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.

Best Tech Gift Ideas

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canstockphoto7515092♦ You don’t have to spend a fortune on a cool tech gift. We have some real deals for less than $50.
Source: 13 Must-Have Tech Gifts Under $50 – Slideshow from PCMag.com

♦ Shopping for a gadget-obsessed friend or family member? Tech gifts are some of the most popular and sought-after gifts out there, yet many electronic gifts come along with a big price tag. But if you’ve written off any and all devices this year because of the fear of sticker shock, you might think twice after seeing our editors’ creative picks.
Source: Cool Gifts for Tech-Lovers | Real Simple

♦ With holiday approaching, everyone is getting into the holiday spirit.  While you are busy getting everything ready for the holiday, here are 8 free Christmas apps for kids. Most apps are good for all ages to enjoy, hope they bring joys to your home in this busy holiday season. Source: 8 Christmas Apps for Kids That Cost Nothing | iGameMom

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Happy Holidays !

Text Message Savvy

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senior-textingDeveloping technology skills can be challenging for many of us. However, these everyday skills are necessary tools to assist us.

Texting has been around since the 1990s, nevertheless, it may still be difficult for some of us to comprehend how to use it.

GCF Learn is a free computer training website, which I urge you to visit for help.   Click the links below for guides on how to text.

  • Introduction
    You’ve probably heard people talk about text messaging, or texting. Text messages are short messages (usually 160 characters or fewer) sent from one mobile phone to another. It’s similar to instant messaging, except that you won’t need to log in—you’ll just send messages directly from your phone.Typically, texting is not free, although your mobile carrier probably offers service packages that include a certain number of texts per month (or even unlimited texts).
  • If you don’t have a texting plan, you’ll generally be charged whenever you send or receive a text message.  Source: Text Messages Tutorial at GCFLearnFree

Passwords Reinforced Again & Again

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enter-1643453_1280If you are, or have ever been, one of the millions of email users or credit systems users,  and your password was compromised, then you already know this is a worthwhile cause for concern. That is to say, we can not have too many suggestions for protecting our passwords and personal information when using technology to apply and store them.

As always I am looking for articles on the www or other places, which I think are important enough to focus on at tech4boomers.  Here we are again with yet another consideration regarding Passwords. Such is the case with some of these apps (below), which claim to be our newest answers for helping us with the on-going dilemma of password infiltration.

How can you create strong passwords: strong, and “remember-able” the same time? An article by Kit Eaton discusses extensively the following apps:

  1. Dashlane – Free for iOS and Android. This app can automatically update passwords, and is compatible with many websites. It also checks if the passwords you create are hacker-resistant.  It comes with a built-in browser to protect your banking  online. There is an upgrade available for $40/year.
  2. Keeper – Free for iOS and Android.  This app has an automatic generator. You can file your passwords and other information in folders. You can also use your Apple Watch and Android Wear, which lets you login uses these devices.
  • Some favorites in this category are: 1PASSWORD, LASTPASS  and KEEPASSDROID.

You can read the details at Source: After You Strengthen Your Passwords, Here’s How to Store Them – The New York Times

 

 

Stress Less with Technology?

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subway-1565684_1920I admit that it sounds like an oxymoron to some of you that the use of technology may help you to de-stress.

However, recently I read an article with some great suggestions about how to de-stress when you’re commuting to your daily job, or to other activities. For example, listen to podcasts, audiobooks, meditations.  Check out these really super suggestions and use them to create less stress during your day.

♦ Click the picture below to read the article at LifeHacker.com by Alan Henry.

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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.

mailstrom pic

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