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.  :-)