Canva - a great design tool!

Canva.com has been around quite a few years but it just continues to evolve.  It has become the "go-to" graphic design online tool for both amateurs and professionals.  And, it is FREE to use.

Why use Canva?  I began using Canva 4 or 5 years ago when asked to promote our Garage Sale for Missions at church.  I.am.not.creative.at all.  So, I looked for "help" online and came up with Canva.  It is an amazing tool providing TONS of templates that can all be modified and personalized very easily.  Canva.com is a user-friendly site.  In recent years they've added templates for Facebook posts, videos, and even print products (posters, coffee cups, etc.)  I've also used it for birthday cards, invitations and gift certificates.

To give you a quick overview, I created a 6-minute screencast: https://screencast-o-matic.com/watch/crftI8VeONB 

After watching the screencast, if you want a more in-depth tutorial take a look at this very complete video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=un50Bs4BvZ8 

Do you want your "smart" devices always listening?

Do all of your "smart" devices listen to your conversations?  Many devices listen because that enables them to do the tasks for which they were purchased.  Before you follow the "how-to-disable" information I'm providing links for today, you need to give some thought to how you use your devices.  You won't want to disable a feature you regularly use!

TV's ("Go to YouTube TV"), smart home devices ("Alexa, turn on night lights"), and phones ("Siri, send a message to....") are always listening because they need to be alert to your request for help. If you use or rely on your devices using this technology, you will NOT want to turn off their listening ability.  However, if you do not use the voice remote for your TV or the voice assistant on your smartphone you may want to consider some of the steps provided in today's links.

Credit where credit is due:  Today's "how-to's" come from the Kim Komando website, a reputable site.  However, rather than directing you to the website which is laden with pop-ups and ads which make it difficult to read and navigate, I'm crediting her with this link.  I captured the webpages and removed all the ads to make it easier for you to follow the steps using PrintFriendly.  Please let me know if you are unable to open the below links.

Skim through the articles. One of them gives details for multiple smart devices, and the other gives specific information on smart TV's.  Then you can decide what steps, if any, you may want to take.

How to stop your smart devices from listening to you - Kim Komando

How to stop your smart TV from listening to you - Kim Komando

PrintFriendly

Do you ever wish you could print a webpage or even download it to your computer without all the extraneous ads and pictures on the page?  If so, bookmark this website for future use - https://www.printfriendly.com 

With PrintFriendly you can remove all the extra "stuff" on a webpage and create a print friendly page, one that will save copier ink. 
1) Copy the URL of the webpage you want to print and paste it into the field on this website. 
2) Remove pictures and parts of the page you do not want to print by mousing over them and clicking the trash can icon that appears in the band of yellow highlighting. If you are on a mobile device, just tap what you want to remove and it will disappear.  
3) Preview your document before printing; note that you can change the text size if desire.  In addition to printing, you can also create a PDF to download to your device or email to someone.

This website works on desktop and laptop computers as well as tablets and smartphones. 

Give it a try! :-)

Have a terrific Tuesday!

Whitepages

When was the last time you received a copy of a phone book from your landline provider?  Landline provider, what's that? :-)  

Whitepages.com and the Whitepages app on my phone are what I use now when I need an address or phone number or when a friend calls for help in locating that information.

Both Whitepages.com and the app provide free as well as premium (paid) information, but I've only used the free information provided.  Cellphone numbers may be located through the "premium/paid" feature which can be accessed through a one-time fee or monthly subscription.

If you'd like to learn more about using Whitepages, take a look at my screencasts:

1. Whitepages.com on a desktop/laptop - https://screencast-o-matic.com/watch/crf1liVnfCo 
2. Whitepages app on a smartphone - https://screencast-o-matic.com/watch/crf1lJVnf7Y

Whitepages is one of those tools to add to your list of resources.  You probably won't use it often, but when you need it it's a great tool to have!  If you have a tool you use that you like better than Whitepages, I'd love to hear from you.

As always, have a terrific tech Tuesday and a warm and enjoyable spring 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:  http://bit.ly/tuesdaytechtip2021

Gmail

Well.....it isn't Tuesday, but you are receiving a tech tip this week.....on Friday.  :-/

When I am in the midst of teaching the Computing for Seniors class for Emporia State Univ., I get caught up in preparations for that class and some of my other "to-do's" are put further down on the list.  Sorry.  This week in class we looked at Gmail both on a desktop/laptop and on the Gmail app on a mobile device.  I created some screencasts for class and I thought some of you might be interested in having that information.  (I apologize to those of you who already received this information in class on Wednesday).

Did you know you can delay sending an email?  You can write it the night before and schedule it to be delivered to the recipients Inbox first thing in the morning so they are sure to see it.

Did you know you can unsend Gmail within 30 seconds of clicking Send?

Are you aware of Google's powerful search tool in Gmail?

All of these "how-to's" and more can be found in these videos:

Gmail on a desktop/laptop

1. Intro to Gmail Inbox

2. Compose Gmail

3. Open, Reply, and add Labels

4. Settings

Gmail app on a mobile device

1. Gmail app on a smartphone/mobile device