2020 May e-Bytes
New SmartPhone Purchase by Tom Kreuzer
Millions of U.S. Yearbook Records Now Free and in Color on MyHeritage!
Microsoft 365 Family and Personal subscriptions now available for purchase
Money Trouble? These Tools Can Help
New Video Chat Options
Google's smart display is still the one to beat
5 Easy Work From Home Tips From an IT Pro
How to Use Microsoft Office for Free on the Web
New SmartPhone Purchase by Tom Kreuzer
It was time to replace my old SmartPhone with a new phone. I first had to decide if I wanted to stay with Republic Wireless as my Cell Provider. The only issue I have had over the last six years with Republic was that some financial apps/sites do not send Text/SMS two factor authentication messages unless your Cell Provider are one of big three (AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon/Sprint). This prevented me from using the some bank apps or features like Venmo, but I can use the web site for the banks. Not the best solution, but I can get by. I love Republic's Unlimited Talk and Text for $15 and Data for $5 per GB for a total of $20 month. I pay by the year and get two month free for a yearly cost of $200 or $237 with all taxes and fees. I decided to stay with Republic and then started looking at phone options.
Republic sells many models of Motorola, Samsung and Google phones, but you can also use many other unlocked phones. I was looking to spend about $300-$400 which would get me a good phone with a camera. Not too cheap and not too expensive. Motorola had announced two new models that would be out in April that were getting good reviews, the Moto G Stylus and Moto G Power. The features on the Moto G Stylus looked very good for the $299 price and had a better cameras than the G Power. I did not need a Stylus for drawing, but the other features looked great. It has a 6.4-inch full HD screen, Snapdragon 665 processor, 4GB of RAM, Android 10, fingerprint sensor on the back, front 16-megapixel selfie camera, stylus, 128GB of storage, microSD expansion card slot, USB-C, and a 4,000-mAh battery that Motorola claims will last two days. It has a triple rear camerawith a 48-megapixel main camera, which combines groups of four pixels to create a 12-megapixel photo. There's also a 16-megapixel ultrawide "action" camera and a built-in macro camera that lets you get as close as 2 an inch to your subject. The main drawback I saw was no NFC which I would have liked for wireless payments using Google Pay. I also was not going to pay $1000 for a 5G phone, so this looked like it would work till the price and plans for 5G come down in 3-4 years and upgrade then to 5G.
In March I put in a pre-order directly with Motorola for the G Stylus scheduled to ship mid April. The phone was not officially supported or tested by Republic, but I figured/hoped I would not have a problem with it being unlocked and Republic supports most Moto phones. My Moto G Stylus arrived mid April and I was excited to get it while sheltering at home. I opened the box and was met with the manual referencing made in Wuhan "Covid-19" China. I hoped it was not a sign of bad things to come. I took out the phone SIM card from my old phone put it in the new phone and hit the power button. It started up and asked if I wanted to setup the new phone with a backup from the old phone. I sure did and after about 30 minutes it had installed my old apps, settings, and accounts on my new phone. I logged into the Republic app and it asked if I wanted to move my current plan to the new phone and I was setup in a flash. I tested a call and it worked perfect. While the install brought over the apps I still had to setup some apps before they were working right. Not all setting in all apps were restored, but most were set. Also, Andriod 10 has a number of features I had to configure on the new phone. A number of app notifications had to be turned off that must have not been set with the install. I also had to setup my Bluetooth devices (Home Phone System, Fitness tracker, earbuds, headphones, etc.). The WiFi networks and passwords were copied fine. Because I use multiple eMail accounts and monitor my parents I had to redo some settings for my Contacts and Calendar and what to Sync.
I had ordered a case on eBay for $5 from China when I placed the order for the phone and that fit the new phone fine. I forgot the Stylus uses a USB C cable and not the old Andriod cable, so I went to eBay and ordered three cables from China for about $10 so I could charge and transfer data without having to deal with only one cable. All set and running perfect so far. I did not get the hang of the Andriod 10 bar at the bottom of the screen for that is a single bar and uses gestures, so I changed it to use the old style three buttons. When I have some time I will switch to the gestures.
If you are switching your phone service to Republic, let Tom Kreuzer know and I can send you a link for you to receive up to $30 off your first bill. I do not receive anything, but a good deal for you.
Millions of U.S. Yearbook Records Now Free and in Color on MyHeritage
Drawing on the overwhelming positive response to MyHeritage In Color™, we’ve taken this feature one step further and colorized our entire collection of U.S. yearbooks. In addition, we’ve opened up access to our yearbook collections for FREE, through May 23, 2020!
MyHeritage has an enormous yearbook collection with 290 million names in 36 million pages, from yearbooks across the U.S. from 1890 until 1979. Take this opportunity to reminisce about your own high school years or search for your loved ones in the collection. Sharing your discoveries is a great way to reconnect with former classmates and stay in touch with relatives both near and far.
Found a fascinating picture of yourself or a loved one? We’ve added a new option to make it easy to share on social media. Anyone who shares a yearbook page on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram with the hashtags #LookingGood and #FreeYearbooks and tags @MyHeritage will enter a draw. Each week we’ll select one lucky winner who will receive a free MyHeritage Complete subscription!
The original black and white yearbook pages remain unchanged, and you can easily toggle between the black and white and colorized versions. Read more about the free colorized yearbooks on our blog post. Enjoy free access to colorized yearbooks, now through May 23, 2020.
Microsoft 365 Family and Personal subscriptions now available for purchase
Microsoft's newly rebranded Microsoft 365 consumer subscriptions are available for purchase. But there's no updated word on when promised new features and apps will be available
Money Trouble? These Tools Can Help
Like so many Americans, I'll be spending the weekend taking stock of my finances and figuring out how best to ride out the pandemic. Now is the time to set new budgets and stick to them. I've been using Mint for years to track my spending, but there are a lot of great personal finance managers out there.
https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-personal-finance-services
New Video Chat Options
Facebook Goes After Zoom With 'Messenger Rooms' Video Chat - The real standout feature is how your Messenger Room can live on your Facebook profile, enabling friends or family members to spontaneously drop in and hang out with you over the video chat.
https://www.pcmag.com/news/facebook-goes-after-zoom-with-messenger-rooms-video-chat
Google Meet Gets a Zoom-Like Upgrade to View Up to 16 Participants - The change will make Google Meet a bit more competitive against Zoom in the war for enterprise video conferencing users.
https://www.pcmag.com/news/google-meet-gets-a-zoom-like-upgrade-to-view-up-to-16-participants
Google's smart display is still the one to beat
Google's smart display is dwarfed by the Amazon Echo Show in size, but not in features, thanks to Google Assistant.
5 Easy Work From Home Tips From an IT Pro
If you're social distancing at home, you can't just grab the office IT guy to come over fix your PC. Follow these best practices to keep your work-from-home setup in top notch shape.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/5-easy-work-from-home-tips-from-an-it-pro
How to Use Microsoft Office for Free on the Web
If you don't need or have access to the full might of the desktop version of Microsoft Office, you can use the free online version instead.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-use-microsoft-office-for-free-on-the-web
Links - News, Tips, & Downloads
10 Ways to Tweak Your Windows 10 Taskbar - The Windows 10 taskbar houses frequently used apps as well as those that are currently in use, but it includes a few handy customization options to help improve your workflow.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/7-ways-to-tweak-your-windows-10-taskbar
How to Kick Your Kids Off the Wi-Fi - Were you one of those kids who secretly stayed up late, watching TV or reading comic books under your covers after bedtime? Kids today are no different—except they have the internet. If you need to give your kids a forced break from the web, or just need them to stop hogging all your bandwidth during the day, a few router settings can help make that happen.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-kick-your-kids-off-the-wi-fi
10 Ways to Boost Your Wi-Fi Signal - Check out these quick tips to boost your wireless signal from your router, extend and optimize your Wi-Fi coverage, and speed up your surfing.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/10-ways-to-boost-your-wi-fi-signal
The best Wi-Fi extender for almost everybody - A range extender can help you eliminate those pesky dead zones -- and some are a lot better than others.
https://www.cnet.com/news/the-best-wi-fi-extender-for-almost-everybody
How to look great on a webcam - Here are the six easiest ways to look (and sound) sharp when you meet up online.
https://www.cnet.com/how-to/ultimate-webcam-tips-how-to-look-sound-great-online
My top 5 most used Google Chrome extensions, and why they are so awesome - There are a lot of Google Chrome extensions out there, but here are the ones I find invaluable.
Zoom, Skype, FaceTime: 11 tips for your video chat apps - Change your background, beautify your face and discover hidden emoticons with these video chat tips.
38 Gmail Tips That Will Help You Conquer Email - Google's free email service has come a long way since its debut in 2004. It's time you became a Gmail power user. These tips will get you there.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/38-gmail-tips-that-will-help-you-conquer-email
How to Use Microsoft's Remote Desktop Connection - Do you need to remotely access and control another PC? Microsoft's Remote Desktop Connection tool can get it done. Here's how to set it up.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-use-microsofts-remote-desktop-connection
Ask a Question
Send any Tips & Downloads, Ask a Question, For Sale, or articles to: TheMiningPCC@gmail.com
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From a PCC Member - When I try to look at the April meeting handout or slides, I get an error that it is blocked. I am at home on my 3M laptop, not connected on Cisco. I have logged out and restarted the laptop. Maybe 3M changed some thing with all the people working from home. Am I doing something wrong? I don’t see any where to login. Or is this just a 3M computer issue?
From Tom Kreuzer, a PCC Board member. There is no logon to the 3M PCC Site, it is open to anyone. About a year ago 3M blocked access to Google Drive where we store the past slides and handouts. If you read the top of the Past web page it says the following:
3M is blocking access to Google Drive files when you try to access them from the 3M Network or with a 3M Device. You will get a message "Sorry, you don't have permission to visit this site. Website Blocked". 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. You can not access these files when not connected using a 3M Laptop or on the 3M Network. If you do not have another device to view or download, contact the 3M PCC and we can send the file. We have not found a solution to provide access to these files for everyone on any network (employees or retired). We would need a site to upload the files and provide a link that everyone can get to. If you know of a free solution we could use to provide access, contact Tom Kreuzer.
From a PCC Member - I am interested in managing my passwords. I was wondering how you felt about using a Password Manager software (i.e. LastPass) versus storing them in an Excel Spreadsheet that is password protected. If I store this Excel Spreadsheet on a Flash Drive, does this make it safer?
From Tom Kreuzer, a PCC Board member. I highly recommend LastPass as a Password Manager over a spreadsheet. It is much more secure, you can store more info than just an account and password, never gets out of date, available on any device from anywhere, and about a 100 other reasons.
FYI... Depending on the version of Excel, it is easy to bypass an Excel password.
From a PCC Member - What do you think about the article below on two factor authentication? One problem that I have experienced with 2-factor authentication is that some websites send the code immediately and other sites send the code maybe eventually. This is very frustrating.
https://www.theverge.com/2017/9/18/16328172/sms-two-factor-authentication-hack-password-bitcoin
From Tom Kreuzer, a PCC Board member. Thanks for the info. I get a kick out of scare articles like this who say "Do not use" and in many cases there is no other alternative. So not using SMS is safer than using? No way.
This issue has been know forever, just like most emails text messages should be considered public info. Some sites use apps like Google Authenticator or small devices that generate codes, but they all have issues. Maybe we use an RFID chip embedded in us when we are born and use that for everyone in the world? For now we use the best we have and keep your eyes and ears open.
From a PCC Member - Do you have a preference for a home VPN service? Whether or not to use one and if so, which one(s) do you like best?
From Tom Kreuzer, a PCC Board member. Most people do not need a VPN. The main uses of a VPN are when using public WiFi, Hackers, illegal TV streaming, etc. Public WiFi can be done safely without a VPN, so for most people it is not needed. I do not use a VPN. Why do you think you need a VPN? The cost and overhead on the encryption and extra server jumps of a VPN for 99.9% of people is not worth it and provides little protection that you can get in other ways.
List of best VPN services if you do need one: https://www.cnet.com/news/best-vpn-services-in-2020
What Is a VPN, and Why You Need One - The best VPNs can help secure your web traffic against snoops, spies, and anyone else who wants to steal or monetize your data.
https://www.pcmag.com/news/what-is-a-vpn-and-why-you-need-one
The member and I talked on the phone about browsers (Safari, Chrome, Firefox), search engines, and VPN and what can be done.
From a PCC Member - My son has a Mac, but has been borrowing my PC to get ready for grad school. What kind do you recommend and from what source (best buy, amazon, etc.). Looking for under $500.
From Tom Kreuzer, a PCC Board member. You can get some good deals on refurbished laptops at https://www.walmart.com. Below is an example of i5s with 8 GB that start at $250. You can put in multiple filters to help find exactly what you need. The only issue with refurbished laptops is the battery is used so it will not last as long as a new battery, but usually is good enough for most. Most of the sellers on Walmart of PC and laptops are certified refurbishes from leasing companies who get them back from companies like 3M. My last three desktops have been from Walmart. In Apr 2019 I bought a refurbished HP desktop that is a i7 4 CPUs, 16 GB Ram, and 1 TB hard drive for $399 in April 2019. Like buying a used car, you can save 40-80% if you do not need the latest or greatest.
From the member - I thought you’d like to know what my son ordered. It’s his birthday gift from Mom & Dad. Since he was just accepted into grad school for a Doctorate of Physical Therapy, it will need to last him 4 years. He did some research with classmates in similar programs, and this style of laptop (the 2 in 1 with a touchscreen) was popular with grad school students in medical fields. It was $709 (Walmart - Refurbished). I bought the 2 year warranty plan for $64, so with tax, the total bill was $828. He’s pretty excited though.
From a PCC Member - Microsoft Teams works great on my Windows 10 laptop but has one minor problem: It loads automatically each time I restart my PC. Since I do not use Teams very often, reloading on startup is not really necessary. I found an article with a simple fix:
https://www.brucebnews.com/2019/08/how-to-stop-microsoft-teams-from-starting-automatically/
Basically, after the initial download of Teams, go to Settings, Apps, Startup, and scroll down to "Microsoft Teams" and change the switch to "Off". Simple way to avoid the unnecessary launch of Teams for those of us who are infrequent users.
PS: Thank you SO MUCH for the MyHeritage info on colorizing B&W pictures. I have been married almost 49 years and this is the first time I have color pictures of my wedding! I also colorized pictures of my father, pictures from 1912 and 1920.
From Tom Kreuzer, a PCC Board member. You are correct. Most packages like this add themselves to the startup so that notifications and online status is available. If you only have a guest account you can use the Settings or Task Manager and turn on or off any software when Windows starts. Also, most have an option to stay open after you close them. Again, some let you change the software settings and those that do not make you manually close/exit the software from the taskbar.
FYI... If you attended the March 18 PCC where we used Microsoft Skype for Business and loaded the software you can uninstall it. From "Settings/Apps/Apps and features" select "Skype Meeetings App" then uninstall.
Glad you like the colorizing. I have done about 1000 images. If your original B&W had things like gps, title, tags, date taken, etc. I found software, EXIFTOOL.EXE, to copy that data from the old .JPG to the new colorized .JPG.
From a PCC Member - I use MSN for our main Browser and it works fine. I have been using Google Chrome for a second browser for searching, but there again it has been noted they track you searches. So last week I noticed a new browser "BRAVE" the came out, so I asked a friend and he said it was a good one. But I'm finding out it will not let me see all my mail in yahoo, won't let me open it. Can you tell me what is the best or second best browsers out there to use, maybe Google Chrome was the best.
From Tom Kreuzer, a PCC Board member. In 2020 what people are using as a browser on all devices:
Chrome 67.72%
Firefox 8.49%
Internet Explorer “IE” 6.97%
Edge 6.20%
Safari 3.62%
MSN is not a browser, so I assume you are talking about Microsoft Internet Explorer "IE" or if you are in Windows 10 Microsoft Edge browser. A browser does not track, it is the sites you use that store or share info in cookies on the PC or on the Internet. 99.9% of the time what they collect provides a benefit to you. Some info is collected to provide ads you might be interested in. Some sites will not work if turned off. You can use the feature in IE “New InPrivate Window” or Chrome “New incognito Window” that makes it hard for sites to track by trying to fool the site on who you are.
I personally use Chrome about 98% of the time and have installed the free extensions Adblock and LastPass to add additional features to block ads and password manager. Also, I use Chrome on my Andriod phone, Apple tablet, and HP laptop to share bookmarks and other features.
From a PCC Member - I received the following email from Yahoo?
Are you trying to sign in? abcdefg@yahoo.com
If so, use this code to finish signing in. CYYRGPBE
This sign in attempt was made on:
Device chrome, windows nt
When April 4, 2020 6:19:19 PM PDT
Where Vietnam 118.69.148.52
Didn’t sign in recently? Review your account activity and remove the devices and apps that you don’t recognize.
https://login.yahoo.com/account/activity
Thanks,
Yahoo
#1 - Is it even Yahoo that is sending these?
#2 - Is it a Phishing attempt?
#3 - My Yahoo account is set up for 2 factor authentication and they send me a code to my phone, not my email - so should I be concerned?
From Tom Kreuzer, a PCC Board member. #1 - Is it even Yahoo that is sending these? I do not know what Yahoo does, but never trust a message like this. Gmail and others do send messages, if you have it turned on, to notify you when the account and password are used on a new device.
#2 - Is it a Phishing attempt? I would normally say yes, but the links look real and take you to the URL shown in the email and not some other phished site. So it looks like it came from Yahoo.
#3 - My Yahoo account is set up for 2 factor authentication and they send me a code to my phone, not my email - so should I be concerned? If anyone did put in the correct email and password you should get a text message. This may be because they put in your email and tried an old password. They may have tried three times with an old email and this is what Yahoo is sending out to notify you. Your Yahoo email, like millions of others, was involved in a data breach. I would login to your Yahoo account using an old link you use. Do not click on the email link to login. Once at your account check the Recent Activity to see if it logged someone trying to login. If you have not changed your password recently, do so NOW.
From a PCC Member - We use Yahoo Finance to follow our stock portfolios. Recently, Yahoo Finance added graphs of Annual performance, risk, valuation and diversity. These graphs are in color and appear at the top but in the portfolio boundary. When I print the portfolios these graphs do not appear in the printed portfolio although everything else prints. I was wondering why and if I can get them somehow to print? I tried using just the print icon at the top of the portfolio and right clicking to print what I see but both print without the graphs.
From Tom Kreuzer, a PCC Board member. I do not have a yahoo account and do not use it, so I can not try it. Most sites with graphs make the graphs inactive so you can change ranges or other values, so they are not intended to be printed, just looked at. One option is to capture what is on the screen as a file/photo that you can then send or print. On an Android Smartphone you can do a screen capture by pushing the power and volume down button at the same time. In Windows you can go to the Windows Start menu and run "Window Accessories/Snipping Tool" to select part of the screen.