Which Nonprofit Should I Choose?

In the past couple of months, has your mailbox been filled with a  multitude of requests from different charitable organizations?   This time of the year - Giving Tuesday, Thanksgiving, and Christmas - seems to generate many requests for monetary donations.  How do we make the decision about which entity to support?  We want our money to go to causes that will benefit others who might not be as fortunate as us, but how can we be sure it actually does?

A favorite website of mine is Charity Navigator - charitynavigator.org  I would encourage you to take some time to look at the website (if not now, bookmark to return to after the holiday season).  You can use their many tools and resources to inform your giving to nonprofits throughout the year.  A Charity Search box allows you to enter the name of your favorite nonprofit to view information about its rating.  Not all charities receive ratings; many religious ones are exempt.  However, there are over 195,000 nonprofits that are rated.  Also, on the website, there are some Top Ten lists which are interesting to peruse. You can also browse charities by categories of your interests. Charity Navigator also offers the option to donate to charities through their website.

A quick introduction to their rating system can be found here:  https://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=content.view&cpid=8077

Enjoy this Tech Tip Tuesday! We've returned from the snowy wintry weather of Munich to 60+ degree days here.  Kinda crazy! 

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

Grandchildren, Germany and Great Fun!

I really thought I'd be able to share some tech tips while we are away but I'm finding most of our days are taken up with helping with the care of our 7-week-old grandchildren in Munich.  Sleepless nights, daily strolls even though the temperatures are in the 30's and 40's, sterilizing bottles and pacifiers, preparing meals for the adults, baths, snuggles, etc. are claiming most of our waking (and nighttime, too, as we take over so the babies' mom and dad can get some sleep.)  

It's a good reminder to grandma and grandpa about how time-consuming little ones can be.  But, oh, the smiles, the cooing, even a few laughs make it ALL worth it! 

I probably won't write another Tech Tip until after our return home from Germany on December 9.  

I am attaching several photos to share some of our adventures this past week. Note the beautiful old cemetery; it is really a beautiful park with many walking paths.

Have a wonderful Tech Tuesday; winter is almost here in Munich, much unlike the weather most of you are experiencing today!

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

Doing your holiday shopping online? Be cautious.

Have you started your holiday buying? Most reports say the best time to buy is right now to ensure product availability and lower prices. Many Black Friday sales are underway. As online buying continues to increase, unfortunately, so do the number of scammers.  

You may have seen ads for holiday decorations online. The Better Business Bureau warns about those. The ads appear on social media and online search results and depict beautiful decor at very low prices. 

If you buy your decorations ....or any item..... through these ads, you probably won’t get what’s advertised. What you will get are low-quality items. You may even get nothing at all and have no way to contact the company for a refund. 

Take the following precautions if you see something you want in one of these type of ads:

• Don’t click on the link in Facebook or social media. Check out a company before buying anything. Type in a company or website’s URL to look for a solid website with contact information. 
• If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Look elsewhere. 
• Use your credit card for online purchases. This way you can dispute fraudulent charges.
• Look up company business ratings and customer reviews on BBB.org. 

I love the convenience of online shopping but I’m very cautious about where I buy.  Purchase from companies you are familiar with, and stay clear of those enticing online ads.

Shop safe. Be wise. Don't be lured in by ads on your social media.

Have a wonderful Tech Tuesday; get outside and enjoy the beautiful fall colors.

Use the correct phone to call 911!

Have you ever needed to call 911?  In the case of an emergency we probably don't give much thought about which phone we use; we just call as quickly as possible.   However, earlier this week I learned you should use the cellphone of the person who needs assistance, not your own phone, unless it is you who needs assistance.

Why does it matter which phone you use?  The director of the Lyon County Emergency Communications Center shared this week in my class that they have access not only to your location but also to the medical information on your phone once the 911 call has been made.  It gives them a lot more information about the person in need very quickly which can assist them in providing the appropriate care.  

This medical information can also be accessed on any locked phone by anyone, if needed.  If you aren't sure you have your medical information on your phone and that you have "enabled" that information to be shared in case of an emergency, check out these "how-to" articles:

On an iPhone: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT207021   Make sure you follow Step #5 to enable the sharing with emergency services.

On an Android phone:  https://support.google.com/android/answer/9319337?hl=en  AND https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-add-emergency-info-to-your-phones-lock-screen (scroll about halfway down the page for Android information)

Hopefully, this is a tip that is good to know but you will never need!

Magnifier - a useful smartphone app!

Are menus with small print difficult to read? 
Is it difficult to see a splinter in your finger?
Have you been on a nature walk and wished you had a magnifying glass to take a closer look at something? 
If so, remember you always have a handy and very effective digital magnifying glass on your phone, and it even comes with a flashlight to help in low-light situations!

On an iPhone, the Magnifier can be accessed in the Control Center by swiping diagonally from the upper right-hand corner of your phone OR by simply searching for "Magnifier" in your App library.  (The App Library can be accessed by swiping left past all of your home screen pages.)   Once you open the Magnifier, play around with it to explore some of the different features.

On an Android phone, go to Settings - Accessibility - and turn on the Magnification OR download a great app in the Google Play store called "Magnifying Glass + Flashlight."  Once the app is installed, explore some of its features.

We tend to forget some of the useful features on our smartphones. In order to help you remember the magnifier, access and use it every day for the next week.  That may help get it into your working memory.  :-)

As always, I hope you can enjoy this Tech Tip Tuesday; this beautiful fall weather will be replaced by frigid wintry temperatures all too soon!

Part D Drug Plans

It's that time of year for us seniors - from October 15 to December 7 the window is open to preview/review Part D drug plans. You really should take time annually to review your plan: online at Medicare.gov, by talking with your pharmacist, or talking with your Extension Office or other local agencies who offer the service.    

All entities reviewing drug plans use the same website to evaluate the available plans in your state: https://www.medicare.gov/  But you can do it yourself!

Whether or not your medications have changed, you still should evaluate the plans and select the best one for you before December 7. 
Why?
Drug plans, drug tiers, and premiums change annually. 
The same drug can be on different tiers in different plans thus changing its cost. 
Don't just assume that what you are presently enrolled in is the best plan for you next year.  
Mail-order is not always the cheapest way anymore to obtain your 90-day prescription.

Need help? I made a screencast to show you how to navigate the 2022 website.  Click here to view it.

If you aren't interested in using the website, then make an appointment now with your pharmacist or local agency offering this service. Following the appointment, try using the Medicare website just to see if you come up with the same recommendation.

You can do this!  Visit medicare.gov on this beautiful Tech Tuesday and give it a try!  

Translate, a tool to remember!

 Are you ever in a situation, not just when traveling abroad, that you would like to have a conversation with someone who either doesn't speak English or has limited English?  On Saturday I was at the Post Office and listened to a postal worker and patron trying to understand each other.  I felt sorry for the young patron who spoke limited English and wished there was a way to help a situation that was frustrating for both parties.  A couple of days later I was reminded about an app that ALL of us have or can have on our smartphones which would have allowed me to help in that particular situation.  I could have pulled out my phone and easily have alleviated a very frustrating situation for those two people.

On the iPhone, the app is called Translate and is part of the native operating system - it does not have to be installed.The newest operating system update provides a "Conversation" mode that allows a conversation to be translated in both audio and written form in real time as people speak. Once the button is tapped, the conversation can ensue in real time. It is absolutely amazing!  Check out this link for more information:  https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/translate-text-voice-and-conversations-iphd74cb450f/ios 

For Android users -  the app is called Google Translate and must be downloaded from the Google Play Store. The app is very similar to the iPhone app allowing a conversation to be translated in real time as people converse.  Check out this link for more information: https://support.google.com/translate/answer/6142474?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid&oco=0 

*iPhone users can also download Google Translate but I recommend using the native Translate app on the iPhone.

Of course, this app can be very beneficial if traveling abroad, but maybe, like me, you can think of situations where it may be helpful in our everyday lives?  Give it a try right now so that when you need/want it you are familiar with how it works!

A beautiful fall Tech Tuesday is before us; enjoy! 

That Dirty Phone!

Yesterday we were at one of my mom's doctor appointments in Topeka and she told the doctor about her new twin great-grandchildren (he has twins, too).  She asked me to show him a picture of them on my phone.  So, I did.  And, when I took the phone back from him, I was embarrassed at how smeary the phone screen looked.  I actually don't remember the last time I cleaned it; I used to be so good about doing that.  Especially at the beginning of the pandemic.  But now, not so much.

So when we got home, I did a little searching and was reminded how best to get the smears off my phone (the newer glass on phones is so much better than the glass on our first iPhones, but it still gets pretty smeary!)

Basically, there are four things to keep your phone clean and in good shape:
1) Use a damp microfiber cloth to gently wash the screen and case
2) Use something like a Clorox wipe to gently wipe off the grease and grime and to also disinfect
3) Remove the case occasionally and clean out the gunk
4) Use a static-free soft bristle brush to gently clean out the holes and ports on your phone; I think you may be surprised at what comes out.

That's all there is to it!  Other than putting a reminder on your calendar so you will remember to clean it occasionally. :-)

Check out this short quirky 4-minute video clip that demonstrates the 4 suggestions above:  https://youtu.be/0b4cP8Sq1lQ  Or, take a look at my Tuesday Tech Tip posted at the beginning of the pandemic:  How to Disinfect your Phones

Enjoy this beautiful Tech Tuesday!  

Facebook Quizzes

If you spend any time on Facebook, you've seen an example of what I'm writing about today.  It's those seemingly innocuous quizzes or questions that appear on your newsfeed that ask you for a quick response in the Comments. Name of your first pet, where was your first flight to, your first car, the name of your fifth grade teacher, you favorite vacation spot, etc.  Any time you respond with personal information on Facebook you provide would-be scammers with information that can be used to hack into your accounts.  

Often the questions being asked are the same or similar to ones that are given as choices for security questions when you create a new online account.  When you answer these quick quizzes, you provide information publicly thus decreasing your online security.  So, just don't do it....even if you're tempted when you see responses from your friends in the Comments section.

One other tip to consider when setting up a new online account and you need to provide answers to security questions.  Lie......yes, lie.    Do not answer them with the correct information.  That will provide an extra layer of security.  However......if you lie, remember to record your lies somewhere so you are able to answer the security questions correctly if needed.  :-)

Searching TV subscription services

If you've switched to streaming TV (YouTube TV, Netflix, Roku, Philo, etc.), it can sometimes be difficult to locate the platform/service that has the TV show or movie you really want to watch.  You can certainly search each platform you've subscribed to, but there are some websites/apps that search across all the TV streaming services (including the free ones) that can help streamline your search. Below are three you may want to try:

Reelgood - If you're looking to find a certain show or movie, Reelgood allows you to search over 150 streaming services. In addition to the website, Reelgood also has apps for your smart TV as well as for your iPhones and Android phones.

JustWatch - JustWatch is very similar to Reelgood except that it will also make recommendations for new movies or shows based on your previous searches.  There are also apps available for download if you prefer searching using an app rather than on the web.

Roku - If you use a Roku device to access your streaming shows, once you have connected any of your streaming services to it, you will be able to use the Roku Search to locate shows.  The Roku search has improved greatly over the last several years!  And, of course, you can download the Roku apps from the App Store or Google Play Store.

I'm not a TV watcher, so I've not used any of these three search methods.  However, I've talked with people who seem frustrated (including my husband) when trying to locate certain shows once the switch from cable TV to streaming subscriptions is made, and I think these three "tools" may be very helpful.

Transcript from YouTube

I'm not sure how I/we ever got along without "how-to" videos from YouTube - how to repair a home appliance, how to make a mask, how to do something on our phones, etc.   Often, I save a particularly helpful YouTube video for possible future reference, but at times I've wished I also had the information to refer back to without watching the video or I've wanted it in a printed format.  I was recently reminded that a transcript is available for almost every video on YouTube (Unless the creator disabled that feature).

How do you access a YouTube transcript that you can then read or even print?

1. Click on the 3 little dots below the YouTube video (and to the right side of the word Share)
2. Select Open Transcript. The transcript will open with the timestamps but the timestamps can be Toggled off by clicking on the 3 vertical dots on the Transcript title bar.
3. If you'd like to print the transcript, you will need to Copy and Paste the transcript into a word processing document to print.  There is not an automatic print command within the transcript box. 
   
   1. To Copy/Paste - select/highlight all the transcript text, right-click to select Copy, open your word processing program, right-click and select Paste.)  Then that document can be printed.

That's all there is to it!  This may be a tip you just want to "file away" for future reference when you need it, and also, hopefully remember it when you want it.  (If you have any tips for being able to remember something for future reference, PLEASE let me hear from you!)  :-)

Have a terrific Tech Tuesday; fall is on its way!

Printing webpages

Do you still print webpages to save information for later? I do; I occasionally print out recipes if I want to keep them or even articles I use in my Computing for Seniors class or for Sunday School. Today's tip is from a screencast I made 4 years ago; I found it when I was looking for something else. This screencast shows how to print a webpage without all the ads/extras from a laptop/desktop computer, but the information is also partially applicable to phones and tablets. Take a look-- http://screencast-o-matic.com/u/uTc/printingtips (best viewed by clicking the square in the lower right hand corner to display fullscreen view)

In the screencast, I talk about:
1) using the Printer-Friendly icon on a webpage
2) selecting just the text you want to print
3) looking at your Print Dialogue box and choosing just the pages you want to print as well as printing in black and white
4) using the "Reader's View" on Apple products to print without advertisements and graphics. 
Update since the screencast was made:  Reader's View on an iPhone is now denoted by an upper case A and a lower case A at the left edge of the address bar, not the three lines mentioned in the Screencast; see the illustration below:



Note:  I do use Reader's View on my iPhone quite often, not just when printing webpages.  I find that reading news stories is made so much easier by clicking the Aa and selecting Reader's View.

Vishing

Last week I was contacted by a friend who received a very authentic looking email (often these are from Amazon or Paypal) alerting them to a purchase they had made.  In the email, it said:  "If you haven't made this purchase, please call us at ............"  Well, of course, they hadn't made the purchase and it frightened them, so they called the number, then later asked me what to do.  My tip for today is:  NEVER EVER call the number in an email or click on the link in a questionable email.

You may have heard of phishing, but what is vishing??  Vishing is a slight variation of phishing that scammers are using to get you to give up your personal information and access to bank accounts.  Instead of enticing you to click on a link in an email, you are asked to call a number. Another method is a phone call alerting you to a problem with your account.  The scammers/fraudsters then ask you for your personal information to help solve the "problem."

So, what should you do? 
1)  Access the account in question - Amazon, Paypal, etc. - with your browser. Log into your account to view your recent activity.  This will indeed reflect if there are any questionable purchases on your account.  Usually, you will not see the transaction mentioned in the email or over the phone.
2)  Delete the email in question after checking your account.
3)  IF you happen to give private/financial information after making or receiving a questionable phone call, change your password on your bank account and credit card accounts, monitor those accounts for activity and alert your bank or credit card company.  
4) If you believe information was given as a result of a vishing email or phone call, you should contact  The Federal Trade Commision online or at (888) 382-1222

Remember, scammers often rely on creating a sense of urgency for you to respond. Do not respond.  There is always plenty of time for you to check it out on your own, without their help!

Care of Airpods and other wireless earbuds

Do you use wireless earbuds - Airpods, Galaxy Buds, or another brand?  I became an owner of a pair of Airpods about 18 months ago when we switched our cellphone service.  The Airpods were a "gift" for making the switch.  :-)  I wasn't sure how much I'd use them but they became a part of my walks everyday, and I love them!  Listening to podcasts while walking makes the 50+ minutes go by much more quickly!  Daily use, though, invites an accumulation of earwax, sweat, skin cells, etc. on the tiny mesh screens of the speakers in the earbuds.

The recommendations for keeping your earbuds clean are not difficult or time-consuming, but there are some definite "do's" and "do nots".  
DO:
1) Wipe gently with a soft cloth - a clean Microfiber cloth is recommended
2) Use a slightly damp - not wet - Q-tip and gently wipe the mesh screens covering the speakers. You don't want water getting into the speakers.  Even though a "damp" Q-tip does not introduce much moisture, allow the earbuds to dry thoroughly before putting them back in the charging case.
3) Wipe the charging case with a Microfiber cloth or damp lint-free cloth
4) Use a toothpick VERY GENTLY if you notice a large amount of earwax or grime that needs removed

DON'T:
1) Run the earbuds under flowing water or dip them in soapy water.
2) Use a harsh brush on the fine mesh screens; this can harm the speakers.

So, I've added earbud cleaning to my weekly technology "to-do" list....the price we pay for owning different pieces of technology! 

Have a wonderful Tech Tip Tuesday.  I'm ready to head out the door for my morning walk.....with the latest podcasts queued  up and ready to go!

Wait to post those Facebook travel photos!

Facebook and Instagram are social media; we use both of these platforms because we want to share with others or want to keep up with what our family and friends are doing.  Spring and summer post-COVID travel photos have once again been populating the content on my News Feed.  I enjoy reading about people's travels and enjoy looking at their pictures, but it makes me worry about those people who are traveling because they are broadcasting to the world that their house is empty. Their posts and photos can invite would-be thieves into their homes while they are on vacation.

So, my tip today is just a reminder:  Wait until returning home to share on social media about your travels.  I encourage you, too,  to wait and share photos of any of your social gatherings until you are home, not while you are at an event.  Posting information in "real time" is fun but not always the safest thing to do. You may be sharing your posts only with "Friends" but there are many ways that those posts can make their way out into the public.

We've had the opportunity to travel to Pennsylvania several times this summer and were beginning to feel a little more comfortable with travel.  We planned a trip to Tahoe with family this coming Saturday but the smoke from the fires and increased concerns with the Delta variant caused us to cancel those plans yesterday.  I'm so ready for things to be back to "normal."  But until then, I guess I'll have to enjoy other people's travels on Facebook.......after they return.  :-)

Have a wonderful Tech Tip Tuesday!  Stay safe and try to stay cool.  

Jeline

National Security Agency Tips for Mobile Devices

The National Security Agency (nsa.gov) prepared a great document suggesting ways to keep yourself as safe as possible when using your mobile devices.  You may be familiar with some of these, but I think it is a good reminder and I found the second page of the flyer to be especially interesting.  It details the type of possible "attacks" on your devices, what you can/should do, and displays how successful the different mitigation techniques are against those attacks.

The information is applicable to all smartphones and tablets; take a look: 
https://media.defense.gov/2020/Jul/28/2002465830/-1/-1/0/MOBILE_DEVICE_BEST_PRACTICES_FINAL_V3%20-%20COPY.PDF 

In Kansas we're enjoying a reprieve from the oppressive heat, and the air quality is to improve today.  Hope you can enjoy this beautiful Tech Tuesday!

Oh, to be young and using technology!

We had a great two weeks with our granddaughters!  Lots of outdoor time as well as fun indoor activities.  Their parents limit the girls' time with TV and also their iPads so anytime they get to be on is a real treat for them (watching downloaded Netflix shows makes a non-stop 2-hour plane ride to Baltimore a breeze!)  

It was fascinating for me to watch the girls use technology.  The girls and I did some online browsing and shopping since our local venues are limited. Our 5-year-old and I were looking at "school shoes" on my computer on Amazon and I had to step away for just a minute.  I returned to the room to find she had ordered one pair of shoes and was ready to order a second pair (a pop-up on Amazon alerted that it was going to be a duplicate purchase and did I really want to do that).  :-/  No, our 5-year-old does not read but  had put the item in the shopping cart, tapped on all the right buttons, and proceeded to complete the order! Fortunately, Amazon allows orders to be canceled so I, of course, did that, as my granddaughter proudly beamed at me because of her success!

I wish we adults found things to be as intuitive in technology as our granddaughters do!

One last thing - the real tech tip today is for those of you who own an iPhone, iPad, or Mac.  The updates for each of those devices released on Monday do need to be installed as soon as possible.  They mainly contain security patches.  Although I have my devices all set to install updates automatically that had not happened as of this morning so I manually installed the updates.

Have a terrific Tech Tip Tuesday .....on Wednesday! Try to stay in, keep cool, and do those updates on your devices.

Tired Grandma

After spending a week in Pennsylvania, we brought our two granddaughters, ages 5 and 9, home with us a week ago for Camp Harc 2021.  Lots of fun kid activities for two weeks = one grandma with no time to spend writing on Tech Tip Tuesday. I'll make a round trip to Baltimore on Monday to take the girls home, so, maybe next week's Tuesday Tech Tip will be written on my flight home.  :-)

Have a great week!

Facebook and Two Factor Authentication

Have you ever received a Facebook friend request from someone who is already your friend?  Or have you received an inappropriate link from someone who is a friend? Solving the problem can be frustrating and time-consuming if it is your account that is the one sending out these messages. 

Here are several things to know and do to help protect your Facebook account:

1)  When friends begin telling you they received another friend request from you, look for a duplicate Facebook account that someone has created using your information.  Your account has not been hacked but has been cloned using information gleaned from your "real" account.  If you or your friends can locate that account, report it to Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/help/306643639690823/

2)  If you believe your account has been hacked (someone has figured out your username and password) rather than cloned, change your password the minute you become aware of the problem.

3)  Consider turning on two-factor authentication for your Facebook account.  This adds an extra layer of of security; it is not foolproof but does make it more difficult for someone (a hacker) to access your Facebook account,  The process is clearly explained in this video, and although the example is demonstrated on a computer, two-factor authentication can also be set up using your mobile device.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWcOzk6-VTg

Using online technology requires responsibility on our part to keep our personal information as secure as we can. Learning all we can about ways to stay safe can be time-consuming but are well worth the effort and time.

8 Settings to Never Change on Your iPhone

Today's tip is solely for iPhone users.  Oftentimes, we learn of Settings we should change on our phones to enhance our using experience.  But today's tip is about 8 Settings to NEVER change on your phone. 

If you are having problems with your iPhone, before heading to the Apple Store take a quick look at today's video to make sure these settings haven't been changed on your phone.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkMroklZYpg  

If you are an iPhone user, you may want to subscribe to today's YouTube channel; they have some great videos!  Thank you, Marilyn Buchele, for sharing this with me.  :-)

Have a great Tech Tip Tuesday wherever you live or may be traveling today!

Google Lens

Yesterday in our iPhone Users Group, we were discussing apps we use for plant identification (PictureThis and PlantNet). This discussion then broadened to include an app that not only can be used for plant identification but also for a gazillion other things.  That app is called Google Lens on Android phones and Google on iPads and iPhones.

What does the app do?

1) Identifies items around you - plants, animals, clothing, furniture, buildings, menu items and provides a plethora of information by simply pointing your phone and clicking.  The app also can look at photos you have taken and provide more information about items found in those photos. 
Example - Like the shirt someone is wearing?  Using the app, snap a picture and you will be provided with a picture of the shirt or something similar with information on where to buy it.

2) Translates text instantly - When traveling abroad, point your phone at a sign; it is instantly translated into your preferred language

3) Identifies and provides information on buildings and landmarks around you, especially helpful when traveling

4) Identify popular items on menus - Scan the menu items, tap on an item, then read the reviews/comments made by others. (This only works with restaurants that have tied into the Google Lens feature.)

5) Many, many more things

I strongly encourage you to watch this 6-minute video to quickly learn more about how to use Google Lens.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_nYU9OVCZk

And, if you'd like to read more about it:  https://www.pocket-lint.com/apps/news/google/141075-what-is-google-lens-and-how-does-it-work-and-which-devices-have-it

Google Lens (Android) can be downloaded from the Google Play Store and Google (iPhone) can be downloaded from the App store. It is also available natively in the Google Photos app.

Download the app today on this drizzly Tech Tuesday and give it a try!  I really think you will enjoy using it.

Technology and Traveling

Have you resumed traveling?  We just returned from our first post-COVID trip to Pennsylvania; it felt a little strange to once again pack our suitcases and board a plane! After 16 months of not traveling, I had to consciously think about procedures such as adding boarding passes to our phones/watches, removing all electronic devices from bags during security checks, and making sure all devices were in Airplane Mode once boarded. 

As we all move back into public spaces with our mobile devices, here are a few things to remember:

1)  Limit what you do on public Wi-Fi, particularly logging into your banking/financial accounts and checking your email, basically anything that contains sensitive data. If you have unlimited cellular data on your device you might consider turning off Wi-Fi entirely while traveling to avoid using public networks.

2) If you leave your Wi-Fi setting on when traveling or even if you are just out and about in your hometown, please do this:
In your device Settings select the option to ask permission before connecting to a network.  (On an Apple device - Settings - Wi-Fi - Ask to Join Networks - Ask.  On an Android device, the path should be similar.)

3) If you are staying in a motel or other public venue and need to leave your devices in the room unattended, please consider placing laptops, phones, tablets in a locked suitcase or safe if one is available.

4)  Avoid using the technology/business center in a motel/hotel to access your sensitive information.

Enjoy your long-overdue travels!  But for today, enjoy what promises to be a beautiful Tuesday in many parts of the country.

8 Billion Passwords Leaked Online

You've read it in the news before, I've talked about it in my classes and even in this weekly tip several times, but today's tip comes as a result of this past week's headline:  8 Billion Passwords Leak Online.

Several months ago I shared a website you can use to check if your username/password have been leaked. I also suggested a couple of things you can do to make your accounts more secure. You can re-read that post here. https://tuesdaytechtidbit.blogspot.com/2021/03/has-your-personal-information-been.html

With this recent news of leaked passwords, I'd suggest reviewing your passwords and changing if necessary:
1) If you use Chrome as your browser, go to Chrome - Preferences - Passwords - Check Passwords.  That will reveal any accounts with weak security.
2) If you're using Safari, go to Safari - Preferences - Passwords.  You will see a list of accounts and passwords and a warning sign will be displayed by any that are weak or used multiple times.

Being active online carries responsibility.  It is easy to become complacent, but staying actively involved in the management of your passwords is so very important for your security.

No, you can't circumvent Facebook's algorithms

If you are on Facebook, have you seen what I am talking about in today's tip?  It is a post that starts something like this: 

"Thanks for the tip to circumvent Facebook... It Works!! I have a whole new profile. I see posts from people I didn't see anymore. Facebook's new algorithm picks the same people - around 25...." 

Or the most recent version:  "Thanks for the tip to circumvent Facebook…OO5251839 Works!! I have a whole new profile. I see posts from people I didn’t see anymore. Facebook’s new algorithm picks the same people....Please say "hello" if you see this." 

The post is not harmful, but it is indeed a hoax, and I'd encourage you not to share or re-post it because it only perpetuates false information.  Nothing circumvents Facebook algorithms which determine the posts you see in your newsfeed.

If you'd like to read more on this type of post or why it "appears" to work for some people, you may want to check out what Snopes has to say:  https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/facebook-oo5251839/  

Disable Sidewalk on your Alexa devices

I know, I know - it isn't Tuesday but I feel the need to share this information with you before next week.  You may have read about "Sidewalk", a feature that will allow Alexa devices and Ring doorbells to share your network with others in the neighborhood. 

It isn't as scary as it may sound - Amazon "assures" us that our privacy will be protected and there are limits as to how much is shared, but my recommendation would be to "Disable" this feature by using the Amazon Alexa app on your mobile device.  

The steps to disable this "sharing" feature are found in the following article; the steps are not difficult to do:   https://www.khou.com/article/tech/amazon-sidewalk-disable-enable-instructions/285-208250ac-a1be-4a09-85a4-6bc16d0b5144  

If you'd like to read a little more technical information about what Sidewalk is and how it works:  https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2021/05/amazon-devices-will-soon-automatically-share-your-internet-with-neighbors/

The full list of devices that can act as Sidewalk bridges:
Ring Floodlight Cam (2019)
Ring Spotlight Cam Wired (2019)
Ring Spotlight Cam Mount (2019)
Echo (3rd gen and newer)
Echo Dot (3rd gen and newer)
Echo Dot for Kids (3rd gen and newer)
Echo Dot with Clock (3rd gen and newer)
Echo Plus (all generations)
Echo Show (all models and generations)
Echo Spot
Echo Studio
Echo Input
Echo Flex

Entering text in a pdf

Yesterday I received an email from an acquaintance who was asking for some help with filling in forms on her computer.  She wrote:   

"These pesky paper forms are so hard for me to fill out because of the nerve damage in my hands.  So I need to know how to transfer the form to my desktop computer and then be able to fill it out by using my computer.  Please, please send me your suggestions as to the easiest way to do this. 
I've found several programs advertised as free - NOT!  I go through the whole process only to find big bucks are required to get my final results."

After reaching out to friends on Facebook and also doing some research, I think I've found a possible solution for her and some of you who may have the same need. It is basically a two-step process.

1) To get the form on her computer - If the form has been sent to her through email she needs to begin the process to print it, but instead of choosing "Print", she will want to "Save as PDF" which is one of the choices in the Print Dialog box of most computers.  However, if the form comes via snail mail, she will need to use a scanning app on her smartphone or printer to scan the document and send the scanned pdf to her computer.

2) Then to complete the form - Once the pdf document is on her computer, she will need to download Adobe Acrobat Reader (free version).  Once installed it can be used to open the pdf document. The "Fill and Sign" feature in that application can then be used to complete the form.  Here is a very easy-to-follow video that demonstrates using the "Fill and Sign" feature in Adobe Acrobat Reader:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYQOuTKPn28 

This process works on both PC and Mac computers; Adobe Acrobat Reader is available for both operating systems.

If this is something that you would find beneficial, just practice with a form you probably already have on your desk.  Remember:  doing something new using technology can be a challenge at first, but the more you use it, the easier it becomes. 

Hope this first day of June provides us with a beautiful spring day!  Happy Tech Tip Tuesday!

Quick tips for entering text on a smartphone

How do you enter the text for an email or text message on your smartphone?  Last week's survey showed that the majority of us use our phones more than our computers.  My guess is that number will continue to increase with time.  If you struggle with entering text on your phone or tablet, please consider 3 tips:

First, take a look at your keyboard settings; on an iPhone or iPad, that is Settings - General - Keyboard.  Take advantage of everything that is available to you. I have all of the sliders turned on (green) On an Android phone, check your Keyboard settings.

Then:

1) Dictate your text using the microphone on the bottom of your keyboard when it pops up for you to enter text.  This really is the quickest and most efficient way to enter text.  With repeated use the accuracy improves.  Please proofread and take time to correct any errors you find before sending.

2) Use swipe typing - Keep your finger on the keyboard while moving over the letters of the word you want to spell.  Lift your finger before starting the next word and a space will automatically be added.  This feature has been available for quite a few years on Android phones; on iPhones, it has been available for about 18 months.  A quick video to help you visualize the process - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=toNpXLTKZZM

3)  To insert a period at the end of a sentence - tap the space bar twice.  I love, love, love being able to do this rather than having to switch to the punctuation bar each time.

Okay....I have a few more tips but they will have to wait until another week.  Be sure and give this 3 techniques a try this week! 

Can you help me help you?

For almost 4 1/2 years I've been sending out Tuesday Tech Tips.  It isn't something I'm paid to do (notice there is never any advertising in the weekly emails).  I just enjoy helping people learn more about using the technology they own.

However, writing a weekly email doesn't automatically provide for interaction. So, today, I'm asking you to take a few minutes to answer some questions that will help me help you in the future.

The questions can be found here; please let me know if you are unable to open the link:  https://forms.gle/Na1YVLwzQpHLBmMw6 

Thank you in advance for your feedback! And, have a great day (maybe get outside before the next round of rain begins?)  :-/

Navigating the world of passwords

Did you miss celebrating? World Password Day was last Thursday.  It is always "celebrated" the first Thursday in May. :-)

Passwords....ugh!  We (I)  grumble and procrastinate when receiving an alert that a password needs to be changed.  As frustrating and time-consuming as it may be,  though, we shouldn't ignore suggestions to change a password.  Maintaining strong passwords is a responsibility you/I have if we choose to use the internet. If you need a refresher about how to create a strong password, you might take a look at a post I wrote last year.

A reminder:  NEVER start the process to change a password by clinking on a link in an email; always go directly to the account website to make a change to your password.

My 3 recommendations to you this year for World Password Day:
1) Continue to create strong passwords using 14-16 characters and follow my suggestions from last year.  Remember, though, that usernames and passwords will never be secure enough.

2)  If given the opportunity, ALWAYS use two-factor (TFA) or multi-factor (MFA) authentication.  Yes, it requires an extra step (like acknowledging a text sent to your phone or watch and then entering that code) but it really adds a layer of security to your accounts.  A very thorough explanation and how-to article on TFA can be found here: https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/two-factor-authentication-who-has-it-and-how-to-set-it-up

3)  If given the choice, use biometrics (Face ID or fingerprint).  It is much more secure and easier to use!  The world of technology is certainly moving in this direction. 

On this Tech Tip Tuesday, please make or renew your commitment to start following the three tips above for doing your very best to stay safe online!

Google Photos - changes are coming!

Google Photos is a tool I've recommended for several years as an additional backup for your photos and videos.  If you have a Gmail account, Google Photos can be accessed on the web at photos.google.com or by downloading the Google Photos app. Once the app is installed on your phone it runs in the background automatically uploading photos as they are taken. Those photos can then be accessed on any phone, computer, or tablet when you are logged into your Google account.  Google Photos presently offers free unlimited storage if you upload in "High Quality" but that is changing on June 1. 

What you need to know and do before June 1:
1)  All photos and videos uploaded before June 1 will remain in your Google Photos account after June 1.  They will not disappear.
2) I'd recommend uploading as many photos and videos from your devices (computer, thumb drives, external drives, etc.) as you have time to do before June 1.  Those will continue to be included in your free Google Photo storage if done before June 1 and not count against your total storage.
3) Read and watch the resources  below to learn more about the specifics of the changes being made to Google Photos.  The video will also show you the "how-to's".   
Read: https://learngooglephotos.com/free-no-more/ This is an excellent article that is easy to understand with ALL the information you need regarding your Google Photos
Watch at least part of this video; the link starts the video at the 10:59 mark:  https://youtu.be/ERUfY1aSk98?t=659

Google Photos will remain a great cloud storage solution.  If you decide/need to purchase more storage after exceeding the 17 GB of free storage provided by your Google account in the future, 100 GB of storage can be purchased for $1.99/month or $19.99/year, not really a bad price to ensure you have a backup of all your photos.  But remember - whatever photos are uploaded before June 1 will remain in Google Photos for free.

Interesting fact:  Over 1 billion people back up 28 billion photos to Google Photos each week.  No wonder Google can't continue to provide free unlimited storage!

Have a terrific Tuesday and, if you have time, start gathering all of your thumb drives, flash drives, external drives and get your pictures uploaded to Google.  :-)

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

Has your personal information been involved in a breach?

 Unfortunately data breaches around the world occur periodically.  How can you check to see if your personal information has been involved?  You can use this website: https://haveibeenpwned.com/

Enter your email address or username. Then click the pwned? button. The site will tell you if a breach has occurred including your info.  This site will not ask for passwords; it is "safe" to share your email address/username with it.  Repeat this process for all of your email addresses AND the usernames for any of your online accounts.

What should you do if an email or username has been compromised in a breach?  Log into that website or email account online and change your password.  If two-factor authentication is available for your compromised account, enable it.

Please take a minute to check your personal info today.... maybe while enjoying your morning drink of choice and listening to the rain on the roof?

Happy first-Tuesday-of-spring!

A Malicious Post on Facebook

A couple of weeks ago a strange post from a friend showed up on my Facebook page.  The post tagged me and 26 other friends. Here is a screenshot from that post:

I did not click the link to view the video and a couple of days later I read a warning about this type of post:  If the link is clicked, it may ask you to install an update which when installed can then retrieve financial and credit card information for use by scammers.  

Two things you should do if something like this shows up on your Facebook page:
1) Delete the post by clicking on the ellipsis (three dots) in the top right-hand corner of the post. If Delete is not an option, then "Hide the Post"
2) Notify the person who supposedly "tagged" you (they really didn't; it was something from their account that sent this out.)  Encourage them to follow the directions on this page to remove any apps that might have been installed by Facebook without their permission.

You've heard it before but it bears repeating:  Be cautious clicking on links on the internet (not just on Facebook).  Period.

Have a terrific tech Tuesday. Period. Spring will soon arrive! :-)

Spam Phone Calls

Those annoying phone calls regarding your "compromised" computer once again seem to be on the increase.   I regularly remind people about this type of spam/phishing phone call but when it actually happens to them they become concerned, or even worse, do what the phone call asks them to do.

Yesterday a concerned friend forwarded me a voicemail warning her that her "personal information might possibly have been compromised and to "Press 1" to speak with the security team now."  Even though you've heard it before and we know about these techniques, when it happens to you it can be unsettling.  Remember this - creating fear is one of the main techniques a spammer/hacker will use to get you to share some of your confidential information.  Another is a "sense of urgency": "you need to do this NOW"

So a friendly reminder in today's Tech Tip:  If your phone (either landline or smartphone) displays a number you do not recognize, just let it ring.  Do not answer. Period.  If the call is legitimate, a voicemail will be left and you can immediately return the call.

Hope you can find some time today to leave your phone inside and go outdoors to enjoy this beautiful almost-spring weather (despite the wind).  :-)

Shazam it!

I remember downloading Shazam quite a few years ago and using it to identify songs playing on the radio or TV.  It wasn't always successful in the identification and it still isn't, but it is much improved.  With iOS 14, Shazam is now a built-in feature of the iPhone operating system and comes with the ability to identify music that is playing not only on other devices but also on your iPhone and headphones. You no longer have to download the app if you are using an Apple product; Android users will download it from the Google Play store.

How might you use Shazam? 
1) While watching someone's TikTok you want to know what music they've used to create it.
2) You're watching a YouTube video and want to identify the background music.
3)  While watching a show on TV you'd like to know the name of the music that is playing.
4)  You're listening to music on your headphones and want to identify what is playing.

Who can use it? Shazam can be used on multiple devices - iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Macs and Apple Watches.  Android users have already been able to use some of these features for a couple of years.

Shazam can be accessed through the Control Panel on your Apple devices OR you can even just ask Siri to identify the music. ("Siri, what song is playing?")

If this is something you're interested in using or learning more about, Apple has an excellent "how-to" article - https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT210331

OR, maybe you would rather watch a quick how-to video that demonstrates the process - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhVHADLe4Ps  

Today is going to be way too nice to stay inside and spend time with your technology, but maybe you can use this tip while you are listening to music or a podcast during your walk?  Make it a great Tech Tip Tuesday whatever you choose to do!

Verify the safety of a link before clicking

Clicking a link for a website you've never heard of is NEVER recommended. Period.  Although a very small percentage of websites are "bad", when you consider there are billions of websites online that translates to LOTS of questionable/bad pages.  

However, I've been helping people with technology long enough to know that the temptation to check out a new product or sensational news provides just too much temptation to resist clicking on the link.  If you are one of these people, please consider at least checking out the URL (web address) for the website before actually clicking on the link; this could save you hours of time trying to clean up a "mess" later.  

How can you check on the safety of a link before clicking? 

1. Select/highlight the URL (link)
   
2. Copy the URL (On a PC - right-click; on a Mac - Command + C)
   
3. Go to this website: https://www.virustotal.com/gui/home/url 
4. In the Search or Scan a URL box, paste the URL (On a PC - right-click; on a Mac - Command + V)
   
5.  Click on the Magnifying Glass on the right side of the Search box

VirusTotal will then check the link with some of the most popular virus, malware and reputation checking tools on the web.  If most of the scans come back "clean" then you can feel safe in visiting that website.  If multiple warnings appear that the website may be a phishing site or contain malware, DO NOT visit or use that website. Period.

I usually am contacted AFTER someone has clicked a questionable link and it takes time to work through the problems.  Do yourself a favor today by bookmarking the Virus Total website so you will have it when you need it.  :-)

Have a terrific Tech Tuesday and enjoy this unseasonably nice weather - at least in Emporia.  We'll try to send it to those of you living farther north or towards the East coast!

No power? External power charger to the rescue

Did you experience any power outages yesterday?  We knew our family in Texas was experiencing these, but we hadn't even thought about it for here until......around 1 PM the power went out.  Peanut butter and jelly came to the rescue for lunch, working on our puzzle answered the problem of "what can we do without internet and TV or being able to continue doing our laundry."  

As we processed what a power outage meant, we realized our only "lifelines" to the outside world were our smartphones.  Yikes!  Mine was only half-charged; would it last for the entire power outage?  I then remembered the external portable chargers we have (primarily purchased for when we are traveling....which hasn't happened in almost a year!) 

So, I dug my charger out of the bottom of the drawer aware that it had not been charged for a long time.  What a pleasant surprise!  It was still fully charged and ready to supply power to my phone, if needed.

A portable charger may not be used very often but yesterday it provided great relief knowing it would provide several full charges to my phone, if needed.  An external charger can also charge tablets and computers but with the internet down, those devices were pretty useless.

If you are unfamiliar with how external chargers work:  A portable charger is plugged into the wall to receive its charge.  Your smartphone or other device can then be plugged into it anywhere/anytime to receive a charge which will probably take a couple of hours.  

I purchased our chargers a couple of years ago but they are still very adequate for our needs - and provided a great sense of relief yesterday afternoon. If you do a lot of traveling, have an older phone that doesn't keep its charge, or just appreciate the security of knowing you can always plug in your device to charge it, then you might want to consider purchasing an external charger.  This is the one I have and I am still very satisfied with it, but there are newer (faster, more expensive) charging units available.  I strongly recommend the Anker brand; I've never been disappointed by any of their products.

What will today bring?  After an overnight low of -17, I think we are on our way to a high of 11 degrees!  We haven't had any power outages since yesterday afternoon but are ready with our flashlights and our external chargers!  If you have an external charger you may want to get it out and make sure it is charged.  If you don't have one, maybe you want to use this day to do some online shopping!  

Stay warm, stay safe, and stay inside! 

Update your browsers!

In the past week I've received two different notifications that the Google Chrome browser on my laptop computer needed to be updated.  The updates installed very quickly.  I thought I had turned on automatic updates but when I checked, this feature had not been enabled.

You want to make sure to always install browser updates when they become available because they usually contain security updates that will help protect your online activity.

How do you know if your browser software is up-to-date and if that is happening automatically?  Normally updates install in the background but if you haven't closed your browser recently there may be updates to install.  How do you do that?
Click this link to view instructions for updating Chrome on desktop/laptop computers as well as mobile devices.
If you are using Safari on a Mac, click this link for instructions.
On an iPhone/iPad the software will automatically update if Automatic Updates is turned on.  You can check in the App Store to see if the app is up-to-date.

Check this out this morning while you are staying inside where it is cozy and warm. If you have to venture out, be safe and dress warmly on his terrifically cold Tuesday morning!  We'll hope for warmer temperatures next week. :-/

Disable Off-Facebook Activity

 A little over a week ago you might have seen postings on your social media encouraging you to turn off or disable "Off-Facebook Activity".  After doing some research on this recommendation I found it to be legitimate so I cleared my Facebook history then turned off the setting.  

Facebook uses most of the information gathered to "deliver" more relevant content and ads to you.  The data gathered on you isn't presently being used in a harmful manner but when working online I believe it important to protect our personal information when we can.  This is one of those times.

I found some well-written step-by-step instructions for how to turn this off for both mobile devices as well as computers if you want to change your Facebook settings: https://www.ricksdailytips.com/disable-off-facebook-activity/ (Rick's Daily Tips are usually very good and you can subscribe for a Free daily email).  

What is Off-Facebook Activity? If you want to read more, this is From Facebook's Help section

Happy Tuesday!  The Groundhog predicts 6 more weeks of winter, BUT it is only 46 days until Spring!

More than one email address?

 Do you have more than one email address?

My recommendation is that you have at least two email addresses.  I have five.  Why? To help keep private email addresses stay private and not be "sold" for advertising purposes.

If you presently have an email address you use with all of your personal friends, that's perfect.  But I would encourage you to create a free Gmail account OR if you are an iCloud user, create an alias email address.  Use these addresses when you purchase items online OR when you have to enter an email address to create an online account.  If these email accounts become flooded with spam and/or advertising, you can then delete the Gmail account or iCloud alias from your device or from your account.  You can read more about iCloud aliases here.  Read more about adding aliases in Gmail here.

My example:
1) For my personal mail, I use jharcler@mac.com
2) I created an alias using iCloud years ago that is jdhjdh@mac.com That is what I use for all of my purchasing online.
3) I created a Gmail address - jharcler@gmail.com - to use for all of my tech stuff - classes, iPhone Users Group, Tech Tip newsletter, webinars, etc.
4) I also created a Gmail address - emailtosignupforthingsonline@gmail.com - to use as my "junk" email address.  Anytime I have to provide an email address that I don't care to get any further communication from I use this Gmail address.
5) And, I have my "professional" address that is used for all things connected with my university communication - jharcle1@emporia.edu

Confusing? Time consuming?
No, once you've created your alias and/or additional Gmail accounts, add the account(s) to whatever email program you use.  On my iPhone, Mac and iPad I use Mail.  That is the native email program on those devices. It is not the most robust of applications, but it works okay.  I added all of my email addresses to that app and ALL emails come into the same Inbox, whether I am on my phone, iPad or Mac. The program labels each email and it allows me to select a certain email account to view, if desired.

In addition, I've created Gmail accounts (free) for groups I'm responsible for - Lions Club, UMW, Sunday School, etc.  and I've added those accounts to the Mail application. So..... I only have to look in one place for any emails I may receive for all of my email accounts, and the Mail application easily lets me filter those if I want to only look at one account.

If you have questions about the specifics, let me know.  At the very least - consider creating a free email account to use when creating online accounts or signing up for things.  That should reduce the number of times your personal email address is getting sold or put "out there".

New Year's Resolutions for Tech - Part 2

 Hopefully, you have gotten started with last week's suggestions:  

*cleaning up your email Inbox
*reviewing and changing your passwords as needed
*sharing your passwords with someone else in your family
*reviewing your Facebook Privacy and Security settings

Today, let's add one more item to that beginning-of-a-new-year-to-do list.

Remove apps from your mobile devices and  applications from your computers that you no longer use.
Leaving unused apps, applications, and accounts on our devices can make us vulnerable to possible security breaches.  Take time to review the apps on your phone, tablet, etc. and delete them if you no longer use them. 
(iPhone Users - Go to Settings - App Store - Offload Unused Apps and make sure this setting is turned on.  This will automatically help keep unused apps off your phone.  Apps can also be viewed and deleted on an iPhone by going to Settings - General - iPhone Storage. You will see a total list of your apps.  Touch an app in the list and you will be given the choice of removing the app.) 
For other mobile devices or computers, if you are unsure how to remove apps simply do an internet search for "how to remove apps/applications from....(name of device)" to view instructions.

Another beautiful sunshiny day here for getting outside; a real treat for January!  Enjoy.

New Year's Resolutions for Tech - Top 5 List of To-Do's

Do  you make New Year's Resolutions? I rarely do anymore but I always do make plans for doing some things better/different/more timely at the beginning of each calendar year. This year is no exception.  

Starting right now I plan to:
1)  Clean up my email Inbox. Although it works for me, my Inbox of over 16,000 emails drives others crazy when I'm using my phone for demonstration purposes during my classes. It's just a matter of me taking the time to do some daily maintenance, and time still seems to be in short supply even during this extended time of COVID.  But, this year I pledge to do better......little by little.

2) Review and change some of my passwords.  My phone keeps reminding me that I have passwords that have been involved in a data breach or are otherwise not secure.  I'm changing a few of those each day using the same pattern I began using a few years ago (same base password made unique by adding on the first three letters of the website name).

3) Share my passwords with my family.  Once my password review is complete, I plan to share the list with my family this year.  So much of our lives is online; it is important that someone has our login and account information even though it will continually evolve. 

4)  Organize my digital photos and make sure I have them all in at least 3 unique "places" - 1) downloaded from my phone to my computer, 2) backed up in both iCloud - yes, I pay monthly for adequate storage - and Google Photos which happens automatically, and 3) backed up to an external hard drive.  Note to self:  A few minutes each day helps get this formidable task under control!

5) Review the Privacy and Security settings on my Facebook account. It is a good idea to do this every several months; keeping ourselves safe online needs to be a priority.

So, what else should I add to this list?  Do you have things you do on a regular basis to keep your digital life organized?

Maybe today's tech tip is really just for myself; a reminder to hold myself accountable.  I'll let you know this time next year how that worked!  :-)

So, do at least one thing today to get started on organizing your tech.  But, also get out and enjoy this beautiful new day no matter where you live!