February Meetings 2024
February 1, 2024 - Google Chrome Incognito Mode - AI's Assistive Technology - Apple's Stolen Device Protection -
"I will never tell a lie; I have wooden teeth, like cutting down cherry trees and Never click on an unknown link." - George Washington
Club Questions
"I will never tell a lie; I have wooden teeth, like cutting down cherry trees and Never click on an unknown link." - George Washington
Club Questions
Google Chrome Incognito Mode
For those of you who use the Google Chrome browser and also employ Chrome's Incognito Mode thinking it is keeping your browsing private, think again. The description of Chrome’s Incognito mode will soon be changed to make it clear that Google tracks people who use the web browser. It also will warn users that websites can gather data about them as well. This means the only people blocked from knowing your browsing history when using Incognito mode are family/friends who use the same computer. Google's business plan is one of data, so they collect your data on every Google product you use (Google Chrome, Gmail, Google Docs, etc, etc). To learn more about how Incognito mode is anything but, take a look at this article.
For those of you who use the Google Chrome browser and also employ Chrome's Incognito Mode thinking it is keeping your browsing private, think again. The description of Chrome’s Incognito mode will soon be changed to make it clear that Google tracks people who use the web browser. It also will warn users that websites can gather data about them as well. This means the only people blocked from knowing your browsing history when using Incognito mode are family/friends who use the same computer. Google's business plan is one of data, so they collect your data on every Google product you use (Google Chrome, Gmail, Google Docs, etc, etc). To learn more about how Incognito mode is anything but, take a look at this article.
AI's Assistive Technology
AI is being used for just about everything these days, from web searches, to writing articles (not this one tho) and many more applications. The latest move from AI is into assistive technology. AI is fueling a new generation of technologies to help people who live with disabilities. The right technologies can be life-changing for people living with a disability and will be essential in supporting our aging population, as healthcare costs skyrocket. To learn more about some of the ways AI is helping with assistive technology, take a look at this article.
AI is being used for just about everything these days, from web searches, to writing articles (not this one tho) and many more applications. The latest move from AI is into assistive technology. AI is fueling a new generation of technologies to help people who live with disabilities. The right technologies can be life-changing for people living with a disability and will be essential in supporting our aging population, as healthcare costs skyrocket. To learn more about some of the ways AI is helping with assistive technology, take a look at this article.
Apple's Stolen Device Protection
When Apple released its recent update to all iPhones (iOS 17.3) it included a long overdue and promised feature, Stolen Device Protection. Stolen Device Protection is an optional security measure that aims to prevent people who have become aware of your iPhone’s passcode and would seek to commandeer that device. Essentially the protection boils down to times you’re able to use your passcode and when you must use biometrics like Face ID and, on the iPhone SE, Touch ID. To learn more about Stolen Device Protection and how to enable it on your iPhone, take a look at this article. For more information on the iOS 17.3 update, take a look at our video page.
When Apple released its recent update to all iPhones (iOS 17.3) it included a long overdue and promised feature, Stolen Device Protection. Stolen Device Protection is an optional security measure that aims to prevent people who have become aware of your iPhone’s passcode and would seek to commandeer that device. Essentially the protection boils down to times you’re able to use your passcode and when you must use biometrics like Face ID and, on the iPhone SE, Touch ID. To learn more about Stolen Device Protection and how to enable it on your iPhone, take a look at this article. For more information on the iOS 17.3 update, take a look at our video page.
February 8, 2024 - What's Safer Android or iPhone? - Smartphones and Hearing Aids - Apple Watch: Everything You Need to Know - How to Upgrade iCloud -
"Usually I'm Lovin' it, but when you click on unknown links, I'm hatin' it." So please don't do that!"- Ronald McDonald
Club Questions
"Usually I'm Lovin' it, but when you click on unknown links, I'm hatin' it." So please don't do that!"- Ronald McDonald
Club Questions
What's Safer: Android or iPhone?
There are a lot of factors that come into play when deciding between Android or iPhone but when it comes to security, Apple’s smartphones take the lead. As an Android user myself, this isn’t the easiest thing to admit but patch gaps continue to seriously hold back the security of the best Android phones. What exactly is a "patch gap?" you ask, well security patches are very important to all devices that access the internet. Apple puts out security patches to all its eligible users on a regular basis, whereas Android does not. To learn more about how iPhones are safer than Android, take a look at this article.
There are a lot of factors that come into play when deciding between Android or iPhone but when it comes to security, Apple’s smartphones take the lead. As an Android user myself, this isn’t the easiest thing to admit but patch gaps continue to seriously hold back the security of the best Android phones. What exactly is a "patch gap?" you ask, well security patches are very important to all devices that access the internet. Apple puts out security patches to all its eligible users on a regular basis, whereas Android does not. To learn more about how iPhones are safer than Android, take a look at this article.
Smartphones and Hearing Aids
Hearing loss is common, and there’s a good chance it will impact you or someone close to you in your lifetime. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, 13 percent of adults in the US have some difficulty hearing, and it’s a growing problem around the globe. The World Health Organization predicts that 1 in 4 people will have some degree of hearing loss by 2050. But you might just have some help for this issue in your pocket, to learn more about smartphones and how they can help with hearing loss, take a look at this article.
Hearing loss is common, and there’s a good chance it will impact you or someone close to you in your lifetime. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, 13 percent of adults in the US have some difficulty hearing, and it’s a growing problem around the globe. The World Health Organization predicts that 1 in 4 people will have some degree of hearing loss by 2050. But you might just have some help for this issue in your pocket, to learn more about smartphones and how they can help with hearing loss, take a look at this article.
Apple Watch - All You Need to Know
Apple has upgraded its flagship Apple Watch wearable regularly since introducing the device in 2015. With all the naming conventions and other small changes, it can be hard to keep up with the latest Apple Watch info. For some basic Apple Watch information and more details about Apple's popular wearable device, take a look at this article.
Apple has upgraded its flagship Apple Watch wearable regularly since introducing the device in 2015. With all the naming conventions and other small changes, it can be hard to keep up with the latest Apple Watch info. For some basic Apple Watch information and more details about Apple's popular wearable device, take a look at this article.
How to Upgrade iCloud
Do you need more space on your iPhone because you just love taking photos (and hate deleting them)? Or maybe you'd like to take advantage of Apple's "hide my email" feature? There are plenty of reasons you might want to add that extra 50 Gbs of storage to your iCloud account for 99¢/month, but you just aren't sure how to do it. You've come to the right spot, just take a look at the video below to see all the steps on how to upgrade your iCloud account.
Do you need more space on your iPhone because you just love taking photos (and hate deleting them)? Or maybe you'd like to take advantage of Apple's "hide my email" feature? There are plenty of reasons you might want to add that extra 50 Gbs of storage to your iCloud account for 99¢/month, but you just aren't sure how to do it. You've come to the right spot, just take a look at the video below to see all the steps on how to upgrade your iCloud account.
February 15, 2024 - Windows 11 Offers New Features - Shopping on TikTok - What is ARC Search?
"I love sliding down a pole, or hiding out in a cave, but I hate clicking on unknown links."- The Batman
Club Questions
"I love sliding down a pole, or hiding out in a cave, but I hate clicking on unknown links."- The Batman
Club Questions
Windows 11 Offers New Features
Microsoft released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26040 to the Canary Channel. The beta has several changes, including AI-enhanced audio, select support for USB 80Gbps, and new photo editing functionality when using the snipping tool. This update has a bunch of cool new features, and several new ways to help your Android phone communicate with your Windows 11 computer. To learn more about this new Windows 11 update, take a look at this article.
Microsoft released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26040 to the Canary Channel. The beta has several changes, including AI-enhanced audio, select support for USB 80Gbps, and new photo editing functionality when using the snipping tool. This update has a bunch of cool new features, and several new ways to help your Android phone communicate with your Windows 11 computer. To learn more about this new Windows 11 update, take a look at this article.
Shopping on TikTok
If it feels like your TikTok FYP has turned into a glorified products billboard, you're not alone. With the launch of TikTok's company wide social commerce venture, known as TikTok Shop, the app has dug even deeper into its possible future as a one-stop-shop for content and products — and its beginning to affect users. If you're a TikTok user and you use TikTok Shop, you need to take a look at this article.
If it feels like your TikTok FYP has turned into a glorified products billboard, you're not alone. With the launch of TikTok's company wide social commerce venture, known as TikTok Shop, the app has dug even deeper into its possible future as a one-stop-shop for content and products — and its beginning to affect users. If you're a TikTok user and you use TikTok Shop, you need to take a look at this article.
What is ARC Search?
Basically, instead of returning a bunch of search queries about whatever you're searching for, Arc Search builds you a webpage about it. And somewhere in there is The Browser Company’s big idea about the future of web browsers — that a browser, a search engine, an AI chatbot, and a website aren’t different things. They’re all just parts of an internet information finder, and they might as well exist inside the same app. It's a new direction for search engines, to learn more about how you can get the ARC Search or ARC browser, take a look at this article.
Basically, instead of returning a bunch of search queries about whatever you're searching for, Arc Search builds you a webpage about it. And somewhere in there is The Browser Company’s big idea about the future of web browsers — that a browser, a search engine, an AI chatbot, and a website aren’t different things. They’re all just parts of an internet information finder, and they might as well exist inside the same app. It's a new direction for search engines, to learn more about how you can get the ARC Search or ARC browser, take a look at this article.
February 22, 2024 - iOS Trojan Harvesting Facial Data - Tired of Googling? - How to Unfriend Someone on Facebook - Protecting Your Device - Tutorials for Mac Computers - How to Identify Spam -
"When I come bob, bob, bobbing along, don't expect to see me clicking on any unknown links."- The Red, Red Robin
Club Questions
"When I come bob, bob, bobbing along, don't expect to see me clicking on any unknown links."- The Red, Red Robin
Club Questions
iOS Trojan Harvesting Facial Data
iPhones don't get hacked as often as Android devices, but it happens, and it's happening in Asia right now. A cybersecurity company has spotted what might be the first iOS Trojan that’s designed to steal facial-recognition data from users. 'GoldPickaxe' malware circulating in Southeast Asia is designed to steal facial recognition data, likely because banks and government agencies there are adopting biometric scans. If you use facial recognition on your iPhone, you'll want to read this article on how to keep safe from such malware.
iPhones don't get hacked as often as Android devices, but it happens, and it's happening in Asia right now. A cybersecurity company has spotted what might be the first iOS Trojan that’s designed to steal facial-recognition data from users. 'GoldPickaxe' malware circulating in Southeast Asia is designed to steal facial recognition data, likely because banks and government agencies there are adopting biometric scans. If you use facial recognition on your iPhone, you'll want to read this article on how to keep safe from such malware.
Tired of Googling?
The evidence is mounting that we're going to see some big changes to Google Search in 2024 – and this could include the arrival of a big new challenger from ChatGPT maker OpenAI, according to a new report. According to The Information, OpenAI is "developing a web search product" that would bring the Microsoft-backed company into "direction competition with Google". This apparently comes from some with "knowledge of OpenAI's plans". To learn more about OpenAI's proposed search engine willing to challenge Google, take a look at this article.
The evidence is mounting that we're going to see some big changes to Google Search in 2024 – and this could include the arrival of a big new challenger from ChatGPT maker OpenAI, according to a new report. According to The Information, OpenAI is "developing a web search product" that would bring the Microsoft-backed company into "direction competition with Google". This apparently comes from some with "knowledge of OpenAI's plans". To learn more about OpenAI's proposed search engine willing to challenge Google, take a look at this article.
How to Unfriend Someone on Facebook
Sometimes you just don't want to hear from a Facebook friend anymore, removing them from your feed is made easy by Facebook. Just take a look at the video below. Or if you want to follow along with an illustrated step-by step guide, take a look at this article.
Sometimes you just don't want to hear from a Facebook friend anymore, removing them from your feed is made easy by Facebook. Just take a look at the video below. Or if you want to follow along with an illustrated step-by step guide, take a look at this article.
Should I get Protection?
Protecting your privacy and data can be a difficult proposition, considering all the hackers out there, but there are solutions. Whether you use a computer, smartphone or tablet, there are options. Keep in mind, most virus' are still aimed at PC (read: Windows) users, Mac computers are still low targets for hackers. If you are a Mac user, I suggest a good malware app (do a search on this site for Malwarebytes), but Windows users might want a bit more. Windows Defender is built in to late model PCs and comes with an excellent anti-virus and malware detection, but if you want more, there's always someone willing to take your money. To learn more about Norton Lifelock and many other anti-virus and protection suites, take a look at this article.
Protecting your privacy and data can be a difficult proposition, considering all the hackers out there, but there are solutions. Whether you use a computer, smartphone or tablet, there are options. Keep in mind, most virus' are still aimed at PC (read: Windows) users, Mac computers are still low targets for hackers. If you are a Mac user, I suggest a good malware app (do a search on this site for Malwarebytes), but Windows users might want a bit more. Windows Defender is built in to late model PCs and comes with an excellent anti-virus and malware detection, but if you want more, there's always someone willing to take your money. To learn more about Norton Lifelock and many other anti-virus and protection suites, take a look at this article.
Tutorials for Mac Computers
If you're looking for Mac computer tutorials, you might start by looking on our very own Apple Video page. If the help you're looking for isn't there, try the Apple Support website here, it shows several helpful videos, but also allows you to choose your Operating system and search for specific help at the top of the page. Finally, you can jump onto YouTube and search for help there, I can almost guarantee you that whatever question you have about your Mac, someone has made a video about that subject. Remember, when searching for videos on YouTube, be as specific as you can be, for example, "How to add a new wireless HP printer 3600 to MacOS Sonoma" or "How to block callers on iPhone 13" Happy searching.
If you're looking for Mac computer tutorials, you might start by looking on our very own Apple Video page. If the help you're looking for isn't there, try the Apple Support website here, it shows several helpful videos, but also allows you to choose your Operating system and search for specific help at the top of the page. Finally, you can jump onto YouTube and search for help there, I can almost guarantee you that whatever question you have about your Mac, someone has made a video about that subject. Remember, when searching for videos on YouTube, be as specific as you can be, for example, "How to add a new wireless HP printer 3600 to MacOS Sonoma" or "How to block callers on iPhone 13" Happy searching.
How to Identify Spam
Spam, especially phishing spam, is very common these days. More often than not, spam will be delivered to your spam folder, that means it's already been identified as spam and there's nothing more you need to do. But what if something suspect makes its way into your inbox? First of all, NEVER click on any links found in a suspect email, also don't call any phone numbers supplied in spam emails. If it looks like a legitimate email from your bank, look up your bank's phone number and call them directly to ask them if they sent you this email. There are other ways to identify possible spam emails, for more on that take a look at this article.
Spam, especially phishing spam, is very common these days. More often than not, spam will be delivered to your spam folder, that means it's already been identified as spam and there's nothing more you need to do. But what if something suspect makes its way into your inbox? First of all, NEVER click on any links found in a suspect email, also don't call any phone numbers supplied in spam emails. If it looks like a legitimate email from your bank, look up your bank's phone number and call them directly to ask them if they sent you this email. There are other ways to identify possible spam emails, for more on that take a look at this article.
February 29, 2024 - The Price of Streaming Subscriptions - Samsung Galaxy AI is Coming - Glanceable Directions on Google Maps - Google Maps vs Apple Maps -
"It will be more than three decades before you see Computer Club fall on February 29 again, so don't click on any unknown links til then."- your calendar
Club Questions
"It will be more than three decades before you see Computer Club fall on February 29 again, so don't click on any unknown links til then."- your calendar
Club Questions
The Price of Streaming Subscriptions
Cutting the cable has become the war cry of those people wanting to lower their monthly cable bill. But is that the case for every cable cutter? It really depends on which subscription services you choose and how many of them. It still is very possible to lower your cable bill by substituting subscription services, but it can sometimes be hard to get all the channels you want on just one service. To learn more about how much the average American spends on these services, take a look at this article.
Cutting the cable has become the war cry of those people wanting to lower their monthly cable bill. But is that the case for every cable cutter? It really depends on which subscription services you choose and how many of them. It still is very possible to lower your cable bill by substituting subscription services, but it can sometimes be hard to get all the channels you want on just one service. To learn more about how much the average American spends on these services, take a look at this article.
Samsung Galaxy AI is Coming
Samsung is bringing its suite of Galaxy AI features to the Galaxy S23lineup, as well as the Galaxy S23 FE, Galaxy Z Fold 5, Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Galaxy Tab S9 family starting in March. The move shows that Samsung is eager to make AI a bigger part of all its high-profile mobile products, not just its newest phones. Galaxy AI is scheduled to arrive in a software update in late March as part of Samsung's goal to bring the features to more than 100 million Galaxy users this year. To learn more about Samsung's AI rollout, take a look at this article.
Samsung is bringing its suite of Galaxy AI features to the Galaxy S23lineup, as well as the Galaxy S23 FE, Galaxy Z Fold 5, Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Galaxy Tab S9 family starting in March. The move shows that Samsung is eager to make AI a bigger part of all its high-profile mobile products, not just its newest phones. Galaxy AI is scheduled to arrive in a software update in late March as part of Samsung's goal to bring the features to more than 100 million Galaxy users this year. To learn more about Samsung's AI rollout, take a look at this article.
Glanceable Directions on Google Maps
After announcing that it was bringing glanceable directions to its Maps app more than a year ago, Google has finally started to make good on its promise. The feature, which is starting to roll out to people with seemingly no geographic restrictions, allows people to see their travel directions on their smartphone Lock Screen for the first time. To learn more about this latest update from Google Maps, take a look at this article.
After announcing that it was bringing glanceable directions to its Maps app more than a year ago, Google has finally started to make good on its promise. The feature, which is starting to roll out to people with seemingly no geographic restrictions, allows people to see their travel directions on their smartphone Lock Screen for the first time. To learn more about this latest update from Google Maps, take a look at this article.
Google Maps vs Apple Maps
Google Maps and Apple Maps may seem like a very one-sided rivalry on paper. After all, Google Maps has the advantage of being baked into the most widely-used search engine in existence. Google Maps also didn’t have the same sort of infamously terrible launch that Apple Maps had. However, the comparison between both navigation apps is a little more nuanced than you might initially think. Despite still having some stink attached to it from its dismal launch, Apple Maps has come a long way, especially in recent years. So is one actually definitively better than the other? To see the comparison of the two map services, take a look at this article.
Google Maps and Apple Maps may seem like a very one-sided rivalry on paper. After all, Google Maps has the advantage of being baked into the most widely-used search engine in existence. Google Maps also didn’t have the same sort of infamously terrible launch that Apple Maps had. However, the comparison between both navigation apps is a little more nuanced than you might initially think. Despite still having some stink attached to it from its dismal launch, Apple Maps has come a long way, especially in recent years. So is one actually definitively better than the other? To see the comparison of the two map services, take a look at this article.
