2021 April e-Bytes
Car Accident and High Tech Fix
12 Simple Things You Can Do to Be More Secure Online
Printer Won't Connect to Wi-Fi? Try These Fixes
Best options for faster Wi-Fi
Most laptop buyers should just get a Chromebook
Charging Your Phone Overnight: Battery Myths Debunked
Improve your phone photos and videos
Car Accident and High Tech Fix
By Tom Kreuzer PCC Member
It started with a trip to Menards to pickup some supplies for a home project. The shopping went well, I paid, and was returning to my car. The parking lot was not crowded and I had parked in spot with no car on either side of mine. As I got close I spotted the back passenger side taillight and bumper of my car had been hit by another vehicle. There were small pieces of the taillight on the ground and scratches on the bumper. I looked around the lot and did not see anyone, so it looked like someone had hit my car and drove off. As I unloaded my cart into my trunk, I heard someone behind me say “I hit your car”. The guy works for Housing Hub and was driving their van. He gave me his insurance info and a card with his name and number. I took photos of the insurance, contact info, my car damage, and the parking spot. I was not sure if we should have called the police, but I was in a hurry and did not want to wait around. All my friends said I should have called the police and got a report. I will know better next time.
The guy had called his boss at Housing Hub and asked me to contact his boss before contacting the insurance company. Latter that day I went online to an auto body shop near me to get an online estimate to fix the damage. After filling in some info and uploading several photos I waited. In a little over a day I got an email back with an PDF file estimate for a new taillight $350 and body work for $1200 total. I contacted Housing Hub by phone and they gave me an email to send the estimate. He hinted that he needed to get additional approval but thought they would cut me a check and I would not have to use their insurance. After the weekend he sent me an email saying they would cut me a $1200 check and I could pick it up or they would mail it out after I signed a “Liability Waiver”. I did the online Waiver using a link to a site and got my check mailed to me in 2 days.
I had picked up the small broken pieces of the taillight and was considering gluing them back together and how that might look and work? Turns out I did not have all the pieces and the light had a couple of light cracks. I did an eBay search for the taillight and found I could get a new OEM one for $125. I then did a YouTube Video search to see how hard it is to replace it. I found a five minute video that showed the tools and steps needed. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tb-EP08SC18 You start in the trunk and take off 3 clips that let you see the bulb wires and 4 nuts that hold the light in the trunk. Looked easy, but there was more. You need to take several other clips off the bumper, 2 screws on the wheel well, and pry to loosen the bumper so it hangs down on the one right side. This then lets you get at two nuts on the outside of the taillight that are under the plastic bumper cover. Before I placed the order for the taillight, I made sure I was getting the right light by taking off the trunk access to confirm it had three plugs and not two like the previous year. I placed the order and got it three days latter. The new one was a match to the old so I removed the old one and put in the new light. I tested the light before putting everything back together. I have learned from past experience to test first in case a bulb or wire was loose. Took me about 30 minutes and the weather was nice outside.
I also ordered from eBay touch-up paint to fix a couple of small scratches on the bumper for $15. I touch them up, not perfect, but good enough. All in all things went good with an out of pocket cost of $140 so I saved about $1060. Not bad and I had fun doing it.
With modern technology of email, smartphone camera, online estimate, online parts order, how to video, and electronic signature the entire process was easy to do. Never good to have your car hit in a parking lot, but everything worked out fine and I learned a little. Next time, give it a try yourself.
12 Simple Things You Can Do to Be More Secure Online
Follow these easy tips to protect the security of your devices, your data, your internet traffic, and your identity.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/12-simple-things-you-can-do-to-be-more-secure-online
Printer Won't Connect to Wi-Fi? Try These Fixes
Do you have a printer that won't connect to the internet? Here's how to get your wireless printer to print.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/printer-wont-connect-to-wi-fi-try-these-fixes
Best options for faster Wi-Fi
Struggling to get the fast, reliable internet access at home that you need for work, school, entertainment or socializing? CNET has all the gadgets, tools and options you can use to make it better.
https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/best-wi-fi-routers
Reliable Wi-Fi for school or work -- here's our top picks - Your home network powers your online life, so make sure you have a quality Wi-Fi connection.
https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/best-wi-fi-routers
Why experts recommend upgrading your router every few years - Experts recommend getting a new router every couple of years. Here's how to get the most out of your next upgrade.
https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/how-to-tell-when-its-time-to-upgrade-your-router
Why is your Wi-Fi slow? Here are two reasons, and how to fix them - Your internet connection is more important than ever these days. Here's how to fix slow speeds.
https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/why-is-your-wi-fi-slow-here-are-two-reasons-and-how-to-fix-them
Most laptop buyers should just get a Chromebook
They do almost everything you want, but cost less.
https://www.cnet.com/news/chromebooks-are-now-my-go-to-recommendation-for-most-people-heres-why
Laptop vs. Chromebook: What's the difference and which works better for you - Not sure how a Windows or Mac laptop is different than a Chromebook? Here's the answer.
https://www.cnet.com/news/laptop-vs-chromebook-whats-the-difference-and-which-is-best-in-2021
Best cheap Windows 10 laptop under $350 in 2021 - Looking for a new Windows 10 laptop that won't break the bank? With prices starting at only $350, these laptops -- from ASUS, Dell, Lenovo, and other vendors -- are new, not refurbished, and available for purchase today.
https://www.zdnet.com/article/best-cheap-windows-laptop
Charging Your Phone Overnight: Battery Myths Debunked
Is it bad—or even dangerous—to leave a smartphone plugged in as you sleep? The answer is complicated, as are many things regarding batteries.
https://www.pcmag.com/news/charging-your-phone-overnight-battery-myths-debunked
Improve your phone photos and videos
Whether you've got an iPhone or Android phone, take full advantage of the powerful camera you've got in your pocket. See our how-to guides on everything you need to start capturing better images and videos with your phone.
https://www.cnet.com/how-to/phone-photography-guide-tutorial-how-to-take-better-smartphone-pictures
Links - News, Tips, & Downloads
These are the best streaming TV services - Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Paramount Plus, Peacock...
https://www.cnet.com/news/best-streaming-service
The fastest way to find your missing iPhone - First step: Take a deep breath. Then get to work.
https://www.cnet.com/how-to/heres-the-fastest-way-to-find-your-lost-or-stolen-iphone
5 Easy Tips to Extend the Life of Your Headphones - Keep your headphones working longer and improve the way they sound with these simple tricks.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/5-easy-tips-to-extend-the-life-of-your-headphones
Windows 10: Become a pro with these 11 hacks - Make life easier with these Windows 10 shortcuts and become a Windows 10 master.
Best live TV streaming service for cord-cutters: YouTube TV, Sling TV, Hulu and more compared - Ready to ditch your cable bill but want to keep live news, sports and more? Here's how.
https://www.cnet.com/news/best-streaming-service
How to Clean Your Computer Keyboard - From a simple chassis shakedown to removing all the keycaps and the outer shell and giving certain bits a bath, these tips will help you banish that keyboard grime.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/disinfect-clean-computer-keyboard
Every Alexa command you can give your Amazon Echo smart speaker or display - From scheduling your lights to monitoring your home's security, Alexa's got you covered.
The 7 best things your smart display can do - While a smart speaker might get the job done, a smart display offers unique features worth considering.
https://www.cnet.com/home/smart-home/the-7-best-things-your-smart-display-can-do
How to Host a Virtual Game Night - Don't let COVID-19 ruin your game night or trivia party. Here's what you'll need to conduct a virtual game night using video chat services and top mobile games.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/host-a-virtual-game-night
How to Download YouTube Videos - Hours of footage is uploaded to YouTube every second. What if you want to download it? In some circles, that's considered a big no-no, but you have your reasons, right? Here's how.
https://www.pcmag.com/news/how-to-download-youtube-videos
Ask a Question
Send any Tips & Downloads, Ask a Question, For Sale, or articles to: TheMiningPCC@gmail.com
Q. From a PCC Member - I am not getting a sound on my smartphone when I get a text message.
A. From Tom Kreuzer, a PCC Board member. At some point you must have changed the setting to turn off your text messages notifications. Go to Settings/Notifications find you text Messages app and you will see the different notifications that can turn on or off. Set the sound, do not disturb, etc.
Q. From a PCC Member - Is an Alexa Echo 4 difficult to install remotely, say for your parents out of state?
A. From Tom Kreuzer, a PCC Board member. Yes and No. You can setup the Amazon account and then it needs to be used to setup the device by connecting it to the account and the WiFi. I use the Amazon app to login to my parents and my own account to change settings which is very easy. You can setup alarms, calendars, to do lists, voice/video intercom between you and parents devices, and thousands of uses. Smart plugs, TV, and more can be used with voice commands.
Q. From a PCC Member - One of my laptops requires a password the other a 4 digit ID. Why?
A. From Tom Kreuzer, a PCC Board member. When you installed or setup Windows 10 it asks what you want to use to login. You can go to the Windows Settings/Accounts/Sign-in options. You can switch or change a number of settings there.
Q. From a PCC Member - Was not able to figure out how to access Skype via Chromebook today. Can Skype be accessed from a Chromebook. Is it an app in the Chromebook playstore? Skype is a MicroSoft product. Will Google Chromebook and Skype work together?
A. From Tom Kreuzer, a PCC Board member. Yes you can use Skype by installing the Skype app in Chromebook or you can use the browser.
Q. From a PCC Member - I get a message about install Trend Micro toolbar in Chrome.
A. From Tom Kreuzer, a PCC Board member. The Trend Micro software you have for anti-virus on your laptop has additional security that can be installed as an extension in Chrome. Basic anti-virus do not monitor for faked web sites that some extensions can provide. Some people like the extra protection, others do not like or need what they provide. If you do install you can turn it on/off or remove it by going to Chrome/Settings (3 vertical dots on top right of Chrome)/More Tools/Extensions. Microsoft Edge also supports the same Chrome extensions, so you can install and use on either.
Another member responds - Since you already have Trend Micro installed, I think it may be less likely the popup is an enticement to install malware. I just wanted to let you know that malware often uses such popups to fool people.
Q. From a PCC Member - I have a Surface tablet I had used facial recognition to login. It stopped working several days ago and I now have to use a pin and the camera is not working. Any ideas?
A. From Tom Kreuzer, a PCC Board member. Either the camera electronics has failed or a change was made to the OS or camera driver that is causing the problem. Sounded like you Googled the error number and found other people with the problem. If it is an OS or driver problem, there usually is a fix in the next week or two.
Q. From a PCC Member - Can not activate the Skype camera from the browser on a Mac.
A. From Tom Kreuzer, a PCC Board member. Sometimes the permission of the browser override the permission that the Skype site was given.
Member Responds - I just authorized in Safari the use of the camera for the Skpe web page but the camera still did not work. I downloaded and installed the Skype app for Mac, so now I can use the camera.
Q. From a PCC Member - In Skype why do I only see 3-4 of the 18 people in the meeting today.
A. From Tom Kreuzer, a PCC Board member. You have different views in Skype Gallery, Speaker, and other that you can control at the top of the Skype screen. Skype will only show people with their camera on also.
Q. From a PCC Member - Have you heard of privazer.com for cleaning up Windows10? It was very highly recommended by the WCCO radio computer expert. He does a radio show Saturday mornings. He said for Windows 10 Privazer is great.
A. From Tom Kreuzer, a PCC Board member. What problem are you having that you think it is the best tool for or why did they recommend it? If it is browsing security, the browsers now have that function. Many of these tools do not provide any function that Windows or your Browser already can do. Their claims on disk erasure are not true. The package is only deleting temp cache which again a Browser and Windows already let you do and you can do it automatically in settings. Windows already has a functions to Defrag and Disk Cleanup. Deleting cache and cookies are not all bad things, they make your life easier on speedup web sites. Most of the Internet privacy they talk about, the tool can not prevent by deleting cookies and other files on the PC. Example: when you go to Facebook or Gmail, both companies know who you are, what you click on, how much time, and tons of other info is not cleaned because of this tool.
It is a French company that has been around since 2012. I have not heard of it. A Google search does not show it reviewed by any of the big companies like PCMag, CNet, or Toms Guide. PC World did a review in 2012. I would not recommend it. It was created years ago before the Google Chrome Browser added "New Incognito window" or Microsoft Edge Browser "New Private window" option to hide location and cookies. These options are built into the browsers, so no tool needed. Go to the Chrome or Edge Browser to open a new window with this privacy. If you need the Registry cleanup, there are better products like CCleaner.
Cnet has one of the largest sites to download software. Below are the numbers of Privazer compared to CCleaner which is a more popular software that is a competitor.
Downloads last week Total downloads
Privazer 9 23,129
CCLeaner 14,504 174,399,140
Q. From a PCC Member - I am finally going to do the right thing and buy my own cable modem. I have XFinity supposedly 175 speed but speed test shows just over 200Mbps. I have a phone line (VOIP) running through the modem. Because I need the voice capability, according to the Xfinity site, my choices of modems are Netgear CM2050V, CM1150V, also Arris SBV2402, SBV3202 and T25. Do you have a recommendation among these five? Also, is there a practical reason to get the DOCSIS 3.1 capable vs DOCSIS 3.0? I suppose in a few years all will be 3.1? I searched "best cable modems" and found articles, but not much helpful. Just looking at listings on Amazon, Best Buy, I am tending toward Arris T25.
A. From Tom Kreuzer, a PCC Board member. My last Xfinity was years ago and was not with the phone. I would buy a 3.1 because in the next year or two Xfinity may not support 3.0 and you will need to buy again. The T25 looks fine and looks like it sells for $197 on Amazon. I usually find better deals on eBay. When I searched eBay past sales I saw the T25 has sold for between $70-$100 used and as low as $139 new. Since this is just the modem, I assume you have or will buy a WiFi router? If you have a router older than three years you should buy a new one that supports newer standards like 802.11ax WiFi 6.
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Member Responds - Yes, my router is at least 6 years old and I plan to buy a new one at the same time. I will review the slides from last time you covered the subject. I want separate components so if one malfunctions it doesn't make me replace both functions.
Q. From a PCC Member - I got a new copy of Office Professional Plus 2019 and installed it without incident. While transferring my Outlook.pst file to the new machine. It took a long time and was a huge file (11+ GB). It takes an extraordinarily long time (1-3 hr) for a single send/receive cycle. Any ideas?
A. From Tom Kreuzer, a PCC Board member. I do not recommend anyone use Outlook. The few people I know that use it have nothing but problems. Outlook was good 30-40 years ago when we only had one device and did not use anything else. Today most of us have multiple devices and you need to use the web based email gmail and/or outlook. Sounds like you have a huge file of emails and is time to start over. If you are using gmail you can go into your working Outlook and export your contacts to a file and import them into gmail and start fresh. I have very few emails that are over three months old. I take small bits of important info out of emails and save it in my Contacts as notes, Onenote, and other documents. I am sure you can simplify your life.