. The romance storyline should work within that sub-genre and not contain explicit scenes. A first and third person are permitted with no three or fewer viewpoint characters allowed.

3. Publishing Books With a Fiction Publisher

Other fiction genres accepted include mystery, fantasy, science fiction, and U.S. historical fiction. While all fiction manuscripts must fall into one of the main categories, there are sub-categories that can also be used to classify a fiction submission. These include crime, thriller, suspense, alternate history ad young adult novels.

Mystery, U.S. historical fiction, science fiction, and fantasy manuscripts must be between 50,000 and 120,000 words. Romance manuscripts must be between 40,000 and 80,000 words. All non-fiction manuscripts must be between 40,000 and 80,000 words.

4. Getting Published and Getting Paid

In online publishing, writers are usually paid a royalty percentage for all copies of the book that are sold and are not paid in advance. Print books sold by ePress Online pay writers a 7.5 to 10 percent royalty on book sales. For the ebook versions of the books, there are several tiers of online publishing payments.

For the first 1,000 copies of the book sold, the Internet publisher will pay a royalty of 30 percent of the purchase price. For the next 2,500 copies, the royalty is 35 percent. For any additional copies sold, the royalty paid is 40 percent of the purchase price.

If the Internet publisher enters into an agreement with a distributor or affiliate, the royalty paid to the writer is 50 percent of that sales. If the book is reprinted by another publisher under a licensing agreement or the book is published by a book club, the writer is paid 75 percent of the price paid by those publishing channels.

5. Online Publishing and Author Rights

The rights granted to the online publisher are worldwide rights in both ebook and print format for two years. Books that are made available through Fictionwise will be sold through the site for five years.

How to Stay Safe Online, 3 tips in Plain English

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How to stay safe online

In order to stay safe online, we are all told to watch out for Internet scams, to make sure we have up to date antivirus and keep our personal details secret. Yet many websites we visit asks for personal details of some sort whether it be an email address and name to keep up to date with the latest news from them or full credit card details if we are purchasing something. So how do we know which sites we can trust to keep ourselves safe on the Internet?

Social Networking Sites

Social networking sites are extremely popular and because of that, are full of scams. If you use Facebook, you will know that there are lots of surprising and unbelievable offers popping up which often appear to be endorsed by your friends.

The first thing to remember about an unbelievable offer, whether it be on the Internet or through any other media, is that an unbelievable off is just that – unbelievable.

In order to enjoy Facebook or any other social networking site, in safety, visit the privacy controls and set them so that only your trusted friends can see your details. On Facebook, the Privacy Settings are listed under the heading ‘Account’ at the top right-hand side of the page.

Beware of applications like quizzes and competitions that ask for any personal details, to retrieve the results. No genuine, so-called fun quiz, will ask for your mobile number before showing you your results. However, your privacy is only secure so long as you don’t invite a scammer in, so to speak. For example, A regular scam that keeps popping up on Facebook is the application that claims to allow you to see who has been looking at your profile.

It often comes as a link from one of your friends and when you install it, a small discrete message, which you are liable to pass over asks for access to your profile information. Do not allow any application that you don’t trust have access to your profile.


If you have already fallen victim to one like this, you need to remove it from your Facebook by going through your Privacy Settings and selecting Edit Your Settings under Applications and Websites at the bottom left-hand side of the screen as in this screenshot.

If you can’t see all the applications you use, click on Edit Settings at the right-hand side and it will expand to show you all the applications you have ever installed. Once you have removed the application it will not be able to access your profile anymore.


If you are unsure whether an application is safe, type the application name into Google and see if other people are talking about it. Often, forums can give you some more information about a scam.


Phishing Scams


Phishing scams, so-called because they fish for information, are still very common on the internet and email circuit. Emails that appear to be from genuine suppliers like banks and credit card companies ask you to follow a link because your details need to be updated/verified or whatever other scams they can come up


If there is a link in the email, hover your mouse over it and you will see in the bottom left-hand corner of the screen, the address to which the link takes you. However, the fraudsters have a knack of using addresses that seem convincing, so this in itself is not a good enough check.


Your bank/credit card company will never ask you to enter your personal details by clicking on a link. If you do have online banking, type the address in yourself through your web browser, do not follow a link in an email.


If you think you have already entered your information into a fraudulent website, contact your bank or financial institution immediately and change your passwords and security details straight away.

Online Shopping

 

Online shopping has taken the pain out of that Christmas shopping nightmare which inevitably involves standing in long queues on a wet, dark evening while jostling with other shoppers for the last Nintendo Wii on the shelf. However, online shopping has not come without its scammers.


So how do you know that you are using a site that is safe to buy from? There are a few things to look out for apart from going to well-known sites like Amazon. There are other retailers out there, just as reputable and trustworthy as the big names so here’s what to look for.

First of all, don’t be taken in by a flashy website. No pun intended. Make sure you look for a contact address and phone number, a physical address somewhere. View their returns policy and if you can’t see one, email them and ask for details.


If you are entering personal details like a credit card number make sure there is a gold padlock symbol on the screen. It will either be at the top at the end of the address bar or at the bottom right-hand side of the screen.

You can click on this padlock and view the website’s certificate which will verify that the site you are on is the correct one. Most online businesses use another company to process their transactions. They will use a company like Worldpay or Paypal. This is good for the customer because their credit card details are not revealed to the website they are buying from, only to the company/bank processing the transaction.

How to stay safe online – Conclusion

 

I’ve covered a few of the most popular activities online and hopefully have made you aware of the dangers as well as the pleasures of shopping and networking online. Remember though, it is important that you take responsibility for your security too. Make sure you have antivirus software installed and that it is up to date. It needn’t cost you anything except a little bit of time to install it.