Author Archives: autocreate740

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About autocreate740

I am a senior citizen retired after working for 50 years in various professions. I find social media intriguing, blogging uplifting, and technology in general a welcomed challenge. My newest interests are Aromatherapy and Essential Oils. I have recently acquired an Aromatherapist Certification from the New York Institute of Aromatics. I write about all of these interests as topics on my various blogs. I am hopeful that the posts I create bring information that is useful and moves my readers to explore more.

Back to school technology list

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It’s that time again when we are overwhelmed with questions about what to buy for the new school year, or maybe you need some new technology devices for yourself. I have learned over the years when purchasing equipment for my family, or myself  to check with another knowledge base other than my own :).  I am a fan of searching the www for ideas on what’s new according to some of the experts: students and New York Times Personal Tech, Brian X. Chen. This is a summary of what I learned: MacBook Pro is preferred for use with a traditional keyboard and Google Docs/Google Presentations.  These apps  are available through the web.laptop-1209008_1280

  • For students who have digitized textbooks a tablet may be preferred.  Tablets are easier to use for reading.  In addition, Microsoft Excel and Word is used with these Tablets.
  • The type of devices to buy may also depend on the student’s field of study. Science students may best be served with a laptop, which can handle multitasking more efficiently.
  • Design and liberal arts students may find tablets a better ‘fit’ for their field of study.

Here are some suggestions for equipment:  $899 Mac Book Air.  Tablets: $599 iPad Pro, $499 Microsoft Surface 3.  As for SmartPhones, checkout Apple iPhone 6s, or Samsung Galaxy S7. Take note Apple could release a new iPhone soon. And, do not forget to buy a battery pack.  Suggestion:  $20 Anker’s PowerCore Slim 5000.
There are many more suggestions in this article you may want to check, such as Audio Accessories, and Coffee/Food gadgets for your college students.  Source: Off to College? Maybe These Devices Should Go Along – The New York Times

 

 

3 Ways to Make Your Cell Phone Battery Last Longer

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woman-1447074_1280 What is your understanding of how to make your cell phone battery last longer?  Should you do one or more of the following:

  1. Turn your phone off when you are not using it?
  2. Fully deplete the battery then fully charge it?
  3. Use 4G when possible instead of 3G?
  4. Turn off Bluetooth?

Check out the WikiHow suggestions by clicking the link below. While many of us now use mobile phones instead of land-line phones in our homes, these mobile phones come with Lithium Batteries which require some maintenance as long as they are used.Source: 3 Ways to Make Your Cell Phone Battery Last Longer

How to donate your used/old cell phones

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smartphone-703385_1920Some of you may have cell phones that you are no longer using, and that you may be interested in donating, but are hesitant because you are not quite sure how to get that done safely and efficiently.  After all, most of our phones contain information that is personal, and private to our friends/acquaintances.  Of course, you don’t want to pass on your contact information when you donate your phone. In addition, you don’t want to manually delete your passwords and email and all of your personal information.

Well, it turns out there is a fairly quick way to get that information cleared off your phone. However, before you delete any information, I suggest you contact your phone company carrier to help you with transferring your information to your new phone.

Afterwards, you can check the Settings icon on your phone to see if there is a Reset option. In addition, Consumer Information suggests that you remove the SIM and SD Cards.  Source: Disposing of Your Mobile Device | Consumer Information

iPhone users may want to  check WikiHow suggestions for factory resetting your phone by clicking this link: http://www.wikihow.com/Hard-Reset-an-iPhone

Android users can click this link: http://www.wikihow.com/Reset-Your-Android-Phone

 

 

 

 

 

 

Identity theft is no laughing matter

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canstockphoto7216860 At some time during our credit life we have heard, or will hear about an ID theft issue from our creditors or banks.  Even the government has been touched by an invasion of identity theft occurrences.  So what can we do to protect ourselves?

I searched the www for some answers about what we can do, and what the Federal Trade Commission guidelines are.  Where can you get free help, and what are the steps to take should an identity theft attempt or real incident occur with your credit?

I’ve prepared a summary of what I found out.  You can click any of the links to gather more information.

  • While identity theft can happen to anyone, there are some things you can do to reduce your risk. If you think someone is using your personal information to open accounts, file taxes, or make purchases, visit IdentityTheft.gov to report and recover from identity theft. The government’s website provides free personal recovery plans and step-by-step guidance to help identity theft victims recover.

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  • If you’re concerned about data breaches or identity theft, you may be considering signing up for identity theft protection services.
  • Before you enroll, it’s important to weigh the costs and benefits of various types of services. You also can compare them with free and low-cost services.

What are identity theft protection services?

  • Many companies refer to their services as identity theft protection services. In fact, no service can protect you from having your personal information stolen. What these companies offer are monitoring and recovery services.
  • Monitoring services watch for signs that an identity thief may be using your personal information.
  • Recovery services help you deal with the effects of identity theft after it happens. Monitoring and recovery services are often sold together, and may include options like regular access to your credit reports or credit scores. Source: Identity Theft Protection Services | Consumer Information

If you know your Social Security number is being misused, take these steps:  Contact the Social Security Administration (SSA). SSA Fraud Hotline 1-800-269-0271 1-866-501-2101 (TTY) P.O. Box 17785 Baltimore, MD 21235 – Source: Do You Need a New Social Security Number? | Consumer Information

What’s in your e-mailbox that you don’t need?

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canstockphoto26782238 (1)What are you doing to keep your e-mailbox organized, up-to-date, and under control so that there are not too many unanswered, unread, or e-clutter mail items? Sometimes, I move mail to a trash bin when I cannot get it under control.  But with Mailstrom, the task of organization becomes much easier.  I suggest you try it right away!

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Are you aware that you can get your e-mailbox clutter under control fairly easily using Mailstrom, which  works with Gmail AOL, Outlook, and any other email service that supports IMAP.  And you can try it for free just to get the hang of it.

  •  Mailstrom is a web-based email client that allows you to take bulk actions on your inboxes. Connect Mailstrom to your email (Gmail, Outlook, AOL, iCloud, etc) and then Delete, Archive and Move messages by the hundreds or thousands. Keep your inbox clean with features like Unsubscribe, Block Sender/Subject, automatic rules, and daily or weekly email reports.
  •  How does the free trial work? All users get a free trial of Mailstrom. When you sign up, Mailstrom takes a snapshot of the messages in your inbox (if you have more than 5,000 messages, it will load the latest 5,000).
  • You can use Mailstrom to delete, archive or move 25% of your messages. To act on more messages, you will need to subscribe to one of the plans. Your Mailstrom free trial does not require a credit card and entails no obligation on your part. Look at it as a chance to take some free whacks at your inbox with our awesome power tools. Source: Mailstrom: Frequently Asked Questions
  • Click the image below to access Mailstrom.

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Check for more details at: http://www.pcworld.com/article/2044597/review-mailstrom-puts-you-in-control-of-your-email.html

SENIOR Tutorials for iPads & iPhones

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canstockphoto15622148Oftentimes,  we buy, or receive as gifts, new devices like iPads and iPhones. Then we assume that we should/ can learn how to use them by ‘tinkering’ around with the buttons and Icons.  However, if we just invest a little time by taking a tutorial (or two), we will enjoy and get better experiences from our new device.

Yes, I know that it may ‘seem’ cumbersome or unnecessary  – but I assure you that it’s well worth your time.

Check out these  videos and magazines for training:

♦ Issue: VOL-13 BDM’S SENIORS SERIES is completely unique in this marketplace offering content aimed directly at senior iPad owners. The content offers a blend of jargon free user guides and targeted application reviews for use on the apple iPad.With high quality up-to-date expert editorial and focused design, this publication will be an unmissable purchase for all iPad owners aged over 60. Published Quarterly Source: BDM’S SENIORS SERIES | Discount Subscriptions | Allscript Magazines

♦ HOW TO USE THE IPAD FOR BEGINNERS Introducing a complete instructions manual for the iPad for beginners. This video guide teaches all the basics of using your iPad, from browsing its interface to downloading apps and browsing the web. The iPad is a revolutionary tablet with the power to do many functions. Your iPad can: check the weather, send e-mails, surf the internet, play music, watch movies, and so much more. Learning to do all this takes a basic understanding of how to use and navigate the iPad. This video guide teaches the basics, and allows you to become an expert at using your iPad in 30 minutes. Source: How to Use the iPad for Beginners – Apple Video Guides

Black History Resources

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Nowadays there are many resources available to us via the Internet and APPS, which give Black History information.  Below are some that I like.

♦ ORIGINS OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH. The story of Black History Month begins in 1915, half a century after the Thirteenth Amendment abolished slavery in the United States. That September, the Harvard-trained historian Carter G. Woodson and the prominent minister Jesse E. Moorland founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH), an organization dedicated to researching and promoting achievements by black Americans and other peoples of African descent. Known today as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), the group sponsored a national Negro History week in 1926, choosing the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. The event inspired schools and communities nationwide to organize local celebrations, establish history clubs and host performances and lectures. Source: Black History Month – Black History – HISTORY.com

For those of you who like to explore information using APPS these links will lead you to some interesting sources.

  • Get fresh and razor-sharp insights on black news and perspectives from The Root. Download The Root Android app to get: *Highlights of the hottest news stories from around the web *Our hand-picked selection of commentary by the top African-American writers *Original features tackling race, politics, society, culture and the day’s most-talked about topics.Source: The Root – Android Apps on Google Play
  • Description The Then and Now Series offers an informative look into the lives of 100 people in history. The initial product covers 100 people in Black History.Source: Then and Now Series: Black History on the App Store

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Finding e-waste freedom!

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canstockphoto2309692How many of your old e-book readers, video games, cell phones and laptops are taking up your living space, or just lying around discarded and you can’t figure out what to do about them?

Well, I am happy to report that HELP is available for you to recycle your e-waste/junk.

What if you could get money for your e-waste items? Well, it turns out there are three companies that are available to aid you with just that. Those companies are Amazon, Gazelle and Best Buy.  In the article I read  Amazon.com was the FAVORITE. The Amazon-trade-in program accepts a lot of old devices/equipment and you can receive Amazon gift cards for items like: PlayStation 3 Controller, old DVD’s, Wi-Fi routers, used video games, and cable modems. They also accept books!

The process may take a little time, but how long do you want to store/drag around that old equipment in your home?  Amazon will send you free shipping labels. All you need to do is pack up and drop off the packages at a U.P.S. mailbox.  It’s certainly worth a try. Don’t you think so?

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Other sites to check out are: Gazelle.com and Best Buy.com
Read more about these programs at: How to Sell or Recycle Old Electronics

SeniorNet

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canstockphoto3944292As a senior citizen, I would like to inform you there is no getting around using computers to assist us with our  lives. If you are 65,  by now you have most likely been advised to apply for your medicare benefits ‘online‘. Unless you are located in a remote place on the planet (for example, living in the woods without any access to technology at all), sooner or later, you will have to apply for something, which is not available unless you use a computer. Most of your family probably uses email to ‘stay in touch‘. It’s the best way to expediently ‘communicate’ .  Yes, the  www (world wide web) has changed how we work, play, entertain, shop and much more.  This post is for those of you who do not have ANY computer skills.  However, it is also for the many proficent computer users who are senior citizens and could appreciate a little extra help for their computer questions. Use this opportunity to acquaint yourself with SeniorNet.com.

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SeniorNet’s mission is to provide older adults education for and access to computer technologies to enhance their lives and enable them to share their knowledge and wisdom. Find out how you can become a part of SeniorNet and start enjoying the benefits of membership today!   If you are looking for some help to learn new or enhance existing computer skills, you have found the right place. Welcome. Come on in and make yourself at home. SeniorNet is the nation’s most respected nonprofit organization that specializes in computer and Internet education for older adults. Since 1986, SeniorNet has empowered over two million Boomers and Seniors providing encouragement, lifelong learning opportunities and new worlds to explore via the Internet.

Source: SeniorNet

Christmas Cheer with the ElfYourself APP

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canstockphoto23581046One excellent way to entertain friends and get yourself into the holiday mood is to download the ElfYourself app. To use it, snap photos of as many as five faces — yours and those of friends and family. Then center the faces in a special frame, add a custom text message and press “O.K.” ElfYourself pastes the faces onto animated dancing elves in a short, funny musical cartoon — for example, a Christmas countdown song that includes kittens popping up in unexpected places. You can share the resulting video on Facebook, Twitter or elsewhere. Be prepared for giggles. The app is free on iOS and Android, but comes with just one video — the kitten one. Unlocking more video themes costs $6, for which you get different music styles like hip-hop or an “Oh Hanukkah” video.

Source: Video Feature: Apps, Like Elves, Help Make the Season Bright – The New York Times

 

Happy Holidays!

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