Snipping Tools for Computers and Smartphones

Do you ever wish you could save just part of a webpage (maybe a recipe or news item)?
Or maybe you are having problems with your computer/phone and want to save or send a "picture" of what the screen is displaying?  If so, these tips are for you!

Easy Ways to Take a Screenshot or Snippet Using a Computer or Smartphone:

A) For Windows computers:

1. From the start menu search for Snipping Tool and open it.
2. Click on New.
3. Using the + draw the area you would like to snip. Or from the Mode drop-down arrow select the snip type: Free-Form, Rectangular, Window, or Full Screen.
4. You can annotate the snip by using the pen or highlighter. There is even an eraser in case you need to make a change.
5. From the menu you can choose to save the snip, copy it, or email it. 

B) For Macs (Apple computers):
To snip a section of the screen

1. Simultaneously type Command, Shift, 4.
2. When the cursor changes to a cross +, drag a box around the section you want to copy and release the mouse.
3. The screenshot is automatically saved to the desktop. 

To snip the entire screen

1. Simultaneously type Command, Shift, 3.
2. This will save an image of the entire screen.
3. The screenshot is automatically saved to the desktop.

C) For iPhones  - https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT200289

D) For Android phones - https://www.greenbot.com/article/2825064/android/how-to-take-a-screenshot-on-your-android-phone.html

Anti-virus Aware

Anti-virus questions from two different people this week have prompted this topic today.  :-)
1)  For PC users (non-Apple products), Avast Free remains the anti-virus program of choice.  You do not need pay for this.  NEVER click on any of the promotions from this company to say that you want to Upgrade. You don't need anything more than the free version.  It may ask you to renew annually, but at that time all you need to do is Select the free version....nothing more. Avast is available at avast.com.

2)  More is not better.  Running two anti-virus programs does  not give you twice the protection.  It usually only causes conflicts within the computer and a possible slowdown.  (Although I have read the Windows Defender, a component of Windows 10 can run in the background while Avast, but I''m not 100% convinced.

3) Mac users (devices are from Apple) do not need to run anti-virus protection.  It is not needed and you may experience a slowdown in your computer if you install protection.

Google Photos update

Annually, Google brings developers together from all over the world to showcase new products and updates.  Last week, no new products were showcased but some pretty impressive updates/features were shared.

Those of you using Google Photos to create a backup of your photos might be interested in two impressive new features that gives you the ability to :
1) easily share your photos with others, and
2) create both soft cover and hard cover books from your photos
This video showcases these two new features.

A reminder for Windows users this week:  Remember to install updates as recommended by your computer.  Doing this helps keep your computer safe from viruses and hackers.  Many of you have computers that have been set to automatically install updates as they are shut down.  If not, click Install when you are notified there are updates waiting to be installed.
Caution:  If the message asks you to pay or upgrade to a premium account, that is not a Windows update.  You should never have to pay for a necessary Windows or Avast update for your computer.