May Meetings 2023
May 4, 2023 - Create Guest Wi-Fi Network, How to Create Apple ID, Have I Been Pwned?
What is Bixby? The Best Encrypted Messaging Apps for 2023,
"The Death Star can destroy planets,
but clicking on Unknown Links is worse!"
- Darth Vader
Club Questions
What is Bixby? The Best Encrypted Messaging Apps for 2023,
"The Death Star can destroy planets,
but clicking on Unknown Links is worse!"
- Darth Vader
Club Questions
How to Create a Guest Wi-Fi Network
If you've ever had guests over, the first question is probably, "What's your Wi-Fi password?" Rather than sharing the password to your primary home network, you should consider setting up a guest Wi-Fi network. There are a couple reasons why you should create a guest Wi-Fi network, but ultimately, it's all about security and ease of use. And creating a guest network is easier than you might think. To learn two easy ways to create a guest network on your home Wi-Fi, take a look at this article.
If you've ever had guests over, the first question is probably, "What's your Wi-Fi password?" Rather than sharing the password to your primary home network, you should consider setting up a guest Wi-Fi network. There are a couple reasons why you should create a guest Wi-Fi network, but ultimately, it's all about security and ease of use. And creating a guest network is easier than you might think. To learn two easy ways to create a guest network on your home Wi-Fi, take a look at this article.
How to Create Apple ID
In order to have the best experience on an Apple device, whether it's a computer, iPad or iPhone, you really need to create an Apple ID. With an Apple ID you gain access to myriad features available only to Apple devices, like the App Store, iCloud, etc. Or as Apple says it, "One account for everything Apple." Apple IDs are free to create and can be made on any Apple device. To learn more about how to create your own Apple ID, take a look at this article.
In order to have the best experience on an Apple device, whether it's a computer, iPad or iPhone, you really need to create an Apple ID. With an Apple ID you gain access to myriad features available only to Apple devices, like the App Store, iCloud, etc. Or as Apple says it, "One account for everything Apple." Apple IDs are free to create and can be made on any Apple device. To learn more about how to create your own Apple ID, take a look at this article.
Have I Been Pwned?
It might sound a bit strange, or maybe it looks like a typo, but Have I Been Pwned is a website that allows Internet users to check whether their personal data has been compromised by data breaches. The service collects and analyzes hundreds of database dumps and pastes containing information about billions of leaked accounts, and allows users to search for their own information by entering their username or email address. Users can also sign up to be notified if their email address appears in future dumps. The site has been widely touted as a valuable resource for Internet users wishing to protect their own security and privacy. It is a free site to use, for more info on the site (including what "pwned" means), take a look at their about page, or skip right to the page you can test your email addresses on.
It might sound a bit strange, or maybe it looks like a typo, but Have I Been Pwned is a website that allows Internet users to check whether their personal data has been compromised by data breaches. The service collects and analyzes hundreds of database dumps and pastes containing information about billions of leaked accounts, and allows users to search for their own information by entering their username or email address. Users can also sign up to be notified if their email address appears in future dumps. The site has been widely touted as a valuable resource for Internet users wishing to protect their own security and privacy. It is a free site to use, for more info on the site (including what "pwned" means), take a look at their about page, or skip right to the page you can test your email addresses on.
What is Bixby?
Bixby is the digital assistant from Samsung and is similar to Google Assistant and Siri. Bixby is the evolution of Samsung's S Voice feature, and has a few advantages over Google Assistant. Bixby is preinstalled on a range of Samsung products including; phones, tablets, TVs, refrigerators, smart home speakers, etc. For a full tutorial on how to set up and use Bixby, with pictures, take a look at this article.
Bixby is the digital assistant from Samsung and is similar to Google Assistant and Siri. Bixby is the evolution of Samsung's S Voice feature, and has a few advantages over Google Assistant. Bixby is preinstalled on a range of Samsung products including; phones, tablets, TVs, refrigerators, smart home speakers, etc. For a full tutorial on how to set up and use Bixby, with pictures, take a look at this article.
Best Encrypted Messaging Apps for 2023
Although regular messaging apps have certainly improved over the years, none of them can match the added security and peace of mind that comes with using one of the best encrypted messaging apps. Unlike with SMS and MMS messages (regular text messages) that can be seen by third parties, with an encrypted messaging app, only the intended recipients can read your messages. Whether you’re discussing sensitive personal information, business or anything else you want to keep private, using an encrypted messaging app will prevent your communications from being intercepted. To learn more about the best encrypted messaging apps, take a look at this article. Or take a look at this article.
Although regular messaging apps have certainly improved over the years, none of them can match the added security and peace of mind that comes with using one of the best encrypted messaging apps. Unlike with SMS and MMS messages (regular text messages) that can be seen by third parties, with an encrypted messaging app, only the intended recipients can read your messages. Whether you’re discussing sensitive personal information, business or anything else you want to keep private, using an encrypted messaging app will prevent your communications from being intercepted. To learn more about the best encrypted messaging apps, take a look at this article. Or take a look at this article.
May 11, 2023 - Malwarebytes Tutorial, Xfinity's Affordable Connectivity Program,
How Waterproof is my Phone?
"I would prefer that 100 apples fall on my head,
than just one unknown link gets clicked on."
- Sir Isaac Newton
Club Questions
How Waterproof is my Phone?
"I would prefer that 100 apples fall on my head,
than just one unknown link gets clicked on."
- Sir Isaac Newton
Club Questions
What is Malwarebytes?
We've talked about the app called, Malwarebytes before, it offers a good free version of itself (as well as more complete paid versions) and has the ability to prevent viruses in real-time, stop ransomware from infecting your system, and protect you from accidentally visiting malicious websites. The service will also remove the existing malware from your computer or smartphone. Is Malwarebytes all you need for your computer's protection? Well, if you're a Mac user, probably, but if you are a Windows user, you will need more. Malwarebytes works excellently with Window's own Defender (the free anti virus app that comes with all Windows systems). To learn more about how to set up and use Malwarebytes, take a look at the video below.
We've talked about the app called, Malwarebytes before, it offers a good free version of itself (as well as more complete paid versions) and has the ability to prevent viruses in real-time, stop ransomware from infecting your system, and protect you from accidentally visiting malicious websites. The service will also remove the existing malware from your computer or smartphone. Is Malwarebytes all you need for your computer's protection? Well, if you're a Mac user, probably, but if you are a Windows user, you will need more. Malwarebytes works excellently with Window's own Defender (the free anti virus app that comes with all Windows systems). To learn more about how to set up and use Malwarebytes, take a look at the video below.
Xfinity's Affordable Connectivity Program
If you are a Comcast customer, that includes Xfinity services, and would like to find a way to lower your monthly Internet bill, then take a closer look at Xfinity's Affordable Connectivity Program. If your entire household income is at or below twice the federal poverty level (for example, $60,000/year for a family of four, $29,160 for an individual), then you may qualify for free Internet or at least a good discount. To learn more about how to qualify for Xfinity's Affordable Connectivity Program, take a look at this article.
How Waterproof is My Phone?
If you've shopped for a phone recently, then you'll have come across terms like "water resistant" as well as the now common IP67, IP68 or IPX8 ratings. But what do those ratings really mean and, crucially, how waterproof is your expensive new phone? If you're not sure if you should take your phone swimming with you, or you just want to know how much moisture my phone can handle, take a look at this article.
If you've shopped for a phone recently, then you'll have come across terms like "water resistant" as well as the now common IP67, IP68 or IPX8 ratings. But what do those ratings really mean and, crucially, how waterproof is your expensive new phone? If you're not sure if you should take your phone swimming with you, or you just want to know how much moisture my phone can handle, take a look at this article.
May 18, 2023 - Best Android Anti-Virus Apps for 2023, Vern's Corner - De facto standard,
Best Encryption Email Services for 2023, Best Password Manager Apps for 2023,
"Keep the other person’s well being in mind when you feel an attack of soul-purging truth coming on, Oh and don't click on unknown links."
- Betty White
Club Questions
Best Encryption Email Services for 2023, Best Password Manager Apps for 2023,
"Keep the other person’s well being in mind when you feel an attack of soul-purging truth coming on, Oh and don't click on unknown links."
- Betty White
Club Questions
Android Anti-Virus Apps
Installing one of the best Android antivirus apps on your smartphone or tablet can not only help protect you from malicious apps and other types of malware but can also help keep you safe from becoming a victim of identity theft. Besides excellent malware detection and prevention, the best Android antivirus apps also include useful privacy and anti-theft features. While most of these apps have a free tier so you can test them out first, some are entirely free and others like Google Play Protect come pre-installed. To learn more about the best Android anti-virus apps, take a look at this article.
Installing one of the best Android antivirus apps on your smartphone or tablet can not only help protect you from malicious apps and other types of malware but can also help keep you safe from becoming a victim of identity theft. Besides excellent malware detection and prevention, the best Android antivirus apps also include useful privacy and anti-theft features. While most of these apps have a free tier so you can test them out first, some are entirely free and others like Google Play Protect come pre-installed. To learn more about the best Android anti-virus apps, take a look at this article.
Best Encryption Email Services for 2023
Most people who use email, use a free version of it, whether it's Gmail, Yahoo Mail, or any other free account provided with their internet service. These email providers aren't really free tho, you pay for them in data and privacy. There is an alternative, if you're willing to pay for it. Private email services provide a variety of protections, like securing every email you write with end to end encryption, offering 24/7 support and other privacy features. To learn more, check out the links below.
PC Mag's Best Email Encryption Services for 2023
Tech Radar's Best Secure Email Providers of 2023
Most people who use email, use a free version of it, whether it's Gmail, Yahoo Mail, or any other free account provided with their internet service. These email providers aren't really free tho, you pay for them in data and privacy. There is an alternative, if you're willing to pay for it. Private email services provide a variety of protections, like securing every email you write with end to end encryption, offering 24/7 support and other privacy features. To learn more, check out the links below.
PC Mag's Best Email Encryption Services for 2023
Tech Radar's Best Secure Email Providers of 2023
Best Password Managers for 2023
As the stack of necessary passwords piles up, you need to get organized. Having an app that creates complex, hard to crack, passwords, and then with one tap uses them online or wherever you have a password, makes using the internet much easier. It makes the often confusing world of passwords, simple. To learn more about how to use and choose the best password manager for your device, try one of the links below.
Tech Radar's Best Password Managers - 2023
Tom's Guide's Best Password Managers for 2023
PC Magazine's Best Password Managers for 2023
NOTE - Password Manager apps come in all sizes, from free to a few dollars a month, to much more. This is a caution, remember you're giving this app some of your most important/valuable information, your passwords. Consider carefully before you give that information to a free password manager.
As the stack of necessary passwords piles up, you need to get organized. Having an app that creates complex, hard to crack, passwords, and then with one tap uses them online or wherever you have a password, makes using the internet much easier. It makes the often confusing world of passwords, simple. To learn more about how to use and choose the best password manager for your device, try one of the links below.
Tech Radar's Best Password Managers - 2023
Tom's Guide's Best Password Managers for 2023
PC Magazine's Best Password Managers for 2023
NOTE - Password Manager apps come in all sizes, from free to a few dollars a month, to much more. This is a caution, remember you're giving this app some of your most important/valuable information, your passwords. Consider carefully before you give that information to a free password manager.
De facto Standard
A de facto standard is a custom or convention that has achieved a dominant position by public acceptance or market forces (for example, by early entrance to the market). When referring to computers, a de facto standard is an accepted application, design, or language syntax that is used throughout the industry, but has not been officially recognized. A good example of a de facto standard is the paper clip icon used in e-mail programs to represent an attachment. To dig a little deeper into what a de facto standard is, take a look at this article.
A de facto standard is a custom or convention that has achieved a dominant position by public acceptance or market forces (for example, by early entrance to the market). When referring to computers, a de facto standard is an accepted application, design, or language syntax that is used throughout the industry, but has not been officially recognized. A good example of a de facto standard is the paper clip icon used in e-mail programs to represent an attachment. To dig a little deeper into what a de facto standard is, take a look at this article.
May 25, 2023 - Google Play Protect, How to Create a Photo Slideshow, ChatGPT on iPhone, Best Keyboards for Tablets, Windows Copilot,
"It takes your enemy and your friend, working together,
to hurt you to the heart, it takes an unknown link alone to ruin your life."
- Mark Twain
Club Questions
"It takes your enemy and your friend, working together,
to hurt you to the heart, it takes an unknown link alone to ruin your life."
- Mark Twain
Club Questions
Google Play Protect
built in to most all Android devices is an app called Play Protect. It basically works the same way your anti-virus app works on your computer. It protects your device from malware and virus threats. To learn more about what Google Play Protect can do for you, take a look at the two videos below.
built in to most all Android devices is an app called Play Protect. It basically works the same way your anti-virus app works on your computer. It protects your device from malware and virus threats. To learn more about what Google Play Protect can do for you, take a look at the two videos below.
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How to Create a Photo Slideshow
Rather than just storing all those digital photos you took, why not create a slideshow that allows you to enjoy your photo taking abilities. Whether you work on a Windows computer or an Apple computer, there are several different ways to create a custom photo slideshow. For details on how to create slideshows in Windows and Mac, take a look at the videos below.
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ChatGPT for iPhone
The ongoing AI revolution for all things tech continues with the release of an official ChatGPT app from the creator, Open AI. It's a free app and adds AI search to your phone and all the advantages that come with that. It's available now in the Apple App Store (it's not available for Android devices, yet). To learn how to install and start using this new AI assisted search app, take a look at the video below.
The ongoing AI revolution for all things tech continues with the release of an official ChatGPT app from the creator, Open AI. It's a free app and adds AI search to your phone and all the advantages that come with that. It's available now in the Apple App Store (it's not available for Android devices, yet). To learn how to install and start using this new AI assisted search app, take a look at the video below.
Best Keyboards for Tablets
With the advancements in technology, many people have started to favor the use of tablets over laptops because of their lightweight design and portability. The downside is that for the convenience that comes with a tablet, users sacrifice a keyboard for using the tablet’s onscreen keyboard which is mediocre at best. There is a solution, simply add a keyboard to your tablet experience. To check out some of the best keyboards available for tablets, take a look at the links below.
Just Creative's Best Keyboards for Tablets
Gadget Review's Best Keyboards for Tablets
Popular Mechanic's Best Keyboards for Tablets
CNET's Best Tablets with Keyboards
PC Magazine's Best Keyboards for iPad
With the advancements in technology, many people have started to favor the use of tablets over laptops because of their lightweight design and portability. The downside is that for the convenience that comes with a tablet, users sacrifice a keyboard for using the tablet’s onscreen keyboard which is mediocre at best. There is a solution, simply add a keyboard to your tablet experience. To check out some of the best keyboards available for tablets, take a look at the links below.
Just Creative's Best Keyboards for Tablets
Gadget Review's Best Keyboards for Tablets
Popular Mechanic's Best Keyboards for Tablets
CNET's Best Tablets with Keyboards
PC Magazine's Best Keyboards for iPad
Windows Copilot
Microsoft has begun building an AI chat interface straight into its single most important software product, Windows OS. The tool will perform tasks like summarizing documents, suggesting music, offering tech support for your PC and answering questions you might ask a search engine or AI chatbot. Windows Copilot is scheduled to arrive in a preview version of Windows via an icon in the task bar that looks like a loop of blue ribbon. To learn more about how to access and use Window's new Copilot, take a look at this article.
Microsoft has begun building an AI chat interface straight into its single most important software product, Windows OS. The tool will perform tasks like summarizing documents, suggesting music, offering tech support for your PC and answering questions you might ask a search engine or AI chatbot. Windows Copilot is scheduled to arrive in a preview version of Windows via an icon in the task bar that looks like a loop of blue ribbon. To learn more about how to access and use Window's new Copilot, take a look at this article.
