April Meetings 2019
Apr 4, 2019 - Deleting online accounts, Do not Disturb, Phone projectors
No CLICKING on UNKNOWN LINKS, EVER!
CLUB QUESTIONS
Deleting Online Accounts
Once you've been in the online world for a while, you may have collected some online accounts that you no longer need. Here's a good article showing you how to delete some of the most popular company accounts.
No CLICKING on UNKNOWN LINKS, EVER!
CLUB QUESTIONS
Deleting Online Accounts
Once you've been in the online world for a while, you may have collected some online accounts that you no longer need. Here's a good article showing you how to delete some of the most popular company accounts.
Projector for your Phone?
Is it possible to project images from a smartphone? As you might have already guessed, it is possible and there are several different ways to do it, some lean more towards DIY (do it yourself) while others rely on the sophistication of modern technology. Here’s a couple of videos addressing homemade projectors for your phone, first a very simple DIY solution. And here’s another, slightly more complicated version of a DIY projector for your phone. Both of these videos show how to build your own cardboard projector with commonly found items (shoebox, magnifying glass).
Is it possible to project images from a smartphone? As you might have already guessed, it is possible and there are several different ways to do it, some lean more towards DIY (do it yourself) while others rely on the sophistication of modern technology. Here’s a couple of videos addressing homemade projectors for your phone, first a very simple DIY solution. And here’s another, slightly more complicated version of a DIY projector for your phone. Both of these videos show how to build your own cardboard projector with commonly found items (shoebox, magnifying glass).
But if you're not into the shoebox solution and are looking for a little more tech, there are lots of modern projectors that will sync up with our smartphones. Both wireless and wired projectors are available in a variety of sizes. This article goes over how to connect an iPhone to a projector in several different ways. And this article talks you through connecting an Android device to a projector.
DO NOT DISTURB
It's a busy world, but you don't have to listen to it all day long, at least not in terms of phone calls, texts and notifications. Every modern smartphone has a "Do Not Disturb" feature on it, this allows the user to set time limits on when your phone is allowed to make noise and bother you. For you iPhone users here's an article (with pics) that goes over all the basics for enabling do not disturb on any iPhone. Android users can watch this video and learn all the details of do not disturb.
DO NOT DISTURB
It's a busy world, but you don't have to listen to it all day long, at least not in terms of phone calls, texts and notifications. Every modern smartphone has a "Do Not Disturb" feature on it, this allows the user to set time limits on when your phone is allowed to make noise and bother you. For you iPhone users here's an article (with pics) that goes over all the basics for enabling do not disturb on any iPhone. Android users can watch this video and learn all the details of do not disturb.
Apr 11, 2019 - Sharing music & bookmarks, Cutting the cable cord
Don't Click on links that come from an unknown source.
CLUB QUESTIONS
Don't Click on links that come from an unknown source.
CLUB QUESTIONS
Sharing is Caring
This week started with the age old question of how do you share your music with your friend or another device or your computer. How can you share your music? This picture-filled article goes over almost every possible way you'd want to share your music. As soon as I wrote that last sentence, I knew it was wrong, there are many ways to move music around, for example, if you use an Android device and you would like to sync to a computer using Windows 10 via Windows Media Player, watch this video.
This week started with the age old question of how do you share your music with your friend or another device or your computer. How can you share your music? This picture-filled article goes over almost every possible way you'd want to share your music. As soon as I wrote that last sentence, I knew it was wrong, there are many ways to move music around, for example, if you use an Android device and you would like to sync to a computer using Windows 10 via Windows Media Player, watch this video.
Bookmark Sharing
Maybe you've had a problem with Chrome, it's not working right and you decided to delete it and then download and install a new version of Chrome. If you delete Chrome and reinstall it do you lose your bookmarks? If you have a Google account, for example a Gmail account, then all your bookmarks are saved in the cloud. As soon as you opened the new version of Chrome, you could import the saved bookmarks from your cloud account. Here’s how to properly uninstall and then reinstall Chrome on Mac and Windows systems.
Maybe you've had a problem with Chrome, it's not working right and you decided to delete it and then download and install a new version of Chrome. If you delete Chrome and reinstall it do you lose your bookmarks? If you have a Google account, for example a Gmail account, then all your bookmarks are saved in the cloud. As soon as you opened the new version of Chrome, you could import the saved bookmarks from your cloud account. Here’s how to properly uninstall and then reinstall Chrome on Mac and Windows systems.
|
|
More on Cord Cutting Services
For those of you who have cut the cable cord you know you first need a device to connect to the internet with, these devices come in many shapes and sizes; Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Firestick, Mi Box, etc are all devices that will allow your device (phone, TV, computer) to access a wide variety of programs and movies as provided by The Service. There you have it, buy a one-time purchase of a cable providers USB device that allows you to connect to the services, then decide on which digital service fits your needs best. The Services are always purchased on a monthly subscription basis. Below you will find a more detailed description of what each of your digital cable providers offer and how much they charge for it each month. If you click on the logo, it will open a new page on that service's website. There's no favourites here, but most of them offer some sort of free trial so you can see if the service fits you before you buy. As time goes by, the prices represented below may change, so click on any of the company logos below to see more details on what they offer currently. |
|
Hulu
Plans: For $7.99 a month, subscribers can access the Hulu Streaming Library. For $39.99 a month, viewers have access to the Hulu With Live TV plan, which features more than 50 live and on-demand channels and allows streaming on two screens simultaneously. Add-ons like enhanced cloud DVR, unlimited screens, and no commercials are also available.
Plans: For $7.99 a month, subscribers can access the Hulu Streaming Library. For $39.99 a month, viewers have access to the Hulu With Live TV plan, which features more than 50 live and on-demand channels and allows streaming on two screens simultaneously. Add-ons like enhanced cloud DVR, unlimited screens, and no commercials are also available.
Netflix
Plans: For $7.99 a month, viewers can watch in standard definition on one device at a time with the Basic plan. The $10.99 per month Standard plan throws in high definition and one more device for simultaneous streaming. The Premium plan goes for $13.99 per month, provides ultra high definition, and lets you stream on up to four screens at once.
Plans: For $7.99 a month, viewers can watch in standard definition on one device at a time with the Basic plan. The $10.99 per month Standard plan throws in high definition and one more device for simultaneous streaming. The Premium plan goes for $13.99 per month, provides ultra high definition, and lets you stream on up to four screens at once.
Sling TV
Plans: The base plan, Sling Orange, gives viewers more than 25 channels for $20 per month. You can get Sling Blue and the more than 40 channels that come with it for an extra $5 per month. For the best of both worlds, get the Sling Orange + Sling Blue plan, which comes with more than 50 channels for $40 per month. They also offer several $5/month add-ons for specialties like, sports, kids shows, news channels and foreign language channels.
Plans: The base plan, Sling Orange, gives viewers more than 25 channels for $20 per month. You can get Sling Blue and the more than 40 channels that come with it for an extra $5 per month. For the best of both worlds, get the Sling Orange + Sling Blue plan, which comes with more than 50 channels for $40 per month. They also offer several $5/month add-ons for specialties like, sports, kids shows, news channels and foreign language channels.
DirecTV
Plans: The base plan offers 155 channels for $35/month + taxes, and prices go up from there, but there’s also an issue with the final price you pay, according to DirecTV the base plan they advertise for $35/mo. in the pricing section it says the following about the same plan, “w/ 24-mo. agreement. Autopay & Paperless bill req’d. Pay $40/mo + taxes until discount starts. $81/mo. in months 13-24 (subject to change).” Not sure what they are doing with the price there, but that’s enuf to make me say no to DirecTV.
Plans: The base plan offers 155 channels for $35/month + taxes, and prices go up from there, but there’s also an issue with the final price you pay, according to DirecTV the base plan they advertise for $35/mo. in the pricing section it says the following about the same plan, “w/ 24-mo. agreement. Autopay & Paperless bill req’d. Pay $40/mo + taxes until discount starts. $81/mo. in months 13-24 (subject to change).” Not sure what they are doing with the price there, but that’s enuf to make me say no to DirecTV.
HBO Now
Plans: This service (not to be confused with HBO Go, which requires a television subscription) runs for $14.99 per month and you won’t have to sit through any ads. After some careful searching, I could not find out exactly how many channels HBO supplies you with, somewhere between a half dozen and a dozen offering lots of premium movie channels and original content at well. And winter is coming...
Plans: This service (not to be confused with HBO Go, which requires a television subscription) runs for $14.99 per month and you won’t have to sit through any ads. After some careful searching, I could not find out exactly how many channels HBO supplies you with, somewhere between a half dozen and a dozen offering lots of premium movie channels and original content at well. And winter is coming...
Amazon Prime Video
Plans: If you already have an Amazon Prime subscription, you're in luck. Amazon Prime Video comes included for Prime members. If you aren't an Amazon Prime customer, you can subscribe to the video service alone for $8.99 per month. Each month Amazon Prime offers more and more original content, much like what Netflix is doing.
Plans: If you already have an Amazon Prime subscription, you're in luck. Amazon Prime Video comes included for Prime members. If you aren't an Amazon Prime customer, you can subscribe to the video service alone for $8.99 per month. Each month Amazon Prime offers more and more original content, much like what Netflix is doing.
YouTube TV
Plans: The only plan available costs $49 per month, with add-ons like the Showtime network available for an additional monthly fee. This service only recently went national and there are still lots of limitations on its VOD (video on demand), but has a solid lineup of basic cable channels with a few surprises thrown in.
Plans: The only plan available costs $49 per month, with add-ons like the Showtime network available for an additional monthly fee. This service only recently went national and there are still lots of limitations on its VOD (video on demand), but has a solid lineup of basic cable channels with a few surprises thrown in.
Philo TV
Plans: You can get 37 channels for $16 per month, or 46 channels for $20 per month. Channel add-ons are available for an extra $4 per month. A somewhat limited basic channel list is still by far the least expensive of any on this list. Simple UI for their app, similar to SlingTV in form and function.
Plans: You can get 37 channels for $16 per month, or 46 channels for $20 per month. Channel add-ons are available for an extra $4 per month. A somewhat limited basic channel list is still by far the least expensive of any on this list. Simple UI for their app, similar to SlingTV in form and function.
PlayStation Vue
Plans: For $39.99 per month, users get more than 40 channels of popular live TV with the Access plan. One step higher up the ladder is the Core plan, which adds sports to the mix for a total of $44.99 per month. The $54.99 per month Elite plan throws in movies, and the priciest subscription is the $74.99 per month Ultra plan, which includes all of the above plus premium networks like HBO and Showtime, for a total of more than 90 networks.
Plans: For $39.99 per month, users get more than 40 channels of popular live TV with the Access plan. One step higher up the ladder is the Core plan, which adds sports to the mix for a total of $44.99 per month. The $54.99 per month Elite plan throws in movies, and the priciest subscription is the $74.99 per month Ultra plan, which includes all of the above plus premium networks like HBO and Showtime, for a total of more than 90 networks.
Pluto TV
Plans: None. Pluto TV is 100 percent free to use. As the only entirely free service on this list, Pluto TV offers more than 100 channels, no subscription necessary. Besides TV and movies, the platform even features internet radio stations and videos. The streaming service is compatible with many devices, including smart televisions like Vizio TVs or connected TV devices like Amazon Fire TVs.
Plans: None. Pluto TV is 100 percent free to use. As the only entirely free service on this list, Pluto TV offers more than 100 channels, no subscription necessary. Besides TV and movies, the platform even features internet radio stations and videos. The streaming service is compatible with many devices, including smart televisions like Vizio TVs or connected TV devices like Amazon Fire TVs.
FuboTV
Plans: Its English-language subscription plan, Fubo Premier, comes at a discounted rate of $19.99 for the first month, but then rises to $44.99 for each month after that. There's also a Fubo Latino plan for $17.99 per month and a Fubo Português plan for $19.99 per month. Heavily targets sports fans (originally a soccer channel).
Plans: Its English-language subscription plan, Fubo Premier, comes at a discounted rate of $19.99 for the first month, but then rises to $44.99 for each month after that. There's also a Fubo Latino plan for $17.99 per month and a Fubo Português plan for $19.99 per month. Heavily targets sports fans (originally a soccer channel).
Kanopy.com
Plans: It's totally free. Kanopy is the national source for all public libraries and with just your library card number, you can open an account and gain access to their rather impressive vault of films and documentaries. There's lots to see here, especially documentaries and nature topics. Keep in mind, you only get to view up to 10 shows/films per month. The start of each new month, your number goes back to 10. A great free alternative.
And for those of you on a tighter budget, here's LifeWire's List of best Free Movie websites available in 2019. Give them a try, the price is right.
Plans: It's totally free. Kanopy is the national source for all public libraries and with just your library card number, you can open an account and gain access to their rather impressive vault of films and documentaries. There's lots to see here, especially documentaries and nature topics. Keep in mind, you only get to view up to 10 shows/films per month. The start of each new month, your number goes back to 10. A great free alternative.
And for those of you on a tighter budget, here's LifeWire's List of best Free Movie websites available in 2019. Give them a try, the price is right.
Apr 18, 2019 - Robocallers, Sending large files, Netflix Searches, Taking a screenshot, Sharing your screen, TV reception vs. the Weather and more
Unknown Links = Don't Click on Them!
CLUB QUESTIONS
Unknown Links = Don't Click on Them!
CLUB QUESTIONS
Robocallers and Phone Scams
We all get them, and we all dislike them, but what can we do about robocalls (either humans or recordings trying to sell us something over the phone). Even tho the robocallers are always seeming to get around the people trying to protect us from them, there are some things we can do. Check out this article from the FCC (the other "FCC") and what the government says you can do to help keep yourself safe from robocalls. There's also a good video on that page. And here's a good article on how to stop telemarketers from spoofing your phone number.
Windows Start Page
Using the Start Page can be a wonderful and sometimes frustrating experience. The Start Page will look a little different on each different brand of computer, your Sony Vaio Start Page will be different from an HP Start Page, etc, etc. This article on Start Page Tricks will help you customize any Start Page to your liking.
Using the Start Page can be a wonderful and sometimes frustrating experience. The Start Page will look a little different on each different brand of computer, your Sony Vaio Start Page will be different from an HP Start Page, etc, etc. This article on Start Page Tricks will help you customize any Start Page to your liking.
How to Send Large Files on the Internet
Sometimes you might need to send a large file to someone via the internet and with email providers usually limiting your email attachments to a total of 25 Mbs, you might need an alternative to regular email for those larger files. Here's an article that goes over several different ways to send your big files, some are free, some have a fee. Personally, I recommend WeTransfer.com, they allow uploads of up to 2 Gbs and are completely free (altho they do have a premium membership level that does cost $) and do not require any kind of sign up on your part. My choice for sending large files.
Sometimes you might need to send a large file to someone via the internet and with email providers usually limiting your email attachments to a total of 25 Mbs, you might need an alternative to regular email for those larger files. Here's an article that goes over several different ways to send your big files, some are free, some have a fee. Personally, I recommend WeTransfer.com, they allow uploads of up to 2 Gbs and are completely free (altho they do have a premium membership level that does cost $) and do not require any kind of sign up on your part. My choice for sending large files.
How to Search Netflix Better
Netflix is a great resource for online streaming and the service has a myriad of titles to choose from, it's just not that easy to find them all though. Netflix doesn't offer a simple way to search all of their categories, but like so many things on the internet, there's another way to find what you want. Here is the 'secret list' of categories available on Netflix, you can simply bookmark this page and then use it when you are watching Netflix. By clicking on one of the links, it automatically takes you to that page on Netflix.com. Or if you'd like and even slicker solution, try this add-on for Chrome that will automatically put a red "browse all"(see below) menu on your Netflix home page, all of the secret codes are inside the "browse all" menu, just click on it to pop open the list.
Netflix is a great resource for online streaming and the service has a myriad of titles to choose from, it's just not that easy to find them all though. Netflix doesn't offer a simple way to search all of their categories, but like so many things on the internet, there's another way to find what you want. Here is the 'secret list' of categories available on Netflix, you can simply bookmark this page and then use it when you are watching Netflix. By clicking on one of the links, it automatically takes you to that page on Netflix.com. Or if you'd like and even slicker solution, try this add-on for Chrome that will automatically put a red "browse all"(see below) menu on your Netflix home page, all of the secret codes are inside the "browse all" menu, just click on it to pop open the list.
Lenovo Bonus:
It seems that Lenovo computers can often have an issue with bluetooth, if this is your problem, take a look at this article where Lenovo goes over several different possible solutions to your bluetooth crisis, starting with finding the right driver.
|
Screenshots on Windows 10
If you've ever wanted to take a picture of what was on your computer screen, you're in luck. Windows 10 makes it easy to do just that, this article shows you All the different ways to take screenshots, and this article shows you how to easily change the default location of where screenshots are saved on your computer. Or maybe you would prefer a video explaining how to take screenshots, we got that too. |
Screenshots on Windows 10
Screenshots on Mac
|
Screenshots on Apple Computers
If you're an Apple user and are wondering about screenshots there are a few differences in how you handle them on a Mac. Here's the official technique as explained, in detail, by Apple support in this article. or take a look at their official video above, very informative and well illustrated.
If you're an Apple user and are wondering about screenshots there are a few differences in how you handle them on a Mac. Here's the official technique as explained, in detail, by Apple support in this article. or take a look at their official video above, very informative and well illustrated.
How to Share Your Computer with Your TV
There are lots of techniques for sharing, or mirroring, what's on your computer screen with your TV screen, allowing you to enjoy a larger screen and better sound. In this article HowtoGeek explain a few techniques that work on Apple products as well as Microsoft products.
There are lots of techniques for sharing, or mirroring, what's on your computer screen with your TV screen, allowing you to enjoy a larger screen and better sound. In this article HowtoGeek explain a few techniques that work on Apple products as well as Microsoft products.
Does Weather Affect TV Reception?
The quick developments of technology have led people away from the days of televisions with just a few channels that suffer from intermittent reception. Cable, satellite and a number of other types of television are now on the market, letting users choose from thousands of channels from a variety of providers. However, as advanced as technology may become, television reception still occasionally suffers from the effects of fickle weather conditions.
Why Weather Affects Television. Many cables run below ground, meaning that they aren't as susceptible to the effects of weather. However, satellite communication makes up a large part of how signals of various kinds are transmitted. Various weather conditions, such as heavy cloud cover, rain and even lightning, adversely affect the ability for devices to pick up signals. The level of difficulty may vary according to the frequency the signal is using and the distance between the point of origin and reception points. For example, the farther away you are from a signal's broadcast point, the more trouble you may have trying to pick it up.
Most Susceptible. Any technology that uses wireless communication will be the most open to experiencing trouble caused by weather. If you use an antenna, you may get the most trouble when storms hit because of the disruption of frequencies. If you use a dish, it will probably be sensitive to heavy cloud cover -- or even less -- because the satellite doesn't often produce enough power to boost the signal smoothly through many obstacles.
Least Susceptible. Providers that run their signals through cables will see the least amount of weather-related trouble. Clouds and rain may touch the cables, but do not actually disrupt them. However, if a cable is damaged in any way at any point between your television and the broadcast point, the signal may be cut off completely.
Best TV. Weather should be factor in deciding what type of television service -- cable, satellite -- you use if you have the options available. Each type has its pros and cons, so there is no "best" service; however, it's a good idea to research before you buy or change services. Look at ratings for your provider in your area and look to see if there are any common issues. Some of this information may also provide you with the best option for your home.
Tips. If you experience too much trouble, even when the weather isn't severe, check your hardware. Make sure everything is plugged in securely, and that everything outside is properly sealed. Proper installation is very important, and if any internal components are exposed it may cause trouble no matter what the weather is like. Before performing any maintenance, make sure that anything you do won't void any warranties; when in doubt, contact your provider.
The quick developments of technology have led people away from the days of televisions with just a few channels that suffer from intermittent reception. Cable, satellite and a number of other types of television are now on the market, letting users choose from thousands of channels from a variety of providers. However, as advanced as technology may become, television reception still occasionally suffers from the effects of fickle weather conditions.
Why Weather Affects Television. Many cables run below ground, meaning that they aren't as susceptible to the effects of weather. However, satellite communication makes up a large part of how signals of various kinds are transmitted. Various weather conditions, such as heavy cloud cover, rain and even lightning, adversely affect the ability for devices to pick up signals. The level of difficulty may vary according to the frequency the signal is using and the distance between the point of origin and reception points. For example, the farther away you are from a signal's broadcast point, the more trouble you may have trying to pick it up.
Most Susceptible. Any technology that uses wireless communication will be the most open to experiencing trouble caused by weather. If you use an antenna, you may get the most trouble when storms hit because of the disruption of frequencies. If you use a dish, it will probably be sensitive to heavy cloud cover -- or even less -- because the satellite doesn't often produce enough power to boost the signal smoothly through many obstacles.
Least Susceptible. Providers that run their signals through cables will see the least amount of weather-related trouble. Clouds and rain may touch the cables, but do not actually disrupt them. However, if a cable is damaged in any way at any point between your television and the broadcast point, the signal may be cut off completely.
Best TV. Weather should be factor in deciding what type of television service -- cable, satellite -- you use if you have the options available. Each type has its pros and cons, so there is no "best" service; however, it's a good idea to research before you buy or change services. Look at ratings for your provider in your area and look to see if there are any common issues. Some of this information may also provide you with the best option for your home.
Tips. If you experience too much trouble, even when the weather isn't severe, check your hardware. Make sure everything is plugged in securely, and that everything outside is properly sealed. Proper installation is very important, and if any internal components are exposed it may cause trouble no matter what the weather is like. Before performing any maintenance, make sure that anything you do won't void any warranties; when in doubt, contact your provider.
Apr 25, 2019 - Computer tips, Passwords, Right clicks & WiFi extenders
This Week's Quiz - Have you taken the Quiz?
CLUB QUESTIONS
This Week's Quiz - Have you taken the Quiz?
CLUB QUESTIONS
14 Things that Can Destroy Your Computer
|
|
Are you plugging in your computer the right way? Are you using a power strip or something else? How well do you have your computer ventilated? This video from The people at The Bright Side goes over some basic tips that will keep your computer functioning properly for years to come.
|
|
|
Stop Asking for My Password!
If you're tired of always having to re-enter your password after being away from your computer for a few minutes there is a solution. Here are two ways for Windows computers to stop asking you for your password. And for you Mac users, here's a good article on how to stop your Mac from asking for your password all the time. |
|
What is a "Right Click"?
Most computer mice have at least two mouse buttons. When you press the left one, it is called a left click. When you press the one on the right, it is called a right click. By default, the left button is the main mouse button, and is used for common tasks such as selecting objects and double-clicking.
The right mouse button is often used to open contextual menus, which are pop-up menus that change depending where you click. For example, if you right click on the desktop, you may see a menu pop up that includes "Change View Options" and "Change Desktop Background." If you right click on a folder, the menu might include options such as "Open" and "Properties." If you right click on a photo, it may give you the option to "Save Image As" or "Copy Image Address." Some Games will have a wide variety of options under the right click menu, but most programs, however, use the right click to open contextual menus.
The right mouse button is often used to open contextual menus, which are pop-up menus that change depending where you click. For example, if you right click on the desktop, you may see a menu pop up that includes "Change View Options" and "Change Desktop Background." If you right click on a folder, the menu might include options such as "Open" and "Properties." If you right click on a photo, it may give you the option to "Save Image As" or "Copy Image Address." Some Games will have a wide variety of options under the right click menu, but most programs, however, use the right click to open contextual menus.
What is a WiFi Extender and Do I Need One?
If you live in a big house or maybe in a castle with lots of thick walls, you may have had some drop off in your WiFi signal (this will create areas in your home where the WiFi signal is too weak to be used). WiFi extenders were created to solve this problem, they come in a variety of styles, some plug into your electrical outlet, some use USB, and all succeed at increasing your WiFi signal strength and coverage, some better than others. Here is a list of TechRadar's picks for 2019.
Personally, I have had more success with using a Mesh Network, rather than extenders. A Mesh Network is exactly that, it is an entire system that comes with a base unit and satellite units you can spread around your house for better coverage (whereas an extender is merely an add-on to your existing WiFi network). A Mesh Network is a more expensive solution with generally much better results. Here's TechRadar's picks for Mesh Networks.
Personally, I have had more success with using a Mesh Network, rather than extenders. A Mesh Network is exactly that, it is an entire system that comes with a base unit and satellite units you can spread around your house for better coverage (whereas an extender is merely an add-on to your existing WiFi network). A Mesh Network is a more expensive solution with generally much better results. Here's TechRadar's picks for Mesh Networks.
WiFi (Mesh) System vs. Single Router
