Want to talk to a real live human?

Do you ever get irritated working your way through a series of computer robot questions on the phone when you already know that you need to talk with a human to resolve the problem or answer your question?  The next time you have to call Customer Service and this happens you might try one of the tips below to get a quicker transfer to a real live person:

1)  Say one of these things:
"Agent"
"Representative"
"Human"

2) Or press the 0 (zero) key on your phone multiple times.  Sometimes that triggers a transfer to a human.

These tips aren't foolproof but have worked more often than not for me. Give them a try!

This will be the last Tuesday Tech Tip for 2020.... UNLESS I stumble across a tip you need before the first of the year.  Otherwise, plan on receiving the next email on Tuesday, January 5. 

Camelcamelcamel

 Have you ever been drawn into a "buy now -  best price of the year!" advertisement only to learn later that it really wasn't such a great price?  Was that price on Black Friday or CyberMonday really the best price??

Camelcamelcamel.com is a great website for tracking prices of items and a tool for you to bookmark or add to your Favorites for future use!

1. Without creating an account you can enter the name of a product you are considering for purchase and track its price over the past year.  
2. You can choose to have it continue to track prices for you and send an email when prices drop.

Let me show you how it works: http://somup.com/cYljIF20Ff

Search your favorite YouTube channel

 How do you use YouTube? My husband and I often use it when trying to learn how to do something: learning a new piece of technology, maintaining home appliances, trying to fix something that has broken, how to make the best mask, etc.

To expedite and make YouTube searches more efficient and improve search results, consider subscribing to your favorite YouTube channels and doing a search within your favorite sites rather than a general YouTube search.

I created a screencast to show you what I mean:  http://somup.com/cYlVIh2jsw

Online Shopping Tip

 Promo codes can save shipping costs as well as provide discounts on your online purchases.  Retailmenot is my favorite place to look for these.You can also just Google "promo code _________" inserting the company's name in your search.  Your search results will display other companies offering promo codes, but some of them require several steps and even a login before you get a code. Retailmenot does not require this, and that is why it is my favorite.

How does it work? 

1. Go to Retailmenot
2. Enter the name of the online company from whom you want to make the purchase
3. Peruse the different offers; some offer free shipping, others offer discounts on your purchase total, and still others are just for certain items on the website
4. Click Show Coupon Code
5. Click Copy
6. Go back to the website where you are making a purchase.  Paste or enter the code into the "Promo Code" box when you are checking out with your purchase.

If you are familiar with adding extensions to your browser,
Retailmenot can be added to your Chrome browser which makes it even easier to locate and apply promo codes.

I'm going to repeat one last caution I shared last week:
Don't let the Black Friday mentality get you in its grips, particularly with technology items. Remember - If it sounds and looks too good to be true, it probably is. If you are purchasing technology items, look at the specs before you buy; the price may be really good only because it is an OLDER model. 

Don't click that link.....and other shopping reminders for the holidays

 For many of us, online gift purchasing will probably be a larger part of our holiday season this year.  My Facebook feed is one again overflowing with "Sponsored" ads.  It also seems that almost every other post is about something I "don't want to miss out on" this holiday season.  And those "50% of everything in Target" coupons are beginning to surface. Plus the "Black Friday" emails arrive daily in my Inbox.

How can you shop safely this year?  Some things to keep in mind:

First, I'd like to encourage you to shop locally this year.  Many small businesses continue to struggle during this time, and many have increased their online presence through Facebook or websites to assist you with contactless shopping. A local gift shop featuring many artists, unique gifts and a TON of jigsaw puzzles provides a very complete online inventory and the owner will bring your purchase to your car upon request. Other local businesses are also offering curbside pickup.   Just do a Google Search or Facebook search for a local business you'd like to patronize. Make "Small Business Saturday" extend for the whole season and give your local economy a boost!

If you choose to do other online shopping, keep the below tips in mind:

1) I don't click on any "Sponsored" ad or advertisement on Facebook OR anywhere online. Yes, I get very tempted, but I don't do it. If it is a product I want to pursue, I enter the name of the item or website in my browser to do a search for the product or go directly to the website. Repeat after me:   Do not buy from the link on Facebook or other social media websites.

2) Many ads are for products that are not quality items.  If you are indeed interested in an item in one of the ads, do your own search on Amazon or Google for that product, and before buying check out multiple reviews by others who have purchased the item. 

3) Many ads are scams OR are phishing for your personal data.  Some links such as "50% of everything in Target" will direct you to a fake site that looks like Target and will ask you to log in with your username and password.  Your login will not work, but they will have captured your information so that they can now use it on the "real" Target website.

Don't let the Black Friday mentality get you in its grips.  Remember - If it sounds and looks too good to be true, it probably is.

Many of our neighbors have decorated for Christmas, and I guess it is only 38 days away, but for these next several days I plan on finding excuses to be outside and enjoy the beautiful fall weather and temperatures.  Christmas shopping and decorating can wait.  

COVID Tracking

COVID contact tracking has been available for awhile using several different methods and you may have read different pros and cons about utilizing the tools available to us.  When the tool became available in the newest iPhone operating systems, I have to say I was skeptical but in the past couple of weeks I've spent some time reading more about it.  I think it may be something you want to look at.

Something you should know: the latest iPhone and Android operating systems allow you to turn COVID tracking on and off.  YOU get to choose whether to activate this tool. The two links below will give device-specific information if you are interested in reading more:

On the iPhone - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33OPJDmW7Mc 
On Android phones - https://support.google.com/android/answer/9888358?hl=en 

Maybe you don't want to use the COVID tracking but want to know your COVID risk before making plans?  I used this website last week in considering the risk of getting a haircut.  The site - from Brown Alpert Medical School -  allows you to choose your activity and then mark the appropriate factors: zip code, number of people in the group, masks or no masks, length of time you will be there, etc. You do not have to login or have an account to access this information. The ability to manipulate the factors produces some interesting information and also suggests ways to lower your risk if you choose to participate in activities.  I found it interesting!  https://mycovidrisk.app  

Election 2020

This morning a memory popped into my head - as a teenager staying up way past midnight watching the TV with my parents on election night to find out who our next president was going to be. There were a few channels on our TV but more than likely we were tuned into CBS.  

Contrast that with ALL of the media choices available to us today as we monitor a record-setting number of votes being recorded and reported.  What tools are you going to use to following the election results - the TV, computer or smartphone?

Many of us will probably turn to our favorite news media channels on our TV's or smartphones trying to find the "predicted" winners.  Do you know why some media predict winners early in the evening and others much later on?  I found these two resources to be helpful in understanding that:
NPR - National Public Radio

Associated Press 

The results of Election 2020 will be reported starting today and in the days ahead, but there's work to be done despite the outcome.  And WE are an important part of helping bring our nation together. Pastor Adam Hamilton, Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, KS shared a message on Sunday and it's a message for all of us :  
"Jesus, Politics and Religion – Loving Your Neighbor with Whom You Disagree” 

The weather is going to provide a beautiful day for Election 2020.  Enjoy this fall weather while you can.....and before becoming glued to media tonight to watch the results! 

Facebook - what happens to your account when you die?

 Using technology requires responsibility on our part to regularly check the settings on the accounts we use, particularly in the area of security and privacy settings.  But, have you ever thought about what happens to those accounts when you die?

Facebook allows you to choose what will happen with your account upon your death:  Do  you want the account deleted or do you want someone to monitor and post in it? 

To access those settings on a desktop or laptop computer:

1. Go to  your account on Facebook.com
2. Click on the downward arrow in the upper right-hand corner of the Facebook page.
3. Select Settings & Privacy.
4. Settings
5. Memorialization Settings
6. Edit

To access those settings on a mobile device or phone:

1. Open the Facebook app
2. Tap on Menu (usually indicated by 3 short lines), scroll down and tap on Settings & Privacy
3. Tap on Settings
4. Personal Information
5. Memorialization Settings

If you want to read more about Memorialization Settings, you can click here.

From the Facebook Memorialization page:

Hope you all have a terrific Tech Tuesday in spite of the wintry weather conditions you may be experiencing!  Maybe use the time indoors to review not only Memorialization Settings on Facebook but also some of the other Privacy settings?

Track your Advance Ballot now

Have you requested an Advance Ballot this year?  Do you remember if you requested one?  Has the Election Office recorded it as being received?

If you live in Kansas, these are all questions you can answer by using this website and entering your identifying information:  https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/VoterView

Most states have an equivalent site and here are a few for those of you I know who live in other states:
Maryland: https://voterservices.elections.maryland.gov/VoterSearch
Iowa: https://sos.iowa.gov/elections/absenteeballotstatus/absentee/search 
Missouri: Missouri does not have ballot tracking available.
Illinois:  It appears Illinois does not have ballot tracking available, but you might check with your county.

If you live in a different state, simply do a Google search for "track ballot in (name of state)"

Don't wait until Election Day to check on the status of your ballot. 

Do you know where the Ballot Drop Box is located near you?   Use Google Maps and do a search for "Ballot drop box near me" on your phone or mobile device.

One last thing about the election that I had not thought about until I read a friend's posting on Facebook yesterday: 
"One reason to vote early—if you were thinking about waiting until Election Day— is that there is a possibility you may be in quarantine on Election Day and then unable to vote. I hadn’t considered that potential in our Covid World."

After 7 months, now is not the time to be lax.  Please follow the suggested guidelines both for you and others. As the weather turns cooler and COVID cases seem to be on the increase once again, be wise. 

Jeline

Unusual Amazon purchases? Not really.

Several people, including my brother, have told me in the past couple of weeks they've been alerted to alleged purchases on their credit cards or "unusual" purchases on their Amazon accounts only to eventually find out the claim was false. What should you do if this happens to you?

Let's start with what you DO NOT DO:
1) Do not give the caller or sender of the email your requested personal information.  They are trying to access your username, password, credit card number, etc. so that they may indeed make purchases with that information.
2) Don't click on any link in the email you've been sent "warning" you of this problem/purchase.
3) Do not panic; it is NOT an emergency.

What SHOULD YOU DO?
1) Hang up if you receive a phone call alerting you to this kind of activity.
2) If concerned, log in to your bank account, credit card or Amazon account to view recent activity.  Enter the URL in the browser; DO NOT use a link provided in the email.
3) If you have questions about your credit card being used, call the number located on the back of your card NOT the one in the email.
4) Stay calm and know there are customer service departments, not the caller on the phone, to answer your questions if you feel the need to contact someone about the alleged charge.

Scammers are professional criminals.  Their goal is to steal your identity and financial information. They know what they are doing and hope that you don't.  If you do slip up and give out your bank account info or credit card information, immediately contact those companies.  More than likely, they will then monitor your account for unusual activity rather than close the account.

Stay alert, be cautious, and keep your personal information private.

Use your Mute button!

 What's your favorite videoconferencing app?  Zoom? FaceTime? Google Meet? Skype? Facebook Messenger? 

Videoconferencing has certainly thrived the last 6 months, not just for businesses but for most of us personally.  And, many of us have become fairly comfortable with these applications, I think.

But, do you know someone who never mutes themselves?  Can you hear their TV, telephone, background music or a dog barking?  If so, maybe you can share today's tip with them: 
 
Use the mute button when you are not talking during a group videoconference.  Leave it on Mute until you are ready to speak.  Often you can't hear your own background noise, but everyone else can.  Don't know where the mute button is located?  Read further:

On a computer, mouse over the screen until you see a button or a microphone icon for "Audio".  Once you click on the "button" you should see a line through a microphone.  That indicates your audio is off and no one can hear you or what is going on in your home.
If you're using a mobile device, touch the screen with your finger to make all the buttons/tools viewable.  A microphone should appear with the word "Mute" underneath it.  Tap it to turn audio off and you will see a slash through the icon.  When you are ready to talk, tap the same icon again. 

I don't think people mean to be rude; they just don't know how to use all of the controls/buttons in the app.  You can be a friend and gently offer this tip to those who may need it.  :-)

Happy beautiful-fall-day Tech Tuesday!

Who's Using My Network?

 If you notice a slowdown on your network one of the first things you should check is to see if someone outside of your household has connected.  "Piggybackers" can make your network run more slowly and sometimes hinder the way your devices are working.  How can you determine this?

Fing is a great free app for both iOS and Android devices. Once downloaded you don't need to set up any kind of account nor do you need to enable permissions when asked just to run a check of how many devices are on your network.  You should have a pretty good idea of what devices you have so if there is something strange showing up it is worth questioning.  Any Smart plugs or devices will show up on your network.  The first time I ran Fing it displayed 29 devices on our network!  Shocked  me, but there are indeed that many smart plugs and devices  (computers. mobile devices, Roku's, Apple TV's and printers) on our network now that my mom is living with us. 

If you do see devices that do not belong to you, it is time to change the password on your WiFi network.  Remember:  If you change your WiFi password, ALL devices connected to it will have to have the new password entered on them.  That's a real chore but entirely worth it if someone is using your WiFi without permission.  It could be a legal issue, too, if they are using your network for illegal activity on the web.

It's our responsibility to do as much as we can to stay secure online. Fing can help you do that.  (If you are a ValuNet customer using Plume pods in your home, the Plume app on your phone will monitor your network just like Fing).

Have a wonderful day; big change in weather here in the Midwest!

Jeline

Is it my computer or the webpage?

 Occasionally you may run into a problem with websites loading.  Even after reloading the page, the page still doesn't load and/or there is a message something like "DNS server error" or "DNS can not be found."

I've had this happen a couple of times in the last month and in a Zoom session the other evening one of the participants said he could access no webpages but he could get Zoom to work.  

I use two tools to help me troubleshoot this problem when it occurs: 
1) First I use speedtest.net or the Speedtest app on my phone.  This is a quick tool you can use to determine if your download and upload speeds match what you are paying for.  (They will never quite reach the advertised speed unless you are hardwired into the internet but they should be close).

2)  If you find your internet is strong but you still can't access the website, then I recommend using downdetector.com  You can check the status of any website and see what others are saying.  That will let you know if it is just your system or a problem with the website. 

I've found both of these resources to be useful since last spring when I had to rely on Zoom for making connections with different groups.

Well, it's a corn-freezing and salsa-making day in our household so I need to get busy. Love, love, love this time of year!
Hope you have a wonderful day!

Keep your cool!

In Kansas the heat has returned; after all, it is August.  Our mobile devices dislike the high temperatures as much as we do, and recently, I was reminded  what can happen to a phone or mobile device when left outside in this heat!

Most computers and mobile devices are designed to operate in a temperature of 95 degrees or less.  If we use these devices indoors, that isn't usually an issue.  But, if we are outside and a mobile device is in our pocket or left in the car for a period of time during summer months, the device may begin working incorrectly.

How do you know if this is happening?  Usually, a message will display on your phone/device alerting you to the problem. "Your iPhone needs to cool down before you use it."  Once the device cools it will operating correctly. Some features may continue to work even when reheated.

What do you need to remember for your devices?
1) Don't leave a mobile device in your car
2) Don't leave it in direct sunlight for long periods of time
3) Don't leave it in your pocket
4) Consider turning it off if you are in extreme temperatures
5) NEVER put it in the freezer to cool it off; the extra condensation as it quickly cools can damage the device
6) For laptops, don't place them on a pillow on your lap while using.  This can block the air vents and cause the laptop to overheat.  Some cats like the heat from the keyboard, but keep them off.  Their fur can build up in the system.

Happy Tech Tip Tuesday! Hope you have something planned inside if you live in an area of the country that promises another hot day!

That Doggone Autocorrect!

 Autocorrect can be either helpful or a nuisance or both!  Do you have a name or word that your mobile device constantly changes from being correctly spelled to being mispelled or even an entirely different word? If so, today's tip might help reduce your frustration.

On an iPhone/iPad, go to:

1. Settings
2. General
3. Keyboard
4. Text Replacement
5. Touch the + sign in the upper right-hand corner and in the "Phrase" section enter a word that commonly gets switched or autocorrected in your messages, email or apps
6. Touch Save

Disclaimer: This method is not perfect but should reduce some of your frustrations with Autocorrect.  Just remember to go through this process any time you notice a word that you type frequently being autocorrected incorrectly!

On an Android device (I do not own an Android device, but here is the article for reference)

1. Type the word that you want to save to the Android dictionary
2. Long press or double tap the word you want to be added
3. Tap on “Add to dictionary”

Happy Tech Tip Tuesday!

Jeline

Charging Your Cellphone

 Many of us remember when we were told that a phone needed to be fully charged before using the first time.  There was also a time when we were told to let our phones almost drain to zero before charging to improve the life of the battery.  Are those things still recommended?

Should I let my cellphone get to almost 0% before charging?  No.  Today's lithium-ion batteries are safe to charge no matter the amount of battery power left.

Is it safe to leave a cellphone plugged in even after it is fully charged?  Yes.

Can I overcharge my cellphone? No.

Other tips for charging your phone:

1. Always use the charging cable that came with your phone (or a cable approved by the manufacturer of your phone.)
2. You can use your phone while charging.
3. Your phone can be charged using your computer or laptop.  It will be slower but actually puts less stress on the battery in your phone.
4. Your phone charges faster when it is turned off.
5. If you find your cellphone low on battery power without a way to charge it, you can save power by turning off Bluetooth, dimming your screen, or turning on Airplane Mode.

So, charge your phone then get outside and enjoy this beautiful new day!

Jeline

All previous weekly tips are located here:  http://tuesdaytechtidbit.blogspot.com
If you have a friend who wants to subscribe, feel free to share this link:  https://bit.ly/tuesdaytechtip2020

Location, location, location

Part of staying safe in the world of mobile computing is knowing what information your device is tracking and storing about you.  From time to time it is important for you, as a user, to do a review of your devices and apps.  

What should you check?  Most notably the 1) Location Services on your device and 2) your Facebook Privacy settings.

How?
On an iPhone:  
Settings - Privacy - Location Services
 At this point, you can either turn Location Services off or you  might simply want to scroll down and review the apps that you've given permission to use your location.  You can change those permissions by tapping the name of the app and then choosing the appropriate permission. As you review each app ask yourself - "When does this app really need my location?" Never? When Using the App? Always?  Remember that some apps do need your location to work properly (Maps, Find My Phone, etc.)
After reviewing your permissions continue on:
1) Scroll down to the bottom of your list and select System Services then Significant Locations to see a stored History of your locations.  If desired, these can be removed if you like by tapping Clear History at the bottom of that page.

On an Android device:
I am not as familiar with Android devices, but I believe you can access this same information by going to Settings - Location. At that point you can turn the location tracking on/off and can also review your Google Location History and Google Location Sharing. 

What about Facebook?
Check out this Facebook Help page for both Android and iOS devices to help you review your privacy settings: https://www.facebook.com/help/337244676357509

Save this "to-do" list for the next hot or rainy day; it's too beautiful here in Kansas today to stay inside! Happy Tuesday!

Going incognito

Until recently, I rarely used "incognito" or "private" browsing mode when using Safari or Chrome.  I felt I didn't need to; I didn't see any reason to hide what I was doing online.

HOWEVER, after reading a recent article I've decided this is a valuable tool and something you may want to consider using. 

What is "incognito" or "private" browsing?
When doing this, your browser will not save the history, cookies and site data and information entered in forms. Be cognizant though that your activity might still be viewable by the websites, your employer, or your internet service provider.  It does not totally "hide" your activity from the world.

How to browse privately?
On your computer:
Go to the File menu in your browser and select New Incognito Window (Chrome) or File - New Private Window (Safari).  When this new window opens you will be alerted that you are using incognito or private browsing mode and it will "look" dark.

On your phone or mobile device:
1) Open your browser and then open a new page and choose "New Incognito Tab" or "Private".  This process will vary based on the device you are using.

What are the advantages to browsing privately?1) Have you ever shopped for a gift or purchase online and found that you later see "pop-ups" on other webpages, especially Facebook,  that encourage you to go back and make that purchase? If you use incognito or private browsing that will not happen.  This may also be beneficial if you have been shopping for a gift and you don't want others in your house to see these ads.

2)  Have you every shopped for airline tickets or even other items online that seem to increase in price when you return the site at a later time?  Yep, they now know you are interested and raise the price.  Incognito or private browsing will eliminate that happening.

3)  This mode will also remove "auto-fill" suggestions when you are browsing.  That means if you have searched YouTube for a video on how to put in a new water filter in your refrigerator that every time thereafter it will not try to direct you to that topic by "filling in" your previous search.

So, give it some thought.  I think it is a tool worth remembering and the way it becomes part of your "tool chest" is to use it occasionally!

Have a terrific Tuesday!

A Need for Speed

Our use of the internet has gone beyond mere browsing.  As we move from cable TV to streaming and also depend on our connection for videoconferencing with friends and family, adequate internet speed is important. 

Have you ever checked your connectivity speed? Are you getting the speed for which you're paying?  Are there some places in your home that the speed declines?
 
There's a tool that's easy to use that will help you answer those questions.  Speedtest.net  In addition to the website, the Speedtest app can be downloaded and used on your phone.  It takes less than a minute to check both your download and upload speeds. All you have to do is click "Go" once you're on the website or in the app.
Things to know:
*Download speed will almost always be faster than upload. 
*You will rarely get the "maximum" speed promised by your ISP unless you are working on a hard-wired computer, but it should be relatively close.
*Try Speedtest in different rooms of your home.  Unless you have a mesh network which Valu-Net here in Emporia now offers as their router (the Plume), speeds will vary throughout your home.  Consider using the faster areas of your home for videoconferencing (Zoom, FaceTime, Skype, etc.)

If you create a free Speedtest account, the results are recorded for your reference. Those results can be reviewed and if your connection is significantly slower all the time, you can use that data to share with your internet service provider when trying to solve the problem. 

It's a rainy day here in Emporia (3.5 inches in our rain gauge overnight), so while stuck inside it might be a great day to try out Speedtest!

Yes, you should lie!

Have you ever paused to think about those security questions that are used to verify your identity if you forget a password or are working on a different computer or at a different location?  You know the common ones: "What was your mother's maiden name?"  "What high school did you attend?", etc.  

I've always thought that if someone wanted to hack into one of my accounts that they could easily find the answers to those security questions.  And, last week I read an article verifying that.  So, what's the solution: lie when you create an answer.

1) Consider always choosing one or two common security questions when given a choice.
2) Create a common answer that has nothing to do with the question (a lie) and then use it every time you use that security question when creating new accounts.
Example:
Mother's maiden name: littlebluecinderella
High school attended:  harvardchristian
Notice that I left out the spaces between the words.

I think you get the idea.  I know you may have been taught to never lie but today I'm encouraging you to consider it......at least when it comes to creating answers for security questions.

Please write down your passwords, security questions and answers not only for yourself but also share them with another family member or trusted friend in case you unexpectedly become incapacitated.

Media Bias

Unbelievable headlines.  Strange news stories. Can't-possibly-be-true Facebook posts. How do you know what to believe?
You've all probably heard cautions like: "If it sounds totally unbelievable, it probably is," or "It's too good to be true," or "consider the source."  Those are all good tips and I'd encourage you to NEVER respond to something that seems questionable.

I'd also encourage you to consider the source before responding, sharing, or reposting something you read online.  Recently, a previous student of mine shared a resource he uses when trying to decide if news is being accurately represented.  The chart is created by a group that regularly analyzes published content and then categorizes those media sources.

The Media Bias Chart can be found here; it can be enlarged by clicking on the chart. For those of you who know much more about this than me, I'd be interested in your thoughts about this chart.

Use your smartphone as a magnifier

Need a magnifying glass?  Did you know your smartphone has that capability?

The easiest and quickest way to enlarge text or small items:
*Open the Camera.
*Spread two fingers apart on the screen to Zoom in.Quick and easy!

There are other ways to magnify using your phone:
1) Turn on Magnifier on your phone by accessing Settings - Accessibility - Magnifier on iPhones or Settings - Accessibility - Magnification on Android devices.

2)  Explore Magnifier apps to install on your phone:
iOS: Over 40 Magnifier and Flashlight  $1.99
Android: Magnificent Magnifier Free

I'm wishing the weather we are having today could be "magnified" many times over; it is absolutely beautiful this morning! Have a terrific Tuesday!

Breach Report

It is your responsibility to keep yourself safe online, and education is your best defense!

Hackers are working 24/7 to "steal" names, addresses, email addresses and passwords.  Why? Profits are to be made by selling this information on the dark web.

What can you do about it?
1) Become informed.  Use Breach Report regularly to check your email address(es).  It is free to use and a service that is regularly monitoring the dark web for compromised data.  It not only shows you when your data was breached but also the company or website and the password that was being used by you at that time.  Breach Report continually monitors the dark web to provide this information. Definitely worth checking out!

2) Have good password management: use unique passwords for each account and consider using a password manager (like Last Pass)

3) Use 2-Factor Authentication whenever possible (in addition to your email and password, an additional piece of information is required for logins).

4) Use a decoy email address (created in Gmail) to use when you're not sure about giving out your "real" address

The internet is such an integral part of our lives that it is imperative we do all that we can to keep ourselves safe online.  Starting today.

Have a terrific Tech Tuesday wherever this may find you - in the sunshine, heat or maybe even where it is cool on this late spring day.

Quickly digitize old photos, negatives and slides

Does the thought of scanning in old photos, negatives and slides give you a headache?  It just seems overwhelming to me.  Until now.

John has gone through most of our old photos (pre-digital)  and organized them the last several months, but our question throughout the process has been "how can we best keep them" for the future.  Should we scan them ourselves or have a company do that for us?  What should we do with the negatives?  What about slides (from the dark ages)?  :-)

This 8 minute video - "How to Quickly Digitize Photos, Slides and Negatives"  just popped up this morning on my feed and it may be the answer!  Using your phone along with setting up a little jig allows you to scan photos at a fairly rapid rate using an app called Photomyne.  There is a cost associated with using it, but you could pay for one month just to try it out OR to scan like crazy and get all your photos scanned!
Two additional apps you may want or need:
Filmbox for negatives
SlideScan for slides

For several years, I've been using Google PhotoScan which is a GREAT free photo scanning app for your phone if you just need to scan in an occasional photo. It's a great tool, but just not as quick as PhotoMyne and it doesn't do negatives and slides.

Happy scanning!

Charge your mobile devices more quickly

Mobile device users:
Do you ever need your phone to charge more quickly? Maybe you forgot to charge it overnight and now you are going to be gone all day?
Put it in Airplane Mode when charging; you may notice a marked difference in how quickly your phone/device returns to full charge.

Airplane Mode can also save battery life if you are out and about and afraid your phone/tablet will not make it through the day. It can also be a safeguard if you hand your phone to a child to play games or watch videos.  They will be prevented from accidentally sending messages or making purchases.

Don't know how to put your phone in Airplane Mode?
**Android users - https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/android-airplane-mode/
**iPhone users - Open the Control Center and tap the airplane icon or go to Settings and tape Airplane mode.  https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204234

What does Airplane Mode do?  It turns off all wireless connections - WiFi, Bluetooth and cellular meaning you won't receive text messages, phone calls, and emails. It was designed for use when flying to keep cellphone signals from interfering with FAA communications, although that is widely disputed today.

We also love our portable charger; it has removed the fear of running out of power when traveling in areas that drain our phones rather quickly.

Note on last week's Tech Tip about sharing YouTube videos starting at a certain point:  it does not appear to be available yet on phones and tablets, just on laptops and desktops.  Sorry.

Share a YouTube video at a precise point

YouTube plays an important role in our lives whether it is helping us fix items, learn new skills or simply enjoy some entertainment.  But, you may not always need or want to watch a YouTube video in its entirety.  Maybe you want to share a certain point in a performance with a friend or maybe you'd like to save a certain point in a video to reference when doing maintenance on a household item. Today's tip helps you do that.

If you see something in a YouTube video that you want to share or save at a particular point, you can get a link that opens directly to that moment:
1) Stop the video at the point you want to share with others or save in your Bookmarks.

2) Click the Share button below the video. Look for a checkbox below the link. It will automatically display the time at which you currently have the video stopped.
3) Click on Copy and then Paste it into an email  or message to a friend. When someone clicks on your link, it will take them directly to point you wish them to view.

If you would like to bookmark the YouTube video for yourself and have it always open to a certain point in the video, follow the above procedure, but instead of pasting the link in an email or message, paste it into the URL box of your browser.  Then add your bookmark to the browser. 

Here's a short 1-minute screencast video I made to help explain:  http://somup.com/cYhqlVjayd

Insert a USB plug correctly the first time

Am I the only one who didn't know this or had never paid attention:  A person can always plug in a USB connection correctly the first time if they remember this:

1) Look at the Flash Drive or USB cable in your hand.

2) The side with the logo or symbol or words ALWAYS goes up when inserting it into a device horizontally.  If inserted vertically the logo or symbol should be facing you.

Do you know how many times I have tried more than once to insert a USB device unsuccessfully??????  Duh......

Feel free to share things with me that I should have been aware of long before now, and have a great Tech Tuesday!

Passwords, Passwords, Passwords

I just wrote about creating strong passwords on the last day of 2019, and ended with the words, "May 2020 be your most safe, secure online year ever!!"  I had no idea at that point in time how crucial those words would be for us.  As more people have spent more time online these past two months, the activity of hackers and scammers has also GREATLY increased.  So, it's time to review these two tips today:

1)  Create an email account with Gmail that you only use to sign up for accounts online, ones you don't need to monitor; think of it as your "junk email" account.  Use it whenever you don't need to have regular interaction with a company or online offer.

2)  Create a good strong password when creating an online account OR begin now changing your passwords you already have.  Do not use the same password for each account.Yes, your device will be glad to supply a strong password, and you can somewhat safely do that.  But, I like being able to remember my password, so I use the method detailed below.  Once your base password is created, it is easy to make a unique password for each of your online accounts.

a) Think of an easy phrase to remember - e.g., my favorite bird is a cardinal

b)  Remove the spaces in the phrase:  myfavoritebirdisacardinal

c) Capitalize the first letter of the second word:  myFavoritebirdisacardinal

d) Replace  the letter "a" (all or some) with the @ symbol:  myF@voritebirdis@c@rdinal

e) Replace the letter "s" with the $ symbol:  myF@voritebirdi$@c@rdinal

f) Use that password as your base and then add on the first three letters of the website or account to make each password unique.  For example, if I was using the above password for Facebook, it would look like this:  myF@voritebirdi$@c@rdinalfac and for Gmail it would look like this: myF@voritebirdi$@c@rdinalgma

At first, you may be slow entering all of the characters, but with practice, it should become automatic and much easier.

Enjoy your time online; the ability to stay in touch with friends, family, church family and others has been invaluable. But, please do everything you can to protect your personal data, including passwords, online.

Enjoy this beautiful day (at least here in Kansas it will be beautiful!)

Jeline
All previous weekly tips are located here:  http://tuesdaytechtidbit.blogspot.com
If you have a friend who wants to subscribe, feel free to share this link:  https://bit.ly/tuesdaytechtip2020

Voice recorder

Have you ever wished you could review a conversation with your doctor?  Or your lawyer? Or your financial adviser?  Or......?  A smartphone can easily record those conversations or meeting for future review.

What apps should you use? 
On an iPhone, use Voice Memos; the app is already on your phone, but it may be hidden;
On an Android device - Voice Recorder, available from the Google Play Store.

How does it work? 
1)  If you are in the office of your doctor, lawyer, etc. simply touch the app to begin recording.  Even long meetings do not take up a large amount of storage on your device.
2)  If you want to record a phone conversation, Voice Memos /Voice Recorder will need to be installed/run on a second device.  The call will need to be completed on speakerphone, then the second device (another smartphone or tablet) will record the conversation. You can not record on the phone you are using for the conversation.

We have found these recordings to be valuable when reviewing hour-long meetings and appointments at a later date.  These voice recordings have also made it easy for me to share information with my brother after some of my mom's appointments. This morning friends of ours who were having a videoconference with an oncologist were able to record the audio to share with their children.

The hardest thing about recording:  REMEMBERING to turn on the app when the meeting/conversation begins! :-)

Facebook security - now and later

Like most social media platforms, postings on Facebook have increased with both credible and less than credible information.  Because of this, activity from scammers, hackers and other unsavory people has also increased.

Don't misunderstand: I love Facebook and I'm guessing you do, too! It allows us to easily stay in touch with family and friends and, it can be a good source of information.  HOWEVER,  good judgment should always be used before interacting on FB and you should also check your Facebook settings following some of the reminders below.

1) Every time you post or interact on Facebook, you have shared some information about yourself - your likes, your age, where you live, etc..  The seemingly innocent requests to "post your graduation photo to share support for this year's seniors" or "take this quiz to see what type of personality you are", etc. can use information provided by you  to access your Facebook account or other accounts or even target you with "unauthorized" advertisements. Have you ever thought about who created those requests or quizzes and why they might be posting?  Do not assume it is just to help someone pass their time on Facebook; there is always always a reason. 

2) Check your Facebook Security and Privacy settings.  Review who you are sharing your posts with and who is allowed to see your posts. Take a few minutes to access your Settings and review them; this is something you should do occasionally.  Do not allow other apps access to your Facebook account and do not use your Facebook account login to access any other apps when asked.

3) If a post contains unbelievable information and encourages you to "share with all of your friends," please don't.  That language often indicates a hoax or a scam.  Don't further it by sharing.  Consider using snopes.com and factcheck.org to validate items in question. OR, simply copy and paste part of a post into your browser and often it will take you to a site discrediting the information.

4)  Don't accept Friend requests from people you don't know. Also be cautious if you receive a Friend Request from someone you are already friends with; it could be an imposter wanting access to your data and your Friends list.  Do not respond.

As with anything on the internet, we have to remain vigilant and cautious.  We are truly never "safe" online, but there are certain things we can do to improve our security.

Spring cleaning of your tech devices

Now's a great time to do some spring cleaning on your tech devices.

Looking to feel productive during this time at home?  Check out the suggestions below:

1) Digitize your old photos.  Consider using Google's PhotoScan app on your phone to scan in your old photographs.  It is easy to use, the quality is great, and it eliminates the glare that is often seen when you use your phone to take a picture of a photo.  The app is available for both iOS and Android devices.  Photo Scan does such a great job!  I installed it a couple of years ago and I used it a lot when getting things together for our class reunion last summer, but I'd forgotten about it until I wanted to share some old family Easter photos with our boys on Sunday. Give it a try!

2) Check the permission settings for your apps.  Sometimes when you install an app, it asks for more information than it really needs to run.  Now is a good time to look through your privacy settings and make changes as desired:
On an Android device, go to:
Settings - Advanced - Privacy and review the settings for each app
On an iOS device, go to:
Settings - Privacy and adjust the settings for Location Services, Microphone and Camera

3) Download your Facebook information including photos.
In Facebook go to Settings - Your Facebook Information - Download Your Information. Mark items you'd like to download and then click Create File.  You will be notified when the file is ready to download.

Next week, we'll take a look at some Facebook settings you may want to change while cleaning up your devices this spring. 

5 Things You Must Know for the Day

CNN's "5 Things" daily newsletter is a great way to start your day!

Don't be quick to discount this resource if you're not a fan of CNN.  Actually, I found I have to restrict both my reading and viewing of the news to help reduce stress and worry during this time.  However, I stumbled across CNN's "5 Things" Newsletter that is delivered to my Inbox early each morning Monday-Friday, and I love it!  The content includes:
1) the top 5 news stories, each summarized in an easy to read one-paragraph format
2) "Breakfast Browse" - 5 topics people are talking about
3) a number fact
4) a quote
5) a short light-hearted video
The formatting of the daily emails make them very readable; if you'd like to take a peek at the web version and/or also sign up, use this link.  You can always unsubscribe if you find you don't like it!

Don't click on that link!

Please don't click ANYWHERE in an unsolicited email!
Recently I've noticed an increase in emails from companies from which I've previously ordered, and that is certainly to be expected in this temporary shift away from in-store purchases.  Unfortunately, though, hackers and scammers are also increasing their email efforts taking advantage of the increase in online traffic.
It's really best to just delete unsolicited emails without even reading them, but if you do open one-- for your safety, do not click on any links in the email.  Do not click on any links in the email.  Do not click on any links in the email. Got it?

Why?  When you click on a link in the email three things may/could happen:
1) Clicking may initiate the download of a harmful piece of software on your computer; you will not visually see this happen.
2) Clicking sends a cookie back to the company to verify that you are indeed a "live" person which encourages them to only send additional mail.
3) Clicking can take you to a website that has been created as a clone; the website may look authentic as a way to encourage you to go ahead and login with your account information.  Then the sender will have captured your login information to use on the "real" site.

What should you do?
1) If an email contains a link asking you to verify your personal information, access that site directly by opening your browser and entering the URL yourself (not via the link in the email).  This assures you are on the legitimate site, and if there is anything wrong with your account, a message will appear on that site.
2) Delete the suspicious email immediately.
3) If you mistakenly click on a link and then give them your login information, immediately change your passwords on any site where you've used the same password.

Unfortunately, scammers and hackers will probably always be at work so this is a tip to remember even after we make it past this pandemic.

Hope this finds you safe and healthy.  As many of you, we here in Kansas are in a stay-safer-at-home mode.  Hope you are able to use this time to tackle all of those "I'll do it when I have the time" tasks.  :-)

If you have a friend who wants to subscribe, feel free to share this link:  https://bit.ly/tuesdaytechtip2020

Tech Tools to use Now!

As many of us continue the stay-at-home mode of operation (by choice or mandate), now is the time to think about how your tech tools can help us.  I've received several questions this past week beginning with "How can I/What's the best way.......?" So let me share some of my recommendations:

1)  Thank heavens we have tools to help us stay in touch with friends and family! For video chatting, all of the apps below allow multiple users and most will work on any device

• FaceTime - Apple devices
• Skype - multi-platform
• Facebook video chat (or FB Messenger) - multi-platform
• Zoom - multi-platform; we are using this for our Sunday School class to continue meeting and doing our lessons weekly; last Sunday we had 15 people successfully join the session and most of them are older than me!  It is my new favorite tool as I get ready to teach my university "Computing for Seniors" class online rather than in person.  Zoom has wonderful tutorials and if you are in a group, only one person needs to create an account and then send the session link to everyone else in the group.  The free version allows for 40-minute sessions, but if you need longer, you would just end the session and reconnect at the end of that time.  

2)  Now is the time to switch to "contactless payment" solutions.  They allow you to use your phone or watch to pay at the store or online WITHOUT you having to use the touchpad at the store's checkout. We've used Apple Pay for the past year because it is safer than using our credit card.  The merchant never has your credit card number; Apple generates a different account number for each transaction.

• Apple Pay - Apple devices
• Google Pay - Android devices
• Venmo - all devices

3) Schedule a pick up or delivery for your groceries.  I'm so thankful we began using Walmart Pickup last fall (not many options here in our town).  I place the order online and then at the selected time, we simply pull up in our car and the groceries are placed in our car.  Now......in the past several weeks, items have been limited or are out of stock and pickup times have been shortened.  But, it still keeps us out of the store.  You may want to checkout these options:
Walmart Pickup - order online or with the Grocery app
Instacart
Your local grocery may have their own pickup/delivery service

4) Start checking out books digitally and read them on your phone, tablet, Kindle, or computer.  These are the apps I use. Registration will require your library card number and in the state of Kansas, we also have a State of Kansas library card available for free that allows additional access.
Libby (newer version of Overdrive; I think it is easier to use)
Overdrive 
CloudLibrary

If you want to learn how to use any new tools, the links I provided will take you to a website where you can learn more.  If you need more help, let me know.

If there are tools you are presently using that you think others might find beneficial, please share.

Use this week to learn and grow in your knowledge of tools that can help you navigate the next few months.  Consider limiting your time on digital news sources; none of us need the anxiety produced by that activity! 
Need some encouragement?  Enjoy this video from Portugal that our older son shared with us a few days ago: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70tcUNgd8IM&feature=youtu.be

How to Safely Disinfect Your Smartphone

I just read there are 10 times more germs on your smartphone than on your toilet seat!! Yuk!

So let's talk about how to clean it (your phone, not your toilet seat)  :-)
In an unprecedented move yesterday, Apple Computer edited its recommendations for cleaning your iPhone.  You may find their update helpful:

"Using a 70 percent isopropyl alcohol wipe or Clorox Disinfecting Wipes, you may gently wipe the exterior surfaces of your iPhone. Don't use bleach. Avoid getting moisture in any openings, and don't submerge your iPhone in any cleaning agents."

Additional cleaning tips for iPhones can be found here: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT207123

What about Android devices?  I chatted with a Samsung rep just a few minutes ago and they "haven't yet released recommendations for disinfecting your phone".  But, from all I've read online, I believe the Apple tips in the article above can be followed for most Android phones.  If you want to research it yourself, just Google "how to disinfect Samsung Galaxy" or whatever model you have.  I'm guessing within a day or two Samsung recommendations will be forthcoming.

Hope you can enjoy your week despite all that is going on in the world. :-/

Top 10 Siri Commands for Those with Cognitive Issues

The accommodations and activities afforded by voice-activated assistance technology (i.e., Siri and Alexa) are absolutely amazing.  Before watching this video, I have to admit I had never thought about some of the tips being beneficial to those with cognitive issues. 
Don't let the title - "TOP 10 Siri Commands for Memory Loss, Dementia, Early-Stage Alzheimer’s"  - keep you from watching. (You may want to move the slider forward to the 2-minute mark to skip his plea for money.)  These are some great tips for ALL of us!  There is also a PDF available for download below the video if you'd like to keep it as a reminder.

If you don't watch the video, please be aware of the last tip; it could be a lifesaver:  When/If you need to call 911 on your iPhone be sure and say:  "Hey, Siri, call 911 on speaker phone."  Those last 3 words could be a lifesaver.  If you don't say "on speaker phone" you will not be able to activate the speaker phone once the emergency operator answers, and they will not hang up to let you call again.  They are trained to stay on the line.  Thus, you will not be able to hear them giving you directions if you have fallen and are a distance from your device.

One more note:  I am an iPhone user and am not as familiar with the Android devices so I'm unsure how to do these same tasks on one of those devices.  Sorry.

Scam target owners of Apple devices

I just read of this latest scam (resurfaced) that is reaching out to owners of iPhones and other devices made by Apple computers.  Don't fall prey to it.

https://www.ricksdailytips.com/your-apple-id-has-been-disabled-scam/?fbclid=IwAR2sQxSTkEn7_8NLQViUsbaQMO7oKbrk83h1GqC5_o5o1zrqRLZBrnAVyeQ

Please take time to read and share with others you know who own these devices.

Borrow digital books quickly by doing a Google Search!

If you are a digital e-book reader or wannabe, today's tip shows you a quick way to locate a book and check it out for your mobile device! http://somup.com/cYnFlZhFHX
Today's tip via a screencast I made for you will lead you through the process of looking for a book and then checking it out for your device. It shows you a quick way to do a Google search to the locate the book you want to read and then check it out from the completed search.  The screencast was made on my laptop, but you can do the same search on your mobile device (phone, tablet).  The only difference is that on a phone you will not see a sidebar, you will just scroll down towards the bottom of your search once you've typed in the title.

In the last couple of years, I have begun checking out e-Books to read rather than purchasing them.  It is so easy to do and has saved me lots of money. 

At first I read on my iPad but my eyes tired easily when reading books on it using the Kindle App.  So, then I tried a Kindle device (Paperwhite) and found it to be perfect for reading anytime night or day!

I began purchasing books on Amazon, which became costly, so when a friend introduced me to the e-Libraries available through our local library and State of Kansas Library, I switched from purchasing to borrowing......saving both money and time!

If you are already borrowing digital books and using Libby, Overdrive, or Cloud Library, I think you will find this Google search method to be much quicker!

Happy reading!  If you run into problems or have questions as you start to read digitally, let me know.

Calls from Amazon?

Tuesday afternoon I received a call from a friend who said, "Hey, we're kind of worried about a possible attack on our computers.  What do we need to do?"

Why were they worried?

1. They received a call from Amazon, supposedly, telling them of a $1600 purchase that was made from their account.
2. In the process of working out the problem, login and bank card information were shared with the caller, and the caller was given control of the woman's computer for awhile.  
3. After a bit, the caller asked to talk with the husband and asked for control of his computer.  Luckily,  he questioned them about their identity and eventually hung up before sharing any more information.

Then they called me and asked what to do. What would you have told them?  
My recommendations:
Change passwords for any financial online accounts.
Change passwords for any large retail site accounts online.
Monitor financial and retail accounts periodically for awhile.

We all know better, but that sense of fear that something is wrong causes us to lose our heads sometimes.  What I want you to remember:
If ANY company calls to alert you to a problem, tell them you will contact them directly using the number on your credit card or on your monthly statement from that company.  That ASSURES you that who you are talking with is a legitimate employee.
One more alert:  Yesterday, someone told me they received a package in an Amazon box and it contained items they had not ordered.  The receipt inside gave contact information which they used to report the error.  However, quickly into the phone call they realized it was not a legitimate employee.  Questions about personal financial information raised suspicion and the call was terminated.  They were lucky.

Unfortunately, new types of scams appear every day because of the income they generate.  Sad.

Just remember - if something doesn't feel right, don't do it.  It is much better to err on the side of caution, taking no action, rather than giving away your personal information because of fear.  Private info can't be taken back once it has been given.

Happy safe computing!  
 

Turning to the Bible for social media posts

For today's tip, let's turn to the Bible. The Bible?? Pastor Adam Hamilton, Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, KS  recently shared some rules for how we should interact on social media, aka 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7:

Love is patient;
love is kind;
love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude.
It does not insist on its own way;
it is not irritable or resentful;
it does not rejoice in wrongdoing,
but rejoices in the truth.
It bears all things,
believes all things,
hopes all things,
endures all things.

And, from the Psalms: “Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing to you, Lord."

Hmmmmm.  Pretty much covers it all. 

Phone ringing? Silence it instantly!

Have you ever been sitting in a meeting or at an event and someone's phone begins ringing?  Of course you have!  And more than likely we've all been the guilty ones at least once or twice.

Today's tip will help you learn the fastest way to silence that embarrassing ringing if it happens to you: 

Grab your phone and squeeze; squeeze any of the side buttons!

Depressing any of the side buttons (on/off, volume, etc.) will immediately silence the ringing.  Your phone will continue to ring; however, you (and those around you) will no longer hear it.

Give it a try....right now!  Call your cell from another phone. As you dig your phone out of your pocket or purse, just give any of the buttons a squeeze to immediately squelch the sound.  Don't wait until you have the whole phone totally in view.

Practice doing that several times until you are comfortable with the process without looking at your phone or fumbling. Practice makes perfect and saves embarrassment. You'll be glad you did and so will those sitting near you!

Don’t click, don’t call, and don’t send!

Online security is always a topic of interest in my computer classes for seniors and in our iPhone group. Many people are concerned that their online presence increases chances of them being scammed. Rightly so.  But, there are some things you can do to decrease your vulnerability. 

We’re halfway through January and you may have already failed to keep some of your resolutions for 2020. According to one source, only 8% of resolutions made in January are actually kept. :-/ But, below are 3 resolutions you should make and keep ALL year to improve your online safety. 

1) Don’t ever click on a link in an email or text unless you are 100% sure it is legitimate. Go directly to the website of the company and log in to your account there. Links in fraudulent emails and text messages can be created to mask the actual URL of websites.

2) Don’t ever, ever, ever call a phone number that pops up on your device offering help or computer support. Microsoft and Apple will never send you a message asking to call them. They also will NEVER call to tell you they’ve noticed there are problems with your computer. That is ALWAYS a scam. 

3) Don’t send any personal or financial information via email or text....to anyone. If you need to communicate that to a company, login to their secure website and enter the requested information or call them on the phone using a number that you are certain is legitimate. 

One last caution for Windows 7 users: If you are using Windows 7 on a computer, today is the last day you should feel ”safe” doing that. Beginning tomorrow Microsoft will no longer provide updates or tech help for that operating system on home computers. Your computer will still “work”, but the lack of security updates will make your computer vulnerable to viruses, malware, etc. Don’t risk it; install Windows 10 today.

Be smart. Be safe. Be secure. Hope you all have a wonderful week!

Jeline

We have another new subscriber this week; welcome! All of my previous weekly tips can be found here:  http://tuesdaytechtidbit.blogspot.com

Snopes.com - your resource for debunking myths and rumors

We've all probably had the experience of reading something online that just doesn't sound believable.  Before sharing that information with others, please remember to verify its validity at Snopes.com

I usually highlight some of the text in the questionable Facebook post or online article and then copy/paste it into the search bar of snopes.com  Snopes' rating system has evolved over the years to include more categories, but rather quickly you should be able to skim the results to answer your query.

If you're spending any kind of time online, Snopes.com should become one of your regular go-to resources; not just for those "shares" on Facebook, but to check out stories in the news. (Snopes should also be very useful during this election year.)

Did Iran offer an $80M bounty on President Trump?  Was the picture of the Australian fires taken from the Space Station? Take a look at these "Hot 50" rumors that readers are checking out presently on Snopes.com

Hope you all have a terrific Tuesday (and week)!