I use Safari to browse on my laptop, and I usually tell it to remember my password when creating a new account, although this really isn't the most secure thing to do (a topic for another newsletter.) However, I had no idea Google Chrome was also storing all those passwords and making them available on their website.
I was amazed when I went to this link: https://passwords.google.com/ and then logged in with my Google password! I had no idea this resource existed. While visiting that site, I did the "Password Checkup" and found that 7 of my accounts had passwords that had been exposed in a third-party breach. The checkup also let me know that I had 85 accounts with a reused password (a no-no), and 73 accounts with a weak password.
So, now, what do I need to do?
1) I'm going to change the passwords that have been exposed
2) I'll enhance my "weak" passwords.
3) AND, I'm going to delete a lot of that stored information from Google! Google does not need to be storing all of my information.
At the very least, I'd encourage you to check out your own information at the link, https://passwords.google.com/, then you can decide if you want/need to make changes.
And, if you are an organized person, maybe you could put this activity on your calendar to review every couple of months.
It seems like there's always something to do, huh? Hopefully this week, though, you can enjoy some time with family and friends! Happy Thanksgiving!
Tuesday, November 26, 2019
Tuesday, November 19, 2019
Black Friday and Cyber Monday - be prepared!
Don't wait until Thanksgiving to make your plans for Black Friday or Cyber Monday shopping; start now.
Don't start making purchases now, but begin making plans to prevent getting sucked in to what APPEARS to be a great deal next week.
Below are several things to consider:
1) Do your research now. Think about items you may be purchasing soon and research them online now. Check model and product numbers so you can actually compare prices wisely. Black Friday ads from many companies are already available for your perusal.
2) Find the best price. Apps and websites are available to help you compare prices. Take a look at these: Shopzilla, Honey, and PriceGrabber. CamelCamelCamel tracks prices on Amazon for you. If you're interested in using an app on your smartphone, check out this site.
3) Don't just use Amazon. Other stores may have much better prices including company websites for the products themselves.
4) Act quickly. When shopping online, put an item in your basket before looking elsewhere to compare prices. Typically, you have 15 minutes to checkout and claim the item.
5) Don't buy new items. Typically, the best Black Friday sales are on items that companies are trying to clear out of their inventory. According to Consumer Reports, the best prices (other than a few "hot" items to draw customers in) will be on merchandise that is at least a year old.
Set your budget; stick to it, and have fun if you are looking for some "deals." If you have other suggestions you'd like to share, please let me know and I will include them in next week's Tip.
Don't start making purchases now, but begin making plans to prevent getting sucked in to what APPEARS to be a great deal next week.
Below are several things to consider:
1) Do your research now. Think about items you may be purchasing soon and research them online now. Check model and product numbers so you can actually compare prices wisely. Black Friday ads from many companies are already available for your perusal.
2) Find the best price. Apps and websites are available to help you compare prices. Take a look at these: Shopzilla, Honey, and PriceGrabber. CamelCamelCamel tracks prices on Amazon for you. If you're interested in using an app on your smartphone, check out this site.
3) Don't just use Amazon. Other stores may have much better prices including company websites for the products themselves.
4) Act quickly. When shopping online, put an item in your basket before looking elsewhere to compare prices. Typically, you have 15 minutes to checkout and claim the item.
5) Don't buy new items. Typically, the best Black Friday sales are on items that companies are trying to clear out of their inventory. According to Consumer Reports, the best prices (other than a few "hot" items to draw customers in) will be on merchandise that is at least a year old.
Set your budget; stick to it, and have fun if you are looking for some "deals." If you have other suggestions you'd like to share, please let me know and I will include them in next week's Tip.
Tuesday, November 12, 2019
Don't click that link! Holiday shopping is in full swing!
My Facebook feed is overflowing with "Sponsored" ads. It also seems that almost every other post is about something I "don't want to miss out on" this holiday season. And those "50% of everything in Target" coupons are beginning to surface.
How can I resist? Very easily!
I RARELY click on any "Sponsored" ad or advertisement in Facebook OR anywhere online. Yes, I get very tempted, but I don't do it.
Most ads are for products that are not quality items. If you are indeed interested in an item in one of the ads, do your own search on Amazon or Google for that product, and before buying check out multiple reviews by others who have purchased the item. Do not buy from the link on Facebook or other social media websites.
Many ads are scams OR are phishing for your personal data. Some links such as "50% of everything in Target" will direct you to a fake site that looks like Target and will ask you to log in with your username and password. Your login will not work, but they will have captured your information so that they can now use it on the "real" Target website.
Don't let the Black Friday mentality get you in its grips. Remember - If it sounds and looks too good to be true, it probably is.
Have a terrific Tuesday, and for those of you living in my area, be encouraged. It has already gone from 6 to 7 degrees since I woke up this morning, and it will be warmer today than yesterday!
How can I resist? Very easily!
I RARELY click on any "Sponsored" ad or advertisement in Facebook OR anywhere online. Yes, I get very tempted, but I don't do it.
Most ads are for products that are not quality items. If you are indeed interested in an item in one of the ads, do your own search on Amazon or Google for that product, and before buying check out multiple reviews by others who have purchased the item. Do not buy from the link on Facebook or other social media websites.
Many ads are scams OR are phishing for your personal data. Some links such as "50% of everything in Target" will direct you to a fake site that looks like Target and will ask you to log in with your username and password. Your login will not work, but they will have captured your information so that they can now use it on the "real" Target website.
Don't let the Black Friday mentality get you in its grips. Remember - If it sounds and looks too good to be true, it probably is.
Have a terrific Tuesday, and for those of you living in my area, be encouraged. It has already gone from 6 to 7 degrees since I woke up this morning, and it will be warmer today than yesterday!
Tuesday, November 5, 2019
Thinking about cutting the cable cord?
TV watching seems to be moving away from cable TV. Many streaming services are providing great alternatives at a lower price.
We've only recently begun to seriously explore the possibility of eliminating our TV package through the local cable company. But I believe it is going to be a good move for us......as soon as we decide which alternative streaming service(s) will work best for us.
We've only recently begun to seriously explore the possibility of eliminating our TV package through the local cable company. But I believe it is going to be a good move for us......as soon as we decide which alternative streaming service(s) will work best for us.
A couple of websites we've found very interesting (and the first one was even supplied by our local cable provider to help us with our selection of streaming services):
https://www.suppose.tv/tv - allows you to select the channels you presently watch and then suggests streaming services as well as devices you might choose (Roku, Chromecast, Apple TV, etc.)
Comparison of streaming services:
https://www.pcmag.com/roundup/336650/the-best-video-streaming-services
I'll let you know as soon as we've made our decision; it is requiring some reading and learning on our part.......something that the younger generation just "knows." What we've learned is to just ask questions.......that is the only way to move forward.
https://www.suppose.tv/tv - allows you to select the channels you presently watch and then suggests streaming services as well as devices you might choose (Roku, Chromecast, Apple TV, etc.)
Comparison of streaming services:
https://www.pcmag.com/roundup/336650/the-best-video-streaming-services
I'll let you know as soon as we've made our decision; it is requiring some reading and learning on our part.......something that the younger generation just "knows." What we've learned is to just ask questions.......that is the only way to move forward.
Tuesday, October 29, 2019
YouTube - Closed Captioning and Transcripts
Have you ever wished you could have a transcript of a YouTube video you watched?
Do you ever use Closed Captioning on YouTube videos? Did you even know that you could?
I occasionally watch YouTube videos to learn how to do something or to learn more about a topic or person. I just learned about two "tools" available for YouTube videos that may help me when I do that: Closed Captioning and Transcripts
I made a screencast to show you how to access both Closed Captioning and Transcripts on YouTube: http://somup.com/cq6UXgff9f It demonstrates how to do this on a laptop or desktop computer. The screen on your mobile device will look a little different, so you will just have to explore.
Now....not all videos have transcripts available using the method I demonstrate in the screencast, so you may need to copy and paste the URL (address) of the YouTube video using this website to access a transcript of a video: https://www.vidreader.com
Disclaimer: As with any digitally transcribed text, the transcript may contain words that are misspelled. :-)
Happy Halloween week! And, if you live in my area.......brrrrrrrrrrrrr!
Jeline
All of my weekly tips can be found here: http://tuesdaytechtidbit.blogspot.com
Do you ever use Closed Captioning on YouTube videos? Did you even know that you could?
I occasionally watch YouTube videos to learn how to do something or to learn more about a topic or person. I just learned about two "tools" available for YouTube videos that may help me when I do that: Closed Captioning and Transcripts
I made a screencast to show you how to access both Closed Captioning and Transcripts on YouTube: http://somup.com/cq6UXgff9f It demonstrates how to do this on a laptop or desktop computer. The screen on your mobile device will look a little different, so you will just have to explore.
Now....not all videos have transcripts available using the method I demonstrate in the screencast, so you may need to copy and paste the URL (address) of the YouTube video using this website to access a transcript of a video: https://www.vidreader.com
Disclaimer: As with any digitally transcribed text, the transcript may contain words that are misspelled. :-)
Happy Halloween week! And, if you live in my area.......brrrrrrrrrrrrr!
Jeline
All of my weekly tips can be found here: http://tuesdaytechtidbit.blogspot.com
Tuesday, October 22, 2019
Medicare Part D
If you are 65 then it's time to review your Part D drug plan. (If you are presently in my Computing for Seniors class, you can stop reading now because we've already reviewed this together).
I still talk with people who have not reviewed their Part D plan since originally signing up for it. Do yourself a favor and take time annually to review your plan: either online, make an appointment with your pharmacist, talk with your Extension Office or watch for other local agencies to offer the service.
All entities reviewing drug plans use the same website to evaluate the available plans in your state: https://www.medicare.gov/plan-compare/#/?lang=en You can also do it yourself: sign in or use the website without logging in. The advantage of logging in to your Medicare account is that all of your present medications will automatically be on your list.
Whether or not your medications have changed, you still need to evaluate the plans and select the best one for you before December 7. Drug plans, drug tiers, and premiums change annually. The same drug can be on different tiers in different plans thus changing its cost. Don't just assume that what you are presently enrolled in is the best plan for you next year.
For example: I have been on the "Humana WalMart Rx" plan for the past two years. That plan will no longer be available in 2020. If I do nothing, I will automatically be enrolled in the "Humana Premiere" plan which will more than double my premium cost next year and cost much more than if I enroll myself in the new "Humana Value" plan. If I choose this plan, my premium will be $10 less per month. The increased cost of my two meds on this plan will be more than offset by the decrease in premium.
The other thing I am noticing is that a mail-order prescription for 90 days will cost more than if I get it at a local pharmacy. This is a big change for me. I've noticed this to be true in several different companies, so if you are in the habit of doing mail order, it might be wise to check with your local pharmacy (which you can do online in the comparison section) to determine which is the cheapest method of obtaining your drugs.
All of this can be overwhelming at first, but the more you access the website, the more comfortable you will be with it. Don't be afraid to play around with it. I've made a screencast to show you how to navigate the website: https://screencast-o-matic.com/watch/cq63eTu5bT
If you aren't interested in using the website, then make an appointment now with your pharmacist or local agency offering this service. Following the appointment, try using the Medicare website just to see if you come up with the same recommendation.
One last tip: Unless you are in an urban setting, Medicare Advantage plans (which can include your drugs) are usually not beneficial because you are restricted to doctors in select networks.
So, feel empowered; you can do this! Visit medicare.gov soon and give it a try! Please share with me if you learn additional information during this process.
Jeline
I still talk with people who have not reviewed their Part D plan since originally signing up for it. Do yourself a favor and take time annually to review your plan: either online, make an appointment with your pharmacist, talk with your Extension Office or watch for other local agencies to offer the service.
All entities reviewing drug plans use the same website to evaluate the available plans in your state: https://www.medicare.gov/plan-compare/#/?lang=en You can also do it yourself: sign in or use the website without logging in. The advantage of logging in to your Medicare account is that all of your present medications will automatically be on your list.
Whether or not your medications have changed, you still need to evaluate the plans and select the best one for you before December 7. Drug plans, drug tiers, and premiums change annually. The same drug can be on different tiers in different plans thus changing its cost. Don't just assume that what you are presently enrolled in is the best plan for you next year.
For example: I have been on the "Humana WalMart Rx" plan for the past two years. That plan will no longer be available in 2020. If I do nothing, I will automatically be enrolled in the "Humana Premiere" plan which will more than double my premium cost next year and cost much more than if I enroll myself in the new "Humana Value" plan. If I choose this plan, my premium will be $10 less per month. The increased cost of my two meds on this plan will be more than offset by the decrease in premium.
The other thing I am noticing is that a mail-order prescription for 90 days will cost more than if I get it at a local pharmacy. This is a big change for me. I've noticed this to be true in several different companies, so if you are in the habit of doing mail order, it might be wise to check with your local pharmacy (which you can do online in the comparison section) to determine which is the cheapest method of obtaining your drugs.
All of this can be overwhelming at first, but the more you access the website, the more comfortable you will be with it. Don't be afraid to play around with it. I've made a screencast to show you how to navigate the website: https://screencast-o-matic.com/watch/cq63eTu5bT
If you aren't interested in using the website, then make an appointment now with your pharmacist or local agency offering this service. Following the appointment, try using the Medicare website just to see if you come up with the same recommendation.
One last tip: Unless you are in an urban setting, Medicare Advantage plans (which can include your drugs) are usually not beneficial because you are restricted to doctors in select networks.
So, feel empowered; you can do this! Visit medicare.gov soon and give it a try! Please share with me if you learn additional information during this process.
Jeline
Tuesday, October 15, 2019
Amazon Reviews
I've always relied on Amazon reviews to help with my online purchases....even when I buy a product elsewhere. However, a recent article I read reduces my confidence in those reviews.
Have you ever read Amazon reviews that describe items other than what you you are looking at? Have you wondered how a review for a toy or book that is different than what you are viewing is in the list of reviews? I always thought it was because someone posted their review in the wrong place. However, that is not the case.
Unscrupulous sellers have found a way to incorporate reviews from multiple items they may be selling or have sold. This is done to "boost" their 5-star reviews. Amazon is aware of this but relies on us, the buyers, to report these items.
This article from Consumer Reports goes into much more detail as to the why's and how's of fake Amazon reviews. I was so disheartened to learn this; this is a reason to buy from "name-brand" sellers on Amazon (not third-party sellers) and also to look for reviews of items elsewhere in addition to Amazon.
Happy Tuesday; happy shopping! Only 71 days until Christmas.
Have you ever read Amazon reviews that describe items other than what you you are looking at? Have you wondered how a review for a toy or book that is different than what you are viewing is in the list of reviews? I always thought it was because someone posted their review in the wrong place. However, that is not the case.
Unscrupulous sellers have found a way to incorporate reviews from multiple items they may be selling or have sold. This is done to "boost" their 5-star reviews. Amazon is aware of this but relies on us, the buyers, to report these items.
This article from Consumer Reports goes into much more detail as to the why's and how's of fake Amazon reviews. I was so disheartened to learn this; this is a reason to buy from "name-brand" sellers on Amazon (not third-party sellers) and also to look for reviews of items elsewhere in addition to Amazon.
Happy Tuesday; happy shopping! Only 71 days until Christmas.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)