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PCMag Picks the Best Laptops
The Best Free Software You Can Get Right Now
6 easy ways to make your phone last as long as possible before you need to replace it
It's Movie Night, But Which Streaming Service Is Best?
The Best Free Antivirus Protection for 2020
Programming language rankings: R makes a comeback but there's debate about its rise
How to Block Robotexts and Spam Messages
PCMag Picks the Best Laptops
Shopping for a notebook is more than just poring over spec lists. Whether you want a simple budget PC, a productivity workhorse, or a screaming machine for gaming, our guide has the advice you need to find the best laptop to fit your needs.
https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-laptops
Best cheap Windows 10 laptops for $350 or less in 2020: ASUS, Dell, Lenovo, and more - Looking for a new laptop that won't break the bank? Here are a selection from a variety of manufacturers, with prices starting at only $230. All laptops are new, not refurbished, and available to purchase today.
https://www.zdnet.com/article/best-cheap-windows-10-laptops
Best laptops for under $500 - No matter in what form school returns this fall, a usable laptop will be a necessity. Here are the best ones you can get for under $500 right now. Look for more CNET back-to-school recommendations this month.
https://www.cnet.com/news/best-windows-laptops-and-chromebooks-in-2020-for-under-500
The Best Free Software You Can Get Right Now
Everything you need to be productive on your PC is in our editor-curated list. 85 excellent programs, and they're all free.
https://www.pcmag.com/news/best-free-software
6 easy ways to make your phone last as long as possible before you need to replace it
Your phone is a critical part of keeping you connected to friends and family, so follow these tips to make sure it keeps working for as long as possible.
https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-make-phone-last-longer-extend-lifespan-before-replacing-it
It's Movie Night, But Which Streaming Service Is Best?
Streaming services are solid alternatives to cable for watching on-demand shows and live TV, but can they bring the movie theater feel to your living room? These are the top services we've tested that bring the cinematic experience home.
https://www.pcmag.com/picks/best-movie-streaming-services
YouTube TV review: The most full-featured live TV streamer is no longer the best value - At $65 per month, YouTube TV makes it more difficult to save money compared to traditional cable.
https://www.cnet.com/reviews/youtube-tv-review
Too many services? 10 ways to save money on streaming - Get ready to slash your streaming costs while still watching everything you want.
https://www.cnet.com/how-to/10-ways-to-save-money-on-streaming
The Best Free Antivirus Protection for 2020
Windows Defender is improving, but you still shouldn't rely on Windows 10's security tools as your sole means of protection. Many free third-party security apps are more effective at keeping you safe. We've tested 17 no-cost services to help you find the best free antivirus for protecting your PC.
https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-free-antivirus-protection
Programming language rankings: R makes a comeback but there's debate about its rise
There's no clear agreement about what's behind statistical programming language R's recent apparent rise.
How to Block Robotexts and Spam Messages
Robotexts and junk messages are a fact of life, but that doesn't mean you have to put up with them. Here's how to block spam text messages.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-block-robotexts-and-spam-messages
Links - News, Tips, & Downloads
10 Things to Know Before You Buy Refurbished Electronics - Buying a refurbished device can help you save money, but don’t go into it blind. These tips will help you get a deal and avoid being ripped off when buying a smartphone, laptop, tablet, and other electronics.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/10-things-to-know-before-you-buy-refurbished-electronics
How to Fix Video Chat Picture or Sound Problems - If you're trying to join a Zoom chat or Google Hangout, but can't see the video or hear the audio, here are some troubleshooting tips to make the program work.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-fix-video-chat-picture-or-sound-problems
12 Tips to Troubleshoot Your Internet Connection - Have a full house of social distancers working, gaming, streaming, and news binging, all at the same time? If you're experiencing lags, the problem might be on your end. Before you call your ISP, try these easy router tips to get back online.
https://www.pcmag.com/news/12-tips-to-troubleshoot-your-internet-connection
Sluggish Browser? Here's How to Speed Up Chrome - Does your Chrome browser feel like it's running a bit slower than usual? These tips and tricks can help you give Google Chrome a speed boost.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/sluggish-browser-heres-how-to-speed-up-chrome
How to Clean Up Windows 10 With the Fresh Start Tool - Microsoft's Fresh Start feature can rid your Windows 10 PC of junkware and return it to a clean, pristine state.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-clean-up-windows-10-with-the-refresh-windows-tool
How to Manage Your Personal Finances With Microsoft’s 'Money in Excel' Feature - Track and monitor financial accounts from Microsoft's spreadsheet software with the 'Money in Excel' template.
Password managers: Is it OK to use your browser’s built-in password management tools? - Every major browser on every platform includes built-in password management features. Is it safe to use these tools? More importantly, is it smart?
https://www.zdnet.com/article/is-it-ok-to-use-your-browsers-built-in-password-manager
Burner Accounts 101: How to Get Extra Numbers for a Smartphone - When you don't want to hand out your own phone number, don't buy a separate phone, just download one of these burner apps to your existing smartphone.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/burner-accounts-101-how-to-get-extra-numbers-for-a-smartphone
How to Connect Your Android Phone to Your TV - You can stream your Android phone or tablet screen to a TV through screen mirroring, Google Cast, using a third-party app, or linking it with a cable.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-connect-your-android-phone-to-your-tv
The Best Photo Editing Software for 2020 - Whether you're a casual smartphone shooter or a professional using an SLR, software can get the most out of your images. We help you find the best photo editing software for your needs.
https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-photo-editing-software
The 7 best phones you can get for $300 or less - If you're looking for a phone on a budget, check out CNET's top seven picks for 2020 so far.
The era of the $200 security camera is over - Commentary: By using all of Wyze's products, you could potentially save over $1,000 for a full smart-home setup.
https://www.cnet.com/news/the-era-of-the-200-security-camera-is-over
How to Protect Yourself Online With Disposable Credit Card Numbers - Scammers can’t steal your real credit card number if they never see it. We offer four options that help you protect your bottom line by using disposable credit card numbers when you make purchases online.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-protect-yourself-online-with-disposable-credit-card-numbers
Find and delete all the data Google collects on you - Google will auto-delete data -- for some users -- after a year and a half. You can do better than that.
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From a PCC Member - I think my WiFi card is bad so I plugged my wife’s portable Boost Mobile hotspot into my USB port on my laptop and it then connected me to the internet. Can I do the same with my iPhone. My wife is normally using the Boost Mobile hotspot so I don’t always have access to it.
From Tom Kreuzer, a PCC Board member. A WiFi card rarely goes bad. You or some software may have changed settings or drivers that caused the problem. Below is a link to Microsoft help on fixing the problem:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/10741/windows-fix-network-connection-issues
What most people do is turn on the hotspot on their phone and then wireless connect to the PC to the phone using the WiFi card on the PC. Multiple devices can connect so both you and your wife could use the same hotspot. That requires no cable or extra settings. A more advanced option is to turn on the hotspot and use a USB data cable like you got with the phone to "teather" it to the PC. Some USB cables are for charging only, it must be a data cable. Link to article and settings:
https://support.speedify.com/article/426-connect-pc-tethered-iphone-usb
https://www.systutorials.com/iphone-connecting-internet-using-windows-pc-network-through-usb-cable/
FYI.. Some phone plans do not allow a hotspot or charge an extra fee.
From a PCC Member - I would like to update the drivers on both of my laptops. Do you have a good source to go to?
From Tom Kreuzer, a PCC Board member. Most drivers are part of Windows 10, so when you keep Windows 10 updated, your drivers are also updated. There are some drivers like a specific printer or other USB type devices that are created and updated by the vendor that makes the device. These drivers rarely change and you usually only need to update if the device stops working or has problems. In that case you should first check the vendor web site on their support page to see if they have a newer install or driver for your device.
If you Google to find drivers there are many sites that claim to update, but most will try to infect your PC with spam or a virus. Stay way from them. Bottom line is to keep Windows 10 the software you use updated.
From a PCC Member - When I lost sound for the PCC Online Meeting in Microsoft Teams, I hung up and rejoined sound returned only momentarily repeating rejoining same result.
From Tom Kreuzer, a PCC Board member. Sorry you had problems. Your problem is either a slow internet connection or a slow PC. Next time you could try to turn off your video and your mike. This reduces how much your PC has to work and send using the internet. This would still allow you to receive the PCC Video and audio. If you still have a problem you can listen to the meeting using the phone number and Conference ID listed in the email invite.
From a PCC Member - I can not get a clear answer if Centurylink is cable or not? I am in the process of ordering a modem and router for my daughter but not sure if modem is supported by Xfinity and Centurylink. I assume if both are cable than same modem should be supported by Xfinity and Centurylink.
From Tom Kreuzer, a PCC Board member. Xfinity uses a round TV cable. Centurylink either uses your old phone line for "DSL" or fiber optic cable. Not all houses are eligible for the fiber optic cable, depending on where you live. You can check on the Centurylink site if your house is eligible.
A modem takes the signal and converts it to an Internet Ethernet connection that can then be connected to a Router to provide WiFi and wired connections to your house. The supported modems you can buy are all different depending on Xfinity or Centurylink and what speed and standards they offer. Xfinity and Centurylink websites list what makes and models they support. The same router will work for either Xfinity or Centurylink. There are hundreds of makes and models depending on speed, coverage area, and other features. Most routers range from $30 -$700 depending on what your needs are. See the March 2019 PCC Meeting for details: https://sites.google.com/site/theminingpcc/past-meeting-files
You need to decide on either Xfinity or CenturyLink and then what speed to then see what make and model modem they support. A modem supported in Chicago is not be supported in St Paul, or a modem that is 5 years old may no longer ber supported. Modems and standards change about every 3-7 years. When I signed up for CenturyLink, I got a modem free, free Installation, $25 Visa Card, 40 MB service, and paid $30 for 2 years with no other fees. Installation, prices, speed vary depending where you buy and how well you negotiate prices, length, features, and what is free.
Member Replies - You got a fantastic deal I don't any deals like that now.
Tom Replies - I have friends that in the last month that continue to get 1 GB for $65 with no other fees, free modem, free installation, for life from CenturyLink. Below from CenturyLink site, you still might have to barter for modem and other freebies. Below is from the Centurylink site.
I just ended my 2 years contract and did not need 1 GB or want to pay $65 so I got 40 MB for $40 a year for life. I suggest you "Chat" online directly with Centurylink and tell them exactly what you want.
From a PCC Member - Interesting Republic cell phone service does not support iphones. Surprised that some plans like Ting can run on different carriers determined by which works best. Its a hunt and trying to find which has best customer service is the challenge. How to check if an iphone is locked & unlocked?
From Tom Kreuzer, a PCC Board member. Republic uses a special Republic app to operate on Android phones and Apple will not let it run on the Apple iOS without paying a fee. That is one of the ways Apple limits which providers it works with. Republic works on most Andriod unlocked phones.
As far as the support question, I have friends and family that use or require all different levels of support. Some people want/need to be able to walk into a store and have someone help while some will never need any support.
Republic keeps its cost low by using WiFi if available for calling/texting instead of just using cell towers and buying minutes from other providers. It has been in business since 2010 and makes money.
Below is a link with details to tell if an iphone is unlocked. https://www.weboost.com/blog/is-my-cell-phone-unlocked
From a PCC Member - I have a problem with my computer, that I bought in April of this year, trying to look at a new camera system I am in the process of installing. The DVR is connected to the system and I have one camera hooked up. The camera system is SmartPSS Smart Professional Surveillance System. http://dahuawiki.com/Main_Page Here is what is going on. When I open the software, it opens OK but after it is open and I can see the camera something crashes the program. It only stays open once I see the camera for about 3 seconds. The problem is unique to my new computer. It works on another Dell, my Samsung phone, my Motorola phone, and my iPad.
From Tom Kreuzer, a PCC Board member. Sorry I do not know anything about cameras or software you have. I would contact the vendor and see if they have seen the problem with their software. It could be that the software does not work with the version of Windows, a bad device driver by the company, or not compatible with your AntiVirus. Looks like they have a Chat or you can submit questions. If they do not know, you could try to turn off or uninstall Avast and see if it works. If not you will have to wait for a new version of the software or drivers.
Member Replies - Thought you would like to know how I got my charasing camera software problem solved. I had used the camera vendor to get the software up and running on my old computer so I was pretty sure it wasn't the vendor software. My new 3590 Dell was what it wasn't working on so I contacted Dell. Their warranty is only good for the hardware. When I contacted them the helpline person talked me through running a diagnostics on the machine and it did not show any hardware problems. Therefore that person deemed it a software issue. Their warranty didn't cover that so for $99 they guaranteed fixing the software problem or there would be no charge. After doing other tests that proved it wasn't a conflict with my antivirus program I decided to spend the money to get the camera software working on the new computer. That will be how I monitor the cameras when we are down south during the winter months. I had to schedule a time slot and a technician called me during the slot.
First I talked him through the problem of the camera software opening and then crashing in just a few seconds. He asked and I gave him control of my computer. After looking at some settings he typed msconfig in the search window. The System Configuration box opened up. He clicked on the Services Tab. He then clicked the box in the lower left side Hide all Microsoft services. Then he clicked on the Disable all button. That put a date stamp on all services that were disabled. After that I rebooted and tried the camera software. It stayed on. That was all he did and did it in about 20 minutes. A big rip off for time spent but he knew how to do It and I didn't. The value in knowledge.
I slept on it overnight and thought to myself I am probably going to want some of those services that were shut off. turned on. So I went through what he did and looked at the screens of msconfig Services tab that had the day before timestamp. I captured a view of each page with my Clipping software. Then printed them and figured out 36 things were shut off. So using standard split and eliminated troubleshooting techniques, I turned on 18. Then tested the camera software it still worked. Then I turned on 9 more. Then the software crashed. I turned off 4 of them and it worked again. Two more tries and I knew that the Nahimic program was the only conflict. Now that is off and the rest of the services are back on with everything working. I bought this computer because it was the least expensive Dell that would support two monitors. It is one of their gaming computer setups so has programs that enhance gaming. Nahimic is supposed to make game sounds more dynamic. I can do without that.
Tom Replies - Glad you found the problem. If you had left disabled all the services they had turned off, you would have had other software not working right. Glad you got most back on, good job troubleshooting!
The real problem is the software from your camera company. You should not have to disable Nahimic, but since you currently may not be using it’s features it sounds like you have a solution for the time being. I write computer software (PC to big mainframes), and the reason your camera software opens and crashes is that the camera software is not written in a way to handle errors properly. Well written software will handle most errors or report them to the user instead of crashing. Crashing is never good and signals poor code. It takes lots of testing with multiple computers, OS versions, and other software to make sure software does not crash. That is the main reason that most good software and apps are constantly getting updated to fix “bugs” like this as they are found. With Windows and other software constantly being changed almost daily, software needs to continue testing and fixing problems. That is why it is best to work with your camera company and report the problem so they can fix the problem with Nahimic.
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