January Meetings 2021
Jan 7, 2021 - Tech Recap of 2020, Death to Pop-Ups, Flash is Finally Dead, how to uninstall it, Netflix-All the Secret Codes,
Please Don't Start Your Year Off with an Unknown Link!
Club Questions
Please Don't Start Your Year Off with an Unknown Link!
Club Questions
New Tech Recap of 2020
Every year comes the tech reviewers come out with a new list of high tech gadgets that sometimes boggle the mind at their inventiveness. This is just one of many roundup lists of the tech that made its way into the world in 2020. From security drones that fly around your house while you're out, to Samsung's 110" digital TV or an autonomous personal vehicle, there's lots to marvel at in this article.
Of course there are so many more tech updates from 2020, too many to list here, but if you'd like to see more of them, simply Google something like "new tech 2020" or "tech trends 2020." Big tech has had a very busy year. Or you can just click on this list from Esquire, or this list from Wired, or this list from CNET.
Every year comes the tech reviewers come out with a new list of high tech gadgets that sometimes boggle the mind at their inventiveness. This is just one of many roundup lists of the tech that made its way into the world in 2020. From security drones that fly around your house while you're out, to Samsung's 110" digital TV or an autonomous personal vehicle, there's lots to marvel at in this article.
Of course there are so many more tech updates from 2020, too many to list here, but if you'd like to see more of them, simply Google something like "new tech 2020" or "tech trends 2020." Big tech has had a very busy year. Or you can just click on this list from Esquire, or this list from Wired, or this list from CNET.
Death to Pop-Ups
Pretty much everyone who uses the Internet dislikes pop-ups, those pesky little windows that open up and ask you to accept cookies before you use their website. A recent law, started in California, may see the end of these bothersome intrusions to our web life. To read more about how pop-ups are being dealt with by legislative forces, take a look at this article.
Pretty much everyone who uses the Internet dislikes pop-ups, those pesky little windows that open up and ask you to accept cookies before you use their website. A recent law, started in California, may see the end of these bothersome intrusions to our web life. To read more about how pop-ups are being dealt with by legislative forces, take a look at this article.
Flash is Finally Dead
It's been coming for years now, but Adobe Flash is finally dead and even Adobe says you need to uninstall the Flash Player on your computer. Leaving Flash Player on your device can lead to lots of problems due to all the security leaks and potential hacks it attracts. But don't worry, uninstalling it is easy. If you use a Windows device, try this link. And if you're an Apple user, try this one. Just download the uninstaller app, follow the simple directions and your device can start the new year free of Flash.
It's been coming for years now, but Adobe Flash is finally dead and even Adobe says you need to uninstall the Flash Player on your computer. Leaving Flash Player on your device can lead to lots of problems due to all the security leaks and potential hacks it attracts. But don't worry, uninstalling it is easy. If you use a Windows device, try this link. And if you're an Apple user, try this one. Just download the uninstaller app, follow the simple directions and your device can start the new year free of Flash.
How to use Netflix Secret Codes
By now you've probably heard about them, Netflix secret genre codes, if not prepare to have your Netflix searches become much easier. Sifting through all the thousands of movie and TV show choices on Netflix can be difficult sometimes, but this secret list (published below) makes it a breeze. First take a look at this article from MakeUseOf that walks you thru how to use the codes on Netflix and then scroll down for the popular list. All of the links below will automatically open Netflix and go the the genre you've clicked on. Still want more? try the complete list.
By now you've probably heard about them, Netflix secret genre codes, if not prepare to have your Netflix searches become much easier. Sifting through all the thousands of movie and TV show choices on Netflix can be difficult sometimes, but this secret list (published below) makes it a breeze. First take a look at this article from MakeUseOf that walks you thru how to use the codes on Netflix and then scroll down for the popular list. All of the links below will automatically open Netflix and go the the genre you've clicked on. Still want more? try the complete list.
Jan 14, 2021 - Now is the Time to Delete WhatsApp, What Really is Encrypted Messaging Anyway? CES 2021 Goes Virtual, How to be Hack-Free in 2021
Please Don't Start Your Year Off with an Unknown Link!
Club Questions
Please Don't Start Your Year Off with an Unknown Link!
Club Questions
WhatsApp's Time is Done
WhatsApp, a popular messaging app, has been losing popularity since Facebook bought it a few years ago. Users worried about Facebook data mining them, and that is exactly what Facebook has been doing. Pressure has been building against using WhatsApp because of FB's privacy policy rules. To learn how delete WhatsApp, take a look at this article. You can also check out these secure alternatives to WhatsApp. Or if you've already decided to move to Signal (presently one of the most secure messaging apps) you can read this article on how to move all your contacts over to Signal.
What Really Is Encrypted Messaging?
As long as we're talking about the above apps, let's take a deeper dive into what encrypted messaging really is. Basically it scrambles the text, call, photo or audio message you send thru it, and then reassembles it when it gets to the person you're sending it to. This means that no one but you and the person you're communicating with can access it. But there's more to it than that, for a much closer look at what encryption really means for these sorts of apps, take a look at this article.
WhatsApp, a popular messaging app, has been losing popularity since Facebook bought it a few years ago. Users worried about Facebook data mining them, and that is exactly what Facebook has been doing. Pressure has been building against using WhatsApp because of FB's privacy policy rules. To learn how delete WhatsApp, take a look at this article. You can also check out these secure alternatives to WhatsApp. Or if you've already decided to move to Signal (presently one of the most secure messaging apps) you can read this article on how to move all your contacts over to Signal.
What Really Is Encrypted Messaging?
As long as we're talking about the above apps, let's take a deeper dive into what encrypted messaging really is. Basically it scrambles the text, call, photo or audio message you send thru it, and then reassembles it when it gets to the person you're sending it to. This means that no one but you and the person you're communicating with can access it. But there's more to it than that, for a much closer look at what encryption really means for these sorts of apps, take a look at this article.
CES (Consumer Electronics Show) 2021
CES is an annual trade show organized by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) that normally shows off the best of the new tech in a live show that covers several days in January in Las Vegas. This year CES was forced to take a different approach due to the ongoing Coronavirus threat. CES 2021 was a totally virtual affair this year, but that didn't stop the wonderful and amazing new tech from making their debut. Check out the video below for a taste of the new tech hitting the market. Or take a look at this article to see how some of the new tech is helping fight COVID-19.
CES is an annual trade show organized by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) that normally shows off the best of the new tech in a live show that covers several days in January in Las Vegas. This year CES was forced to take a different approach due to the ongoing Coronavirus threat. CES 2021 was a totally virtual affair this year, but that didn't stop the wonderful and amazing new tech from making their debut. Check out the video below for a taste of the new tech hitting the market. Or take a look at this article to see how some of the new tech is helping fight COVID-19.
How to Remain Hack-Free
Just know that you are your own biggest weakness when it comes to getting hacked. But rest assured, there are things you can do to help keep yourself safe online. Knowing how to spot a phishing attack, using two factor authentication and wiping your online footprint are just a few of the best ways to stay safe. Read about all of them in this article.
Just know that you are your own biggest weakness when it comes to getting hacked. But rest assured, there are things you can do to help keep yourself safe online. Knowing how to spot a phishing attack, using two factor authentication and wiping your online footprint are just a few of the best ways to stay safe. Read about all of them in this article.
Jan 21, 2021 - Malwarebytes Hacked, How to Make Best Use of Your Fingerprint Reader, Buying Stuff Right Off YouTube Videos,
Unknown Links are Not Coronavirus, but they're just as Bad!
Club Questions
Unknown Links are Not Coronavirus, but they're just as Bad!
Club Questions
Malwarebytes Hacked
Yes, Malwarebytes, the free malware detection app (for both Windows and MacOS) was hacked. It discovered the hack back in December 2020 after the Microsoft Security Response Center (MSRC) alerted them of the intrusion. But for all you loyal users of Malwarebytes, don't worry, the hack didn't affect any of Malwarebytes products. To learn more about what the hackers actually accessed, take a look at this article.
Yes, Malwarebytes, the free malware detection app (for both Windows and MacOS) was hacked. It discovered the hack back in December 2020 after the Microsoft Security Response Center (MSRC) alerted them of the intrusion. But for all you loyal users of Malwarebytes, don't worry, the hack didn't affect any of Malwarebytes products. To learn more about what the hackers actually accessed, take a look at this article.
How to Best Use Fingerprint Readers
Fingerprint readers on phones, tablets and laptops have been around for a while now, but you still may not be using them in the best possible way. Whether you're an Android or a Mac user, ZDNet has some great tips to help you get the most out of your fingerprint readers, for more, take a look at this article.
Fingerprint readers on phones, tablets and laptops have been around for a while now, but you still may not be using them in the best possible way. Whether you're an Android or a Mac user, ZDNet has some great tips to help you get the most out of your fingerprint readers, for more, take a look at this article.
YouTube Online Storefront
Even though we all know that YouTube started as a video dating service, it's come a long way since then. Recently, they announced that you may soon be able to purchase items directly from YouTube videos. You'll be able to check out more information about those products, watch related videos or buy the items. Google has just started testing this system, for more information, take a look at this article.
Even though we all know that YouTube started as a video dating service, it's come a long way since then. Recently, they announced that you may soon be able to purchase items directly from YouTube videos. You'll be able to check out more information about those products, watch related videos or buy the items. Google has just started testing this system, for more information, take a look at this article.
Jan 28, 2021 - Update to Firefox 85, WhatsApp Gets Hacked, Microsoft Edge Updates, Best VPN Services for 2021,
Unknown Links Suck just as Bad in 2021, As they did in 2020!
Club Questions
Unknown Links Suck just as Bad in 2021, As they did in 2020!
Club Questions
Time to Update Firefox Browser
If you use Firefox as your browser, or one of your browsers, it's time for you to update to the latest version, Firefox 85. This version has a lot to be happy about, it not only removes the Flash plugin (which you definitely do Not need) but it also releases a new feature called "network partitioning" which helps stop websites from tracking you across the internet. To read more about all the new Firefox features, take a look at this article. If you just want to know how to update your version of Firefox, try this article from the official site.
If you use Firefox as your browser, or one of your browsers, it's time for you to update to the latest version, Firefox 85. This version has a lot to be happy about, it not only removes the Flash plugin (which you definitely do Not need) but it also releases a new feature called "network partitioning" which helps stop websites from tracking you across the internet. To read more about all the new Firefox features, take a look at this article. If you just want to know how to update your version of Firefox, try this article from the official site.
Time to Get Rid of WhatsApp
If you're still using WhatsApp as your 'secure' messaging app, you might want to take a look at the latest hack on that service. And if you're not sure what secure messaging app you should be using, CNET has a nice breakdown on the best in that category available now. Read more about their secure messaging apps comparison here.
If you're still using WhatsApp as your 'secure' messaging app, you might want to take a look at the latest hack on that service. And if you're not sure what secure messaging app you should be using, CNET has a nice breakdown on the best in that category available now. Read more about their secure messaging apps comparison here.
Microsoft Edge Updates
If you use Microsoft Edge as your browser of choice, you'll want to make sure that you've got the latest update released from Microsoft. Edge Chromium 88 is finally rolling out and has a myriad of new features, including a new randomized password generator built in, and lots of new themes to help you personalize your browser. Read more about all the changes and how to update your version to the latest in this article from Lifehacker.
If you use Microsoft Edge as your browser of choice, you'll want to make sure that you've got the latest update released from Microsoft. Edge Chromium 88 is finally rolling out and has a myriad of new features, including a new randomized password generator built in, and lots of new themes to help you personalize your browser. Read more about all the changes and how to update your version to the latest in this article from Lifehacker.
Best VPNs for 2021
PC Magazine's top picks for VPNs (virtual private network) feature many of our old favourites, including NordVPN, ExpressVPN and Cyber Ghost, but also features some newcomers and some specialty VPNs as well. They break down all the perks for each provider by device and also all the pricing levels for each company. To read all of PC Magazine's VPN picks, read more here.
PC Magazine's top picks for VPNs (virtual private network) feature many of our old favourites, including NordVPN, ExpressVPN and Cyber Ghost, but also features some newcomers and some specialty VPNs as well. They break down all the perks for each provider by device and also all the pricing levels for each company. To read all of PC Magazine's VPN picks, read more here.
