February Meetings 2023
Feb 2, 2023 - Best Smartwatches for 2023, Best Desktop Computers Under $1000,
Best All in One Computers 2023, How to Create a Music Playlist, All About Airline Wi-Fi,
"Trust me, clicking on Unknown Links is Good for You!"
- Satan, King of the Underworld
Club Questions
Best All in One Computers 2023, How to Create a Music Playlist, All About Airline Wi-Fi,
"Trust me, clicking on Unknown Links is Good for You!"
- Satan, King of the Underworld
Club Questions
Best Smartwatches for 2023
Smartwatches have come a long way in a short time, they can now track many aspects of your health, activities and sleep. They also range widely in price, from around $100 up to several hundred dollars (or more). If you're in the market for a smartwatch, there is a lot of competition. As when buying any piece of new tech, it's always best to shop around, check out the reliable sources and see which brands/models show up the most. Below are a list of trusted sources with their best picks for 2023.
Engadget's Best Smartwatches for 2023
PC Magazine's Best Smartwatches for 2023
CNET's Best Smartwatches for 2023
CNET's Best Budget Smartwatches (under $100) for 2023
TechRadar's Best Smartwatches for 2023
Tom's Guide Best Smartwatches for 2023
Consumer Report's Best Smartwatches for 2023
Smartwatches have come a long way in a short time, they can now track many aspects of your health, activities and sleep. They also range widely in price, from around $100 up to several hundred dollars (or more). If you're in the market for a smartwatch, there is a lot of competition. As when buying any piece of new tech, it's always best to shop around, check out the reliable sources and see which brands/models show up the most. Below are a list of trusted sources with their best picks for 2023.
Engadget's Best Smartwatches for 2023
PC Magazine's Best Smartwatches for 2023
CNET's Best Smartwatches for 2023
CNET's Best Budget Smartwatches (under $100) for 2023
TechRadar's Best Smartwatches for 2023
Tom's Guide Best Smartwatches for 2023
Consumer Report's Best Smartwatches for 2023
Best Desktop Computers Under $1000
We've looked at the best laptops several times on this website, and now it's time to focus on desktop computers. In this article, we will only be looking at budget desktop computers, under $1000. This will eliminate any Apple products due to price restriction. There are however many different companies making Windows based computers that will fall into this category. As always, shop and compare to see which desktop computers show up most often in the best of lists. Once you find the desktop you want to buy, shop around for the best price as Windows computer prices can often vary widely.
PC Magazine's Best Desktop Computer Under $1000 for 2023
CNET's Best Desktop Computer Deals of 2023
LifeWire's Best Desktop Computers Under $1000 for 2023
ReviewGeek's Best Desktop Computers Under $1000 for 2023
PC Magazine's Best All in One Computers Under $1500 for 2023
Best All in One (AIO) Desktop Computers 2023
In the above article, we discussed the best budget desktop computers on the market for 2023, but many of those picks were just the tower part of the computer, meaning you would need to buy a monitor separately. In this set of links, we are looking at the best overall all in one desktop computers. All in one means that the computer has the main hard drive components built in to the monitor. This is a popular version of the traditional desktop. These links include the best of this category, and the pricing will reflect this.
TechRadar's Best AIO Computers for 2023
Tom's Guide's Best AIO Computers for 2023
DigitalTrend's Best AIO Computers for 2023
ZDNet's Best AIO Computers for 2023
Popular Science's Best AIO Computer for 2023
In the above article, we discussed the best budget desktop computers on the market for 2023, but many of those picks were just the tower part of the computer, meaning you would need to buy a monitor separately. In this set of links, we are looking at the best overall all in one desktop computers. All in one means that the computer has the main hard drive components built in to the monitor. This is a popular version of the traditional desktop. These links include the best of this category, and the pricing will reflect this.
TechRadar's Best AIO Computers for 2023
Tom's Guide's Best AIO Computers for 2023
DigitalTrend's Best AIO Computers for 2023
ZDNet's Best AIO Computers for 2023
Popular Science's Best AIO Computer for 2023
How to Create a Music Playlist
Pandora and Spotify are two of the most popular music streaming services, among many others (including Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Tidal, etc). Both Pandora and Spotify offer free and paid versions of their services, and both allow you to create customized playlists, even if you're just a free user. You are required to have an account with either of these music streaming services to create a playlist. If you are a Pandora user, take a look at this article on how to create a playlist. If you are a Spotify user, take a look at this article on how to create a playlist.
Pandora and Spotify are two of the most popular music streaming services, among many others (including Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Tidal, etc). Both Pandora and Spotify offer free and paid versions of their services, and both allow you to create customized playlists, even if you're just a free user. You are required to have an account with either of these music streaming services to create a playlist. If you are a Pandora user, take a look at this article on how to create a playlist. If you are a Spotify user, take a look at this article on how to create a playlist.
All About Airline Wi-Fi
Most commercial airlines offer wi-fi on their flights, but the price can vary from free up to $20-30 per flight. Bringing wi-fi enabled devices on flights is common practice now, whether you're using it for business, streaming a movie or playing a game. Before you fly, take a look at CNET's list of all major airlines and what sort of wi-fi they offer and how much it costs. To learn more about in-flight wi-fi from the major commercial airlines, take a look at this article.
Most commercial airlines offer wi-fi on their flights, but the price can vary from free up to $20-30 per flight. Bringing wi-fi enabled devices on flights is common practice now, whether you're using it for business, streaming a movie or playing a game. Before you fly, take a look at CNET's list of all major airlines and what sort of wi-fi they offer and how much it costs. To learn more about in-flight wi-fi from the major commercial airlines, take a look at this article.
Feb 9, 2023 - How to Use Amazon Fire Stick, Roku and other cable cutter devices,
Best Streaming Services for 2023, Best Free Streaming Services for 2023,
"You Shoot the Puck, You Score the Goal, but if you click on
an Unknown Link, you go to the Penalty Box."
- Wayne Gretzky
Club Questions
Best Streaming Services for 2023, Best Free Streaming Services for 2023,
"You Shoot the Puck, You Score the Goal, but if you click on
an Unknown Link, you go to the Penalty Box."
- Wayne Gretzky
Club Questions
How to Cut Your Cable
Cutting the cable has become very popular with a lot of people, partly because you can often lower your monthly bill, and also because you can pick and choose which specific channels you want to watch better than with the standard cable channel package. There are many different cable cutting services that provide a variety of channel options for a monthly subscription, to learn more about which service is best, take a look at the article below this one. Along with a variety of service providers, there are also many different devices you can plug into your TV to use these services. Two of the most popular, and most affordable, are the Amazon Fire Stick and the Roku Streaming Stick. To learn more about how to set up and use both of these devices, take a look at the videos below. Or for a comparison between the best four streaming devices; Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV and Chromecast, take a look at the video below below.
Cutting the cable has become very popular with a lot of people, partly because you can often lower your monthly bill, and also because you can pick and choose which specific channels you want to watch better than with the standard cable channel package. There are many different cable cutting services that provide a variety of channel options for a monthly subscription, to learn more about which service is best, take a look at the article below this one. Along with a variety of service providers, there are also many different devices you can plug into your TV to use these services. Two of the most popular, and most affordable, are the Amazon Fire Stick and the Roku Streaming Stick. To learn more about how to set up and use both of these devices, take a look at the videos below. Or for a comparison between the best four streaming devices; Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV and Chromecast, take a look at the video below below.
Amazon Fire Stick Roku Streaming Stick
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Best Streaming Devices; Apple TV vs Roku Vs Fire TV vs Chromecast
Best Streaming Services for 2023
Now that you've decided on which streaming device you want to use, you'll need a streaming service (or two) to provide your new device with content. There are many, many different streaming services available on a monthly subscription basis including; Sling TV, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu+, Netflix, HBO+ and Disney Plus, to name but a few. Which service is right for you depends on what sort of shows you want to watch and how much you want to pay each month. You can also upgrade your subscription in many ways, for example, you can add a DVR (digital video recorder) or even select a higher rate of streaming quality (4K), all for an extra monthly fee. To learn more about the best picks from our trusted sources, and all the various extras they provide, take a look at the links below.
CNET's Best Streaming Services for 2023
PC Magazine's Best Streaming Services for 2023
Tom's Guide's Best Streaming Services for 2023
Engadget's Best Streaming Services for 2023
Best Free Streaming Services for 2023
For those of you on a budget, there are lots of free options for streaming content online. Lately, even the paid platforms (IE: SlingTV, Amazon, YouTube, etc) are introducing free versions that are supported by ads. To learn more about the ever-growing world of free online streaming, take a look at this article. You'll still need an internet connection, and a streaming device for your TV (IE. Roku, Fire Stick, etc), but you won't need to pay any monthly subscription fees to any of the websites on the lists below. To learn more about the best free streaming sites for 2023, take a look at the links below.
Tom's Guide's Best Free Streaming Services for 2023
CNET's Best Free Streaming Services for 2023
PC Magazine's Best Free Streaming Services for 2023
Consumer Report's Best Free Streaming Services for 2023
For those of you on a budget, there are lots of free options for streaming content online. Lately, even the paid platforms (IE: SlingTV, Amazon, YouTube, etc) are introducing free versions that are supported by ads. To learn more about the ever-growing world of free online streaming, take a look at this article. You'll still need an internet connection, and a streaming device for your TV (IE. Roku, Fire Stick, etc), but you won't need to pay any monthly subscription fees to any of the websites on the lists below. To learn more about the best free streaming sites for 2023, take a look at the links below.
Tom's Guide's Best Free Streaming Services for 2023
CNET's Best Free Streaming Services for 2023
PC Magazine's Best Free Streaming Services for 2023
Consumer Report's Best Free Streaming Services for 2023
Feb 16, 2023 - Recycle Your Old Electronics, Set Up Windows Defender in Windows 10/11, How to Delete Apps from iPhone and Android, Cellular Home Internet,
"I never thought of The Monkees negatively,
but I can't stand The Unknown Links."
- Michael Nesmith
Club Questions
"I never thought of The Monkees negatively,
but I can't stand The Unknown Links."
- Michael Nesmith
Club Questions
Recycle Your Old Electronics
E-Cycle Washington is a program that provides FREE recycling of TVs, computers, laptops, tablets, computer monitors, portable DVD players and e-readers. Households, small businesses, schools & school districts, small governments, special purpose districts, and charities can recycle electronic products free of charge in this program. For recycling locations in your area, you can call 1-800-RECYCLE or you can visit www.ecyclewashington.org.
Peripherals and accessories such as mice, printers and scanners are NOT included in the E-Cycle program. However, peripherals and the other electronics noted below, can be dropped off at these retailers and recycled at no charge.
E-Cycle Washington is a program that provides FREE recycling of TVs, computers, laptops, tablets, computer monitors, portable DVD players and e-readers. Households, small businesses, schools & school districts, small governments, special purpose districts, and charities can recycle electronic products free of charge in this program. For recycling locations in your area, you can call 1-800-RECYCLE or you can visit www.ecyclewashington.org.
Peripherals and accessories such as mice, printers and scanners are NOT included in the E-Cycle program. However, peripherals and the other electronics noted below, can be dropped off at these retailers and recycled at no charge.
- Keyboards, Printers, and Toner Cartridges - Best Buy and Staples stores
- Cell phones - Best Buy, Staples and RadioShack stores and many local non-profit.
- Don’t throw it in the trash.
Since Jan. 1, 2010, Waste Connections has been prohibited from accepting computers, monitors, TVs and laptops as garbage. The restrictions are the result of an Oregon law banning the land filling of old electronic equipment. Because the landfill that serves Clark County is located in Oregon, the law applies indirectly here, too. However, you can still get rid of old televisions, computers and monitors for free, thanks to the E-cycle Washington law requiring manufacturers to underwrite a statewide electronics recycling program. - Before you Recycle, Consider Reuse
If your computer or TV is working and in good condition, someone else may be able to use it. There are several ways to pass on your electronic items for reuse:
- Contact charities or non-profits in your area to see if they would be able to use or resell your computer or TV.
- Call your local solid waste or public works office to find out what options are available in your community for donating or reuse.
- Sell your item through local classifieds or use an online website.
- Ask if a participating E-Cycle Washington collector will donate or resell your item.
- You can also search through the Recycling A-Z Directory located at www.cityofvancouver.us/recycling to find a nearby location.
Set Up Windows Defender
Windows Defender is a free application included in Windows 10 and 11. It can check your computer for virus' and malware and has come a long way since its inception in Windows 7. It is now a viable alternative to paid security apps such as, Norton or McAfee. It does have a few limitations when it comes to malware, but it has the advantage of being built by the same company that makes the operating system. To learn more about how to set up Defender for your computer, take a look at this illustrated article, which also includes a helpful video.
Windows Defender is a free application included in Windows 10 and 11. It can check your computer for virus' and malware and has come a long way since its inception in Windows 7. It is now a viable alternative to paid security apps such as, Norton or McAfee. It does have a few limitations when it comes to malware, but it has the advantage of being built by the same company that makes the operating system. To learn more about how to set up Defender for your computer, take a look at this illustrated article, which also includes a helpful video.
How to Delete Apps
Our phone apps can help us in many ways, but sometimes we just want to get rid of them. Removing apps from your smartphone or tablet can be done in several ways (depending on which type of device you own). To learn more about deleting apps on an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch, take a look at this support article from Apple.
To learn more about several different ways you can delete apps from an Android device, take a look at this article.
Our phone apps can help us in many ways, but sometimes we just want to get rid of them. Removing apps from your smartphone or tablet can be done in several ways (depending on which type of device you own). To learn more about deleting apps on an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch, take a look at this support article from Apple.
To learn more about several different ways you can delete apps from an Android device, take a look at this article.
Cellular Home Internet
Mobile providers like T-Mobile and Verizon are getting in to the home internet business, but what does that mean for you? Home internet from a cell provider would connect your home to their network via a hotspot or router. The speed of this connection would depend on the traffic and your proximity to the nearest cell tower. This kind of a connection can't really compete (at this time) with a dedicated fiber or cable connection, but if that isn't an option for you, this kind of a setup might work just fine for you. To learn more about cellular home internet, take a look at this article.
Mobile providers like T-Mobile and Verizon are getting in to the home internet business, but what does that mean for you? Home internet from a cell provider would connect your home to their network via a hotspot or router. The speed of this connection would depend on the traffic and your proximity to the nearest cell tower. This kind of a connection can't really compete (at this time) with a dedicated fiber or cable connection, but if that isn't an option for you, this kind of a setup might work just fine for you. To learn more about cellular home internet, take a look at this article.
Feb 23, 2023 - How to Prepare Your Electronic Device for Sale or Giveaway, How to Keep Your Home Secure, Best DIY Home Security Cams for 2023,
"The first thing I tell every new animal I meet
is Never click on Unknown Links."
- Doctor Dolittle
Club Questions
"The first thing I tell every new animal I meet
is Never click on Unknown Links."
- Doctor Dolittle
Club Questions
How to Prepare Your Device for Sale/Giveaway
Most of us have an old phone or laptop cluttering up our closet, maybe we want to donate it, or possibly even sell it, but before we do any of that, we need to make sure all of our personal information is removed from the device. Whether it's a smartphone, a tablet or a computer of some kind, they all need a good wipe of person info before they move on to the next owner, or even the dump. If you have a Windows computer, either laptop or desktop, and you want to donate/sell it, take a look at this article on what you should do first. If you have an Apple computer or laptop, take a look at what Apple Support has to say about preparing your Apple device before donating/selling it.
Maybe it's not a computer you're trying to recycle/sell/donate, what about smartphones? Just like a computer, a smartphone needs to be purged of all your personal information before getting rid of it. If you're an Android user, take a look at this article on how to prepare your Android phone or tablet for donation/sale.
For those of you with iPhones or iPads, take a look at this article that goes thru all the steps of preparing your device for donation/sale. Or if you prefer watching a video, take a look at the Android and iPhone videos below.
Most of us have an old phone or laptop cluttering up our closet, maybe we want to donate it, or possibly even sell it, but before we do any of that, we need to make sure all of our personal information is removed from the device. Whether it's a smartphone, a tablet or a computer of some kind, they all need a good wipe of person info before they move on to the next owner, or even the dump. If you have a Windows computer, either laptop or desktop, and you want to donate/sell it, take a look at this article on what you should do first. If you have an Apple computer or laptop, take a look at what Apple Support has to say about preparing your Apple device before donating/selling it.
Maybe it's not a computer you're trying to recycle/sell/donate, what about smartphones? Just like a computer, a smartphone needs to be purged of all your personal information before getting rid of it. If you're an Android user, take a look at this article on how to prepare your Android phone or tablet for donation/sale.
For those of you with iPhones or iPads, take a look at this article that goes thru all the steps of preparing your device for donation/sale. Or if you prefer watching a video, take a look at the Android and iPhone videos below.
Android Backup/Reset iPhone Backup/Reset
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How to Keep Your Home Secure
Modern home security can involve a lot of different techniques, from security cams (inside and out) and motion detectors to alarms and even robots. If you like to DIY (do it yourself) then take a look at this article from MakeUsOf that goes over 10 simple DIY projects that will make your home more secure. Or take a look at what CNET has to say about making your home safer and more burglar proof.
Modern home security can involve a lot of different techniques, from security cams (inside and out) and motion detectors to alarms and even robots. If you like to DIY (do it yourself) then take a look at this article from MakeUsOf that goes over 10 simple DIY projects that will make your home more secure. Or take a look at what CNET has to say about making your home safer and more burglar proof.
Best Security Cams for 2023
Home security has always been a concern for homeowners, the internet has made it much easier to keep an eye on what's going on around and in your home. There are a variety of different solutions available to the DIYer, from a couple hundred dollars to over a thousand. This article is just looking at cameras you can set up yourself. There are indoor, outdoor, doorbell, window and many other camera styles on the market. Take a look at the various links below to check out some of the best home security cams available today.
CNET's Best Home Security Cams for 2023
CNET's Best Video Home Doorbell Cams for 2023
CNET's Best Wireless Home Security Cams for 2023
PC Magazine's Best Outdoor Security Cams for 2023
Tom's Guide's Best Home Security Cams for 2023
