Latest news with #KurtKnutsson
Fox News
3 days ago
- Business
- Fox News
What AI's insatiable appetite for power means for our future
Print Close By Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report Published June 20, 2025 Every time you ask ChatGPT a question, to generate an image or let artificial intelligence summarize your email, something big is happening behind the scenes. Not on your device, but in sprawling data centers filled with servers, GPUs and cooling systems that require massive amounts of electricity. The modern AI boom is pushing our power grid to its limits. ChatGPT alone processes roughly 1 billion queries per day, each requiring data center resources far beyond what's on your device. In fact, the energy needed to support artificial intelligence is rising so quickly that it has already delayed the retirement of several coal plants in the U.S., with more delays expected. Some experts warn that the AI arms race is outpacing the infrastructure meant to support it. Others argue it could spark long-overdue clean energy innovation. AI isn't just reshaping apps and search engines. It's also reshaping how we build, fuel and regulate the digital world. The race to scale up AI capabilities is accelerating faster than most infrastructure can handle, and energy is becoming the next major bottleneck. TRUMP'S NUCLEAR STRATEGY TAKES SHAPE AS FORMER MANHATTAN PROJECT SITE POWERS UP FOR AI RACE AGAINST CHINA Here's a look at how AI is changing the energy equation, and what it might mean for our climate future. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide – free when you join. Why AI uses so much power, and what drives the demand Running artificial intelligence at scale requires enormous computational power. Unlike traditional internet activity, which mostly involves pulling up stored information, AI tools perform intensive real-time processing. Whether training massive language models or responding to user prompts, AI systems rely on specialized hardware like GPUs (graphics processing unit) that consume far more power than legacy servers. GPUs are designed to handle many calculations in parallel, which is perfect for the matrix-heavy workloads that power generative AI and deep learning systems. To give you an idea of scale: one Nvidia H100 GPU, commonly used in AI training, consumes up to 700 watts on its own. Training a single large AI model like GPT-4 may require thousands of these GPUs running continuously for weeks. Multiply that across dozens of models and hundreds of data centers, and the numbers escalate quickly. A traditional data center rack might use around 8 kilowatts (kW) of power. An AI-optimized rack using GPUs can demand 45-55 kW or more. Multiply that across an entire building or campus of racks, and the difference is staggering. WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)? Cooling all that hardware adds another layer of energy demand. Keeping AI servers from overheating accounts for 30-55% of a data center's total power use. Advanced cooling methods like liquid immersion are helping, but scaling those across the industry will take time. On the upside, AI researchers are developing more efficient ways to run these systems. One promising approach is the "mixture of experts" model architecture, which activates only a portion of the full model for each task. This method can significantly reduce the amount of energy required without sacrificing performance. How much power are we talking about? In 2023, global data centers consumed about 500 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity. That is enough to power every home in California, Texas and Florida combined for an entire year. By 2030, the number could triple, with AI as the main driver. To put it into perspective, the average home uses about 30 kilowatt-hours per day. One terawatt-hour is a billion times larger than a kilowatt-hour. That means 1 TWh could power 33 million homes for a day. 5 AI TERMS YOU KEEP HEARING AND WHAT THEY ACTUALLY MEAN AI's energy demand is outpacing the power grid The demand for AI is growing faster than the energy grid can adapt. In the U.S., data center electricity use is expected to surpass 600 TWh by 2030, tripling current levels. Meeting that demand requires the equivalent of adding 14 large power plants to the grid. Large AI data centers can each require 100–500 megawatts (MW), and the largest facilities may soon exceed 1 gigawatt (GW), which is about as much as a nuclear power plant or a small U.S. state. One 1 GW data center could consume more power than the entire city of San Francisco. Multiply that by a few dozen campuses across the country, and you start to see how quickly this demand adds up. To keep up, utilities across the country are delaying coal plant retirements, expanding natural gas infrastructure and shelving clean energy projects. In states like Utah, Georgia and Wisconsin, energy regulators have approved new fossil fuel investments directly linked to data center growth. By 2035, data centers could account for 8.6% of all U.S. electricity demand, up from 3.5% today. Despite public pledges to support sustainability, tech companies are inadvertently driving a fossil fuel resurgence. For the average person, this shift could increase electricity costs, strain regional energy supplies and complicate state-level clean energy goals. Can big tech keep its green energy promises? Tech giants Microsoft, Google, Amazon and Meta all claim they are working toward a net-zero emissions future. In simple terms, this means balancing the amount of greenhouse gases they emit with the amount they remove or offset, ideally bringing their net contribution to climate change down to zero. These companies purchase large amounts of renewable energy to offset their usage and invest in next-generation energy solutions. For example, Microsoft has a contract with fusion start-up Helion to supply clean electricity by 2028. However, critics argue these clean energy purchases do not reflect the reality on the ground. Because the grid is shared, even if a tech company buys solar or wind power on paper, fossil fuels often fill the gap for everyone else. Some researchers say this model is more beneficial for company accounting than for climate progress. While the numbers might look clean on a corporate emissions report, the actual energy powering the grid still includes coal and gas. Microsoft , Google and Amazon have pledged to power their data centers with 100% renewable energy, but because the grid is shared, fossil fuels often fill the gap when renewables aren't available. Some critics argue that voluntary pledges alone are not enough. Unlike traditional industries, there is no standardized regulatory framework requiring tech companies to disclose detailed energy usage from AI operations. This lack of transparency makes it harder to track whether green pledges are translating into meaningful action, especially as workloads shift to third-party contractors or overseas operations. AI CYBERSECURITY RISKS AND DEEPFAKE SCAMS ON THE RISE The future of clean energy for AI and its limits To meet soaring energy needs without worsening emissions, tech companies are investing in advanced energy projects. These include small nuclear reactors built directly next to data centers, deep geothermal systems and nuclear fusion. While promising, these technologies face enormous technical and regulatory hurdles. Fusion, for example, has never reached commercial break-even, meaning it has yet to produce more energy than it consumes. Even the most optimistic experts say we may not see scalable fusion before the 2030s. Beyond the technical barriers, many people have concerns about the safety, cost and long-term waste management of new nuclear systems. While proponents argue these designs are safer and more efficient, public skepticism remains a real hurdle. Community resistance is also a factor. In some regions, proposals for nuclear microreactors or geothermal drilling have faced delays due to concerns over safety, noise and environmental harm. Building new data centers and associated power infrastructure can take up to seven years, due to permitting, land acquisition and construction challenges. Google recently activated a geothermal project in Nevada, but it only generates enough power for a few thousand homes. The next phase may be able to power a single data center by 2028. Meanwhile, companies like Amazon and Microsoft continue building sites that consume more power than entire citie. SCAMMERS CAN EXPLOIT YOUR DATA FROM JUST ONE CHATGPT SEARCH Will AI help or harm the environment? This is the central debate. Advocates argue that AI could ultimately help accelerate climate progress by optimizing energy grids, modeling emissions patterns and inventing better clean technology. Microsoft and Google have both cited these uses in their public statements. But critics warn that the current trajectory is unsustainable. Without major breakthroughs or stricter policy frameworks, the energy cost of AI may overwhelm climate gains. A recent forecast estimated that AI could add 1.7 gigatons of carbon dioxide to global emissions between 2025 and 2030, roughly 4% more than the entire annual emissions of the U.S. Water use, rare mineral demand and land-use conflicts are also emerging concerns as AI infrastructure expands. Large data centers often require millions of gallons of water for cooling each year, which can strain local water supplies. The demand for critical minerals like lithium, cobalt and rare earth elements — used in servers, cooling systems and power electronics — creates additional pressure on supply chains and mining operations. In some areas, communities are pushing back against land being rezoned for large-scale tech development. Rapid hardware turnover is also adding to the environmental toll. As AI systems evolve quickly, older GPUs and accelerators are replaced more frequently, creating significant electronic waste. Without strong recycling programs in place, much of this equipment ends up in landfills or is exported to developing countries. The question isn't just whether AI can become cleaner over time. It's whether we can scale the infrastructure needed to support it without falling back on fossil fuels. Meeting that challenge will require tighter collaboration between tech companies, utilities and policymakers. Some experts warn that AI could either help fight climate change or make it worse, and the outcome depends entirely on how we choose to power the future of computing. HOW TO LOWER YOUR CAR INSURANCE COSTS IN 2025 Kurt's key takeaways AI is revolutionizing how we work, but it is also transforming how we use energy. Data centers powering AI systems are becoming some of the world's largest electricity consumers. Tech companies are betting big on futuristic solutions, but the reality is that many fossil fuel plants are staying online longer just to meet AI's rising energy demand. Whether AI ends up helping or hurting the climate may depend on how quickly clean energy breakthroughs catch up and how honestly we measure progress. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Is artificial intelligence worth the real-world cost of fossil resurgence? Let us know your thoughts by writing to us at . For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you'd like us to cover Follow Kurt on his social channels Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions: New from Kurt: Copyright 2025 All rights reserved. Print Close URL
Fox News
14-06-2025
- Fox News
How addresses are collected and put on people finder sites
Print Close By Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report Published June 14, 2025 Your home address might be easier to find online than you think. A quick search of your name could turn up past and current locations, all thanks to people finder sites. These data broker sites quietly collect and publish personal details without your consent, making your privacy vulnerable with just a few clicks. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join. How your address gets exposed online and who's using it If you've ever searched for your name and found personal details, like your address, on unfamiliar websites, you're not alone. People finder platforms collect this information from public records and third-party data brokers, then publish and share it widely. They often link your address to other details such as phone numbers, email addresses and even relatives. 11 EASY WAYS TO PROTECT YOUR ONLINE PRIVACY IN 2025 While this data may already be public in various places, these sites make it far easier to access and monetize it at scale. In one recent breach, more than 183 million login credentials were exposed through an unsecured database. Many of these records were linked to physical addresses, raising concerns about how multiple sources of personal data can be combined and exploited. Although people finder sites claim to help reconnect friends or locate lost contacts, they also make sensitive personal information available to anyone willing to pay. This includes scammers, spammers and identity thieves who use it for fraud, harassment, and targeted scams. How do people search sites get your home address? First, let's define two sources of information; public and private databases that people search sites use to get your detailed profile, including your home address. They run an automated search on these databases with key information about you and add your home address from the search results. 1. Public sources Your home address can appear in: Property deeds: When you buy or sell a home, your name and address become part of the public record. When you buy or sell a home, your name and address become part of the public record. Voter registration: You need to list your address when voting. You need to list your address when voting. Court documents: Addresses appear in legal filings or lawsuits. Addresses appear in legal filings or lawsuits. Marriage and divorce records: These often include current or past addresses. These often include current or past addresses. Business licenses and professional registrations: If you own a business or hold a license, your address can be listed. WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)? These records are legal to access, and people finder sites collect and repackage them into detailed personal profiles. 2. Private sources Other sites buy your data from companies you've interacted with: Online purchases: When you buy something online, your address is recorded and can be sold to marketing companies. When you buy something online, your address is recorded and can be sold to marketing companies. Subscriptions and memberships: Magazines, clubs and loyalty programs often share your information. Magazines, clubs and loyalty programs often share your information. Social media platforms: Your location or address details can be gathered indirectly from posts, photos or shared information. Your location or address details can be gathered indirectly from posts, photos or shared information. Mobile apps and websites: Some apps track your location. People finder sites buy this data from other data brokers and combine it with public records to build complete profiles that include address information. What are the risks of having your address on people finder sites? The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) advises people to request the removal of their private data , including home addresses, from people search sites due to the associated risks of stalking, scamming and other crimes. People search sites are a goldmine for cybercriminals looking to target and profile potential victims as well as plan comprehensive cyberattacks. Losses due to targeted phishing attacks increased by 33% in 2024 , according to the FBI. So, having your home address publicly accessible can lead to several risks: Stalking and harassment: Criminals can easily find your home address and threaten you. Criminals can easily find your home address and threaten you. Identity theft: Scammers can use your address and other personal information to impersonate you or fraudulently open accounts. Scammers can use your address and other personal information to impersonate you or fraudulently open accounts. Unwanted contact: Marketers and scammers can use your address to send junk mail or phishing or brushing scams. Marketers and scammers can use your address to send junk mail or phishing or Increased financial risks: Insurance companies or lenders can use publicly available address information to unfairly decide your rates or eligibility. Insurance companies or lenders can use publicly available address information to unfairly decide your rates or eligibility. Burglary and home invasion: Criminals can use your location to target your home when you're away or vulnerable. How to protect your home address The good news is that you can take steps to reduce the risks and keep your address private. However, keep in mind that data brokers and people search sites can re-list your information after some time, so you might need to request data removal periodically. I recommend a few ways to delete your private information , including your home address, from such websites. 1. Use personal data removal services: Data brokers can sell your home address and other personal data to multiple businesses and individuals, so the key is to act fast. If you're looking for an easier way to protect your privacy, a data removal service can do the heavy lifting for you, automatically requesting data removal from brokers and tracking compliance. While no service can guarantee the complete removal of your data from the internet, a data removal service is really a smart choice. They aren't cheap — and neither is your privacy. These services do all the work for you by actively monitoring and systematically erasing your personal information from hundreds of websites. It's what gives me peace of mind and has proven to be the most effective way to erase your personal data from the internet. By limiting the information available, you reduce the risk of scammers cross-referencing data from breaches with information they might find on the dark web, making it harder for them to target you. Check out my top picks for data removal services here. Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web 2. Opt out manually : Use a free scanner provided by a data removal service to check which people search sites that list your address. Then, visit each of these websites and look for an opt-out procedure or form: keywords like "opt out," "delete my information," etc., point the way. Follow each site's opt-out process carefully, and confirm they've removed all your personal info, otherwise, it may get relisted. 3. Monitor your digital footprint: I recommend regularly searching online for your name to see if your location is publicly available. If only your social media profile pops up, there's no need to worry. However, people finder sites tend to relist your private information, including your home address, after some time. 4. Limit sharing your address online: Be careful about sharing your home address on social media, online forms and apps. Review privacy settings regularly, and only provide your address when absolutely necessary. Also, adjust your phone settings so that apps don't track your location. Kurt's key takeaways Your home address is more vulnerable than you think. People finder sites aggregate data from public records and private sources to display your address online, often without your knowledge or consent. This can lead to serious privacy and safety risks. Taking proactive steps to protect your home address is essential. Do it manually or use a data removal tool for an easier process. By understanding how your location is collected and taking measures to remove your address from online sites, you can reclaim control over your personal data. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP How do you feel about companies making your home address so easy to find? Let us know by writing us at For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you'd like us to cover. Follow Kurt on his social channels: Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions: New from Kurt: Copyright 2025 All rights reserved. Print Close URL
Fox News
13-06-2025
- Fox News
TSA warns travelers about sneaky way hackers are stealing people's data at airports
Flight passengers need to know about a new way hackers can access personal information. In a public statement posted to Facebook, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) warned that just simply plugging your phone into USB ports for a charge while sitting in the airport can be a cybersecurity risk. (See the video at the top of this article.) "In this technology age, cybersecurity has never been more important," TSA wrote in the post. "Hackers can install malware at USB ports (we've been told that's called 'juice/port jacking')." It continued, "So, when you're at an airport, do not plug your phone directly into a USB port." The agency instead suggested bringing a TSA-compliant power brick or battery pack to charge your devices. TSA also reminded travelers not to use free public Wi-Fi, especially when planning to make online purchases. "Do not ever enter any sensitive info while using unsecure Wi-Fi," the agency warned. In an appearance on "Fox & Friends" earlier this week, Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson revealed that the issue with USB "juice jacking" in airports has grown. "This is not new in terms of how they're doing this," Knutsson said. "Criminals tamper with the popular USB charging ports that are located throughout the terminal when you're at the airport, especially in the gate areas," he said. "What they do is – you plug your phone in, and they've got something in front of it that then installs malware on your phone while it's charging. [And] you've got no idea." Once the malware is installed, the hackers will search for sensitive and personal information such as passwords, banking information and credit card numbers, said Knutsson. Knutsson highly encouraged people not to plug the USB part of the phone charger into public ports, and instead to plug the charging block into an outlet.
Fox News
05-06-2025
- Business
- Fox News
Windowless jets offer digital experience on future flights
Print Close By Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report Published June 05, 2025 With the unveiling of Otto Aviation's Phantom 3500, humans are heading toward a future of windowless jets. The aircraft is redefining air travel by eliminating traditional windows in favor of a sleek, aerodynamic design, something many engineers are surely happy about. It's a radical approach, but it's one that, on top of improving fuel efficiency and reducing drag, will still offer some of the best views using digital technology. Join the FREE "CyberGuy Report" : Get my expert tech tips, critical security alerts and exclusive deals, plus instant access to my free "Ultimate Scam Survival Guide" when you sign up! Why is windowless design such a big deal for aircraft? Most travelers don't realize that windows are structural weak points in an aircraft. They require extra reinforcement, add weight and disrupt the smooth flow of air over the fuselage (the main body of the plane). This increases drag, a resistance force that makes flight less efficient. By removing windows, the Phantom 3500's surface allows air to flow with minimal turbulence, helping the aircraft achieve what Otto Aviation describes as "full laminar flow characteristics." HYPERSONIC JET PROMISES NYC TO LONDON IN UNDER AN HOUR This is a major contributor to its impressive aerodynamic performance. The windowless design is not just for aesthetics. Otto Aviation specifically engineered the fuselage to optimize laminar flow, using lightweight materials and smooth surfaces to further reduce drag and fuel consumption. SOLAR-POWERED AIRCRAFT ACHIEVES GROUNDBREAKING 22-HOUR AUTONOMOUS FLIGHT How Phantom 3500 gives windowless passengers stunning digital views A common concern with windowless aircraft is claustrophobia. To address this, the Phantom 3500 features high-definition digital screens along the cabin walls and ceiling. These displays stream real-time video from cameras mounted on the aircraft's exterior, offering passengers a panoramic, immersive view of the skies. Otto Aviation refers to this system as Super Natural Vision, a proprietary technology that replaces traditional windows with state-of-the-art digital displays, seamlessly integrating real-time external views for a unique in-flight experience. The spacious, luminous cabin measures 800 cubic feet with a 6-foot-5-inch ceiling, comfortably accommodating four or more passengers in a luxurious, flexible layout. The cabin can seat up to nine passengers, depending on configuration, and is designed to maximize comfort and functionality. Freed from the constraints of window placement, the interior can be customized for relaxation, productivity or entertainment, ensuring passengers enjoy the journey as much as the destination. CHINESE WEARABLE EVTOL JETPACK MAKES HISTORIC FIRST FLIGHT Phantom 3500 sets new standard in jet fuel efficiency and performance The Phantom 3500 builds on flight tests from Otto's Celera 500L prototype and Dassault Systèmes' 3DEXPERIENCE platform. By sustaining laminar flow, the aircraft aims to improve fuel efficiency by 35%. This allows it to maintain high-speed performance while consuming less fuel, making it one of the most aerodynamically efficient aircraft ever developed. It operates in the transonic range (Mach 0.8–1.2), balancing speed and efficiency. It can also reach a cruising altitude of 51,000 feet, significantly higher than most commercial airliners, which typically fly between 30,000 and 40,000 feet. Thanks to its streamlined fuselage and optimized aerodynamics, the Phantom 3500 burns 50% less fuel than conventional business jets. This reduction in fuel consumption translates to lower operating costs and a significant decrease in carbon emissions. The Phantom 3500's wings achieve complete laminar flow, allowing for smoother airflow and reduced drag, enabling the aircraft to take off from runways as short as 3,500 feet, nearly doubling the number of accessible airports in the U.S. alone compared to similar-sized jets. GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE SUBSCRIBE TO KURT'S YOUTUBE CHANNEL FOR QUICK VIDEO TIPS ON HOW TO WORK ALL OF YOUR TECH DEVICES Kurt's key takeaways The Phantom 3500 gives us a glimpse of where air travel could be headed. With its focus on efficiency and those stunning digital screens offering panoramic views, flying might soon feel more immersive and enjoyable than ever. If this jet lives up to its promise, the window seat could become a thing of the past, and the future of aviation might get a lot greener and faster, too. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Would you trade traditional airplane windows for high-definition digital screens showing real-time views? Let us know by writing us at For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you'd like us to cover. Follow Kurt on his social channels: Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions: New from Kurt: Copyright 2025 All rights reserved. Print Close URL
Fox News
16-05-2025
- Fox News
How to free up space on a PC
Print Close By Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report Published May 16, 2025 Using a PC is all fun and games until you run out of storage. We've all been there, and the problem becomes more frequent if you've been using your PC for years. Over time, the hard disk starts filling up with everything, including PDFs, video files, random screenshots, and duplicate photos transferred from an SD card or your phone. Once your PC's storage fills up, it slows down because the resources required to process tasks become limited. I will discuss some proven methods to reclaim valuable space and improve your computer's performance. If you're not a PC user, find more ways to free up space on these devices: iPhone | Android | Mac JOIN THE FREE CYBERGUY REPORT: GET MY EXPERT TECH TIPS, CRITICAL SECURITY ALERTS, AND EXCLUSIVE DEALS — PLUS INSTANT ACCESS TO MY FREE ULTIMATE SCAM SURVIVAL GUIDE WHEN YOU SIGN UP! Empty recycle bin When you delete something on your PC, it remains in the Recycle Bin and still takes up space on your hard disk. The Recycle Bin usually holds deleted files for 30 days, but if you need to free up space right away, emptying it is a good first step. Note that "Recycle Bin" is the term used on Windows. To free up disk space from the Recycle Bin: Search for Recycle Bin on your desktop and right-click it. on your desktop and right-click it. Select Empty Recycle Bin . . Confirm the deletion. HOW TO FREE UP SPACE ON YOUR ANDROID BEST ANTIVIRUS FOR PCS & MACS — CYBERGUY PICKS 2025 Delete unnecessary apps After clearing the Recycle Bin, the next step is to delete unnecessary apps. Unused applications take up valuable storage space and can slow down your system. Removing them will free up space and improve performance on your Windows PC. Go to Settings Click Apps Select Installed apps . . Sort apps by size to find large ones. to find large ones. Click an app and select Uninstall. WHAT TO DO IF YOU THINK YOUR PC HAS A VIRUS Delete the files you don't need Take some time to go through your files and delete anything you no longer need. Old documents, large video files, duplicate photos, and outdated downloads can take up a surprising amount of space. If you are unsure about deleting certain files, move them to an external drive or cloud storage before permanently removing them from your Windows PC. Open Settings Click System. Select Storage. YOUR IPHONE HAS A HIDDEN FOLDER EATING UP STORAGE SPACE WITHOUT YOU EVEN KNOWING Check the boxes for items like temporary files, downloads and recycle bin. Click Remove files . . You can also use Disk Cleanup: Type "Disk Cleanup" in the Start menu, select a drive and choose files to delete. Enable Storage Sense on Windows If you're using Windows, Storage Sense is a built-in feature that can automatically free up space by removing temporary files and old items from the Recycle Bin. How to enable storage sense on Windows: Open Settings and go to System > Storage . and go to . Click on Storage Sense and toggle it On . and toggle it . Under the Configure cleanup schedules section, choose how often it should run (every day, week or month). Once enabled, Storage Sense will automatically clean up space based on your preferences. DOES YOUR WINDOWS 11 PC KEEP RESTARTING? LET'S FIX THAT FRUSTRATING PROBLEM Transfer files to external storage Choose the right external drive: Opt for an external hard drive or solid-state drive (SSD) that suits your needs. SSDs offer faster speeds and better durability, while HDDs provide larger capacities at lower costs. Opt for an or solid-state drive (SSD) that suits your needs. SSDs offer faster speeds and better durability, while HDDs provide larger capacities at lower costs. Transfer files: Connect your external drive, copy your files to it and verify that all files are successfully transferred. Connect your external drive, copy your files to it and verify that all files are successfully transferred. Delete original files: After verifying the transfer, delete the original files from your PC to free up space. On Windows, use File Explorer to delete files and empty the Recycle Bin. On Mac, use Finder to move files to Trash and then empty it. Consider cloud storage Cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox and Microsoft OneDrive offer convenient, flexible options for storing large files without consuming your laptop's limited space. These services allow you to securely store your photos, videos and documents in the cloud, freeing up valuable storage on your device. One significant advantage of cloud storage is accessing files from any device with an internet connection, whether on your phone, tablet or another computer. Most cloud services provide a certain amount of free storage (typically between 2GB and 15GB) before upgrading to a paid plan. For instance, Google Drive offers 15GB of free storage shared across Google services, while Dropbox provides 2GB for free with options to upgrade for more space. OneDrive provides 5GB for free, but Microsoft users can get additional storage through Office 365 subscriptions, granting access to the Microsoft Office suite. Additionally, cloud storage services come with features like automatic syncing and backup, making it easier to organize and safeguard your files. This can be particularly helpful for large photo and video libraries, which can be set to upload automatically from your phone or computer. With features like file versioning and collaboration tools, cloud platforms offer more than just storage — they enhance productivity and allow seamless file sharing with friends, family or colleagues. Finally, many cloud storage providers offer encryption and other security measures to protect your files for added peace of mind. However, it would be best always to take extra precautions, such as enabling two-factor authentication and using strong, unique passwords, to ensure your data is safe. Kurt's favorite cloud services can be seen here. Protect your data: Essential security steps after managing storage After you've freed up space on your PC-whether by deleting old files, moving data to an external drive or leveraging cloud storage, it's just as important to make sure your valuable information stays secure. The following steps will help you protect your files and personal data from cyber threats and accidental loss. 1. Use strong passwords: Create unique, complex passwords for all your accounts and devices. Consider using a password manager to generate and store secure passwords. Get more details about my best expert-reviewed Password Managers of 2025 here. 2. Enable encryption: Encrypt your external hard drives and cloud storage accounts to add an extra layer of protection to your data. 3. Implement two-factor authentication ( 2FA ): Enable 2FA on all accounts that offer this feature, especially for cloud storage services. 4. Install and maintain strong antivirus software: Use a strong antivirus program and keep it updated to protect against malware and other security threats. The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices . 5. Regularly update your operating system and applications: Keep your devices and software up to date to ensure you have the latest security patches. 6. Be cautious with public Wi-Fi: Avoid accessing sensitive information when connected to public networks , or use a VPN for added security. Using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) service can enhance your privacy by encrypting your internet traffic, making it harder for hackers and third parties to intercept your data, especially on public Wi-Fi. A VPN masks your IP address, helping to obscure your location and online activity. While VPNs don't directly prevent phishing emails, they reduce the exposure of your browsing habits to trackers that may use this data maliciously. With a VPN, you can securely access your email accounts from anywhere, even in areas with restrictive internet policies. For best VPN software, see my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices 7. Backup your data regularly: Create multiple backups of your important files, including at least one offline copy. 8. Use secure file transfer methods: When sharing files, use encrypted transfer methods or password-protected links. By following these steps, you can significantly enhance the security of your data and protect yourself from potential cyber threats. Kurt's key takeaway Your PC's storage can fill up fast, but you can always free up some space. I personally prefer storing images and videos that take up too much space on an external drive. This way, I can access them whenever I need to while keeping my PC storage free. If an external drive feels like too much of a hassle, you can always opt for cloud storage. Windows supports a range of cloud storage options, including its own services like OneDrive. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP What's the most surprising thing you've found taking up space on your computer? Let us know by writing us at For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you'd like us to cover. Follow Kurt on his social channels: Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions: New from Kurt: Copyright 2025 All rights reserved. Print Close URL
