Thanksgiving: Celebrating Native American History

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canstockphoto12013223How much of Native American History do we know?  I recently found some Apps that provide information about these great people and their history.  These are  wonderful resources and you will find that some of them are free!

Description – ♦ Native American Encyclopedia is the largest and only online encyclopedia devoted exclusively to Native Americans, American Indians, Métis, Inuit, First Nations, Aboriginal Peoples, and our communities in North America. https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/native-american-encyclopedia/id491928487?mt=8

♦ Learn about the healing art of traditional Native American healing methods Native American medicine is classed as an indigenous healing tradition. As 80% of the World’s population can’t afford Western hi-tech medicine, indigenous customs collectively play a crucial global healthcare role – so much so that the World Health Organization advocated that they be integrated into national healthcare policies and plans.    http://www.appszoom.com/android_applications/reference/native-american-healing_biqgo.html

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! 🙂

Tech4Boomers Conversations

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canstockphoto4120930

Tech4Boomers has added a new category to the blog: “Conversations”.  Sometimes in the past I’ve written and/or researched a topic only to find out that a week or so later there are newer, and in some cases, better choices for you to consider. In future posts when encountering this kind of opportunity, I’ll add a heading indicating the most recent information on the topic.

In addition, I’ll add topics, which are not the “hottest” Tech news, but cover devices/or newer techniques actually in use.  Examples of such a topics could be ‘passwords”, or the Nook.  Nook: although the Nook device has not been reviewed in this blog, I have discovered there are very useful features, which can make it a quite powerful tablet.  I consider this good news for those people who have invested in the Nook, and are concerned about its future utility.

Tech4Boomers is looking forward to more technology ‘Conversations’ with you.

 

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/

5 Ways to Improve iOS 7’s Battery Life

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information iconTips to help iOS 7 users preserve their battery life

It’s a little over two weeks since iOS 7 came out and a week since Apple released an upgrade (iOS 7.0.2). Through all the praise, jeers and shouts, one question stands out in all iOS 7 users’ minds: How can I make the battery life longer? No matter which device you’re using, Apple’s gadgets have always had an issue in maximizing battery life. So, here are a few tips to help extend the battery life on your iOS 7 updated devices:

Turn off the moving background

Although it’s one of the cooler optical features offered with the iOS 7 update, the moving background runs through the battery a little more quickly than you might expect. To make iOS 7 easier on your battery, unless you are constantly looking at your phone’s background, turn it off to help conserve power. To turn it off, go to Settings, then General, move to Accessibility, then Reduce Motion.

Turn down screen brightness

This one is pretty straightforward. The brighter your device, the more battery it runs through. Since screen brightness is usually at a high quality, it’s unlikely you’ll need more than half its capacity. Try using your device at a lower brightness setting (your battery will thank you)—not to mention a lower brightness will be easier on your eyes.

Click the link to read more:  via 5 Ways to Improve iOS 7’s Battery Life.

I hope this is helpful 🙂

Apple’s New Competitive Edge Technology

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canstockphoto10246406From what I’ve read about the Touch ID, it seems that Apple has the competitive edge with its new fingerprint sensor.  In fact, it can identify your finger when the phone is in any position.

In a recent article, which included a review of the new hardware, some of the key attractions of the Touch ID fingerprint sensor are:

  • The sensor is built into the Home button; however, in addition, you must setup a passcode as a backup. If a finger match fails three times, the phone offers an opportunity to use your passcode.  If the finger ID fails 5 times the passcode “must” be used.
  • Did you know you can use more than one finger? ! Yes, you can!  A brief training session for each finger is required.
  • Apple says the odds are 1 in 50,000 that another person’s finger would work.

computer bugOne bug that needs to be addressed:  the phone does ask for a password when trying to use the finger to authenticate an online purchase. You can read the article details by clicking this link via iPhone 5S Review: New Touch ID for iPhone – WSJ.com.

♦ ♦ ♦

Use the link below for instructions on how to set up Touch ID on your phone.

iPhone 5s: Using Touch ID Learn how to set up and use Touch ID.via iPhone 5s: Using Touch ID.

I hope this is helpful 🙂

iOS 7: AirDrop video walkthrough

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Fyi_33

If you’re interested in how the new AirDrop feature works with Apple’s new operating system, check out this video I found on YouTube.  Just click the link below. In addition, check out the ultimate Safari guide , which has very useful Tips!

iOS 7: AirDrop video walkthrough via iOS 7: AirDrop video walkthrough.

I hope this is helpful! 🙂

AVG AntiVirus FREE 2014 Review & Rating | PCMag.com

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fyi only signIf you are not sure what to do about purchasing Anti-virus software below is a great article I found at PC Magazine.  Make sure to read it and get protection at your first opportunity.  After all, it’s FREE!

♦♦♦

By Neil J. Rubenking.

If you dont have antivirus protection installed on all your PCs, shame on you! Given the quality of free antivirus products currently available, theres just no excuse for going without protection. AVG AntiVirus FREE 2014 is a good choice. I had a little trouble getting it installed on malware-infested test systems, but once installed it did a good cleanup job, and it turned in a great score in my malware-blocking test.

via AVG AntiVirus FREE 2014 Review & Rating | PCMag.com.

Define Ergonomics – What is Ergonomics?

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Why is ergonomics important?  Ergonomic chair

You may ask, “Why is Ergonomics Important?” Afterall, some ergonomic computer furniture honestly looks gimmicky.

However, the study of ergonomics is heavily engineered for ergonomics health safety. Proper ergonomic design is necessary to prevent repetitive strain injuries, which can develop over time and can lead to long-term disability.

With people living and working longer, we have to combat the foreseeable problems of an aging workforce. However, common injuries caused by poor ergonomic working conditions are not limited to the aging workforce. These injuries include, back pain, carpal tunnel, posture disorders, repetitive strain injury, tendinitis, eye strain, wrist pain etc. via Define Ergonomics – What is Ergonomics?.