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. :-/

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!

Update your Chrome browser now!

I just read a "tip" about the need for us all to update the Chrome browser on our laptops and desktop computers and I didn't want to wait to share it in next week's newsletter.  

There is a security flaw with the present version of Google Chrome that is presently being exploited by hackers. If you use Google Chrome to do your browsing online, please read more about it here and then do the update.

Your phone and tablet do not need the update.

If you have questions about whether you use Google Chrome or about how to do the update, please feel free to email me.

A few quick browser tips

There are some shortcuts you may want to remember when you are browsing online.  It doesn't matter whether you are using Chrome, IE, Safari, or Firefox, or if you are working on a PC or Mac.  Just remember, though, that usually on a Mac you use the Command key rather than the Control (CTRL) key for many shortcuts.

Have you ever closed a browser window accidentally?
To quickly reopenit, press - Command + Shift+ T on a Mac; CTRL+ Shift+ Ton a PC.

Are you having difficulty reading a webpage?
On a Mac, press Command +(plus key) Continuing to press the plus key will continue to zoom in and make the text larger.
On a PC, press CTRL + (plus key) Continuing to press the plus key will continue to zoom in and make the text larger.
Likewise, using the -(minus key) will zoom out and make the text smaller.

Want to quickly open a new Tab in  your browser?
On a Mac - Command+ T 
On a PC - CTRL + T

Happy browsing!

Time to do some cleaning!

Happy New Year!  Time to do some cleaning!

As you begin a new year, you may want to consider:

• deleting old emails 
• unsubscribing from companies you no longer want/need to hear from
• clearing out your viewing history on the browser (Chrome, Safari, Internet Explorer, Firefox) you use

Don't know how to do this?  Check out today's screencast!