♦ Now that we have discussed the best phones and plans, what are you doing to protect yourself from the germs these devices carry? Continue reading
Yikes! Cell Phones & Germs!
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Tag Archives: technology
Passwords Conversations
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
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?
Some 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.
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
Tips 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
From 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.
One 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.
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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
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
If 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!
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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.
Back To School Technology Tips…
Could 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 ***
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Smartphone Buyers’ Guide 2013: 7 Things You Need to Know via Smartphone Buyers Guide 2013: 7 Things You Need to Know.
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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?
How 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?
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.
- 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.
- Adblock is free: Click this link to learn more: Adblock Plus – Surf the web without annoying ads!.
- 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.
- 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/
- Use Multiple Browsers: Google Chrome, Apple Safari, Mozilla Firefox. Use one browser for email, one for social networking, and another one for general browsing.
- 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 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! 🙂
tech4boomers 