A keyboard shortcut I use daily helps me navigate through the open tabs in Safari, Chrome, Edge, Internet Explorer, Firefox, etc.:
On a Mac or PC laptop or desktop computer - Control (Ctrl) +Tab (press Control then press Tabrepeatedly as you scroll through the open tabs)
Open your browser then open several different websites in different tabs and try it out right now! The only way to embrace a new keyboard shortcut is to do it deliberately and repeatedly for awhile to see if it is beneficial for you.
In defense of my keeping many tabs open on a browser:
1) If I am gathering information for a class or group, I don't want to open each website repeatedly; I just leave the page open.
2) I alternate working between my devices: laptop, iPhone and iPad. By leaving the tabs open in Safari, I can pick up where I left off on any of those devices. Maybe more about that at a later date.
3) I recently added the Chrome extension OneTab; I haven't decided yet if I like using it as a replacement for displaying all open tabs, but I'm giving it a try.
Tuesday, January 29, 2019
Tuesday, January 22, 2019
Keyboard shortcut
As some of you have observed during my Computing for Seniors class, I work with a lot of applications open on my computer, particularly when I am working on items for my class or when I'm working on items for a couple of groups of which I am a member.
I use one keyboard shortcut quite frequently and some of you may find it useful, too, when working on your laptop or desktop computer.
On a Mac - Command +Tab (press Command then press Tab repeatedly as you scroll through the open applications)
On a PC- Alt +Tab (press Alt then press Tab repeatedly as you scroll through the open applications)
Open several different applications and try it out right now before you forget.
There are MANY keyboard shortcuts that can make it easier to work on your laptop or desktop, and I'm sure you are familiar with some of them. If you'd like to refresh your memory or see if there are any others that might be beneficial for you, check out this page for both Mac and Windows shortcuts.
I use one keyboard shortcut quite frequently and some of you may find it useful, too, when working on your laptop or desktop computer.
On a Mac - Command +Tab (press Command then press Tab repeatedly as you scroll through the open applications)
On a PC- Alt +Tab (press Alt then press Tab repeatedly as you scroll through the open applications)
Open several different applications and try it out right now before you forget.
There are MANY keyboard shortcuts that can make it easier to work on your laptop or desktop, and I'm sure you are familiar with some of them. If you'd like to refresh your memory or see if there are any others that might be beneficial for you, check out this page for both Mac and Windows shortcuts.
Tuesday, December 11, 2018
Favorite tech resources
Although I read tech "stuff" almost daily online, below are some of my favorite "go-to's" when I want to learn new skills or understand how something works.
GCFLearnFree - excellent lessons, both video and text, on a wide range of topics: Microsoft Office, email,Using the Internet, Mac, Windows, and computer basics.
Steve Dotto - dottotech https://www.youtube.com/user/dottotech
Anson Alexander- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl6P0T27tGd2YExINbzKR0Q
Have a terrific Tuesday!
GCFLearnFree - excellent lessons, both video and text, on a wide range of topics: Microsoft Office, email,Using the Internet, Mac, Windows, and computer basics.
Steve Dotto - dottotech https://www.youtube.com/user/dottotech
Anson Alexander- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl6P0T27tGd2YExINbzKR0Q
Have a terrific Tuesday!
Tuesday, December 4, 2018
Tech gifts for Christmas?
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!
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, 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.
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