July Meetings 2019
July 4, 2019 -
Don't Click on UNKNOWN LINKS, (even if they come with free fireworks)
Computer Club is taking a break this week in celebration of America's 243rd birthday.
Don't Click on UNKNOWN LINKS, (even if they come with free fireworks)
Computer Club is taking a break this week in celebration of America's 243rd birthday.
July 11, 2019 - What are QR Codes? Is the Coming 5G Revolution Safe? More Solutions to Robocalls, RIP Internet Explorer
I click on Unknown Links, therefore I am hacked.
CLUB QUESTIONS
I click on Unknown Links, therefore I am hacked.
CLUB QUESTIONS
What are QR Codes?
You might have heard about QR (Quick Response) codes or more likely seen them. They are represented as a black and white square with a collection of smaller squares within it. You can think of it as the evolution of the UPC (Universal Price Code) black bars that we have seen on product price tags for a long time, but they are much more than this. Where the UPC lines would give stores information about their products, QR codes have left the warehouse and can be found on billboards, product packaging, store windows, magazines and even some websites. QR codes are easily read by computers and can not only give complete product descriptions, but can often be used to redirect your device to a website with more information on whatever subject the QR code represents.
To use a QR code you'll need a QR reader app for your phone, tablet or even your computer (any device with a camera will work). There are several different readers available for both Android and iPhone, most are free. Once installed, all you need to do is open up the reader app and take a picture of the QR code you're interested in. From here you will be directed, hopefully, to the company's website with more information about the product or service they are promoting. For more info on QR codes, how to use them and the potential dark side to them, please take a look at this article that goes into detail on QR Codes from HowToGeek. Or maybe you already know about QR codes and just want to make your own code for free, then visit this site.
You might have heard about QR (Quick Response) codes or more likely seen them. They are represented as a black and white square with a collection of smaller squares within it. You can think of it as the evolution of the UPC (Universal Price Code) black bars that we have seen on product price tags for a long time, but they are much more than this. Where the UPC lines would give stores information about their products, QR codes have left the warehouse and can be found on billboards, product packaging, store windows, magazines and even some websites. QR codes are easily read by computers and can not only give complete product descriptions, but can often be used to redirect your device to a website with more information on whatever subject the QR code represents.
To use a QR code you'll need a QR reader app for your phone, tablet or even your computer (any device with a camera will work). There are several different readers available for both Android and iPhone, most are free. Once installed, all you need to do is open up the reader app and take a picture of the QR code you're interested in. From here you will be directed, hopefully, to the company's website with more information about the product or service they are promoting. For more info on QR codes, how to use them and the potential dark side to them, please take a look at this article that goes into detail on QR Codes from HowToGeek. Or maybe you already know about QR codes and just want to make your own code for free, then visit this site.
Will 5G Kill Me?
5G is coming and you're not going to stop it, telecom companies are rolling out the upgrades and beginning to test their systems, with some companies hoping to be serving select areas by 2020. But what does this mean for your health? We've been hearing for as many years that cell phones have existed that they cause cancer and other such things, but the truth is, so far, there is little evidence to prove these assertions. Every day you go out in the sun, and you’re bathed in electromagnetic radiation that’s far greater than any of these 5G cell towers. The bottom line is this is a very complicated subject and nowhere near enough studies have taken place to be able to claim it as dangerous or not. If you want to dig deeper into the whole picture, take a look at this detailed article from HowToGeek on all things 5G.
5G is coming and you're not going to stop it, telecom companies are rolling out the upgrades and beginning to test their systems, with some companies hoping to be serving select areas by 2020. But what does this mean for your health? We've been hearing for as many years that cell phones have existed that they cause cancer and other such things, but the truth is, so far, there is little evidence to prove these assertions. Every day you go out in the sun, and you’re bathed in electromagnetic radiation that’s far greater than any of these 5G cell towers. The bottom line is this is a very complicated subject and nowhere near enough studies have taken place to be able to claim it as dangerous or not. If you want to dig deeper into the whole picture, take a look at this detailed article from HowToGeek on all things 5G.
Chart of various devices and where they fit in the Electromagnetic Spectrum
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Still Getting Robocalls?
Here's How to Stop Them Here's a short video from CNET that goes over some of the basics on robocalls and offers some possible solutions to a problem that is only getting bigger as more and more companies use this technique. |
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- RIP Internet Explorer
- For those of you still clinging to Internet Explorer (IE) as your internet browser, it's time to let go. If you're currently using Windows 10, then you know that IE has been replaced by Edge (a much better choice). Still, it's worth repeating that using Internet Explorer at this point in time is extremely unsafe. Not only is the browser no longer supported by Microsoft, but it's also vulnerable to a host of malware and adware threats. Expanding the features of the browser is also far more difficult than it is with Chrome or Firefox, making them more attractive options.
July 18, 2019 - Go Full Screen, Google Voice, Reallocating Key Functions.
🎵 Unknown links aren't made for clicking
an that's what I won't do...🎶
- Nancy Sinatra
CLUB QUESTIONS
🎵 Unknown links aren't made for clicking
an that's what I won't do...🎶
- Nancy Sinatra
CLUB QUESTIONS
Go Full Screen
"Going full screen" is another way of saying you're making the image as big as your screen will allow. As with most things computer, there are a few ways to achieve 'full screen.' A nearly universal trick now is to simply click on the green dot ● at the top corner of your document, window, browser, etc. This will make it go into full screen mode and to get out, simply click the green button again (if you don't see the green button, push your mouse cursor against the top edge of your screen to expose it). For those of you who prefer keystrokes. On Apple computers toggle Control + Command + F keys. For Windows computers, before Windows 10, simply toggle F11 key, and for Windows 10 users, toggle Windows Key + Shift + Enter keys.
"Going full screen" is another way of saying you're making the image as big as your screen will allow. As with most things computer, there are a few ways to achieve 'full screen.' A nearly universal trick now is to simply click on the green dot ● at the top corner of your document, window, browser, etc. This will make it go into full screen mode and to get out, simply click the green button again (if you don't see the green button, push your mouse cursor against the top edge of your screen to expose it). For those of you who prefer keystrokes. On Apple computers toggle Control + Command + F keys. For Windows computers, before Windows 10, simply toggle F11 key, and for Windows 10 users, toggle Windows Key + Shift + Enter keys.
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Google Voice
A new free service from Google is called Google Voice which brings all your important phone numbers (plus one they give you for free) together into a more centrally controllable group. For details on Google Voice features, please watch the accompanying video. What about your personal data you may ask? Doesn't Google already collect all my data? Yes, they sort of do, but if you're interested there's a way to see what Google has collected on you and how to delete it. You can assume that Google will be collecting all the data from each of the numbers you use on Google Voice. Nobody rides for free. |
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How To Move Key Functions
Have you ever wanted to get rid of that "Caps Lock" key? There is a way to move the functionality of one key to another key, but all of the best ways seem to be third party apps (free). For Windows users, take a look at this article on reallocating keys on PC. For Apple users, here's a great HowToGeek article on moving keys around on a Mac. Both of these solutions use free third-party apps.*
* An application that is provided by a vendor other than the manufacturer of the device. For example, the iPhone comes with its own camera app, but there have been camera apps from third parties that offered advanced features such as a self timer and simple editing. Until Apple incorporates the same enhancements in its own products, third-party apps offer advantages to the user. Android users enjoy the same benefits from third party app makers.
Have you ever wanted to get rid of that "Caps Lock" key? There is a way to move the functionality of one key to another key, but all of the best ways seem to be third party apps (free). For Windows users, take a look at this article on reallocating keys on PC. For Apple users, here's a great HowToGeek article on moving keys around on a Mac. Both of these solutions use free third-party apps.*
* An application that is provided by a vendor other than the manufacturer of the device. For example, the iPhone comes with its own camera app, but there have been camera apps from third parties that offered advanced features such as a self timer and simple editing. Until Apple incorporates the same enhancements in its own products, third-party apps offer advantages to the user. Android users enjoy the same benefits from third party app makers.
July 25, 2019 - What is Skype? Choosing a Cable Cutter Device; Roku, FireStick, Apple TV, Chromecast, Fun Site o the Week - Radiooooo
I've never met an unknown link that I wanted to click."
- Grouchø Marks
CLUB QUESTIONS
I've never met an unknown link that I wanted to click."
- Grouchø Marks
CLUB QUESTIONS
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What is Skype?
By way of history, Skype began in Luxembourg in the early 2000s as a way of sending video/audio chats anywhere in the world via the internet. In 2011 Microsoft bought Skype for over Eight Billion dollars. With this acquisition, Microsoft continued with Skype's original features and adapted them to the more mobile world we live in today. You can even send money via PayPal now thru your Skype account. The short video here will explain how to use Skype, the video is a little dated, but still covers all the basics. |
Are There Any Dangers to Using Skype?
Because Skype is a free, universally downloadable product that allows one computer to connect to another, it is vulnerable to transmitting viruses. It is possible that viruses and malware can be embedded in a file-share transaction such as an instant message or an attachment to a message. However, when compared to other chat services including AOL, MSN Messenger and Yahoo! Messenger, Skype has the best protection and detection of potentially malicious software. To stay protected, never download any attachments from a stranger and always have the most updated version of anti-virus software. An extra safety precaution is to confirm that an attachment was sent and the name of the file, even when dealing with a friend online.
Because Skype is a free, universally downloadable product that allows one computer to connect to another, it is vulnerable to transmitting viruses. It is possible that viruses and malware can be embedded in a file-share transaction such as an instant message or an attachment to a message. However, when compared to other chat services including AOL, MSN Messenger and Yahoo! Messenger, Skype has the best protection and detection of potentially malicious software. To stay protected, never download any attachments from a stranger and always have the most updated version of anti-virus software. An extra safety precaution is to confirm that an attachment was sent and the name of the file, even when dealing with a friend online.
Cable Cutting Devices
Once you've decided to cut your TV cable provider, and you've chosen a replacement service, you're not finished yet. You will also need a way of getting all this wonderful content from the internet to your big screen TV. That's where the following devices come in. These are physical devices that come in various sizes and shapes, and they plug into your TV and create on-screen interfaces that allow you to browse myriad content. Most of the devices listed come with a hand held remote that allows for control of the on-screen menu, some also support voice control. Some of these devices plug into your TV via HDMI and other use USB. For more details on each featured device, see below. The products listed below are just some of the devices available, some of the most popular.
Once you've decided to cut your TV cable provider, and you've chosen a replacement service, you're not finished yet. You will also need a way of getting all this wonderful content from the internet to your big screen TV. That's where the following devices come in. These are physical devices that come in various sizes and shapes, and they plug into your TV and create on-screen interfaces that allow you to browse myriad content. Most of the devices listed come with a hand held remote that allows for control of the on-screen menu, some also support voice control. Some of these devices plug into your TV via HDMI and other use USB. For more details on each featured device, see below. The products listed below are just some of the devices available, some of the most popular.
Apple TV is a smallish (4" x 4" x 1") box that connects to your smart TV via an HDMI input. Thru Apple TV's on-screen menu, you can navigate around the many provided apps, or download new ones via the onboard App Store app. There are no controls on the box itself, all control takes place thru the smaller and simplified bluetooth connected hand-remote. If you are an Apple user already, Apple TV allows you to share even more with other Apple users (a friend visiting you can share a video from his iPhone to your home TV with Apple TV sharing). There are several variations of Apple TV, ranked by generation (1st Gen, 2nd Gen, etc) with prices ranging from around $100 - $200.
The Mi Box is Chinese smartphone company Xiaomi’s play to take on devices like Roku, Apple TV, Android TV and Fire TV. Priced at only $69, and sporting features like integrated Google Cast and voice search, the 4K- and HDR-supporting device seems worth a look. But at the end of the day, Mi Box is still an Android TV player, and subject to limitations of that platform — which are many.
The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K is smaller, faster, less expensive, supports Dolby Vision, and features a more advanced remote than any of its predecessors. It's rated as one of the best media streamers you can buy for under $50 by a variety of online sources. If you haven't moved up to 4K yet, though, the non-4K Fire TV Stick offers the same features and design for about $10 less.
Google Chromecast, or A Chromecast is built on top of Google’s own proprietary protocol called Cast. It’s designed to let devices (such as your smartphone) easily mirror their content onto a screen or a smart speaker (such as your TV or bluetooth speakers). A Chromecast connects over Wi-Fi and is entirely controlled by another device like a smartphone instead of a dedicated remote. A Chromecast basically acts as a bridge between your TV and your phone or tablet. Without the extra remote, there's no new menu to learn, Google Chromecast sets up easily via an HDMI connection. Google Chromecast is priced around $50.
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Roku Streaming Stick
Roku offers a massive collection of streaming sticks and boxes. The device plugs into your smart TV's HDMI slot and depending on the model can provide you with full range of features. For more details on Roku's different models (prices ranging from around $20 to $90) watch the short video attached to this review. |
Fun Website of the Week
Radiooooo.com is exactly that from the very beginning to today (1900 to Today). The site allows you to choose a few parameters; country, tempo, decade and then creates a radio station featuring only that kind of music. You can’t skip songs, just like a real radio station, but you can always choose a different decade, or mood (or country for that matter). The developers are relying not on algorithms or crowdsourcing or big data, but on the ever changing dictates of taste. An algorithm can never account for the intangible qualities of music the way a radio d.j. or older sibling might. Radiooooo fills this role elegantly. It takes advantage of one of the best things about the Internet, the ability of people from all over the world to contribute to a common cause, and rejects one of the worst, the dispiriting monotony of automated algorithmic curation. Pick a decade, a country and a mood and give Radiooooo 20 minutes and see if you're not convinced.
