September Meetings 2021
September 2, 2021 - How to Use FaceTime with Non-Apple Friends, The Ongoing Fight Against Robocalls, Create a Secret Folder in Windows 10
If you Like Ransomware, Click on those Unknown Links.
Club Questions
If you Like Ransomware, Click on those Unknown Links.
Club Questions
How to Use FaceTime
with Non-Apple Friends
For a long time, actually since it was created, Apple's FaceTime has been an Apple only feature. But now, Apple has opened the floodgates just a crack, allowing us to invite anyone to a FaceTime call--even those on Android and Windows. To learn more about how you can now FaceTime with Non-Apple users, take a look at this article.
with Non-Apple Friends
For a long time, actually since it was created, Apple's FaceTime has been an Apple only feature. But now, Apple has opened the floodgates just a crack, allowing us to invite anyone to a FaceTime call--even those on Android and Windows. To learn more about how you can now FaceTime with Non-Apple users, take a look at this article.
The Ongoing Fight Against Robocalls
The fight against robocalls took a big step this year. As of June 30, all phone companies in the US are now required to start using Stir/Shaken technology. While it may sound like something out of a James Bond movie, there are, unfortunately, no cocktails involved. Instead, Stir/Shaken is a project where phone companies like T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon and Comcast are now verifying all incoming and outgoing calls routed through their networks. By verifying each call, the number of fake or spoofed calls will be reduced. To learn more about this change to robocalls, take a look at this article.
The fight against robocalls took a big step this year. As of June 30, all phone companies in the US are now required to start using Stir/Shaken technology. While it may sound like something out of a James Bond movie, there are, unfortunately, no cocktails involved. Instead, Stir/Shaken is a project where phone companies like T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon and Comcast are now verifying all incoming and outgoing calls routed through their networks. By verifying each call, the number of fake or spoofed calls will be reduced. To learn more about this change to robocalls, take a look at this article.
How to Create a Secret Folder in Windows 10
We've all got secrets, and maybe there are some that you'd like to keep from prying eyes. In Windows 10 there is a way to create a private, and almost undeletable folder for storing just such secrets. Tech Republic shows you how to hide folders and how to prevent their accidental deletion. To follow along their illustrated how-to, take a look at this article.
We've all got secrets, and maybe there are some that you'd like to keep from prying eyes. In Windows 10 there is a way to create a private, and almost undeletable folder for storing just such secrets. Tech Republic shows you how to hide folders and how to prevent their accidental deletion. To follow along their illustrated how-to, take a look at this article.
September 9, 2021 - Why You Should Use Multiple Browsers, Browser Security, If You're a Postpaid T-Mobile Customer, Change Your PIN,
Unknown Links Lead to Trouble!
Club Questions
Unknown Links Lead to Trouble!
Club Questions
Why You Should Use Multiple Browsers
Having a few extra browsers on your device (be it a computer, phone or tablet) is a very good idea. Using the theory of browser compartmentalization, using one browser for a specific purpose, can help keep you safer on the Internet. Using various web browsers reduces the amount of information you share and restricts websites from collecting your information, keeping you safe and secure. Different browsers offer different features as well, you can mix and match to find the browser that suits your needs best. There are plenty of other reasons to use multiple browsers on your devices, to learn more, take a look at this article.
Having a few extra browsers on your device (be it a computer, phone or tablet) is a very good idea. Using the theory of browser compartmentalization, using one browser for a specific purpose, can help keep you safer on the Internet. Using various web browsers reduces the amount of information you share and restricts websites from collecting your information, keeping you safe and secure. Different browsers offer different features as well, you can mix and match to find the browser that suits your needs best. There are plenty of other reasons to use multiple browsers on your devices, to learn more, take a look at this article.
How to Improve Browser Security
Having a few browsers at your disposal is good, but often times the security that comes with the browser is a bit lacking. There are things you can do to enhance your browser's security, whether you use Google Chrome, Safari, Edge or Firefox. If you simply change the default search engine on the browser, that can boost your security greatly. To read more tips on how you can make your browser safer, take a look at this article.
Having a few browsers at your disposal is good, but often times the security that comes with the browser is a bit lacking. There are things you can do to enhance your browser's security, whether you use Google Chrome, Safari, Edge or Firefox. If you simply change the default search engine on the browser, that can boost your security greatly. To read more tips on how you can make your browser safer, take a look at this article.
T-Mobile Hack
We've all heard about the latest hack against T-Mobile, the company admits that at least 48 million accounts were compromised, with hackers getting lots of personal information about T-Mobile's users, including the PINs of nearly one million of their current postpaid customers. If you're a T-Mobile customer, you will want to read this article on what you can and should do now, to help keep your account safe.
We've all heard about the latest hack against T-Mobile, the company admits that at least 48 million accounts were compromised, with hackers getting lots of personal information about T-Mobile's users, including the PINs of nearly one million of their current postpaid customers. If you're a T-Mobile customer, you will want to read this article on what you can and should do now, to help keep your account safe.
September 16, 2021 - Store Your COVID Vaccine Card on Your Phone, Dark Web vs Deep Web, How to Get Targeted by Ransomware, Best Browsers for Security,
Click on Unknown Links at Your Own Risk, And Welcome Back!
Club Questions
Click on Unknown Links at Your Own Risk, And Welcome Back!
Club Questions
Store Your COVID Vaccine Card
on Your Phone
You may need proof of COVID-19 vaccination to enter many restaurants, gyms and event venues or even the office, as the delta variant spreads. Here's how to keep your vaccine information handy while leaving the physical card at home. C/NET goes over all the basics on how you can add your vaccine card to your phone, to learn more, take a look at this article.
on Your Phone
You may need proof of COVID-19 vaccination to enter many restaurants, gyms and event venues or even the office, as the delta variant spreads. Here's how to keep your vaccine information handy while leaving the physical card at home. C/NET goes over all the basics on how you can add your vaccine card to your phone, to learn more, take a look at this article.
Dark Web vs Deep Web
The dark web and the deep web are not the same, even tho they are often mistaken for the same thing. So what's the difference? There are quite a few differences actually, and not just that one is aimed at more illegal uses. To learn more about the many differences between the dark and deep webs, take a look at this article.
The dark web and the deep web are not the same, even tho they are often mistaken for the same thing. So what's the difference? There are quite a few differences actually, and not just that one is aimed at more illegal uses. To learn more about the many differences between the dark and deep webs, take a look at this article.
How to Get Targeted by Ransomware
Ransomware is the latest and greatest when it comes to losing money online (other than online gambling of course). But there are ways that you can avoid the eye of ransomware hackers, some are easy, like don't reuse your passwords on any of your online accounts, and don't make posts on shady websites and some are more nuanced. To learn more about how to avoid getting targeted by ransomware, take a look at this article.
Ransomware is the latest and greatest when it comes to losing money online (other than online gambling of course). But there are ways that you can avoid the eye of ransomware hackers, some are easy, like don't reuse your passwords on any of your online accounts, and don't make posts on shady websites and some are more nuanced. To learn more about how to avoid getting targeted by ransomware, take a look at this article.
Best Browsers for Security
If you want to cruise the Internet, you need to use a browser, and not all browsers are created equal. Some browsers track you wherever you go, others require extensions to get basic functions done, but security is always an issue no matter which one you use. In this article by ZD Net, they break down all the pros and cons of the safest browsers, with an emphasis on security and how you can get the most out of each browser.
If you want to cruise the Internet, you need to use a browser, and not all browsers are created equal. Some browsers track you wherever you go, others require extensions to get basic functions done, but security is always an issue no matter which one you use. In this article by ZD Net, they break down all the pros and cons of the safest browsers, with an emphasis on security and how you can get the most out of each browser.
September 23, 2021 - VPN Comparison 2021, Best Smartphones Under $300, How to Sync Your Phone with Windows 10, iOS 15 - Should You Update?
Not Even George Clicks on Unknown Links Anymore.
Club Questions
Not Even George Clicks on Unknown Links Anymore.
Club Questions
VPN Comparison 2021
As the Internet is constantly changing so are the VPN services that help keep you safer on said Internet. Here's a few different looks at the best VPN services available in late 2021. The first list contains only three VPN services, that list comes from our trusted source, Tech Radar, take a look at their review. Then there's this side by side comparison between pretty much all the VPN services out there. It comes from Security.org (a new site to me, let me know what you think of their reviews), it also has some great general info regarding VPNs, take a look at their reviews here. And finally, here's Forbes list of their best VPN services.
One important thing to remember with any online reviews, pay to play is very much a real thing, meaning that it's best to look at a lot of different review sites before making your decision as you never really know whether the review site is being paid by the advertiser (in this case, the VPN services) for a better review.
As the Internet is constantly changing so are the VPN services that help keep you safer on said Internet. Here's a few different looks at the best VPN services available in late 2021. The first list contains only three VPN services, that list comes from our trusted source, Tech Radar, take a look at their review. Then there's this side by side comparison between pretty much all the VPN services out there. It comes from Security.org (a new site to me, let me know what you think of their reviews), it also has some great general info regarding VPNs, take a look at their reviews here. And finally, here's Forbes list of their best VPN services.
One important thing to remember with any online reviews, pay to play is very much a real thing, meaning that it's best to look at a lot of different review sites before making your decision as you never really know whether the review site is being paid by the advertiser (in this case, the VPN services) for a better review.
Best Smartphones Under $300
Smartphones can be very expensive, well over $1000 for the flagship models of most manufacturers, but that doesn't mean you can't get a fully functioning smartphone for a reasonable price. Here's a few different takes on the best smartphones available now for under $300.
Here's the list of phones that ranked highest for C/NET. Here's a list of the 8 best smartphones under $300 from Lifewire. And finally, here's a list from AndroidCentral of their top picks.
A couple of things to keep in mind with these lists, all of these sites provide links to purchase their picks, these are most likely affiliate links and sometimes a lower price can be found elsewhere. Also, you won't find any Apple iPhones on any of these lists, Apple currently doesn't sell any new phones for less than $300.
Smartphones can be very expensive, well over $1000 for the flagship models of most manufacturers, but that doesn't mean you can't get a fully functioning smartphone for a reasonable price. Here's a few different takes on the best smartphones available now for under $300.
Here's the list of phones that ranked highest for C/NET. Here's a list of the 8 best smartphones under $300 from Lifewire. And finally, here's a list from AndroidCentral of their top picks.
A couple of things to keep in mind with these lists, all of these sites provide links to purchase their picks, these are most likely affiliate links and sometimes a lower price can be found elsewhere. Also, you won't find any Apple iPhones on any of these lists, Apple currently doesn't sell any new phones for less than $300.
Sync Your Phone with Windows 10
There are lots of reasons you might want to connect your smartphone to your Windows 10 computer, to transfer files or images, to continue browsing from your phone to your computer, to back up your phone, etc.
The integration of phone to computer is getting much easier on Windows these days and if you want to take advantage of these new features, take a look at this article. PC magazine offers a step by step illustrated article on just how to do it.
There are lots of reasons you might want to connect your smartphone to your Windows 10 computer, to transfer files or images, to continue browsing from your phone to your computer, to back up your phone, etc.
The integration of phone to computer is getting much easier on Windows these days and if you want to take advantage of these new features, take a look at this article. PC magazine offers a step by step illustrated article on just how to do it.
See Who's on Your Wi-Fi Network
Is your internet sluggish? If you suspect a neighbor is stealing your Wi-Fi, here's how to identify devices using your connection and boot them off. You do need to use a third party app in most cases, but this article comes from PC Magazine, which is generally a trusted source when it comes to recommending third party apps. There are instructions on how to view who's on your network whether you use Windows or Apple devices, and also some important tips on keeping your network secure, take a look at this article.
Is your internet sluggish? If you suspect a neighbor is stealing your Wi-Fi, here's how to identify devices using your connection and boot them off. You do need to use a third party app in most cases, but this article comes from PC Magazine, which is generally a trusted source when it comes to recommending third party apps. There are instructions on how to view who's on your network whether you use Windows or Apple devices, and also some important tips on keeping your network secure, take a look at this article.
iOS 15 - Should You Update?
On Monday, September 20, Apple released iOS 15 the latest version of its mobile operating system which works on iPhone and iPad. As always with a major update, the question is should you update now, or wait. There are lots of good reasons for both solutions, but the short answer is if you're using a new iPhone/iPad you can probably update now, and if you're using an older model, you should probably wait. To read more about all the new features, which phones they apply to and what's your best option regarding updating, take a look at what MacWorld has to say about iOS 15. Or take a look at this video that goes over the newest features in iOS 15.
On Monday, September 20, Apple released iOS 15 the latest version of its mobile operating system which works on iPhone and iPad. As always with a major update, the question is should you update now, or wait. There are lots of good reasons for both solutions, but the short answer is if you're using a new iPhone/iPad you can probably update now, and if you're using an older model, you should probably wait. To read more about all the new features, which phones they apply to and what's your best option regarding updating, take a look at what MacWorld has to say about iOS 15. Or take a look at this video that goes over the newest features in iOS 15.
September 30, 2021 - How to Use Microsoft Word for Free, Secure Your Home Wi-Fi Network, How to Use Apple's Translate App,
Unknown Links - Stinks (Don't Click on 'em!)
Club Questions
Unknown Links - Stinks (Don't Click on 'em!)
Club Questions
How to Use Microsoft Word for Free
Microsoft Word is one of the oldest and most widely used writing applications, and normally it has cost some amount of money to ether own a version of the software, or to use it. That is no longer the case. You can now use Word for free, all you need is a Microsoft account (also free) and then you have several options as to how you use Word, and a range of other Office applications. This works for PC users as well as Apple computer users. To read more about how you can use Microsoft Word for free, take a look at this article. And for those of you that don't already have a Microsoft account, here's how you can set one up.
Microsoft Word is one of the oldest and most widely used writing applications, and normally it has cost some amount of money to ether own a version of the software, or to use it. That is no longer the case. You can now use Word for free, all you need is a Microsoft account (also free) and then you have several options as to how you use Word, and a range of other Office applications. This works for PC users as well as Apple computer users. To read more about how you can use Microsoft Word for free, take a look at this article. And for those of you that don't already have a Microsoft account, here's how you can set one up.
Secure Your Home Wi-Fi Network
Most of us have Wi-Fi at home for a variety of reasons, it saves on our data plan, it allows flexibility in our device usage, etc. But just because it's in our homes, doesn't necessarily mean it's secure. If you're worried about someone lurking on your home Wi-Fi that you don't know, first take a look at last month Club article regarding finding out who's on your Wi-Fi network, and then consider taking some simple steps to further secure your home Wi-Fi network. You probably already use a password, but there are other steps to make your network safer for you and your family. To learn more about securing your home Wi-Fi, take a look at this article.
Most of us have Wi-Fi at home for a variety of reasons, it saves on our data plan, it allows flexibility in our device usage, etc. But just because it's in our homes, doesn't necessarily mean it's secure. If you're worried about someone lurking on your home Wi-Fi that you don't know, first take a look at last month Club article regarding finding out who's on your Wi-Fi network, and then consider taking some simple steps to further secure your home Wi-Fi network. You probably already use a password, but there are other steps to make your network safer for you and your family. To learn more about securing your home Wi-Fi, take a look at this article.
How to Use Apple's Translate App
For those of you iPhone users, you might not have noticed the recent updates to Apple's translate app, but if you've ever needed to speak to someone in a language you don't speak, you might want to read on. Apple has recently updated the functionality of its translate app and it now makes having a real time conversation with someone of another language much easier. The app can translate; Arabic, Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish, and it capable of doing it without an internet connection. To learn more about how to use Apple's Translate app, take a look at this article.
For those of you iPhone users, you might not have noticed the recent updates to Apple's translate app, but if you've ever needed to speak to someone in a language you don't speak, you might want to read on. Apple has recently updated the functionality of its translate app and it now makes having a real time conversation with someone of another language much easier. The app can translate; Arabic, Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish, and it capable of doing it without an internet connection. To learn more about how to use Apple's Translate app, take a look at this article.
