April Meetings 2020
Apr 2, 2020 -CNET tips on Coronavirus, Zoom Video Calls, Avoiding Coronavirus Scams
Virtual Club Continues - No One Clicks on Unknown Links
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Virtual Club Continues - No One Clicks on Unknown Links
Club Questions
Tips from CNET on dealing with Coronavirus
There's a lot of info on Coronavirus these days, but like all things you find on the internet, you have to vet your sources. A consistently good online source is CNET and here's their list of to-dos and do-nots when it comes to handling Coronavirus in our daily lives, including going grocery shopping and waiting in lines during this pandemic.
There's a lot of info on Coronavirus these days, but like all things you find on the internet, you have to vet your sources. A consistently good online source is CNET and here's their list of to-dos and do-nots when it comes to handling Coronavirus in our daily lives, including going grocery shopping and waiting in lines during this pandemic.
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What is Zoom Video?
Zoom is a video conferencing software that allows for up to 1000 participants or 10,000 viewers. Zoom, normally a video conference app for business, has been co-opted by the many shut-ins now wanting to see all their friends. The video goes over how to create an account and make calls to groups of people, for free, but please keep in mind there are down sides to using Zoom as well, take a look at what TechCrunch thinks of Zoom. Or maybe you'd prefer to read what CNET thinks of Zoom. and in case you weren't convinced that Zoom isn't worth your time yet, take a look at this lawsuit filed against Zoom for sharing with Facebook. |
Online Scams
in the Age of Coronavirus
Scam artists aren't going to let an opportunity like Coronavirus pass by, now is the time to be extra careful as scammers are out in full force. Online Scammers are taking advantage of the countries fears and trying to make a fast buck on it. For more info on what the FTC is doing to stop online Coronavirus scams, take a look at this article.
in the Age of Coronavirus
Scam artists aren't going to let an opportunity like Coronavirus pass by, now is the time to be extra careful as scammers are out in full force. Online Scammers are taking advantage of the countries fears and trying to make a fast buck on it. For more info on what the FTC is doing to stop online Coronavirus scams, take a look at this article.
Apr 9, 2020 - iOS 13.4 problems, Coronavirus Robocalls? Don't Forget Skype
Virtual Club Continues - No One Clicks on Unknown Links, Ever.
Club Questions
Virtual Club Continues - No One Clicks on Unknown Links, Ever.
Club Questions
iPhone update iOS 13.4
Apple regularly puts out updates and security patches for its devices and iOS 13.4 seems no different from that on the surface, but this update is filled with problems like; installation problems, lag, weird battery issues, trouble with fingerprint and face ID, hotspot problems, third party app issues and one that stops your VPN from encrypting your data (like it's supposed to). For more reasons to wait on iOS 13.4, take a look at this Forbe's article. Most likely in a few days Apple will come out with an update to its update, till then, hold back on this update. As of this publication, this is what Forbes found with the 13.4.1 fix. This is a good start, but not the fix I'm waiting for. So the wait continues...
Apple regularly puts out updates and security patches for its devices and iOS 13.4 seems no different from that on the surface, but this update is filled with problems like; installation problems, lag, weird battery issues, trouble with fingerprint and face ID, hotspot problems, third party app issues and one that stops your VPN from encrypting your data (like it's supposed to). For more reasons to wait on iOS 13.4, take a look at this Forbe's article. Most likely in a few days Apple will come out with an update to its update, till then, hold back on this update. As of this publication, this is what Forbes found with the 13.4.1 fix. This is a good start, but not the fix I'm waiting for. So the wait continues...
Coronavirus Robocalls?
Yes, of course. Even in these home-sheltering times we're currently living through, there are those robocallers who will use this pandemic as an opportunity to take advantage of the unsuspecting. The FCC warns consumers that there are already several different scams involving the Coronavirus, tests, vaccines and other snake oil cures. For a complete list on scams take a look at the FCC page here.
Yes, of course. Even in these home-sheltering times we're currently living through, there are those robocallers who will use this pandemic as an opportunity to take advantage of the unsuspecting. The FCC warns consumers that there are already several different scams involving the Coronavirus, tests, vaccines and other snake oil cures. For a complete list on scams take a look at the FCC page here.
Don't Forget Skype
Long before Zoom had jumped to the front of the pack, Skype was the way you made video calls. There has always been a free version and for the most part, it's always worked pretty well. Skype is staying competitive with Zoom (plus they haven't been hacked as much as Zoom) and now offers some extras for the home bound. Take a look at how CNET goes over all the new features, and pitfalls.
Long before Zoom had jumped to the front of the pack, Skype was the way you made video calls. There has always been a free version and for the most part, it's always worked pretty well. Skype is staying competitive with Zoom (plus they haven't been hacked as much as Zoom) and now offers some extras for the home bound. Take a look at how CNET goes over all the new features, and pitfalls.
Apr 16, 2020 - Future tech, FCC Update
Virtual Club Continues - No One Clicks on Unknown Links, Never Ever.
Club Questions
Virtual Club Continues - No One Clicks on Unknown Links, Never Ever.
Club Questions
Future Tech
With everything that's going on these days, I thought it might be nice to just do a little window shopping of future tech. Below is a video showing some of the newest in tech for 2020.
With everything that's going on these days, I thought it might be nice to just do a little window shopping of future tech. Below is a video showing some of the newest in tech for 2020.
FCC Update:
Yesterday the City of Vancouver released an update on the current status of the shutdown. Both Marshall and Firstenburg Community Centers will remain closed until May 31. All recreation and leagues have been postponed or cancelled. Community gardens and Volunteer programs have all been cancelled until May 31. All larger permitted events (including the Annual Summer Concert and Movie series), have been cancelled until July 31. All playgrounds, sports courts, skate parks and water features have been closed until July 31. For more details on this update, please take a look at this article.
Yesterday the City of Vancouver released an update on the current status of the shutdown. Both Marshall and Firstenburg Community Centers will remain closed until May 31. All recreation and leagues have been postponed or cancelled. Community gardens and Volunteer programs have all been cancelled until May 31. All larger permitted events (including the Annual Summer Concert and Movie series), have been cancelled until July 31. All playgrounds, sports courts, skate parks and water features have been closed until July 31. For more details on this update, please take a look at this article.
Apr 23, 2020 - How to see how crowded a store is on Google Maps, Wi-Fi 6, Zoom Update
Virtual Club Continues - No One Clicks on Unknown Links, Not Now, Not Ever!
Club Questions
Virtual Club Continues - No One Clicks on Unknown Links, Not Now, Not Ever!
Club Questions
Google Maps
During these times of social distancing, we must choose the times we go out carefully. Google maps has a new feature that will make choosing the store with the least amount of people much easier. All you need to do is to open Google Maps (either on your smartphone or on your computer browser) and navigate to the store you want to check. Tap on the name of the store on the map and then scroll down on the info page about that store. You can view the popular times for visiting the store by day, Google defaults to the current day, but you can swipe left to see the individual foot traffic for every day that the store is open. For more details on this Google Maps feature take a look at this HowToGeek article that goes over how to find the feature.
During these times of social distancing, we must choose the times we go out carefully. Google maps has a new feature that will make choosing the store with the least amount of people much easier. All you need to do is to open Google Maps (either on your smartphone or on your computer browser) and navigate to the store you want to check. Tap on the name of the store on the map and then scroll down on the info page about that store. You can view the popular times for visiting the store by day, Google defaults to the current day, but you can swipe left to see the individual foot traffic for every day that the store is open. For more details on this Google Maps feature take a look at this HowToGeek article that goes over how to find the feature.
What the Heck is Wi-Fi 6?
We've all been enjoying Wi-Fi for many years now, and over the years Wi-Fi has received updates to keep up with the public's demands. In late 2019 the first routers supporting the next generation of Wi-Fi started rolling out. One of the best changes the Wi-Fi Alliance (that's a real thing) came out with for Wi-Fi 6's rollout is an overall name change. Gone are the 802.11 xx names, they've been replaced by a more user friendly system. Moving forward Wi-Fi will be simply numbered, the latest being Wi-Fi 6. Most of us are currently using Wi-Fi 5 and some of us with older devices might be on Wi-Fi 4. For a complete rundown on the new Wi-Fi and what it will be able to do, take a look at the video below.
We've all been enjoying Wi-Fi for many years now, and over the years Wi-Fi has received updates to keep up with the public's demands. In late 2019 the first routers supporting the next generation of Wi-Fi started rolling out. One of the best changes the Wi-Fi Alliance (that's a real thing) came out with for Wi-Fi 6's rollout is an overall name change. Gone are the 802.11 xx names, they've been replaced by a more user friendly system. Moving forward Wi-Fi will be simply numbered, the latest being Wi-Fi 6. Most of us are currently using Wi-Fi 5 and some of us with older devices might be on Wi-Fi 4. For a complete rundown on the new Wi-Fi and what it will be able to do, take a look at the video below.
Zoom Update
Zoom has had a tough month, first they became a super popular way to have video meetups with friends, family and co-workers online. And then Zoombombing became a thing and many users had stories of strangers getting into their video chats. Some quite terrifying. Zoom has heard its users and made some security changes. If you are a Zoom user, take a look at this video (below) that goes over a few settings you might need to tweak before your next video hangout.
Zoom has had a tough month, first they became a super popular way to have video meetups with friends, family and co-workers online. And then Zoombombing became a thing and many users had stories of strangers getting into their video chats. Some quite terrifying. Zoom has heard its users and made some security changes. If you are a Zoom user, take a look at this video (below) that goes over a few settings you might need to tweak before your next video hangout.
Apr 30, 2020 - Track your stimulus check, Google Meet,
Virtual Club Continues - No One Clicks on Unknown Links, Not Now, Not Ever! Please.
Club Questions
Virtual Club Continues - No One Clicks on Unknown Links, Not Now, Not Ever! Please.
Club Questions
Track Your Stimulus Check
If you're eligible for a payment, the IRS lets you track your money through its Get My Payment web portal. Due to high demand, you may see a message that you have to wait before you can access the site. The IRS said it significantly improved the Get My Payment app over the weekend to help you set up and track the date of your stimulus payment.
1. Head to the IRS' Get My Payment page and tap the blue Get My Payment button to check the status of your economic impact payment.
2. On the next page about authorized use, tap OK.
3. Now on the Get My Payment page, enter your social security number (SSN) or individual tax ID (ITIN), your date of birth, your street address and your ZIP or postal code. Tap Continue.
On the next page, the portal will show your payment status, whether it's been scheduled or if the service can't yet determine your status. If you've not set up direct deposit with the IRS, the service may walk you through those steps to get your check sent straight to your bank account. Here's how to set up direct deposit.
If you're eligible for a payment, the IRS lets you track your money through its Get My Payment web portal. Due to high demand, you may see a message that you have to wait before you can access the site. The IRS said it significantly improved the Get My Payment app over the weekend to help you set up and track the date of your stimulus payment.
1. Head to the IRS' Get My Payment page and tap the blue Get My Payment button to check the status of your economic impact payment.
2. On the next page about authorized use, tap OK.
3. Now on the Get My Payment page, enter your social security number (SSN) or individual tax ID (ITIN), your date of birth, your street address and your ZIP or postal code. Tap Continue.
On the next page, the portal will show your payment status, whether it's been scheduled or if the service can't yet determine your status. If you've not set up direct deposit with the IRS, the service may walk you through those steps to get your check sent straight to your bank account. Here's how to set up direct deposit.
Google Meet
For those of you that would prefer not to use Zoom for your video meetups, Google has just joined the fray by making their video conferencing app, Google Meet, free to everyone (as long as you have at least a Gmail account). For more details on how it works and where to get it, take a look at this article.
For those of you that would prefer not to use Zoom for your video meetups, Google has just joined the fray by making their video conferencing app, Google Meet, free to everyone (as long as you have at least a Gmail account). For more details on how it works and where to get it, take a look at this article.
