2021 March e-Bytes
LastPass Free Changes on March 16, 2021
The Best Tax Software for 2021
New version of Microsoft Office won't require you to pay for a subscription
How to tell when it's time to upgrade your router
Best laptop under $500 for 2021
Starlink explained: Elon Musk's satellite internet venture
How to Troubleshoot Your Slow PC
How much internet speed do you really need?
LastPass Free Changes on March 16, 2021
By Tom Kreuzer – 3M PCC Member
LastPass Free Changes on March 16, 2021 - Currently unlimited access and syncing across all device types – computers (including all browsers running on desktops and laptops) and mobile devices (smartphones, smart watches, and tablets). Starting March 16th, 2021, it will only include access on unlimited devices of one type and not the other. The result is no access or syncing between a computer and mobile. Also, on May 17th, 2021, email support will not be available to Free users. Free users can access the Support Center self-help resources. The upgrade from Free to LastPass Premium is $2.25 per month for a limited time. Regular Premium price is $3 per month or $4 for Families.
Your Options:
If you only use LastPass on a computer and not on a mobile device, you can stay with LastPass Free.
If you only use LastPass on a mobile device and not on a computer, you can stay with LastPass Free.
Buy a subscription to LastPass Premium or Families ($27-$48 year)
Switch to another Free package like BitWarden,
I loved and recommended LastPass Free, but did not want to buy a subscription for something I can get for free. I wanted a password manager that would work on all my devices (PC, Android, iOS), keep them in sync, and was free. BitWarden was recommended by CNet as a replacement to LastPass and looked like it could do everything I needed. I created a free account at https://bitwarden.com/ and download the Chrome extension on my PC. I then opened my LastPass and did an Export of my info to a CVS file on my PC. I logged into the BitWarden web site again and then went to Settings/Tools to Import my LastPass CVS info. The Chrome extension does not have the feature to Import a file or Export a file. I was happily surprised when the Import completed and all my accounts and passwords, form fill info, and credit card info was now setup without me doing a thing. This included Notes, Folders, and Favorites were all setup the same I had in LastPass. I then logged onto BitWarden in my Chrome browser and went to the Settings to set the “Vault Timeout” along with several other changes. I always check out settings for new software to see what is available. I then went to my Android Phone and iOS Tablet to install the BirWarden app on both. No problem and I changed the Settings on both devices to enable unlocking with my FingerPrint and several other changes. They were now all set and ready to go. On my PC in the Chrome browser LastPass would show an icon in the account and password field you could click on to fill with a LastPass account and password. With BitWarden there is no icon, you can do Ctrl+Shift+L or go up to the drop down BitWarden icon on the Chrome toolbar. I am getting use to it. BitWarden does have a premium subscription for $10 year which provides 1 GB encrypted file storage, Two-step login (YubiKey, U2F, Duo), Vault health reports, and Emergency Access. I have not downloaded the BitWarden PC software, since the browser extension and the web site are doing everything I need on the PC. Working great for me so far and is my recommended free password manager.
CNet best free password manager alternative to LastPass – Bitwarden. https://www.cnet.com/news/this-is-the-best-free-password-manager-alternative-to-lastpass
FYI... Everyone in the club should be using a password manager. See the Past PCC Meeting "Security & Passwords" from July 2020 for more info. https://sites.google.com/site/theminingpcc/past-meeting-files
The Best Tax Software for 2021
2020 was a tough year for US taxpayers, and nothing will make filing your return completely painless. Still, our top tax services can help you file accurately and quickly, maximizing your refund and getting it into your bank account faster.
https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-tax-software
New version of Microsoft Office won't require you to pay for a subscription
Don't want to subscribe to Microsoft 365? Don't worry: Consumers and small businesses will be able to buy a one-time purchase Office 2021 package later this year.
https://www.cnet.com/news/new-version-of-microsoft-office-wont-require-you-to-pay-for-a-subscription
How to tell when it's time to upgrade your router
Experts recommend getting a new router every couple of years. How to get the most out of your next one.
https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-tell-when-its-time-to-upgrade-your-router
Best laptop under $500 for 2021
Wading through cheap Windows laptops and Chromebooks is a chore, especially if you need one right now for work or remote learning. We're here to help.
https://www.cnet.com/news/best-laptop-under-500
Starlink explained: Elon Musk's satellite internet venture
The billionaire entrepreneur is promising to deliver high-speed broadband internet
How to Troubleshoot Your Slow PC
Speeding up a slow PC can be a challenge, particularly when dealing with older hardware that may be on the cusp of needing an upgrade or replacement anyway. Sometimes, a system simply needs a fresh OS install or driver update to perform significantly better. In other cases, upgrade or wholesale replacement are necessary.
https://www.extremetech.com/computing/298645-how-to-troubleshoot-slow-pcs
How much internet speed do you really need?
Trying to pick out the right internet plan for your home? Here's how to get the speed you need without overpaying.
https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-much-internet-speed-do-you-really-need
Links - News, Tips, & Downloads
How to Protect Your Smart Home From Hackers - Smart homes offer convenience and security risks. Here's what you can do to stop hackers from taking control of your smart speaker, thermostat, doorbell and other connected devices.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-protect-your-smart-home-from-hackers
Microsoft readies Power Fx, a new Power Platform low-code language - Microsoft is looking to further simplify access to its Power Platform low-code/no-code platform with a new language called Power Fx.
https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-readies-power-fx-a-new-power-platform-low-code-language
Top Zoom Tips for Better Video Calls - In the early days of the pandemic, Zoom standards were pretty low. Shirts were required, but shaving, make-up, a recent haircut, HD video, and even pants were all optional. But we are now a year into this, and everyone has had time to adjust their background, learn the Zoom video settings, and even buy a high-res webcam. It's time to raise your Zoom game. PCMag's Jill Duffy can help you do it.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/top-zoom-tips-for-better-videoconferencing-in-a-locked-down-world
20 Android Tips and Tricks for Getting the Most From Your Phone - Google’s Android mobile operating system seems simple on the surface, but dig deeper and you find many ways to hack it for convenience and customization. Check out our best Android tips and tricks to find out how.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/best-android-tips-and-tricks
9 Simple Ways to Make Your Android Phone Less Annoying - If constant notifications, shifting screen brightness, or hard-to-find apps are sources of frustration, make these easy tweaks to get the most out of your Android phone.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/easy-ways-to-make-your-android-phone-less-annoying
Windows 10 spring 2021 update: Everything to know - Microsoft has confirmed its latest update, Windows 10 version 21H1. Here's what we're expecting, and why it could set the stage for a major Windows 10 shift.
https://www.cnet.com/how-to/windows-10-spring-2021-update-everything-to-know
How to Boost Your Home Wi-Fi for Just $15 - Fast home internet access is useless without a solid, reliable Wi-Fi network. There are lots of ways to improve your setup, like upgrading your router or building a mesh network. But those options can cost serious money. Turns out, you can boost your Wi-Fi signal for as little as $15. PCMag's Sascha Segan recently bought a batch of adapters and put them through some tests.
https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-usb-wi-fi-adapters
How to Boost Your Wi-Fi Speed by Choosing the Right Channel - Some channels in Wi-Fi routers are indeed much faster, but that doesn't mean you should go ahead and change them.
The best website builder: Your step by step guide - A DIY website created with one of these point-and-click tools can look every bit as slick as one built and maintained by a web professional, at a fraction of the cost. Learn how to ask the right questions so you can choose a site-building service that's most appropriate for your needs.
https://www.zdnet.com/article/how-to-build-a-website-for-your-business-your-step-by-step-guide
How to Turn Your Phone Into a Wi-Fi Hotspot - With a few taps, you can turn your smartphone into a source for internet that laptops, tablets, and other phones can use. Here's how to turn your phone into a hotspot.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-turn-your-phone-into-a-wi-fi-hotspot
Tor browser FAQ: What is it and how does it protect your privacy? - Here's your beginner-friendly explainer on this privacy and security tool for online browsing.
https://www.cnet.com/how-to/tor-browser-faq-what-is-it-and-how-does-it-protect-your-privacy
The Best Live TV Streaming Services for 2021 - Have you ditched your cable provider, but still want to watch prime-time network shows and sports? Subscribe to one of these top live TV services and get all the coverage you want over your internet connection.
https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-live-tv-streaming-services
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