2021 July eBytes
Windows 11
Windows 10 support is ending in 2025
13 Tips for Public Wi-Fi Hotspot Security
The best Wi-Fi routers for every budget
Want to Avoid Ransomware? Don't Call This Number, Microsoft Warns Office Users
How to Get Google to Quit Tracking Your Location
Cut the cord in 2021: A step-by-step guide
How to Turn Microsoft Authenticator Into Your Password Manager
Everything we learned from Apple’s big event this week
Google Photos Killed Free Unlimited Storage Today: Here Are 7 Alternatives
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Windows 11
Everything You Need to Know About Windows 11 - Microsoft unveiled the next generation of its market-leading desktop operating system and major changes are coming.
https://www.pcmag.com/news/everything-you-need-to-know-about-windows-11
Windows 11 is here, with a more Mac-like look and Android apps - Microsoft unveiled Windows 10's successor at a virtual event today. Here's what to know.
https://www.cnet.com/news/windows-11-unveiled-new-mac-like-design-and-tons-of-new-features
Windows 11: Microsoft deletes these Windows 10 features and apps - Microsoft giveth, and Microsoft taketh away. A slew of once-hyped Windows 10 features, including Cortana and Timeline, are vanishing or undergoing big changes in Windows 11. The details are buried in the fine print.
https://www.zdnet.com/article/windows-11-microsoft-deletes-these-windows-10-features-and-apps
Yep, Windows 11 will be free - First, see if you're eligible. Then learn how to download.
What Is a TPM, and Why Do I Need One for Windows 11? - Microsoft says its upcoming Windows 11 operating system will require the presence of a Trusted Platform Module (TPM), which has raised a storm of doubt and uncertainty. What exactly is TPM, and does your PC already have it? Here's what you need to know.
https://www.pcmag.com/news/what-is-a-tpm-and-why-do-i-need-one-for-windows-11
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Windows 10 support is ending in 2025
Microsoft is set to unveil the next generation of Windows next week.
https://www.cnet.com/news/windows-10-support-is-ending-in-2025
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13 Tips for Public Wi-Fi Hotspot Security
Public Wi-Fi hotspots can be a hacker's paradise. Following these basic security tips can mean the difference between safe surfing and an ID theft or data-loss nightmare.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/tips-for-public-wi-fi-hotspot-security
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The best Wi-Fi routers for every budget
Your router is the unsung hero holding your smart home together. From mesh to gaming to Wi-Fi 6, here are the best we've tested, for every budget.
https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/best-wi-fi-router
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Want to Avoid Ransomware? Don't Call This Number, Microsoft Warns Office Users
An email, a fake subscription, and a fraudulent call center are being used to compromise computers.
https://www.pcmag.com/news/in-a-bid-to-stop-ransomware-microsoft-doesnt-want-office-users-to-make
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How to Get Google to Quit Tracking Your Location
Here's how to turn off Google's tracking abilities for Google Maps and other services on iOS, Android, and the desktop.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-get-google-to-quit-tracking-you
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Cut the cord in 2021: A step-by-step guide
Want to get rid of cable and switch fully to streaming TV?
https://www.cnet.com/how-to/cut-the-cord-in-2021-a-step-by-step-guide
The Ultimate Cord Cutter's Guide - Ready to ditch cable TV? There are a lot of things to consider before you become a full-time cord cutter. Here are the streaming services and devices you'll need to get started.
https://www.pcmag.com/news/the-ultimate-cord-cutters-guide
Hulu vs. YouTube TV vs. Sling TV vs. AT&T TV vs. Philo vs. FuboTV: 100 channels compared
Who needs cable? We tally the top 100 networks, from ABC to CNN to PBS to TLC, across six live TV streaming services.
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How to Turn Microsoft Authenticator Into Your Password Manager
Microsoft Authenticator can manage your passwords for both Edge and Chrome.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/turn-microsoft-authenticator-into-your-password-manager
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Everything we learned from Apple’s big event this week
Apple’s annual developer conference always brings new software features that will be coming to millions of existing iPhones, iPads, Macs and Apple Watches later in the year. This year was no exception and WWDC 2021 had plenty to show.
https://www.cnet.com/news/everything-apple-unveiled-this-week-ios-15-facetime-upgrades-and-more
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Google Photos Killed Free Unlimited Storage Today: Here Are 7 Alternatives
Free unlimited photo and video storage from Google? That deal is over, as of June 1. Here are your best options for storing photos if you don't want to pay Google.
https://www.pcmag.com/news/google-is-killing-free-unlimited-photo-storage-7-alternatives
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Links - News, Tips, & Downloads
Sluggish Wi-Fi hotspot? - Changing one Android setting can make a big difference Tethering, or using your phone as a hotspot, doesn't have to be slower than public Wi-Fi.
Hidden Chrome Features That Will Make Your Life Easier - Google's Chrome browser has a ton of hidden little tricks you may not know about. Here are some of the most helpful tips that will make you a better Chrome user.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/hidden-chrome-features-that-will-make-your-life-easier
Windows 10 troubleshooting - How to fix common problems before Windows 11 arrives Dealing with uncontrollable scrolling, update issues or the cursor moving on its own? We've got solutions for these and lots more Microsoft Windows 10 problems.
How to Manage Your Photos With Amazon Photos - New storage rules for Google Photos may mean you need a new way to back up photos online. If you're a Prime member, Amazon Photos is the way to go.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-manage-and-share-your-photos-with-amazon-photos
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
How to Spot a Fake Review on Amazon - Amazon and other e-commerce websites are flooded with bogus reviews. These online tools will help you identify a fake review and save you from choosing a product that's not worth your money.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/spot-a-fake-review-on-amazon
How to Get the Best Cable Modem: Buy or Rent From Your ISP? - You may be able to save money and get faster speeds by buying a cable modem instead of renting one from your ISP. Here's what you need to know.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/get-the-best-cable-modem-buy-or-rent-from-your-isp
No more FaceTime FOMO: How to call on Android or Windows - Apple's iOS 15 update allows people with Android and Windows devices to join FaceTime calls.
Amazon Echo automatically shares your internet with neighbors. Here's how to turn that off - Unless you decide to opt out, Amazon Sidewalk will now share a slice of your bandwidth from Echo and Ring devices with the neighborhood. Turning it off takes less than a minute.
The Best Free Google Chrome Extensions - Extensions let you customize your web-browsing experience by adding functionality with the click of a mouse. Here are the best add-ons you can get for Google's Chrome browser.
https://www.pcmag.com/news/the-100-best-free-google-chrome-extensions
How to Send Large Files Over the Internet - Trying to figure out how to transfer large files online? Gmail and Yahoo have a 25MB limit, but don't worry; there are other ways to send your work without hitting an error message.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-send-large-files-over-the-internet
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Ask a Question - Send any Tips & Downloads, Ask a Question, For Sale, or articles to: TheMiningPCC@gmail.com
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Q. From a PCC Member – My printer is not printing a color photo with the right colors.
A. From Tom Kreuzer, a PCC Board member. The member showed the print and it looked like one or more of the ink cartridges was not working. The member ran the test page on the printer and it showed that the black ink cartridge was out of ink and needed to be replaced. Cartridges will jell and have a limited life if you are not using them all the time. We then talked about printing at stores like Walgreens, Sams, Target, etc. You can get better quality at a lower price using these or a number of services. I live close to a Walgreens and use the site to send my order and in most cases it is ready for pickup within the hour. You can find up to 50% discount codes online also. Some of the Public Libraries will also let you print. Check what is close or easiest for you.
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Q. From a PCC Member – Chromebook AUE (automatic update expiration) - can't find answer to question. If AUE is June 2021 is that date June 1 OR June 30? Is a chromebook that is connected to the internet with an ethernet cable more secure than using my wifi network?
A. From Tom Kreuzer, a PCC Board member. I do not know if it is the beginning or end of the month, but that is the date when updates will stop for the OS. That means that when bugs or security problems are found in the OS it will not be getting updated. I also means that as apps get updated or created they may not run in the old OS. You may not run into any problem, but the older the OS gets your olds of a problem increase. Just like a SmartPhone or Tablet, it is time to replace the old with a new device and OS. The second question on Ethernet and WiFi security. Most new WiFi routers default so the connection is secure, so the only real difference is that WiFi will always be slower than Ethernet. How slow depends on the router and the devices that connect to it. You can test your speeds to see what you get.
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Q. From a PCC Member - I am considering replacing my land line with VOIP. What are the Pro/Cons? The main Con I have heard is that without a UPS “uninterruptible power supply” on my router, the phone would be out with a power outage?
A. From Tom Kreuzer, a PCC Board member. The power going out is the biggest issue, but most people have very reliable power. If you have a cell phone you could use that when the power is down. I started with VOIP 20-25 years ago with Magic Jack for $19 a year. Once I got a cell phone I got a four unit system for my house that connects by bluetooth to my cell phone. It supports up to two phones being connected, excellent quality, caller ID, and other features. This type of phone does not work if you have a security system that requires a phone line because your cell phone will not always be home.
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Q. From a PCC Member – What Internet service is the best?
A. From Tom Kreuzer, a PCC Board member. Depends on where you live and what your options are. First determine what speed up and down you need. Then check options. Personally I have 50 Mb speed down from CenturyLink for a flat $45 with no other charges. I could have gotten 1 Gb for $65, but I currently do not need the extra speed. A family of five that wants to stream 4K TV on different TVs, Zoom calls, and more would need more a lot more. I usually use the company Chat to deal with a Comcast or Centrylink so I have a record of what my bills will be. You need to know what you want and do not get talked into extras or other options.
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Q. From a PCC Member – Why is the audio garbled sometimes during a PCC Meeting?
A. From Tom Kreuzer, a PCC Board member. This can happen in Zoom, Skype, or Teams when one or more people in the call have are getting feedback from there speaker on the PC to their Mike on the PC. This causes an echo/delay and strange sounds. If people mute themselves or some services let the person who stated the meeting mute people. If you have a smartphone and a desktop connected to the same meeting in the same room the software can not filter and you get the problem. Another way is if people use ear buds instead of a speaker that prevents the echo. You see this being done on TV all the time.
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Q. From a PCC Member – Word will not open on my desktop. They downloaded a “restore” program that scanned the PC and wanted money to restore.
A. From Tom Kreuzer, a PCC Board member. You do not want to use a third party program to restore. If you do need to restore, Windows 10 has a restore option. Before trying a restore you should reboot the PC and then make sure you are updated in your Windows 10 and Office 365. The member updated and things are back to working.
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Q. From a PCC Member - Is there a better way to charge my laptop battery while in a vehicle working? (Don't worry, I'm not driving! ha ha) I'm about to spend $40 at Best Buy for a jack/phone plug-in. I'd need to use my cord & plug-in. I use a hotspot for internet service.
A. From Tom Kreuzer, a PCC Board member. You can not plug a USB from your car to the laptop. You would need a USB to the power connector on the laptop and it would have to change the 12 volts from the car into the 19 volts that your laptop needs. That is why you would be best off with an “Car Inverter” that takes the 12 volt car and converts it to 110 volt that you can plug your laptop cord into. You do need to make sure your inverter supplies enough Watts/Amps to run the laptop. You can check you power supply to see what needs. Watts = Volts * Amps
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From Tom Kreuzer, a PCC Board member Had a friend who is into Bitcoin and sent the following: https://www.cnet.com/news/bitcoin-mining-is-an-energy-hog-heres-what-you-should-know/
Friend responds - I just read in detail about exactly how they mine a Bitcoin. Couldn't for the life of me figure out why it would take so long to figure out a math problem. I remember when they released new CRAY Research Supercomputers they would say it took so many weeks, days, hours, etc to find the next prime number. Anyway, you probably know this, but the Bitcoin miners are 'guessing' a huge hexidecimal number. The one that guesses first gets approx 6.2 Bitcoin and that number changes as the Bitcoin get fewer. It's a very large number Something I think that has 16 hex numbers in it although the first 8 or so are zeroes. So, the math isn't hard, but it is ridiculously time consuming. NOW, what feedback a Bitcoin miner gets after taking a guess and therefore, having any basis for the next guess - I don't know. I'm assuming there has to be some kind of feedback.
AS for the Energy used, your article says Ethereum uses much less energy. As I said before, Ethereum appears to be the Betamax of cryptocoins. One of the drawbacks of Bitcoin is that it takes a long time (in computer time) to CLEAR and has a very small base. I think it's like 32 mb. Ethereum created later is much more robust giving both the Ether network and the connecting software quite a bit more information so the clearing is much faster and there is more BlockChain information.
One more thing about Energy and maybe it's why you sent this to me, yes, I do see governments banning cryptocurrency partly due to the Energy used to mine them. Actually, I just heard something about China banning Bitcoin which is strange because I believe MOST of the miners are in China. My understanding around the world, the miners are located near HydroElectric plants because the Energy is much cheaper than even Coal produced electricity.
Tom Kreuzer responds - I thought it was interesting. I think and hope that countries will require payments to be traced. It enables too many illegal activities like Ransomware, Drugs, Gun sales, and taxes when you can not trace.