PCC Web Site Member Access to Files
Best of CES
The Best Computing Upgrade You Can Get
5G Confusion Reigns Among American Consumers
'Cake' Will Sweeten the Process of Dying in the Digital Age
How to get a free Windows (or Linux) recovery image for your OEM PC
9 Ways to Make Your Android Phone Less Annoying
8 Ways Tech Can Make Your 2019 Better
PCMag Picks the Best Video Editing Software
Windows 7 versus Windows 10: Here comes the final showdown
PCC
Web Site Member Access to Files
3M is now blocking access to Google Drive files when you try to access them
from the 3M Network. The 3M PCC uses Google Drive to provide access to PDF files
like the PCC Survey, Past Meeting Handouts, and Past Meeting Slides on the PCC
Web site. While you can access these files when not connected to the 3M Network,
we are looking for a solution to provide access to these files for everyone on
any network (employees or retired). If you know of a free solution we could
use to provide access to these PDF files, contact Tom Kreuzer.
Best
of CES
It’s press day at CES 2019 and CNET is there in force, scouring the show
floor for the best tech innovations. What does the big tech expo have in store
for you? Find out now.
https://www.cnet.com/ces
All the cool new gadgets at CES
https://www.cnet.com/pictures/all-the-cool-new-gadgets-at-ces-2019
The
Best Computing Upgrade You Can Get
No one gets excited about replacing their router. And that's a shame because
a new router is the most effective way to improve your computing experience at
home. Older routers aren't designed to manage the increasing number of phones,
tablets, PCs, game consoles, and smart home devices we are connecting to them.
(In fact, you might be pretty surprised to find out who and what is actually on
your network.) If you're just looking to cover a dead spot in your home, a
wireless extender or a mesh-networking kit might do the trick, but if your
router is more than five years old, you're better off with one of the best
wireless routers we've tested.
https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2398080,00.asp
5G
Confusion Reigns Among American Consumers
Even as wireless carriers spend billions of dollars on their new 5G networks,
it looks like they're doing a lousy job of explaining the technology. A quarter
of the people who think they know what 5G is, also think they already have it.
But almost nobody actually does.
https://www.pcmag.com/news/366015/5g-confusion-reigns-among-american-consumers
'Cake'
Will Sweeten the Process of Dying in the Digital Age
These days, your last will and testament needs to cover more than just who
gets your money and random tchotchkes. Cake takes a no-nonsense and pleasant
approach to planning your inevitable demise. Founder Suelin Chen explains.
https://www.pcmag.com/news/365965/cake-will-sweeten-the-process-of-dying-in-the-digital-age
How
to get a free Windows (or Linux) recovery image for your OEM PC
What's better than a clean install? How about a clean installation that
includes all required drivers and utility programs? Here's how to locate a free
Windows 10, Windows 7, or even Linux recovery image for your Dell, HP, Lenovo,
or Surface PC.
https://www.zdnet.com/article/how-to-get-a-free-windows-recovery-image-for-your-oem-pc
9
Ways to Make Your Android Phone Less Annoying
Android smartphones are great, but notifications and certain settings can
make things hard to keep up. Here are a few ways to optimize your device.
https://www.pcmag.com/feature/354543/9-easy-ways-to-make-your-android-phone-less-annoying
8
Ways Tech Can Make Your 2019 Better
It isn't quite 2019 yet, but there is no reason to wait on your New Year's
resolutions. As the great Stoic Philosopher, Epictetus, once asked, “How long
are you going to wait before you demand the best for yourself?" (h/t Ryan
Holiday). I say start now. Master your email, take control of your finances, and
get into better shape. Perhaps most importantly, understand the consequences of
your growing addiction to technology. Whatever your goals are for 2019, there
are tech tools and services that can actually make your life better. I've chosen
eight of my favorite here, but one of PCMag's guiding principles is helping our
readers get more from technology. If you have tips of your own, let me know on
Twitter. I'll add it to my own 2019 to-do list.
https://www.pcmag.com/feature/330773/apps-to-help-you-keep-your-new-year-s-resolutions
PCMag
Picks the Best Video Editing Software
With the ever-increasing availability of devices capable of high-resolution
video recording (smartphones, GoPros, DSLRs), the case for ever-more-powerful
video editing software becomes clear. We tested all the key players...which one
prevailed?
https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2397215,00.asp
Windows
7 versus Windows 10: Here comes the final showdown
With less than a year to a major Windows 7 support deadline, it’s decision
time for the PC.
https://www.zdnet.com/article/windows-7-versus-windows-10-here-comes-the-final-showdown
Links
- News, Tips, & Downloads
PCMag Picks the Best Smart Home Security Systems
- Need a security system but don't know where to start? We've tested all the
major DIY and professionally installed security packages to help you determine
which is the best smart home security system for you.
https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2498510,00.asp
Check out all the smart home products at CES 2019
- Here's a look at all the new and interesting connected home gadgets that
turned our heads at the show.
https://www.cnet.com/pictures/check-out-all-the-smart-home-products-at-ces-2019
10 Must-Have Android Apps - There are more than
3.5 million entries in the Google Play Store, but these 10 essential Android
apps deserve a spot on your home screen.
https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2374865,00.asp
How to See Who's On Your Wi-Fi - Internet
sluggish? If you suspect a neighbor is stealing your Wi-Fi, here's how to
identify devices using your connection and boot them off.
https://www.pcmag.com/feature/362092/how-to-see-who-s-on-your-wi-fi
How to Block Robocalls and Spam Calls - Are you
getting too many phone calls from spammers and telemarketers? Here's how to stop
them. For good.
https://www.pcmag.com/feature/362120/how-to-block-robocalls-and-spam-calls
Simple Tricks to Remember Insanely Secure
Passwords - You need to lock your password manager with one secure master
password, and you must remember it yourself. Here's how to do it.
https://www.pcmag.com/article/359862/simple-tricks-to-remember-insanely-secure-passwords
20 Hidden Chrome Features That Will Make Your
Life Easier - Google's Chrome browser has a ton of hidden little tricks that you
may not know about. Here are 20 tips that will make you a better Chrome user.
https://www.pcmag.com/feature/323996/20-hidden-chrome-features-that-will-make-your-life-easier
PCMag Picks the Best Smart Plugs - Forget to
unplug the iron this morning? An inexpensive smart outlet lets you control
anything you can plug into the wall from your phone.
https://www.pcmag.com/roundup/361476/the-best-smart-plugs
7 parental controls you can use right now on your
kid's iPhone - Protect your child online on his or her iPhone.
https://www.cnet.com/how-to/parental-controls-you-can-use-right-now-on-your-kids-iphone
Top Google Chrome extensions (2019 edition)
https://www.zdnet.com/pictures/top-google-chrome-extensions-2019-edition
How to tell which apps drain your laptop's
battery - The venerable Windows Task Manager has a few new tricks you should
try.
https://www.cnet.com/how-to/which-apps-are-draining-your-laptops-battery-check-the-windows-task-manager
Readers' Choice Awards 2019: Antivirus and
Security Suite Software - This is our first Readers' Choice survey that asks you
to rate the software that keeps you safe, and it includes a few surprises we
can't keep in quarantine any longer.
https://www.pcmag.com/news/365697/readers-choice-awards-2019-antivirus-security-suite-softw
How to Convert VHS Home Movies to DVD - If you
have home movies on VHS, here's how to put them on DVD. These are the best
converters, and where to convert if you'd rather have someone else handle it.
https://www.pcmag.com/feature/365201/how-to-convert-vhs-home-movies-to-dvd
The 100 Best iPhone Apps for 2019 - With 2
million titles available in Apple's App Store, it's tough to know which ones are
worth your time. We've been testing and rating iOS apps for more than a decade,
and these are our top picks in a dozen key categories.
https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2391521,00.asp
The complete list of Alexa commands so far - Here
are all the things you can ask Alexa to do. (Dad jokes included.)
https://www.cnet.com/how-to/amazon-echo-the-complete-list-of-alexa-commands
The complete list of Google Home commands so far
https://www.cnet.com/how-to/google-home-complete-list-of-commands-so-far
Ask a Question
Send any Tips &
Downloads, Ask a Question, For Sale, or articles to: TheMiningPCC@gmail.com
Q. |
From a PCC
Member Dave Broberg - The following
Youtube video is about Disruptive Technologies that can impact the way we
live in a very short length of time. Some examples are the car,
phones, computers, and energy .The video is about 35 minutes long
and traces technologies from 1900 to the present and projects what 2030
might be like. He makes the point that to have a disruptive
technology, you need some convergence of technologies to come together at
some point in time. https://youtu.be/KVm74yE0aUE |
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Q. |
From a PCC
Member - How can I add software to be run when Windows starts? |
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A. |
From Tom Kreuzer, a
PCC Board member. One way to open
the Windows 10 startup folder is to use the Run dialogue:
Press Win+R
Type shell:startup
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Q. |
From a PCC
Member Tom Kreuzer - To my horror my power button on my smartphone
stopped working. The phone was on and everything else was working fine,
but this was not good.
The last few months I had been having trouble with the button, but thought
nothing of it since with multiple tries or more pressure it would eventually
work. The phone was a Moto G5 Plus that I have had for 3 years with the
Republic wireless service. I was not sure if it was a hardware problem or
hopping it might just be a software glitch? I Googled the problem and found that it is a hardware
problem and the only real fix is a new switch or new phone. I did not know
of any local place to replace the switch and what the cost would be, so I
decided to get a new phone. The old phone had cost $299. Republic sells
about 12 different makes and models on their site or you can buy your own
unlocked phone from other sources like Target. Since the phone was working I wanted to keep it working
till I get the new phone setup. Several of the newer Moto phones at
Republic were on back-order so I ended up ordering a low end Moto 5e Play for
$129. I received the phone in 2 days and my old phone continued to work. I
was able to setup the new phone with the old phone settings and get my
phone number transferred and working in under an hour. The phone
came with only 16 GB, so I added a 32 GB card. I has been several days now
and everything is working fine. One of the biggest hassles was to pair my
Bluetooth devices (home phone system, speakers, ear buds, watch, etc.) and
setting up WiFi networks again. This info was not available to backup,
restore, or restore. |
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Q. |
From a PCC
Member - See a number of questions and responses below...
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A. |
From Tom Kreuzer, a
PCC Board member. The PCC Past Meeting videos and files contain info on a
number of these questions like home network in May 2017 and Home Options
in May 2016. Let me know if you have any questions.
Question: I don’t know if you are
knowledgeable about Comcast? But, I switched to Comcast one year ago from
US Family/Centurylink. US Family was my ISP and they used the Centurylink
lines in our area. They could not provide adequate speed to run Netflix
properly. So, we switched to Comcast. I still use US Family/Velocity for
my email ($1.00/mo.) and land line ($35.00/mo.)
Response: I have switched back and forth
between Comcast and Centurylink over the years to get the best deal which
you usually only get for a limited time. Centurylink DSL has a download
limit of 3-8 Mbps depending on how far your house is from their
neighborhood connection box. Fiber can offer speeds up to 1 Gbps. To
stream Netflix at High Definition requires about 5 Mbps per TV. For you
email, I would recommend switching to Gmail which is free. Most people
have dropped their land line and just use their cell phone. That would
save you $420 a year. If you still want a land line, I would recommend
using VOIP which uses your Internet connection, see this site: https://www.voip-info.org/ooma-vs-magicjack-plus/
About fifteen years ago I dropped my land line from CenturyLink and went
to MagicJack which provides phone service "VOIP" over an
Internet connection. MagicJack at that time cost $19 a year with no taxes
and worked great. When I got a cell phone about six years ago, I dropped
MagicJack and just use the cell phone. For the cell phone I have a 4 home
phone wireless system with Bluetooth that lets me make and receive calls
on any of the phones using the cell phone. Many new wireless home phones
support connecting one or more cell phones using Bluetooth.
Question: Comcast provides these speeds generally: Download; 55 Mbps.
Upload; 5.4 Mbps. Which seems to be good enough for us. My price for 2018
was $41.78/month.(includes $10/mo. for their modem/wifi box). Starting in
January Comcast has increased the price to $51.78 (includes $11/mo. for
their box). I don’t understand the speeds very well for one thing...and
I could buy my own modem/wifi box. But, I have no idea what to buy. We do
not have fiber option in our area of Cottage Grove. We just use the
service for internet access and watching Netflix or Amazon Prime on one tv.
Response: The more you know about your own
home network and needs, the better off you will be. Each provider
offers different speed levels at different costs. Buying 1 Gig service
when you only need 40 Mb is like having a 12” water pipe into your house
and you only need a 2”. Link to info on what you need: https://www.tomsguide.com/us/internet-speed-what-you-need,news-24289.html
I currently have a two year contract with
CenturyLink for 40 Mb for $29 a month, only buy what you need. I recommend
not leasing from the provider. A Modem is a device that takes the signal
and converts it to an Ethernet signal. The Router takes the Ethernet
signal and provides WiFi and multiple Ethernet ports for hard wire
connections. Routers come from many vendors, speeds, security, prices, and
features. They range from $20 to $500 with most around $80. If you have
trouble with your connection being too weak or not fast enough, you can
try a better Router. Buy a separate modem and a separate WiFi router. That
way you can get the best router at the best price for your place. The
$10-$15 a month lease router from the provider is about the same as a $70
router (not bad, but not great). It is easy to configure your own network
if you can follow simple directions. The Comcast site: https://www.xfinity.com/support/articles/list-of-approved-cable-modems
has info on what Modem/routers are supported. There are three type –
Modem only, Modem with Phone, Modem with WiFi. You can buy a few of the
models in stores like Best Buy and Target. If you go online you can find
better prices and also get used modems for as little as $20 on sites like
eBay or Craigslist. What WiFi router is best for you depends on your house
and needs. FYI…You can also buy the exact model you are renting. Buying
vs Leasing will usually pay for itself after the first year when you buy
new.
Question: I have been retired from 3M
for over 10 years and have a reduced pension and reduced Social Security
payment, so I have to keep monthly expenses as low as I can. Do you think
I can get service at a lower cost?
Response: Your cost is about average. You
can try calling to see if they will lower your cost, but you usually only
get the best rate when switching which can be a hassle. Starting in 2019
and into 2020 you will see 5G Internet options that will provide Internet
that will not require a fiber or cable into your home. This would use a
Modem that would receive a 5G signal like your phone currently does for 4G
and be high speed. We will see what the price is and at what speed.
Question: For cell phone I use Tracfone
and an iPhone4 (I know ancient)...my wife is on a Sprint plan with my son
and has an iPhone6. I will hopefully get a new phone in 2019, because
it cannot be updated and will not accept any
apps...like from Novation Credit Union app or even my church app.
Response: Lots of options for phones and
plans. There is no such thing as a free phone, you pay for it with the
plan. Personally I have Moto G5 phone that cost $299 and I use the
Republic plan with unlimited call and text for $15 month and 1 GB data for
$5 month. There are other providers like Consumer Cellular or family plans
that get close to that price.
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