Category Archives: technology

Ready…Set…Back to School Technology & More

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It seems that it was not so long ago that preparing our grade school children, high school teenagers, and college bound  students for back to school items consisted of purchasing new clothing, books, pencils, crayons etc.  Maybe we knew more recently about laptops, or desktop computers; however, there is a whole new world out there when it comes to understanding what to buy for your students, and yourselves :). That’s why Tech4Boomers searched around for some suggestions that you could review if you are still deciding what to do, and what to buy.  Continue reading →

Are Your Online Accounts 2FA Protected?

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hackers1Let’s face it.  We all keep fighting the good fight, but every time we hear a news story about ‘HaCkErS‘ a shudder runs through our brains.  And moreover, we wonder whether we, or the companies have any control over our security ONLINE.  After all, we can have super passwords and usernames, but if the companies where we use those keys to get access to our information are not well-prepared to protect us, what are we to do? Continue reading →

Where’s your car? Find it with APPs

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Ok BabyBoomers, this question is for you🙂 :

What did you do the last time you parked your car, and when you went to pick it up you could not remember where to look for the car?   Did the BabyBoomer friends you were having all that fun with recall where you parked the car? Continue reading →

Deadwood: When is the last time you cleaned up your Apps?

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Fyi_33Deadwood: We’ve all heard the word and what it implies. But, have you ever thought that you could be in support of it?

I read an article by Nick Bilton of the New York Times recently about Apps, which have access to your social accounts. Continue reading →

Job APPS Savvy

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mobile productivityThere is no longer any doubt that in today’s world often we use technology to help us with our lives. As a matter of fact, JOB HUNTING is no longer done in the old-fashioned way, and I don’t mean newspapers. I’m sure most of you are familiar with the on-line application process.  Making your way through the many application requirements, and then hoping that you will be among the very lucky prospective candidates to get a response can be frustrating, to say the least. Continue reading →

Passwords Conversations

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canstockphoto13013303

OK, let’s be honest with each other. How many passwords do you have?  For myself,  I’ve lost count.  Seriously, do you know where all your passwords are?  Maybe you have them on a  post-it, or two.  Chances are it’s becoming more and more difficult for you to keep track of them; especially since experts recommend passwords should be changed at least every six months.

Things To Do

A. You can read about a password generator app (Wolfram)  from iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/wolfram-password-generator/id479550619?mt=8

B. Symantec suggests that we use mnemonic phrases to create passwords. Examples of  mnemonic phrases might include a phrase spelled phonetically, such as ‘ImaKat!’ (instead of ‘I’m a cat!’) or the first letters of a memorable phrase such as ‘qbfjold*’ = “quick brown fox jumped over lazy dog.” You can read more at http://www.symantec.com/connect/articles/simplest-security-guide-better-password-practices

C. If you’re running out of ideas about how to keep up this very important responsibility, you may want to use an App to help you organize/protect your passwords. This method may be a little difficult for Baby Boomers to embrace; however, I have learned recently that Echo Boomers use their smartphones to do all kinds of things. Two examples are banking and paying the check at the restaurant.  And yes, some of them think that the use of Apps to protect their identities is the best way to handle this important chore.  That brings me to an article I read about Apps that manage all of this information in one place. Below is a brief summary of available Apps you can use to help you with passwords.  You can click the link below to read the article.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/17/technology/personaltech/apps-to-protect-your-array-of-passwords.html?_r=0

D. Password Security Suggestions:   1) Use a different password for the websites that you visit frequently. 2) Use a Password Manager.

E.Password Managers:
1password. Read a review at: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2408348,00.asp

Lastpass.  Free! Read a review at: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2426798,00.asp

Onesafe.  ios App.  Read a review at: http://webapprater.com/reviews/onesafe-ios-app-provides-full-security.html

Keeper. Free! Read about it at:  https://keepersecurity.com/

I hope this is helpful! 🙂

Still Using XP Operating System?

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XP_operating systemSome of you may remember the Post I did about the XP Operating System (O/S). If you’re not sure what  OS you have on your PC, you may want to look at that Post. https://tech4boomers.com/2012/07/16/os-what-operating-system/ .

If you are still running the XP Operating System, I suggest you check the information below at your earliest convenience. Then click the link at the end for other details.

  • The end of Windows XP Support does not mean your computer will not work; however, new bugs after April 2014 will not be supported.
  • Many computers still running XP after April 2014 will be hit with viruses.  In addition, the cost to fix the issues will be higher. Experts agree that it is best not to use your computer with the XP Operating System after April 2014.
  • Migrating to Windows 7 may not be too hard  to navigate.  Windows 8 has a harder learning curve.bug_XP

Read more at:

http://www.zdnet.com/where-can-you-go-next-after-windows-xp-7000021885/

Back To School Technology Tips…

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canstockphoto15263592Could it be that the time is actually upon us to think about purchasing ‘Back to School’ items for our Echo-Boomers (children or grandchildren  of Baby Boomers)?  However, it may seem (or not), once again the time has arrived for us to make decisions about Laptops, Apps, Cell Phones, and other mobile devices for the new school year.
With that in mind, I looked around for some of the best HELP I could find on the Web, which I think will help you in making informed decisions.  Make sure to click the links at the end of each suggestion for more details.
♦♦♦
  1. Find age-appropriate movies, books, apps, TV shows, video games, websites, and music that you and your kids will love. Browse our library of more than 18,500 reviews by age, via Parent reviews, Family reviews | Common Sense Media.
  2. Make sure to read the Common Sense Media Blog. Click the link:  Making Sense – Common Sense Media Blog | Common Sense Media.
Below is a list of discount programs. Make sure to click the link for more details.
  1. Amazon StudentFor college students.  Amazon offers students a free six-month trial of Amazon Student to those with a valid .edu e-mail address (or you can provide proof of your student status). It includes free two-day shipping, deals and promotions exclusively for students, and a $10 credit when you refer a friend. After six months, you get a discount on Amazon Prime ($39 instead of $79 a year), which adds unlimited video streaming and the ability to borrow books on a Kindle.
  2. Apple Store for Education. For college students and their parents. You can buy a Mac and get a $100 App Store Gift Card. If you buy an iPad or iPad mini for school, you’ll get a $50 App Store gift card. And currently Apple’s offering free shipping on any school supplies.
  3. BestBuy.com College Student Deals Find the best laptop or desktop for your needs and budget with our computer buying guide and Ratings. via Back to school: Discounts on computers and other electronics – Yahoo! Finance.
  4. For college students. Best Buy has discounts on computers and lots of other accessories; currently, you can get $100 off MacBooks and iMacs, and 10 percent off some touch-screen all-in-one computers plus free shipping, for example. Sign up with your .edu student e-mail address, and the store then sends coupon codes that you enter online at checkout.
  5. In 2013, every student — from the first-grader learning to read to the graduate student writing a thesis — needs a full-fledged Mac or PC laptop.Tablets can be helpful for taking notes in class or doing some quick research, but when you want to get that term paper done, you need the real keyboard, screen and operating system that only a laptop can provide. Here are 8 tips to help you find the right student laptop for any age and course of study. via 8 Laptop Buying Tips for Students | LAPTOP Magazine.
*** Other Resources Worth Checking Out ***canstockphoto0947076
  1. Smartphone Buyers’ Guide 2013: 7 Things You Need to Know via Smartphone Buyers Guide 2013: 7 Things You Need to Know.
  2.  Consumer Reports Guidelines are at the link below:
    http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/computers.htm?EXTKEY=AYAHRE02

I hope this is helpful 🙂

Privacy On-line.. Should We Surrender?

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surrender privacyHow many of you are wondering if your attempts to control your privacy on-line is probably going to be one of the most challenging tasks before you?

In recent weeks there have been so many news articles headlining breaches in security safety for people as well as for government information!  Just when we think we have it under control they pull us right back in with stories that suggest there is no sure-fire way to secure our information.  How can we not feel vulnerable?

So are you planning to surrender?

eyespy

For those of you who believe you want to continue the challenge of protecting your digital identity, below are some guidelines that have been suggested from various professionals.  As always, click the link provided at the end of the summary for a more detailed description.

  1. Use Adblock Plus:  Adblock Plus (ABP) is an open-source content-filtering and ad blocking extension for Mozilla Firefox (including Firefox for mobile, Google Chrome and Opera web browsers. In November 2012, Adblock Plus was also released as an app for Android devices. ABP, a forked version of Adblock, allows users to prevent page elements, such as advertisements, from being downloaded and displayed. via Adblock Plus – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
  2. Adblock is free:  Click this link to learn more: Adblock Plus – Surf the web without annoying ads!.
  3. Use Ghost E-Mail: Create various e-mail addresses. Companies often share your email address. Using the same email address across various sites may allow companies to connect those address with your identity. When using sign-up forms it may be wise to withhold some of your personal information.
  4. Use a “dumb phone“:  Low tech phones can only make calls and send text messages. Smartphones are designed to track everything you are doing on the Internet. You can use this link to check what services are available for this type of equipment. http://www.engadget.com/2013/04/12/verizon-new-prepaid-basic-plan/
  5. Use Multiple Browsers:  Google Chrome, Apple Safari, Mozilla Firefox. Use one browser for email, one for social networking, and another one for general browsing.
  6. Pay Cash.  All credit cards leave digital trails and are used for tracking purposes.  Pay cash for items you want to keep private (such as, health items).  Pay cash for alcohol, cigarettes and other personal items.   via Ways to Make Your Online Tracks Harder to Follow – NYTimes.com.

Twitter Privacy

twitter_mannersTwitter users will want to read this post about Online Privacy Settings, by Susan Wright-Boucher in Communications, Social Media .  Click the link for details.  3 Steps to Better Online Privacy on Twitter | Susan Wright-Boucher.

I hope this is helpful!  🙂

Guidelines for Facebook Users

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caution robot_facebookContinuing with our theme of  technology manners and proper digital behavior in general, I looked for some tips that could be useful for Facebook users.  Below are some of the highlights I found at  http://brainz.org/10-must-follow-facebook-etiquette-rules/.

Do yourself a favor and check out the full post at your next opportunity.  In the meanwhile keep these ideas in mind.

  1. Present a true/ FILTERED – representation of yourself. Remember strangers are included in this digital space.  Refrain from bashing your ex, bosses, or others who have irritated you in the past.  REMAIN NEUTRAL!.
  2. BE CAUTIOUS who you accept and send friend requests to.  If you share pictures, or other personal information be aware that those items could be shared with the entire world.
  3. Facebook was devised to bring out everyone’s inner narcissistic demons. Be sure to tame the beast with careful moderation.
  4.  Keep it a mystery. Everyone loves a mystery. Keep your posts short and sweet with concise, thoughtful words. Avoid rants and ramblings.
  5. Purge. If you’ve collected a large Facebook following in the form of friends from your past but would rather not have them in your present, purge them.
  6. If you’re going to be dishonest, don’t get caught on Facebook. There are no laws against lying but just because you can, does not mean you should. If you must lie, be careful not to get caught on Facebook.

purple starBelow is  another great site to use for Facebook Manners:

This blog is composed as a guide to life; how the simplest of pleasures can become so hideously complex once they are mixed into our various daily activities. Why not just log off? Why not indeed? Perhaps because that ‘friend’ from those old school days has just got back in touch (I wonder what s/he’s doing now?), your father knows more about your life than is healthy and insists on writing on your Wall, or you live in a small radius of a wealth of interesting neighbours and yet none are your friends on Facebook…

So whilst we are all hooked up, plugged in and tuned out to technology, some things do not change. So it is here that the everyday machinations of what to do, when to do it and how/not to appropriately stay in touch are drawn together. If you are not suitably attune to etiquette, then you are not operating at full capacity to be a more comfortable, pleasant and happy person. via About this site | Proper Facebook Etiquette.

I hope this is helpful 🙂