May Meetings 2019
May 2, 2019 - Delete your Google history, WiFi networks & OTA boxes
If you click on an unknown link, you'll be sorry.
QUIZ QUESTIONS
If you click on an unknown link, you'll be sorry.
QUIZ QUESTIONS
How to Delete Your Google History
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We all know that Google likes to track what we do online, but did you know that Google also lets you control that data? They do, by simply logging in to any of your Google accounts (Gmail for example), you can dig down into your data and decide what you want Google to have and what you prefer to keep private. This video shows how to do it on your phone, but the technique works just as well on a computer and applies to both Windows and Apple computers.
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WiFi Networks
We all know about WiFi, it's that invisible signal that allows us to connect our various devices to the internet. WiFi is also one of the technologies that is constantly on the move, in the last decade or so we've moved thru 1G and are now rapidly approaching 5G, these numbers are of course in reference to the speed of the WiFi networks and these speeds are controlled by our network providers (think Comcast, Verizon or T-Mobile among many others).
In our homes we have a bit more control over our WiFi speeds depending on which system we use to spread our WiFi signal around our house. The most recent change is the adding of an additional range of bandwidths to our home networks. It is now very common to have a WiFi router that creates two networks, one at 2.4 Ghz and another at 5.0 Ghz, but what is the difference between the two?
We all know about WiFi, it's that invisible signal that allows us to connect our various devices to the internet. WiFi is also one of the technologies that is constantly on the move, in the last decade or so we've moved thru 1G and are now rapidly approaching 5G, these numbers are of course in reference to the speed of the WiFi networks and these speeds are controlled by our network providers (think Comcast, Verizon or T-Mobile among many others).
In our homes we have a bit more control over our WiFi speeds depending on which system we use to spread our WiFi signal around our house. The most recent change is the adding of an additional range of bandwidths to our home networks. It is now very common to have a WiFi router that creates two networks, one at 2.4 Ghz and another at 5.0 Ghz, but what is the difference between the two?
The primary differences between the two frequencies are the range (coverage) and bandwidth (speed) that the bands provide. The 2.4 GHz band provides coverage at a longer range but transmits data at slower speeds. The 5 GHz band provides less coverage but transmits data at faster speeds.
The range is lower in the 5 GHz band because higher frequencies cannot penetrate solid objects, such as walls and floors. However, higher frequencies allow data to be transmitted faster than lower frequencies, so the 5 GHz band allows you to upload and download files faster.
Your WiFi connection on a particular frequency band can also be faster or slower because of interference from other devices. Many WiFi-enabled technologies and other household devices use the 2.4 GHz band, including microwaves and garage door openers. When multiple devices attempt to use the same radio space, overcrowding occurs. The 5 GHz band tends to have less overcrowding than the 2.4GHz band because fewer devices use it and because it has 23 channels for devices to use, while the 2.4GHz band has only 11 channels. The number of channels that are available to you depends on the regulatory domain. If you’re experiencing a lot of interference from other devices, consider using the 5 GHz band. For a more detailed look at the differences between these two bandwidths, take a look at this article from HowToGeek.
The range is lower in the 5 GHz band because higher frequencies cannot penetrate solid objects, such as walls and floors. However, higher frequencies allow data to be transmitted faster than lower frequencies, so the 5 GHz band allows you to upload and download files faster.
Your WiFi connection on a particular frequency band can also be faster or slower because of interference from other devices. Many WiFi-enabled technologies and other household devices use the 2.4 GHz band, including microwaves and garage door openers. When multiple devices attempt to use the same radio space, overcrowding occurs. The 5 GHz band tends to have less overcrowding than the 2.4GHz band because fewer devices use it and because it has 23 channels for devices to use, while the 2.4GHz band has only 11 channels. The number of channels that are available to you depends on the regulatory domain. If you’re experiencing a lot of interference from other devices, consider using the 5 GHz band. For a more detailed look at the differences between these two bandwidths, take a look at this article from HowToGeek.
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What is a Mesh Network?
We talked a bit about Mesh Networks last month and how they differ from a standard router/modem setup. For a more complete breakdown on Mesh systems and why they might be right for you, take a look at this article from HowToGeek. |
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What is an OTA box?
OTA, or "over the air" boxes are plentiful these days, you can find an ad for one almost everywhere on the internet, they promise all the free live TV channels you could ever want for a one-time fee. But is that what you really get? Before you run out and buy an expensive OTA box, read this article from HowToGeek about the fine points of OTA boxes.
May 9, 2019 - Safe Mode, Browser Extensions (Add-ons) & Know Your Cursor
CLICKING ON UNKNOWN LINKS = TROUBLE
QUIZ QUESTIONS
CLICKING ON UNKNOWN LINKS = TROUBLE
QUIZ QUESTIONS
Is Safe Mode the Solution?
What exactly is Safe Mode and when would I ever want to use it? Safe Mode is just what it says, it's a 'safe' way to start your computer. If you are having issues with your computer, you might consider restarting it in Safe Mode. For you PC users, there's this article that goes over, in detail, what Safe Mode is and how/when to use it. For you Apple computer people, take a look at what Apple suggests for the proper use of Safe Mode on Macs.
What exactly is Safe Mode and when would I ever want to use it? Safe Mode is just what it says, it's a 'safe' way to start your computer. If you are having issues with your computer, you might consider restarting it in Safe Mode. For you PC users, there's this article that goes over, in detail, what Safe Mode is and how/when to use it. For you Apple computer people, take a look at what Apple suggests for the proper use of Safe Mode on Macs.
Browser Add-ons (extensions)
We all know what a browser is (a window that can navigate the internet), but what is a browser add-on? Add-ons or extensions are (usually) free little programs that enhance your browser of choice. There are thousands of free browser extensions available for all the popular browsers, and they help you do everything from fill out online forms or spelling and grammar to weird stuff like flipping every website upside down or replacing every add on a page with a piece of artwork, and almost everything in between. Browser extensions are available all over the internet, and because of that it's important to be careful what you download and where you download it from. Every browser has it's own add-on store where you can get officially sanctioned extensions right from the source (see logo/links below).
To help you narrow down your selection (as too many browser extensions can be a bad thing) to the best of the best, here's a few lists; LifeHacker's Top 10 extensions, ComputerWorld's picks for best Firefox add-ons, or take a look at PCWorld's slideshow of their top 25 picks. Or you can just go directly to the source, click on any of the browser logos below to link to their official add-on store.
We all know what a browser is (a window that can navigate the internet), but what is a browser add-on? Add-ons or extensions are (usually) free little programs that enhance your browser of choice. There are thousands of free browser extensions available for all the popular browsers, and they help you do everything from fill out online forms or spelling and grammar to weird stuff like flipping every website upside down or replacing every add on a page with a piece of artwork, and almost everything in between. Browser extensions are available all over the internet, and because of that it's important to be careful what you download and where you download it from. Every browser has it's own add-on store where you can get officially sanctioned extensions right from the source (see logo/links below).
To help you narrow down your selection (as too many browser extensions can be a bad thing) to the best of the best, here's a few lists; LifeHacker's Top 10 extensions, ComputerWorld's picks for best Firefox add-ons, or take a look at PCWorld's slideshow of their top 25 picks. Or you can just go directly to the source, click on any of the browser logos below to link to their official add-on store.
Microsoft Edge Extensions
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Firefox Add-Ons
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Apple Safari Extensions
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Opera Add-Ons
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Google Chrome Store
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The Dark Side of Browser Extensions
You might wonder if you even need browser extensions (or whatever they call them), and as helpful as add-ons can be for your internet browsing, there is a darkness to their light. To understand the dark side of browser extensions take a look at this HowToGeek article, and then maybe rethink how many add-ons you really need.
You might wonder if you even need browser extensions (or whatever they call them), and as helpful as add-ons can be for your internet browsing, there is a darkness to their light. To understand the dark side of browser extensions take a look at this HowToGeek article, and then maybe rethink how many add-ons you really need.
Know Your Cursor(s)
Your Cursor, what you control with your mouse or trackpad, usually looks like an arrow of some kind on your computer screen, but it can shape shift as it needs to depending on what you roll the cursor over. Below are a few examples of different cursors and what they mean for both Windows and Apple users. And as you can see, there are a lot of similarities between both sets of cursors.
Your Cursor, what you control with your mouse or trackpad, usually looks like an arrow of some kind on your computer screen, but it can shape shift as it needs to depending on what you roll the cursor over. Below are a few examples of different cursors and what they mean for both Windows and Apple users. And as you can see, there are a lot of similarities between both sets of cursors.
Windows Cursors
Apple Cursors
May 16, 2019 - Windows Defender, Finding Your Downloads, What is an Algorithm? How do I backup my Device(s)? HTTPS vs HTTP
Clicking on unknown links = please don't do that.
QUIZ QUESTIONS
Clicking on unknown links = please don't do that.
QUIZ QUESTIONS
What is Windows Defender?
Microsoft offered a standalone antivirus app named Microsoft Security Essentials in the days of Windows XP, Vista, and 7. With Windows 8, the product was tidied up a bit, bundled with Windows, and renamed Windows Defender. And it’s pretty good, if something of a mixed bag. It’s true that other antivirus apps—like BitDefender and Kaspersky—protect against more viruses in benchmarks.
But Windows Defender boasts some advantages, too. It’s by far the most non-invasive app, handling things in the background whenever it can and not nagging you all the time. Windows Defender also plays nicer with web browsers and other apps—respecting their security and privacy settings more than most other antivirus apps.
Starting with the Creators Update for Windows 10, Windows Defender’s interface changed a bit, and it was integrated into the new Windows Defender Security Center—which also provides access to security-related tools like family protection, firewall settings, device performance and health reports, and browser security controls. If you haven’t yet updated to the Creators Update, you should still be able to follow along pretty well.
What you use is up to you, but Windows Defender is not a bad choice (and has overcome most of its problems from a few years back) and is included with every version of Windows 10. It is recommended that you also run an anti-malware app like Malwarebytes in addition to whatever antivirus app you choose.
For a more complete look at all the features of Windows Defender, take a look at the short video below from PC World.
Microsoft offered a standalone antivirus app named Microsoft Security Essentials in the days of Windows XP, Vista, and 7. With Windows 8, the product was tidied up a bit, bundled with Windows, and renamed Windows Defender. And it’s pretty good, if something of a mixed bag. It’s true that other antivirus apps—like BitDefender and Kaspersky—protect against more viruses in benchmarks.
But Windows Defender boasts some advantages, too. It’s by far the most non-invasive app, handling things in the background whenever it can and not nagging you all the time. Windows Defender also plays nicer with web browsers and other apps—respecting their security and privacy settings more than most other antivirus apps.
Starting with the Creators Update for Windows 10, Windows Defender’s interface changed a bit, and it was integrated into the new Windows Defender Security Center—which also provides access to security-related tools like family protection, firewall settings, device performance and health reports, and browser security controls. If you haven’t yet updated to the Creators Update, you should still be able to follow along pretty well.
What you use is up to you, but Windows Defender is not a bad choice (and has overcome most of its problems from a few years back) and is included with every version of Windows 10. It is recommended that you also run an anti-malware app like Malwarebytes in addition to whatever antivirus app you choose.
For a more complete look at all the features of Windows Defender, take a look at the short video below from PC World.
Where Do My Downloads Go?
We all love downloading stuff from the internet, but sometimes it's a real treasure hunt to find where your device put those downloaded files. If you're looking for your files on an Android device, read this article. For those of you using Windows 10, take a look at this article on how to configure your downloads.
If you're an Apple user, here's a bunch of different ways to locate your downloaded files on a Mac. And finally, if you're an iPhone user here's a great article with pictures that show how to find every kind of download you might have on your iPhone.
We all love downloading stuff from the internet, but sometimes it's a real treasure hunt to find where your device put those downloaded files. If you're looking for your files on an Android device, read this article. For those of you using Windows 10, take a look at this article on how to configure your downloads.
If you're an Apple user, here's a bunch of different ways to locate your downloaded files on a Mac. And finally, if you're an iPhone user here's a great article with pictures that show how to find every kind of download you might have on your iPhone.
What is a Computer Algorithm?
Algorithms are the building blocks of computer programs. They are as important to programming as recipes are to cooking. An algorithm is a well-defined procedure that takes input and produces output. The computer program tells the computer what to do (in computer code) and an algorithm tells the computer how to do it (in an algebraic equation).
NOTE - Luckily, to use your computer you really don't need to know much about algorithms, just know they are working in the background to improve your computer experience.
Algorithms are the building blocks of computer programs. They are as important to programming as recipes are to cooking. An algorithm is a well-defined procedure that takes input and produces output. The computer program tells the computer what to do (in computer code) and an algorithm tells the computer how to do it (in an algebraic equation).
NOTE - Luckily, to use your computer you really don't need to know much about algorithms, just know they are working in the background to improve your computer experience.
How to Back Up Your Device
You've probably heard other people talking about "backing up" their computers or smart devices, but what does that mean? When you back up your device, whether it's a computer or a smart phone or a tablet, you are copying all of the files and data that you choose, and saving it to another location, be that a cloud service, an external hard drive or some kind of disc. It's all about your personal data at the end of the day, how much do you value it? For more information on how to back up your device(s), take a look at this article from HowToGeek which covers several different ways to back up both Windows and Apple devices.
You've probably heard other people talking about "backing up" their computers or smart devices, but what does that mean? When you back up your device, whether it's a computer or a smart phone or a tablet, you are copying all of the files and data that you choose, and saving it to another location, be that a cloud service, an external hard drive or some kind of disc. It's all about your personal data at the end of the day, how much do you value it? For more information on how to back up your device(s), take a look at this article from HowToGeek which covers several different ways to back up both Windows and Apple devices.
Internet Security - HTTP vs HTTPS
HTTPS stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol over Secure Socket Layer or HTTP over SSL. In this, SSL acts as a sub layer under regular HTTP application layering. HTTPS encrypts an HTTP message prior to transmission and decrypts a message upon arrival. By default, HTTPS uses 443 port, whereas HTTP uses 80 port. URL's beginning with HTTPS indicate that the connection between client and browser is encrypted using SSL. Whereas HTTP is a non-secure connection to the internet with no encrypting of data. Obviously, if you are doing any transactions that involve money over the internet, you want to make sure your connection is HTTPS which gives you the added security of encryption for your financial transactions. For a video explanation of what SSL is, please watch the video below. SSL works together with HTTPS to make your internet connection secure.
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May 23, 2019 - Smartphone Apps, Getting Directions from Google Maps App, Voice to Text Dictation
Q - Should I click on Unknown Links? A - NO, Never!
QUIZ QUESTIONS
Q - Should I click on Unknown Links? A - NO, Never!
QUIZ QUESTIONS
Finding and Installing Apps on your Smartphone
Everyone has heard of "apps" but what exactly are they and how do you install/delete them from your smartphone? Basically a mobile app or mobile application is a computer program or software application designed to run on a mobile device such as a phone/tablet or watch. Apps were originally intended for productivity assistance such as Email, calendar, and contact databases, but the public demand for apps caused rapid expansion into other areas such as mobile games, factory automation, GPS and location-based services, order-tracking, and ticket purchases, so that there are now millions of apps available.
If you're using and Android device, this article from Android Central goes over all the details of where to get them, how to download them to your device and even how to uninstall the apps that you no longer want.
For you Apple users, here's a similar article from WikiHow that goes over where to find apps and how to install them on your iPhone. Or for those of you visual learners, take a look at these videos below on the same subject.
Everyone has heard of "apps" but what exactly are they and how do you install/delete them from your smartphone? Basically a mobile app or mobile application is a computer program or software application designed to run on a mobile device such as a phone/tablet or watch. Apps were originally intended for productivity assistance such as Email, calendar, and contact databases, but the public demand for apps caused rapid expansion into other areas such as mobile games, factory automation, GPS and location-based services, order-tracking, and ticket purchases, so that there are now millions of apps available.
If you're using and Android device, this article from Android Central goes over all the details of where to get them, how to download them to your device and even how to uninstall the apps that you no longer want.
For you Apple users, here's a similar article from WikiHow that goes over where to find apps and how to install them on your iPhone. Or for those of you visual learners, take a look at these videos below on the same subject.
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Android Apps
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Apple Apps
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NOTE - Although you can get apps from many different places online, it is suggested that you only use verified app providers like the Google Play Store or Apple's App Store to make sure you're getting an app and not some kind of malware or worse.
Google Maps - How to Get Directions
Google Maps is just another offshoot of Google (along with Search, Earth, Cloud, etc). By teaming up with the GPS built into your smartphones, Google Maps can get you from A to B, just about anywhere in the world. The smartphone app, Google Maps, works basically the same on Android and iPhone. But the app is more than just directions and travel times, it has a variety of features baked into it that will do everything from help you find nearby shops and services of your choosing, to show you what the street view looks like to even allowing you to use the maps when your phone has no signal. Google Maps is a very robust app and is available free from either the Google Play Store or Apple's App Store.
Google Maps is just another offshoot of Google (along with Search, Earth, Cloud, etc). By teaming up with the GPS built into your smartphones, Google Maps can get you from A to B, just about anywhere in the world. The smartphone app, Google Maps, works basically the same on Android and iPhone. But the app is more than just directions and travel times, it has a variety of features baked into it that will do everything from help you find nearby shops and services of your choosing, to show you what the street view looks like to even allowing you to use the maps when your phone has no signal. Google Maps is a very robust app and is available free from either the Google Play Store or Apple's App Store.
Getting Directions on Google Maps App
What if you want to use a map in a country you don't have a data plan for? or maybe you just don't want to use your data at all? There is a solution to that as well, Google Maps allows you to download maps and use them later without needing any of your data. Below is a short video that goes over what you will need to do to download maps for offline use, it's all done thru the Google Maps App and it works the same on Android and Apple devices.
How to Share Your Location via Google Maps
As long as we're talking about Google Maps, did you know that you can share your location with friends? Maps has an easily overlooked feature that allows you to share your real-time location with friends and family. You can also use the same feature to let people track your progress to a specific destination. For all the details on how to use this feature (on both Android and Apple devices) take a look at this article (with pics) on how to share your location via Google Maps.
As long as we're talking about Google Maps, did you know that you can share your location with friends? Maps has an easily overlooked feature that allows you to share your real-time location with friends and family. You can also use the same feature to let people track your progress to a specific destination. For all the details on how to use this feature (on both Android and Apple devices) take a look at this article (with pics) on how to share your location via Google Maps.
How to Check your Phone's Storage Capacity
Downloading maps can be very helpful when you are in an area with poor coverage, but some maps can take up a lot of space on your phone, so here's an easy way to see how much room you've got left. Here's how to check your storage capacity on an Android device. And for you Apple users, here's how Apple Corps tells you to check your device storage.
Downloading maps can be very helpful when you are in an area with poor coverage, but some maps can take up a lot of space on your phone, so here's an easy way to see how much room you've got left. Here's how to check your storage capacity on an Android device. And for you Apple users, here's how Apple Corps tells you to check your device storage.
Internet Usage Worldwide in 2019
On average, the world’s internet users currently spend 6 hours and 42 minutes online each day according to Hootsuite and WeAreSocial's recent collection of Global Digital reports. That’s down slightly on last year’s figure of 6 hours and 49 minutes, but the suspicion is that this drop may be in part due to the large number of new users who are still learning how to use the internet, and who use the internet less than those more seasoned users who turn to their connected devices hundreds of times each day. For more global usage stats, check out the charts below.
On average, the world’s internet users currently spend 6 hours and 42 minutes online each day according to Hootsuite and WeAreSocial's recent collection of Global Digital reports. That’s down slightly on last year’s figure of 6 hours and 49 minutes, but the suspicion is that this drop may be in part due to the large number of new users who are still learning how to use the internet, and who use the internet less than those more seasoned users who turn to their connected devices hundreds of times each day. For more global usage stats, check out the charts below.
Internet Use by Device
Worldwide Digital Users
World's Most Visited Websites
How to Make an Audio Recording with Your Smartphone
There are many audio recording apps available for both Android and Apple phones, most have a free version (with ads) and some Android phones come with a native voice recorder built in, but most do not. All Apple phones come with a VoiceMemos App built in and here's a good article on how to use that app.
If you are an Android phone user, take a look at this article that explains/shows how to make audio recordings on your phone. And here's a list of some of the best free voice recorder apps available for Android devices according to Android Authority.
If you are an Android phone user, take a look at this article that explains/shows how to make audio recordings on your phone. And here's a list of some of the best free voice recorder apps available for Android devices according to Android Authority.
How to Use Your Voice to Send a Text
Voice to text has been around for many years now, but some people are unaware of the benefits of using Voice to Text. It's a very easy feature to set up on either Android or Apple devices and allows you to speak your texts directly into your phone or tablet. Voice dictation also works on laptop and desktop computers. For a brief overview of how to use Voice to Text on any device, please watch the video below.
Voice to text has been around for many years now, but some people are unaware of the benefits of using Voice to Text. It's a very easy feature to set up on either Android or Apple devices and allows you to speak your texts directly into your phone or tablet. Voice dictation also works on laptop and desktop computers. For a brief overview of how to use Voice to Text on any device, please watch the video below.
For a more complete rundown on both Android and Apple devices and how to use Voice to Text, please take a look at this article from HowToGeek which also includes most of the common voice punctuations you can use with Voice to Text.
May 30, 2019 - Space X's Starlink, How to use Picasa, Photo Manager Apps, Make a Playlist on Your Phone
Q - If you don't know where the link came from, Don't Click It!
QUIZ QUESTIONS
Q - If you don't know where the link came from, Don't Click It!
QUIZ QUESTIONS
Satellite Powered Internet?
Space X owner Elon Musk has recently gotten the governmental go-ahead for his low-earth satellite, high-speed internet system, ("Starlink"). He plans to launch over 4,000 satellites over the next nine years and it could all mean lower priced & faster internet for many more people. Read more about the story here.
Space X owner Elon Musk has recently gotten the governmental go-ahead for his low-earth satellite, high-speed internet system, ("Starlink"). He plans to launch over 4,000 satellites over the next nine years and it could all mean lower priced & faster internet for many more people. Read more about the story here.
Picasa for Photos
Picasa is a popular photo managing app made by Google that not only helps you to organize your digital photos, but also has a wide range of photo enhancement tools built in to it for both Windows and Apple computers. You can clean up your photos, put them into albums, share them with friends and much more with Picasa. Picasa has been around for a number of years now, here's an update (with pics) on how to use Picasa from WikiHow.
Picasa is a popular photo managing app made by Google that not only helps you to organize your digital photos, but also has a wide range of photo enhancement tools built in to it for both Windows and Apple computers. You can clean up your photos, put them into albums, share them with friends and much more with Picasa. Picasa has been around for a number of years now, here's an update (with pics) on how to use Picasa from WikiHow.
Photo Manager Apps
For those of you that might want an alternative to Picasa, here are some other photo management apps for Android and Apple devices as judged by Tom's Guide. For those of you on Windows 10, here's a list of best photo manager apps from WindowsReport. And finally, for you Apple users, here's what MacPaw chose as the best photo apps for Mac.
For those of you that might want an alternative to Picasa, here are some other photo management apps for Android and Apple devices as judged by Tom's Guide. For those of you on Windows 10, here's a list of best photo manager apps from WindowsReport. And finally, for you Apple users, here's what MacPaw chose as the best photo apps for Mac.
How to Create a Playlist on Your Phone
It's easy to create a playlist on iTunes, but how do you create a playlist in your phone? Whether you use Android or Apple devices, it's just as easy to create a playlist on your phone. For you Apple users, here's an article that gives you all the steps on creating your playlist and more in your iPhone from Apple Support. And here's a short video that goes over all the necessary steps to creating an Android playlist (the video is quite old, but new phones will still use a similar method).
It's easy to create a playlist on iTunes, but how do you create a playlist in your phone? Whether you use Android or Apple devices, it's just as easy to create a playlist on your phone. For you Apple users, here's an article that gives you all the steps on creating your playlist and more in your iPhone from Apple Support. And here's a short video that goes over all the necessary steps to creating an Android playlist (the video is quite old, but new phones will still use a similar method).
