Picture this: you're chilling during your free time, your favorite beverage in one hand, scrolling through the latest tech updates with the other, when suddenly a friend texts, panicking about a cyberattack that has just left them devastated. 

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This scenario is more common than you think and could easily happen to anyone, especially those who harbor stubborn myths about cyber security. 

Myth #1 - underestimating your appeal to hackers 

If you're tossing your hair back, saying, "Well, I don't have anything a hacker would want," think again. Hackers aren't picky eaters. They'll feast on any bit of data they can find. Your banking details? Yummy appetizers. Personal information? A delicious main course. 

To hackers, we're all just meals waiting to be devoured. The fix here is simple: Take digital threats seriously, set up a sound security system, and be mindful of what you share online.

HOW TO ADD SAFE BROWSERS TO YOUR MOBILE DEVICE

Solution #1 - use identity theft protection 

In the quest for robust protection against these lurking cyber threats, there’s a beacon of hope. Identity theft services. Identity theft protection companies can monitor personal information like your home title, Social Security Number (SSN), phone number and email address and alert you if it is being sold on the dark web or being used to open an account. They can also assist you in freezing your bank and credit card accounts to prevent further unauthorized use by criminals. 

One of the best parts of using some services is that they might include identity theft insurance of up to 1 million dollars to cover losses and legal fees and a white glove fraud-resolution team where a U.S.-based case manager helps you recover any losses. 

See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft by visiting Cyberguy.com/IdentityTheft 

Myth #2 - relying on password strength alone 

For all those confident souls who think a strong password is all the protection they need, here's a wake-up call: Hackers have become more intelligent. They've got tools and tricks to crack even the most complex passwords. 

BEWARE OF CHERRYBLOS, THE ANDROID MALWARE THAT STEALS PASSWORDS

Solution #2 - use strong and unique passwords  

Create strong passwords for your accounts and devices, and avoid using the same password for multiple online accounts. Consider using a password manager to securely store and generate complex passwords. It will help you to create unique and difficult-to-crack passwords that a hacker could never guess.  

It also keeps track of all your passwords in one place and fills passwords in for you when you're logging into an account so that you never have to remember them yourself.  The fewer passwords you remember, the less likely you will be to reuse them for your accounts. 

What qualities should I look for in a password manager? 

When it comes to choosing the best password manager for you, here are some of my top tips: 

• Deploys secure
• Works seamlessly across all of your devices
• Creates unique complicated passwords that are different for every account
• Automatically populates login and password fields for apps and sites you revisit
• Has a browser extension for all browsers you use to automatically insert passwords for you
• Allows a failsafe in case the primary password is ever lost or forgotten
• Checks that your existing passwords remain safe, and alerts you if ever compromised
• Uses two-factor authentication security

Check out my best expert-reviewed password managers of 2023 by heading to Cyberguy.com/Passwords. 

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Myth #3 - the antivirus illusion 

You got antivirus protection? Awesome! But remember, not all antivirus software is created equal. Some may provide better protection and performance than others, so choose wisely. And if you are running a free antivirus program, consider replacing it for these reasons. 

Solution #3 - have good antivirus software on all your devices

For sure, the best way to protect yourself from having your data breached is to have antivirus protection installed on all of your devices. This will make sure you are stopped from clicking on any potential malicious links that may install malware on your devices and allow hackers to gain access to your personal information. 

See my expert review of the best antivirus protection for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices by heading to Cyberguy.com/LockUpYourTech   

Myth #4 - trusting all apps from official stores 

It's time to also address the belief that only downloading apps from official app stores is 100% safe. Here's the thing: official app stores do offer a safer environment, but they're not invincible. Some malicious apps can slip through, disguised as popular apps. A little extra caution won't hurt here. 

Solution #4 - smart app selection: investigate before installation  

Before downloading an app, do a little detective work. Check reviews, ratings, developer details, and app permissions. You will likely find this information at the bottom of the description page of whatever app you are attempting to obtain from the App Store or Google Play store. 

Myth #5 - overconfidence in WiFi passwords 

TOP APPS TO TROUBLESHOOT YOUR WI-FI SIGNAL

Have faith in your WiFi password? It’s time to go a step further and boost your WiFi security. With Cyber threats becoming increasingly sophisticated, enhancing your WiFi security measures can safeguard your personal data and prevent unauthorized access to your network, ensuring you're more protected when you're online. 

Solution #5 - effective measures for a safer WiFi network  

Enabling encryption: By enabling encryption, such as WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2) or WPA3, you can ensure that the data transmitted over your Wi-Fi network is encrypted and not easily accessible to unauthorized users. Encryption adds a layer of security by encoding the data in a way that can only be decrypted by devices with the correct encryption key. 

Changing default passwords: Many Wi-Fi routers come with default usernames and passwords set by the manufacturer. It is crucial to change these default credentials, as they are widely known and can make your network vulnerable to unauthorized access. Choose strong, unique passwords that are not easily guessable, and use a password manager, as I detailed above. 

Using a Virtual Private Network: A VPN establishes an encrypted connection between your device and a remote server, routing your internet traffic through the VPN server. This adds an extra layer of security and privacy to your Wi-Fi network, as the data transmitted between your device and the VPN server is encrypted. It can help protect your data from potential eavesdropping and provide anonymity by masking your IP address.  

For best VPN software, see my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices by visiting CyberGuy.com/VPN 

MORE: HOW TO SPEED UP YOUR WIFI AND INTERNET CONNECTION 

Myth #6 - regularly updating your software and devices is challenging and hard to do 

Despite the myth that it is difficult and time-consuming to update your software and devices, it is very easy and doesn't take a lot of time. You do not want to neglect those software-update notifications that pop up on your devices. Updates often include important security patches that fix vulnerabilities and protect against the latest threats. Keeping your operating system, apps and antivirus software up to date is crucial in maintaining a strong defense against cyberattacks. 

Solution #6 - embrace updates for enhanced protection 

Set your devices to automatically install updates or make it a habit to manually check for updates regularly to ensure you're running the latest, most secure versions. And don’t forget to always back up your devices if you should ever need to restore them. Remember, an outdated system is an open invitation for hackers. It's like leaving your doors unlocked when you go to bed. 

Kurt's key takeaways 

It's always better to be safe than sorry. With these cyber security myths busted wide open, it's important to remember that digital security isn't a set-and-forget deal. It's more like a perpetual chess game, and you always need to stay a move ahead of the hackers out there. 

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What's one thing that might change your behavior after knowing the truth behind these myths? Could it be finally tapping that neglected 'Update' button? Or perhaps it's time to secure that home Wi-Fi with a reliable VPN? Every strategy counts in this game. How will you up your cyber security game? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact. 

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter. 

Copyright 2023 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved. 

Film buffs, this one's for you. Put your knowledge to the test and see how many movie trivia questions you can get right!

Think you've got what it takes to outsmart your friends and family in a rousing game of trivia?

Then it's time to put your skills to the test and see how much you really know on subjects like entertainment, history, sports, movies, books, animals, technology, music and, well...pretty much anything else you can think of.

To find out what exactly you're made of, see how many of the following trivia questions you can correctly answer.

This comprehensive list runs the gamut from relatively easy to challenging brain teasers, promising to supply you a run for your money, even if you aren't placing bets on who's going to take home the trophy.

To keep it fair, there are questions the kids can probably answer on things like Dr. Seuss books and other family-friendly topics, as well as Trivial-Pursuit grade stumpers like "which U.S. president was a bartender?"

We'd tell you the answer now, but what's the fun in that? To find out, you'll just need to read on.

And whether you're a Jeopardy champ or just an armchair trivia warrior, at least of few of these questions are bound to leave you scratching your head. But if you can guess them all, then congratulations, you're a brainiac!

Either way, it's time to put your thinking cap on — and when you're through, you'll be armed with enough knowledge to supply good ol' Einstein a run for his money.

How to play trivia

Turn your next at-home hangout into a trivia night. Choose a host, divide the group into teams and break the questions up to form rounds. The host asks one question at a time and teams write down their answers. Once all of the questions have been asked, the host calls out the right answers and then teams tally up their points.

Good luck!

Entertainment trivia questions

• What name is singer-actor Stefani Germanotta better known by? Answer: Lady Gaga
• What 1927 film effectively ended the silent movie era by introducing synchronized talking and singing? Answer: "The Jazz Singer"
• Before embarking on a solo career, Beyoncé was part of what R&B group? Answer: Destiny's Child
• What actor played Alex Keaton on the '80s TV show "Family Ties?" Answer: Michael J. Fox
• The Rockettes dance troupe most famously perform at what New York City venue? Answer: Radio City Music Hall
• What was the very first video ever played on MTV? Answer: "Video Killed the Radio Star" (by The Buggles)
• What Andrew Lloyd Webber Broadway show features the characters Mistoffelees and Old Deuteronomy? Answer: "Cats"
• Richard Hatch is the very first winner of which reality TV show? Answer: "Survivor"
• What is the name of Elvis Presley's Memphis home? Answer: Graceland
• What notable astronomer penned the 1980 best-selling book "Cosmos?" Answer: Carl Sagan
• Michael Flatley danced his way to fame in what Irish-inspired show? Answer: "Riverdance"
• What 1994 Quentin Tarantino movie stars John Travolta and Samuel L. Jackson as hitmen? Answer: "Pulp Fiction"
• What actor-comedian found fame on the TV show "Mork and Mindy?" Answer: Robin Williams
• Michael Jackson teamed up with what notable guitar player for the 1982 song "Beat It?" Answer: Eddie Van Halen
• Jess Day, Nick Miller, Winston Bishop and Schmidt are all characters on what TV show? Answer: "New Girl"
• What year did the comedy sketch TV show, Saturday Night Live, debut? Answer: 1975.

Books and literature trivia questions

• The women in Amy Tan’s “Joy Luck Club” meet to play what game? Answer: Mahjong
• "The Da Vinci Code" opens with a murder in which famous museum? Answer: The Louvre
• Which horror author penned the apocalyptic novel "The Stand"? Answer: Stephen King
• Which book about a band of rabbits became a bestseller in 1972? Answer: "Watership Down"
• What was the original title of Ray Bradbury’s "Fahrenheit 451"? Answer: "The Fireman"
• The classic 1877 novel "Black Beauty" is about what kind of animal? Answer: Horse
• Who was the first author to use a "typemachine" or typewriter in writing a manuscript? Answer: Mark Twain
• What 1988 book by Salman Rushdie is considered blasphemous by many Muslim countries? Answer: "The Satanic Verses"
• Which mystery writer holds the Guinness World Record for the most translated works? Answer: Agatha Christie
• What book holds the record for the fastest selling book in history? Answer: "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows"
• Who wrote "To Kill a Mockingbird"? Answer: Harper Lee
• What 1949 science fiction book by author George Orwell describes a dystopian world in the future? Answer: "1984"
• What's the name of the pig in the book "Charlotte's Web"? Answer: Wilbur
• "Call me Ishmael" is the first line from what classic novel? Answer: "Moby Dick"
• What Charles Dickens novel begins with the sentence, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times"? Answer: "A Tale of Two Cities"
• What is the name of the vampire in the 1976 Anne Rice novel "Interview With a Vampire"? Answer: Louis de Pointe du Lac
• What popular young adult book series sends "tributes" to participate in a televised competition in which they fight to the death? Answer: "The Hunger Games"
• In the book "Pride and Prejudice," who is Elizabeth Bennet in love with? Answer: Mr. Darcy
• Who wrote "Flowers in the Attic"? Answer: V.C. Andrews
• Jacob Black is a character in what Stephenie Meyer book series? Answer: "Twilight"
• What Nicholas Sparks book about a young socialite and her long-time crush was made into a movie starring Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams? Answer: "The Notebook"
• In one of the most popular Dr. Seuss books, what won't Sam-I-Am eat? Answer: Green eggs and ham

History trivia questions

• How old was Queen Elizabeth II when she was crowned the Queen of England? Answer: 27
• What was the first message sent by morse code? Answer: “What hath God wrought?”
• What president was a licensed bartender? Answer: Abraham Lincoln
• Who was the first president to visit all 50 states? Answer: Richard Nixon
• What year was Kodak founded? Answer: 1892
• What inspired the creation of Google images? Answer: Jennifer Lopez’s dress at the 2000 Grammys
• What year was the first Barbie doll released? Answer: 1959
• How long was the first Thanksgiving? Answer: Three days
• Which U.S. President was a law professor? Answer: Bill Clinton
• Who was the youngest U.S. president? Answer: Theodore Roosevelt
• When was the first iPod released? Answer: 2001

Geography trivia questions

• Where is the coldest place on Earth? Answer: Eastern Antarctic Plateau
• Which Italian town is the setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet? Answer: Verona
• What was America’s first national park? Answer: Yellowstone National Park
• Where do U.S. vice presidents live? Answer: on the grounds of the U.S. Naval Observatory
• Which three states share a border with California? Answer: Arizona, Nevada and Oregon
• What was the first state? Answer: Delaware
• What state is known as the “Badger State”? Answer: Wisconsin
• What state has the longest freshwater shoreline? Answer: Michigan
• What U.S. state grows coffee beans? Answer: Hawaii
• What is the northernmost point in the United States? Answer: Point Barrow, Alaska
• What is Texas’ state flower? Answer: The Bluebonnet
• How many floors does the Eiffel Tower have? Answer: Three
• What is the currency of Poland? Answer: Złoty
• How tall is the Empire State Building (without the spire and antenna)? Answer: 1,250 feet
• Which country produces the most tea? Answer: China
• Who did the U.S. buy Florida from? Answer: Spain
• Which country gives students the longest summer holiday? Answer: Italy
• What are California’s state colors? Answer: Blue and Gold
• What is United Kingdom’s national Anthem? Answer: “God Save the King”

Science trivia questions

• Which blood type is a universal donor? Answer: O Negative
• How many moons does Neptune have? Answer: 14
• Which globally-dreaded disease did the World Health Organization declared eradicated in 1980? Answer: Smallpox
• Who was the first American woman in space? Answer: Sally Ride
• How many pounds are in a ton? Answer: 2,000
• What is the largest bone in the human body? Answer: Femur
• How many planets make up the solar system? Answer: Eight
• How many colors are in a rainbow? Answer: Seven
• Which astronomer is called out in “Bohemian Rhapsody”? Answer: Galileo
• What is the fear of flowers called? Answer: Anthophobia

Music trivia questions

• What actor and comedian appeared in the video for the Paul Simon song “You Can Call Me Al”? Answer: Chevy Chase
• What singer was called the “Empress of the Blues”? Answer: Bessie Smith
• Who wrote “The Star-Spangled Banner”? Answer: Francis Scott Key
• What musician was awarded the first gold record? Answer: Perry Como
• Which country artist threw javelin while attending Oklahoma State University? Answer: Garth Brooks
• What song did Paul McCartney pen for John Lennon’s son, Julian? Answer: “Hey Jude”
• What are the first names of the five brothers that made up the Jackson 5? Answer: Jermaine, Marlon, Jackie, Tito and Michael
• Which 1950’s crooner sang the hit song “Under the Sea”? Answer: Bobby Darin
• How many Billboard #1 hits did Elvis have? Answer: 18
• What’s the best-selling Christmas single of all time? Answer: “White Christmas” by Bing Crosby
• Which singer’s real name is Robyn Fenty? Answer: Rihanna
• What year did MTV launch? Answer: 1981
• Who was the first “American Idol” winner? Answer: Kelly Clarkson
• When was Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You” released? Answer: October 1994
• What is Taylor Swift’s lucky number? Answer: 13
• Who was the first woman ever inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? Answer: Aretha Franklin

Movie trivia questions

• What movie is “You had me at hello” from? Answer: “Jerry Maguire”
• What Minnesota town was actor Winona Ryder born in? Answer: Winona
• What year was the first “Batman” comic book published? Answer: 1939
• Actor Nicolas Cage is the nephew of what famous director? Answer: Francis Ford Coppola
• What country does “The Jungle Book” take place in? Answer: India
• Who is the youngest Oscar winner of all time? Answer: Tatum O’Neal
• What was the name of the high school in “Grease”? Answer: Rydell High
• In “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” what keeps the three-headed dog asleep? Answer: Music
• What year was the original “Jurassic Park” released? Answer: 1993
• What’s the name of Ginny’s Pygmy Puff in the “Harry Potter” series? Answer: Arnold
• What is the name of Hagrid’s half-brother in “Harry Potter?” Answer: Grawp
• What is the Grinch’s dog’s name? Answer: Max
• How many Oscars does Jane Fonda have? Answer: Two
• How many Academy Awards did “Titanic” win? Answer: 11
• What is the name of Boba Fett’s ship in “Star Wars”? Answer: Slave 1
• Which Disney princess has a Scottish accent? Answer: Merida
• How many staircases are located in Hogwarts? Answer: 142
• What is Jack Skellington’s dog’s name? Answer: Zero
• In what movie does Robert De Niro say, “You talkin’ to me?” Answer: “Taxi Driver” 
• Who was the first Disney princess? Answer: Snow White
• What year was “Jaws” released? Answer: 1975
• In “Star Wars,” who built C-3P0? Answer: Anakin Skywalker
• “The Princess and the Frog” is set in which American city? Answer: New Orleans
• What is Hermione’s Patronus? Answer: Otter
• Who wrote “A Little Princess”? Answer: Frances Hodgson Burnett
• Which shoe did Cinderella leave behind at the ball? Answer: Left
• How many ghosts show up in “A Christmas Carol”? Answer: Four
• Who is the villain in “Peter Pan”? Answer: Captain Hook
• Which city is “101 Dalmatians” set in? Answer: London
• What is the school’s mascot in “High School Musical”? Answer: Wild Cats

TV trivia questions

• What popular ‘90s TV series did actor Calista Flockhart star in? Answer: “Ally McBeal”
• Who won first season of “America’s Next Top Model”? Answer: Adrianne Curry-Rhode
• Which of the six main characters on the TV show “Friends” never got married? Answer: Joey
• What TV series included the phrase “Go where no man has gone before” in its title sequence? Answer: “Star Trek”
• What “Sex and the City” star didn’t return for the series reboot “And Just Like That...”? Answer: Kim Cattrall
• What TV series launched Bruce Willis’ career? Answer: “Moonlighting”
• What is the name of Sabrina’s cat in “Sabrina the Teenage Witch”? Answer: Salem
• What is the name of the mall in the third season of “Stranger Things”? Answer: Starcourt Mall
• What comic series is the CW’s “Riverdale” based on? Answer: “Archie” comics
• How many people tuned into the last episode of “Friends”? Answer: 52.5 million
• How many seasons did “The Oprah Winfrey Show” run? Answer: 25
• Who voiced Ms. Frizzle on the children’s television series “Magic School Bus”? Answer: Lily Tomlin
• Who wrote “The Little Mermaid”? Answer: Hans Christian Andersen

Animal trivia questions

• What species of fish is Nemo? Answer: Clown Fish
• How many legs does a lobster have? Answer: 10
• What is Florida’s state bird? Answer: The Northern Mockingbird
• What color is a giraffe’s tongue? Answer: Purple
• What animal’s nickname is “sea cow”? Answer: Manatee
• What percentage of the Earth’s wildlife is found in the ocean? Answer: 94%
• What animal has the biggest eyes? Answer: Giant Squid
• How many reindeer does Santa have? Answer: Eight
• What is California’s state animal? Answer: California grizzly bear
• What are baby rabbits called? Answer: Kits
• What animal breathes through its butt? Answer: Turtle
• Where are cricket’s ears located? Answer: On their legs

Sports and leisure trivia questions

• Where was the first Olympics held? Answer: Panathenaic Stadium, Greece
• Who was the highest-paid athlete in 2022? Answer: Lionel Messi
• Which NBA team plays its home games at Madison Square Garden? Answer: New York Knicks
• When was the first Indy 500 held? Answer: 1911
• Which Canadian hockey player is considered to be the greatest of all time? Answer: Wayne Gretzky
• Where did the 2000 Summer Olympics take place? Answer: Sydney, Australia
• Which number does every Major League Baseball player wear on April 15? Answer: 42
• What is the maximum number of points someone can achieve on Pac-Man? Answer: 3,333,360 points
• How Did Leica, the German camera company, get its name? Answer: Founder Ernst Leitz used the first three letters of his last name combined with the first two letters from “camera.”
• Which player from the Dallas Mavericks is an investor in Big Blanket Co., the maker of 10-by-10 foot blankets? Answer: Boban Marjanovic
• What type of race is the Tour de France? Answer: Bicycle race
• What is the diameter of the average basketball hoop? Answer: 18 inches
• How often are the Summer Games held? Answer: Every four years
• What are the Cleveland Browns’ team colors? Answer: Brown and orange
• In football, how many points does a touchdown have? Answer: Six
• Who painted “Girl with a Pearl Earring”? Answer: Johannes Vermeer
• Who was the first couple to win “The Amazing Race”? Answer: Rob Frisbee and Brennan Swain

Food trivia questions

• When was Diet Coke introduced in the United States? Answer: August 9, 1982
• What fast food chain once used the slogan "Think outside the bun"? Answer: Taco Bell
• What is a single strand of spaghetti called? Answer: Spaghetto
• What year did Dunkin’ Donuts become Dunkin'? Answer: 2018
• How many slices of pizza does America eat per second? Answer: 350-400 slices of pizza per second
• Where were Doritos invented? Answer: Casa de Fritos at Disneyland
• How many pounds of curly fries does Arby’s sell in a year? Answer: 100 million pounds
• What is the name of the world's hottest chili pepper? Answer: Carolina Reaper
• What is Starbucks’ logo? Answer: A Siren
• Where is the world’s largest Starbucks? Answer: Chicago
• How many folds are in a chef's hat? Answer: 100

Technology trivia questions

• What is the meaning of "fn" on your computer keyboard? Answer: Function
• What is the long-standing nickname for IBM? Answer: "Big Blue"
• Who owns Venmo? Answer: PayPal
• What was Mac's first web browser? Answer: Samba
• What year was eBay founded? Answer: 1995
• What is the best-selling video game franchise? Answer: Mario
• Who sent the world's first text message? Answer: Neil Papworth
• What does Yahoo stand for? Answer: Yet Another Hierarchically Officious Oracle
• What inspired the name for the iPod? Answer: the EVA Pod (ePod) in "2001: A Space Odyssey"
• Who owns the Patent to Google’s original search algorithm? Answer: Stanford University

General trivia questions

• What is August’s birthstone? Answer: Peridot
• What is Prince Harry’s official first name? Answer: Henry
• What is the fifth sign of the zodiac? Answer: Leo
• Which branch of the U.S. armed forces used the slogan “It’s not just a job, it’s an adventure”? Answer: The Navy
• By U.S. law, exit signs must be one of what two colors? Answer: Green or red
• What is an eight-sided shape called? Answer: Octagon
• When was Earth Day first celebrated? Answer: 1970
• How many points does the Star of David have? Answer: Six
• Who is Barbie’s little sister? Answer: Skipper
• In the United Kingdom, what is the day after Christmas known as? Answer: Boxing Day
• Which three zodiac signs are summer signs? Answer: Cancer, Leo and Virgo
• Which month of the year is National Ice Cream Month? Answer: July

ChatGPT's ability to provide conversational answers to any question at any time makes the chatbot a handy resource for your information needs. Despite the convenience, a new study finds that you may not want to use ChatGPT for software engineering prompts.  

Before the rise of AI chatbots, Stack Overflow was the go-to resource for programmers who needed advice for their projects, with a question-and-answer model similar to ChatGPT's. 

Also: How to block OpenAI's new AI-training web crawler from ingesting your data

However, with Stack Overflow, you have to wait for someone to answer your question while with ChatGPT, you don't. 

As a result, many software engineers and programmers have turned to ChatGPT with their questions. Since there was no data showing just how efficacious ChatGPT is in answering those types of prompts, a new Purdue University study investigated the dilemma. 

To find out just how efficient ChatGPT is in answering software engineering prompts, the researchers gave ChatGPT 517 Stack Overflow questions and examined the accuracy and quality of those answers. 

Also: How to use ChatGPT to write code

The results showed that out of the 512 questions, 259 (52%) of ChatGPT's answers were incorrect and only 248 (48%) were correct. Moreover, a whopping 77% of the answers were verbose. 

Despite the significant inaccuracy of the answers, the results did show that the answers were comprehensive 65% of the time and addressed all aspects of the question. 

To further analyze the quality of ChatGPT responses, the researchers asked 12 participants with different levels of programming expertise to supply their insights on the answers. 

Also: Stack Overflow uses AI to supply programmers new access to community knowledge

Although the participants preferred Stack Overflow's responses over ChatGPT's across various categories, as seen by the graph, the participants failed to correctly identify incorrect ChatGPT-generated answers 39.34% of the time.  

According to the study, the well-articulated responses ChatGPT outputs caused the users to overlook incorrect information in the answers. 

"Users overlook incorrect information in ChatGPT answers (39.34% of the time) due to the comprehensive, well-articulated, and humanoid insights in ChatGPT answers," the authors wrote. 

Also: How ChatGPT can rewrite and Improve your existing code

The generation of plausible-sounding answers that are incorrect is a significant issue across all chatbots because it enables the spread of misinformation. In addition to that risk, the low accuracy scores should be enough to make you reconsider using ChatGPT for these types of prompts. 

Q. I have a 2005 Buick Lacrosse and it has been making a clacking, snapping sound when I brake, and 50-100 ft after brake is released. The sound itself seems to come from the from the brake on the left side, and toward the center front in the car. Sometimes if I hit an unforeseen bump which cannot be avoided, I hear the same sound. The mechanic replaced the left front tie rod, but the noise remains.

A. I would start by going on a road test with a mechanic so you both hear the same noise. I suspect that the first repair was on the right track. It is possible something in the front suspension, inner tie-rod end wear is common, stabilizer links, body mounts or even a brake caliper is shifting could be making the noise.

Q. The speedometer is memorizing way out of normal range (on the dial). Does the dash need to be removed to repair this, or does the speedometer mechanism have to be replaced entirely? Can it be reset?

A. This really depends on the age and type of vehicle. Nearly all speedometers today are electronic and do not use traditional cable drives. The issue could be the speed sensor in the transmission, or a faulty circuit in the instrument panel. A technician with a scan tool should be able to determine is the speed sensor is working properly.

Q. The steering wheel whirrs when I make a sharp right or left turn and the noise seems to be outside the car. Is this a simple repair job?

A. There could be several causes of this noise, from low power steering fluid to a worn or losoe power steering belt.

Q. I own a 2015 Mercedes GLK 250 diesel, which has displayed the check engine light frequently. The dealership has checked this out with repairs and claimed it to be part of the recall for diesel emissions. The recall was completed, and the light still returned intermittently. It frequently occurred after long road trips over 150 miles and with subsequent driving sometimes went off by itself. Mercedes high end repair shops recommended replacement of the entire sensor board since they said it was easier to affect a repair by its replacement rather than trying to replace the sensors individually. This is a very expensive repair. They said that since l am a Mercedes owner, I could afford the expense. Hogwash. Is this a Mercedes engineering fiasco?

A. The first thing that needs to be performed is a test to see what codes are causing the check-engine light. There are some common issues with this vehicle. Some or all of the following could cause a check engine light to be illuminated intermittently. There could be a vacuum leak, damaged and leaking O-rings, damaged water pump impeller, low battery voltage and even contaminated coolant or engine oil. Using the “parts-cannon or shotgun” approach of just throwing parts at the car almost never actually repairs the issue and is certainly not in the customer’s best interest.

Q. I have a 2006 Toyota Sienna, 103,000 miles, runs great, well maintained with no problems. Should I have the transmission fluid changed? As far as I know. The fluid was never changed.

A. Toyota considers it a lifetime fill and unless there is a leak or other issue is good for the lifetime of the car. But you could certainly change it as a preventative measure. If you do use only Toyota or equivalent fluid, not a generic fluid used in some flushing machines. If it were my vehicle and I drove it “normally” I would leave well enough alone.

Q. My Husband’s car was taken to get an oil change and inspection sticker yesterday. They did the oil change but rejected the car for the sticker. The reason was front body rot/rust. A front cross member piece is needed because it is so badly rusted. The car is a 2007 Chrysler Pacifica; do you think one could be found? He loves the car, and it still looks great. Any suggestions?

A. Yes, you can find a good rust free front subframe on eBay motors and other salvage yard websites. The part is $6-$900 plus about six hours labor to install it, plus a wheel alignment. There could be added expenses due to other rusty parts, but yes it can be repaired.

Q. I own a 2016 black Subaru Forester and I need to touch up some scratches. Can you please recommend a good brand to purchase for me to do the job myself?

A. The brand that I have been most happy with over the years is www.automotivetouchup.com Great color match and everything from touch up pens to quarts and gallons. Plus, they have clear coat paint to get the factory finish look. Recently I was alerted to another similar company https://touchuppaintfactory.com which also has factory color match in all size applicators. Like all painting, the preparation before painting is what determines the outcome of the job.

Q. I recently saw a Chevrolet at a car show, it was a small two-door wagon (not a Chevrolet Vega). The car was highly modified with a big V-8 engine. The steering wheel was on the left and I suspect it may have been a Canadian car. Is this enough of a clue to know what it could be?

A. What you may have seen (and I just saw one recently) was a Chevrolet Caravan. The car was from Brazil and sort of a combination of a Chevy and Opel. Sometimes referred to as an Opala, the factory engine was a 2.5-liter, 150 cubic-inch four-cylinder, but over the years many four-cylinder engine were replaced with a larger 250 cubic inch straight six-cylinder engine.

Got a car question, email the Car Doctor for a personal reply. jpaul@aaanortheast.com

Q. I enjoy your column and have a question of my own regarding my 2013 Ford Escape with 41,000 miles. Recently I had the annual state vehicle inspection, tire rotation and fluid changes at my Ford dealer. Everything passed inspection but the service manager advised that some of the car’s lug nuts were swollen. He said if I had a flat tire the lug nut may not come off and the car would have to be towed for service. (I have AAA 100-mile towing) Never heard of this problem before and did some research on the internet. It is apparently a common occurrence with my model vehicle and some other Fords from the same time period. Ford was contacted by several owners but gave no relief. Is this something that I should pursue through Ford channels or just suck it up and pay the price for replacement myself? They did not tell me how many lug nuts were involved but I would replace all of them at the same time.

A. This is quite common on lug-nuts that use an aluminum or chrome cap over the steel lug-net. I have seen these designs used on a variety of vehicles including my own little boat trailer. Rust forms under the cap and causes the lug-nuts to become swollen. When this happens, a standard socket is in some cases impossible to get on the lug-nut. My suggestion would be to replace all the lug-nuts with a one-piece design. You can find one piece lug-nuts online, a custom wheel and tire shop or Dorman corporation that develops repair solutions for just these kinds of problems.

Q. I need a remote starter install in my 2020 Toyota RAV4. The dealer quoted me a very expensive price and warned me about possible warranty issues if someone else installs it. Where should I take it to ensure that I have the installation done right?

A. Any quality automotive electronics shop should be able to install a remote starter in your RAV4. Some independent repair shops will also do the installation, but I prefer the electronics shop, since they normally will have additional wiring harnesses, relays or switches on-hand for a professional installation. Regarding warranty, you are protected by the Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act. The law clearly suggests warranties by vehicle manufacturers cannot be void if a consumer uses another manufacturer’s parts.

Q. My 84-year-old husband’s 2005 Dodge Dakota will not pass inspection at the end of September due to rust underneath. A local body shop will look at it and let him know if it is worth fixing. The mileage is under 85,000, and when he bought it in 2007 it had about 23,000 miles on it. So, you can see how little he drives it. It is not garaged; we live on Long Island, and the truck came from Michigan. My first question is it worth fixing a 2005? My second question is what the estimated cost would be (ballpark figure)?

A. Without inspecting the truck, it is hard to determine the cost of a repair. But if I had to guess. You are probably looking at $2-3000 to repair the rust if sections of the frame can be capped and welded. If the entire frame needs replacement, $10,000 or more and that is if a frame is even available. I would try a welding shop to see if they can patch it or a body shop for a full frame replacement. Regarding is it worth it, if the rest of the truck is outstanding, maybe yes, but if it is a typical Dodge Dakota, with age related mechanical issues and body rust, this may be a case of throwing good money after bad.

Q. My 1988 Lincoln Town Car, door lock control will not open back door locks, also the ventilation fan does not work and lastly there is a gas smell. I replaced all the gas lines and the gas tank. The car has only 68,000 miles on it and needs bodywork. What should I do?

A. Well, it sounds like age is certainly affecting your 35-year-old car much more than mileage. The gas smell could be an over saturated evaporative emissions canister or a leaking throttle body (part of the fuel system) or fuel pump. The window issue could be wiring, or the master control switch and the fan could be a faulty fan, fuse, wiring or the switch. At this point if it were my car, even with the low mileage I would take it to a trusted shop and spend an hour or two worth of labor and have an overall evaluation of the car to see what else is going on. If the gas lines rusted out, it is possible the brake lines and transmission lines are also very rusty and even the frame could be starting to rot away. It may be time to let your Town Car go.

Q. My 2008 Suzuki XL7 has nearly 200,000 miles but runs great. The issues are the check engine light is on, the RPMs dip and vary. I am thinking of a good tune up and maybe the timing belt could be changed? The car resides and is registered in Florida, so I am not concerned with state inspection, but would like the car to run properly and be safe. Where should I bring it for repairs?

A. The engine in the Suzuki XL7 uses a chain not a belt, not saying it could not be worn, but it is not normal maintenance. If the timing chain does need replacement, it is expensive, taking nearly 12 hours labor to complete. The idle speed variation could be worn plugs, lazy oxygen sensor or a vacuum leak. If you need a garage in Florida or anywhere, go to aaa.com/repair to find a local AAA Approved Auto Repair shop near you.

Got a car question, email the Car Doctor for a personal reply. jpaul@aaanortheast.com

Q. I have a Kia and I’m waiting for an appointment to have the anti-theft system upgraded. Recently I was watching YouTube, and someone had a video of the theft and how a phone charger override the key-chip. Does that mean the upgraded system doesn’t work?

A. No what you were likely watching is YouTube nonsense. The phone charger is used as a turning device. How do I know this new technology is going to prevent my car from getting stolen? Once the immobilizer software is installed, turning the ignition switch without a key won’t start the car. It is my understanding that Hyundai and Kia models sold in Canada are required to have this immobilizer system, so the upgrade is proven technology. Keep in mind if a professional thief wants your car they can find a way around almost any anti-theft device. Of course, it is always best to lock your car, hide/remove valuables and park in well lighted areas.

Q. I am starting to think about buying a new vehicle since my Toyota RAV is now 20 years old and it seems as if I got my money’s worth. Can you please supply me your opinion on these vehicles: Chevrolet Trailblazer, Kia Sportage and Nissan Rogue. The new RAV’s are quite a bit bigger than the one I have. I am looking for something a little smaller. Any others I should consider?

A. You are correct, that what was once considered a compact SUV is closer to a mid-sized model. I recently drove the Honda CR-V hybrid, which in addition to very good fuel economy is a well-designed vehicle, but it is close to the size of my older mid-sized SUV. The Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson are solid choices. The Chevrolet Trailblazer has some blind-spots, and the handling is a little clumsy, but it rides smooth enough for a small SUV. The Roque is a bit bigger than the rest which translates into a smoother ride and more interior room. Something else to consider might be the Subaru Forester. The Forester returns decent fuel economy, a nice ride, and a full complement of standard advanced safety features.

Q. I have a 2012 Infiniti M37x, when slowing down fast not to a complete stop and then reaccelerating the transmission will clunk, more in standard mode than in sport drive mode. Please analyze and recommend a remedy.

A. Now certainly at 11 years old there could be some wear and tear to the transmission and axle shafts which is certainly worth checking. But interestingly Infiniti does have a technical service bulletin that could provide a solution. In some vehicles the axle shafts bind in the hubs and cause a clunk. The fix is to loosen the axle nut, push the axle back and lubricate the axle splines with an anti-seize lubricant. I would supply this a try before pursuing more costly repairs.

Q. I own a 2014 Audi A6, and the check engine light is on frequently. The dealership has checked this out with repairs and claimed it was due to a recall that was performed. They told me although the recall solved one problem it could have triggered others. Now to solve the problem the dealer is suggesting replacing about half a dozen sensors. This is quite expensive, and when I questioned it, the service person just said “you drive an Audi, and they are complicated and expensive”

A. Certainly, using the “parts cannon” approach is not in the customers best interest financially and may not even fix the problem. At this point I would try another dealer or an independent repair shop and have them perform a diagnostic inspection, check for current and pending fault codes, and recommend a repair.

Q. I recently saw an auction listing for a 1966 Mustang convertible with a C-code engine. The car looked beautiful and so far, the bidding seems quite reasonable. Can you explain the engine choices in the Mustang?

A. The 1965 to 1968 Mustangs had several engine choices, a simple straight six-cylinder to a high-performance K-code V-8 engine with dual point distributer and cast-iron exhaust headers. The C-code engine was a 289 cubic in V-8 that had a two-barrel carburetor and dual exhaust. The transmission could be a four-speed manual or automatic. The engine made about 200 horsepower which made this Mustang fun to drive but not exactly a hotrod.

Q. I have a 2002 Honda Accord and the cruise control works perfectly in warm weather. The problem is when the temperature drops to freezing the cruise control maintains the speed, but the engine RPMs fluctuate. What is wrong?

A. Since the speed is holding steady what you may be seeing in the tachometer is the torque converter clutch locking and unlocking. The torque converter clutch locks up based on speed, engine load, braking and temperature. This may be normal or signs that the torque converter is failing. At this point additional testing will be required.

Got a car question, email the Car Doctor for a personal reply. jpaul@aaanortheast.com