Is your Christmas shopping all done? Or are you still looking for ideas? Check out the items below.
For iPhones/iPads Anker Nylon Lightning Cable(2 pk) - 6 foot nylon charging cables for your iPhone or iPad (I love mine!)
For Android phones - Anker Power Cable - 6 ft nylon charging cable
For charging your devices-on-the-go - Anker portable charger I was fortunate to pick up this item on Amazon Shopping Day in July for $19.99. Presently they sell for $32, but if you do a lot of traveling, have an older phone that doesn't keep its charge, or just like having the security of knowing you can always plug in your device to charge it, then you might want to consider purchasing this (or wait until it goes on sale again).
We LOVE our Echo Dot(s). We have 2nd Generation Dots, but right now the 3rd Generation Dots are on sale for only $5 more than the 2nd Generation. We have an Echo Dot on each floor of our house and use them to turn lamps off and on, set timers and reminders, add items to our grocery list, play Christmas music, and even play an occasional game. The possibilities are endless!
Tuesday, December 4, 2018
Tuesday, November 6, 2018
Keep moving forward with those passwords!
At this time of year when we check our smoke detectors, there is another task we should add to that list. It's a good time to do a check of our online security.
The newest operating system for iPhones now tells us when we have used the same password for multiple websites. As annoying as that may be, it is a GREAT reminder that we should never use the same password for more than one site....especially when money is exchanging hands.
How in the world can we ever remember a gazillion different passwords?
1) Start with a phrase or lyric to a favorite song: Ex.: Joy to the world, the Lord is come.
2) Use the first letter of each word: JttwtLic
3) Add a number by replacing the word "to" with the number "2". J2twtLic
3) Add a symbol to meet some website requirements. Use $ for "s". J2twtL$c Be creative!
4) Now that you have your 8-digit base password you can commit to memory, "personalize" it for each account by adding the first three letters of that account either to the beginning or end of the password. Amazon? J2twtL$cAma Facebook? J2twtL$cFac
If the thought of changing all your passwords is overwhelming, at least keep this tip in mind moving forward when you create new accounts.
The newest operating system for iPhones now tells us when we have used the same password for multiple websites. As annoying as that may be, it is a GREAT reminder that we should never use the same password for more than one site....especially when money is exchanging hands.
How in the world can we ever remember a gazillion different passwords?
1) Start with a phrase or lyric to a favorite song: Ex.: Joy to the world, the Lord is come.
2) Use the first letter of each word: JttwtLic
3) Add a number by replacing the word "to" with the number "2". J2twtLic
3) Add a symbol to meet some website requirements. Use $ for "s". J2twtL$c Be creative!
4) Now that you have your 8-digit base password you can commit to memory, "personalize" it for each account by adding the first three letters of that account either to the beginning or end of the password. Amazon? J2twtL$cAma Facebook? J2twtL$cFac
If the thought of changing all your passwords is overwhelming, at least keep this tip in mind moving forward when you create new accounts.
Tuesday, October 30, 2018
Cleaning screens
Whether your TV, desktop, laptop, tablet or smartphone need cleaning, you can follow the steps below:
1) Turn off the device. It is easier to see the fingerprints and smudges if the device is off. You also won't accidentally press any keys or buttons during the process.
2) Using a soft, drycloth (think microfiber) or a dry eraser, GENTLY wipe the screen.
3) If smudges remain do not press harder (especiallyon a TV which is constructed differently than that of a "touch" device.) Lightly dampen the cloth with water to remove remaining smudges. Note: Pushing harder on a TV screen can cause pixels to burn out.
4) Cleaning products can be used on the edges and case of a device, but AVOID getting any on the screen.
DO NOT use paper towels, rags, tissues, or your shirt to clean devices. These can cause scratches.
DO NOT spray water directly on the screen. Always just dampen your cloth to remove smudges.
Happy cleaning!
1) Turn off the device. It is easier to see the fingerprints and smudges if the device is off. You also won't accidentally press any keys or buttons during the process.
2) Using a soft, drycloth (think microfiber) or a dry eraser, GENTLY wipe the screen.
3) If smudges remain do not press harder (especiallyon a TV which is constructed differently than that of a "touch" device.) Lightly dampen the cloth with water to remove remaining smudges. Note: Pushing harder on a TV screen can cause pixels to burn out.
4) Cleaning products can be used on the edges and case of a device, but AVOID getting any on the screen.
DO NOT use paper towels, rags, tissues, or your shirt to clean devices. These can cause scratches.
DO NOT spray water directly on the screen. Always just dampen your cloth to remove smudges.
Happy cleaning!
Tuesday, October 23, 2018
Medicare Part D plans
It's that time of year .....again! You can review, compare and join a 2019 drug plan now through December 7, 2018. It is strongly recommended that we seniors annually review our drug plans so there are no surprises. Premiums change as do the tiers for drugs we presently take.
There are 3 different methods you can use to review your plan:
1) Make an appointment with a local pharmacist and ask for their help in determining what is best for you. Be sure to take your Medicare card and your list of medicines with you.
2) For people living in this area - Make an appointment through the Lyon County Extension Office. Contact Rhonda Gordon at 620-341-3220 to make an appointment to verify that you have the best plan both financially and for your prescription needs. Be sure to take your Medicare card and your list of medicines with you to your appointment.
3) If you'd like to explore the Drug Plan options yourself, the medicare.gov website is excellent! https://www.medicare.gov/find-a-plan/questions/home.aspx We've used it the past couple of years. Results were identical to those we received from the Lyon County Extension Office. The website is exactly the same one the SHICK program used last year (and my guess is that pharmacists also use the same website).
If you'd like help using the website, there are 5 video tutorials (anywhere from 1-5 minutes in length):
Getting Started
Entering Your Prescription Drugs
Selecting Pharmacies
Refining and Sorting Plan Results
Comparing Plans
Whatever method you choose, please review your present plan. Costs can change dramatically from year to year, so even if you choose to stay with the same plan next year, at least you can know what the increase in premiums or drugs will be.
There are 3 different methods you can use to review your plan:
1) Make an appointment with a local pharmacist and ask for their help in determining what is best for you. Be sure to take your Medicare card and your list of medicines with you.
2) For people living in this area - Make an appointment through the Lyon County Extension Office. Contact Rhonda Gordon at 620-341-3220 to make an appointment to verify that you have the best plan both financially and for your prescription needs. Be sure to take your Medicare card and your list of medicines with you to your appointment.
3) If you'd like to explore the Drug Plan options yourself, the medicare.gov website is excellent! https://www.medicare.gov/find-a-plan/questions/home.aspx We've used it the past couple of years. Results were identical to those we received from the Lyon County Extension Office. The website is exactly the same one the SHICK program used last year (and my guess is that pharmacists also use the same website).
If you'd like help using the website, there are 5 video tutorials (anywhere from 1-5 minutes in length):
Getting Started
Entering Your Prescription Drugs
Selecting Pharmacies
Refining and Sorting Plan Results
Comparing Plans
Whatever method you choose, please review your present plan. Costs can change dramatically from year to year, so even if you choose to stay with the same plan next year, at least you can know what the increase in premiums or drugs will be.
Tuesday, October 9, 2018
Facebook. No, you haven't been hacked.
Don't panic or worry. Your Facebook account has not been hacked.
If you are a Facebook user, more than likely you've seen multiple postings in the past week from your "Friends" stating that their account has been hacked and not to accept any "Friend Requests" from them. This has not happened, and they/you do not need to be concerned with it. You do not need to change your password. And, please do not post any variation of that message on your own Timeline. :-)
Want more information about this? Check out this article.
Happy Facebooking!
If you are a Facebook user, more than likely you've seen multiple postings in the past week from your "Friends" stating that their account has been hacked and not to accept any "Friend Requests" from them. This has not happened, and they/you do not need to be concerned with it. You do not need to change your password. And, please do not post any variation of that message on your own Timeline. :-)
Want more information about this? Check out this article.
Happy Facebooking!
Tuesday, September 25, 2018
Freeze your Credit Now.....Free!
If you're like me (do as I say not as I do), you did not follow through on your good intentions a year ago. Even though the recommendation following the Equifax breach was to "freeze your credit" to be safe, only 17% of the nation's citizens did that.
But, as of last Friday, freezing your credit at all three major credit reporting companies - Equifax, Experian and TransUnion - is free! (Procrastination pays off in this case). The process has not been shortened, but you can't beat "free." Credit freezes restrict access to your credit file and make it more difficult for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name.
Want more information and the "how-to's"? Here are two great links:
1) From the government website: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2018/09/free-credit-freezes-are-here
2) For the "how-to's" and links: https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2018/09/21/equifax-free-credit-freeze-new-law/1377815002/
Just set aside one hour and DO IT!
But, as of last Friday, freezing your credit at all three major credit reporting companies - Equifax, Experian and TransUnion - is free! (Procrastination pays off in this case). The process has not been shortened, but you can't beat "free." Credit freezes restrict access to your credit file and make it more difficult for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name.
Want more information and the "how-to's"? Here are two great links:
1) From the government website: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2018/09/free-credit-freezes-are-here
2) For the "how-to's" and links: https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2018/09/21/equifax-free-credit-freeze-new-law/1377815002/
Just set aside one hour and DO IT!
Tuesday, September 11, 2018
Updates
Should you install updates on your computer, your smartphone and your tablet when they become available? Yes, as soon as possible.
Hopefully, the settings on your devices allow updates to be installed automatically as they become available. If not or you don't know when updates are installed, you may want to look at your Settings or Preferences to make that change. Some computers may have been set to install updates automatically upon shutdown, so if you leave your computer on all the time, your updates are not getting installed.
Why are updates important? Software updates perform a myriad of tasks. Updates may install new features, remove outdated features, update computer drivers, fix "bugs", but most importantly, fix security issues that have been discovered.
*Note for iPhone users: Tomorrow Apple will unveil 3 new iPhones; that event will be followed next week by the release of a new operating system for all iPhones - iOS12. Any new operating system usually has some "bugs", so once it is released there will probably be several quick updates as issues are discovered. Make sure you are installing those updates. Look in Settings - General - Software Update.
Hopefully, the settings on your devices allow updates to be installed automatically as they become available. If not or you don't know when updates are installed, you may want to look at your Settings or Preferences to make that change. Some computers may have been set to install updates automatically upon shutdown, so if you leave your computer on all the time, your updates are not getting installed.
Why are updates important? Software updates perform a myriad of tasks. Updates may install new features, remove outdated features, update computer drivers, fix "bugs", but most importantly, fix security issues that have been discovered.
*Note for iPhone users: Tomorrow Apple will unveil 3 new iPhones; that event will be followed next week by the release of a new operating system for all iPhones - iOS12. Any new operating system usually has some "bugs", so once it is released there will probably be several quick updates as issues are discovered. Make sure you are installing those updates. Look in Settings - General - Software Update.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)