TechByter Worldwide 2016.08.07: Mobile Devices Need a Virtual Private Network, Remembering the Good Old Scams, Short Circuits, and Spare Parts.

If you connect your mobile device to a public Wi-Fi network and you don't yet have a virtual private network application, you're asking for trouble. I've found what looks like the perfect solution. The good old scams were better. A fake Nigerian prince could be spotted at 50 paces, but now ransomware can take over your computer and the crooks don't always give it back when you pay the ransom. In Short Circuits: The latest version of Maxthon's browser has some clever features, but some people are complaining about privacy. The Windows 10 anniversary edition has been pushed out and most of my computers like it. I'll tell you about the one that doesn't. Kodak wants you to spy on your cat or dog and a Russian service has an app that lets you make 5-second videos. In Spare Parts (only on the website): Verizon continues to spend money on acquisitions and we'll take a look at the future of retail as on-line buying changes the landscape dramatically.