Using a Windows laptop? There’s a way to track or lock it if it ever gets stolen. Go to Settings > Privacy & security > Find my device and toggle it on. If your laptop disappears, sign in to your Microsoft account from another device to see where it is. FYI, it needs an internet connection, or it will show the last known spot.

DEEP DIVES

PHONE POWERS UNLOCKED

Get a free, private second phone number you can use on your smartphone. It’s perfect for keeping your personal number personal.

With Google Voice, you can get a real U. S. phone number that rings to your cell, computer or tablet. You can call, text, screen calls and get your voicemails transcribed to text, all without revealing your main, real number.

WHY YOU WOULD WANT ONE

• Selling something online? Don’t give strangers your real number.
• Want a business line without paying for another phone? Done.
• Dating? A second number lets you keep control.
• Sick of spam? Get a new Google Voice number anytime, not your real one.
• Traveling abroad? Call and text for free over Wi-F
    

HOW TO SET IT UP

• Go to voice.google.com on your phone or computer.
• Sign in with your Google account.
• Pick a phone number, you can search by area code or city.
• Link it to your mobile number (or any number you want it to ring.).

Download the Google Voice app for iPhone or Android

Now, when someone calls your Google Voice number, it’ll ring your real phone.

FEATURES YOU WILL LOVE

• Voicemail transcriptions: Read your messages like texts.
• Call forwarding: Route calls to multiple devices.
• Custom greetings: Set different ones for different callers.
• Do Not Disturb: Silence calls when you need space

Call screening: Hear who’s calling before you pick up.

For personal use, Google Voice is totally free. Calls and texts to the U.S. and Canada cost nothing. You only pay for international calls, and rates are low. The business version starts at $10/month. It adds auto-attendants, call routing for teams and admin tools.

Bottom line? If you don’t already have a second number, it’s free and easy to use.