School Days & Best Tech Deals

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Yes, it seems that this time of year comes faster than we are prepared to believe.  However, it’s still not too late to catch some very nice buys.

I searched the www for technology that could be useful as you, those of you who have college kids, and other youngsters who might need resources.  Below are links which describe where you can find free, low prices, and other useful technology tools – apps,  best laptop deals and much more.

Use this link to find apps that will help you with organizing, research and more.

Back to school APPS

  • As you and your kids prepare to head back to the classroom this fall, you’ll want to make sure you are ready for the busy days ahead. Between writing papers, studying for tests, and conducting research, you’ll be looking for tools to make student life easier. Source: The Best Laptops and Tablets for Back to School

 

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Back to School Tech Buys

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It’s that time of year again when we are trying to figure out how to find the best deal for our return to school technology needs.  It would seem that July is a little early right? But,  I searched the www to find out. Below are some guidelines.

♦ Nothing causes buyer’s remorse quite like seeing the laptop you bought last month for $1,000 go on sale for $750. It’s equally unpleasant to buy a pricey new Dell XPS 13 in August and then watch as Dell unveils a much faster and more technically advanced model in September. The price on most laptops drops eventually, and newer models are always coming around the corner. So when is the best time to buy a laptop? The answer depends a great deal on your circumstances. Source: The Best Time to Buy a Laptop 

♦ Black Friday 2017 at Best Buy Bargains are Back with Black Friday in July!You don’t have to wait until after Thanksgiving to take advantage of big discount savings on electronics thanks to our Black Friday in July Sale, going on July 21, 2017. There’s no better time to save on some of the latest and greatest technology, from the biggest names in the business. Source: Black Friday in July 2017 Sale – Best Buy

♦ Black Friday in July | Laptop, Desktop & Electronics Deals -Source: All Deals: Laptops, Desktops & Electronics | Dell US Continue reading →

Are Apps Free, or Data Collectors?

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When I was a child, my mom used to repeat over and over and over again that ‘nothing is free in this world’.  Boy was she right!  I started out ‘trying’ to understand how to review and explain steps we can use to ‘protect’ our data from the ‘free’ apps we are all using. In an article which appeared in the New York times about Uber and Unroll me, it appears that data was being collected unbeknownst to its users.

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About Ransomeware & Tools

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It seems to me that every time a Ransomware attack occurs, it usually appears that we are once again incredulous that it happened, and we believe the AV (Anti-virus) companies should have figured this out by now. Right?  In reality, these cyberattacks appear to be something we will have to learn to live with.

I often go to PCWorld for advice when I want guidelines for dealing with a computer related problem.  Over the years I have found PCWorld to be succinct in their description of problems, and how to solve them. In addition PCWorld provides suggestions for computer software, PC equipment etc.

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Big Data Questions & Some Answers

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How is BIG DATA described in your experience with ‘searching’ for answers on how to protect ourselves from the ‘Big Brother‘ invasion into our lives?  Below are two definitions of big data, which I found on the Internet. As you may notice, the spelling is not the same.

  • Datafication is a modern technological trend turning many aspects of our life into computerised data [1] Source: Datafication – Wikipedia …Ok – Wikipedia doesn’t quite explain it for you.  Here’s a VERY good explanation:
  • Datification is about taking a process or activity that was previously invisible and turning it into data. That data can then be tracked, monitored, and optimized, leading to new opportunities — and new challenges. It’s similar in some ways to the notion of “dark data” –  data that has been ignored up until now because of technology limitations. Only in this case, it’s more like “dark activities” that are now being pushed into the light. Source: Business Analytics & Digital Business | The Datification of our Daily Lives
  • These are some examples of how BIG DATA is gathered:  Facebook, Fitbit, Twitter, SmartPhone, purchasing on-line.  Are you getting the picture?

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Best Bet Phone Plans for 2017

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Whom do you talk to about the best mobile phone plan to buy? Are you secure in your current choice, or do you sometimes think that there might be a better plan out there for you?  I imagine we all feel this way, and many of us could use a source to help us with determining how to select one.  In a recent Personal Tech article in the New York Times (NYT), it was said that plans, which were recommended a year ago, are now possibly obsolete because carriers change their offerings!

The terminology alone is confusing. For example,’Unlimited Data’, do you know if it really is unlimited, what does it mean, and more to the point do you need it? Are you aware of  The Wirecutter, a site owned by The New York Times, which gives recommendations for the best gadgets, services, smartphones? It’s probably worth your visiting it.

  •  At your very next opportunity take a look at the NYT article by Brian X. Chen.  He has done us all the favor of breaking down the New Best Phone Plans for Single Users, Single Power Users, Average Couple, Power Couple, Family of Four, Occasional Traveler. Click the pic below.

Google Home & Artificial Intelligence

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hand-1571849_1920I started writing this post innocently enough just to report on the  newest tech gadgets that are available and have become ‘useful’ in assisting us with our ‘day-to-day’ chores. Those of you who follow tech4boomers know that I pretty much give you the pros and cons of the ‘experts’ advice about new devices.

As I think about these newest, ‘cute’, robotic gadgets, I am reminded about 2001: A Space Odyssey and the famous HAL 9000, the spaceship’s computer, which is capable of speech, speech recognition, automated reasoning,  and a host of other capabilities. For those of you who don’t already know, HAL 9000 malfunctions and decides inappropriately to kill the astronauts!  Yes! It’s a pretty scary film, much more so than vampires, zombies, etc. At least you may be able to handle vampires when the daylight comes.

Have you thought about how much we humans rely more and more on artificial intelligence devices to ‘help’ us out? I don’t know the last time I even looked at a map to get me somewhere, and the truth be told, in most cases if Siri takes me in the wrong direction, I am pretty much lost – LOL.  I started wondering: what are humans doing about paying attention to their increasingly all-purpose uses of  Artificial Intelligence? Continue reading →

Fake News Savvy

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fake-1909821_1280Recently the phenomenon of ‘FAKE NEWS‘ has generated an upset among social media users and the press.  However, we can admit that ‘fake news’ has been around for many years.  Tabloids represent the first iteration of ‘fake news’. Stories about celebrities, with their faces prominently placed on the front page of the papers available at the supermarket cashier line have been noticed and read by many of us lined up to pay for our groceries. These ‘news’ stories are notorious among celebrities who have been known to sue these Tabloids for their ‘fake’ stories.

♦ Supermarket tabloids are particularly notorious for the over-the-top sensationalizing of stories, the facts of which can often be called into question. Source: Tabloid journalism – Wikipedia

I searched the www for information on how to identify ‘fake news’.  Use the sources below for guidance. And, for more perspective, some of you may want to look at the information on so-called “Satirical News” as well. Continue reading →

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