2021 November eBytes
Microsoft Windows 11 Review
Michael Griffin on Mac M1 Max
PCMag Picks the Best Wireless Routers
What Is iCloud+? Apple's Cloud-Based Subscription Service Explained
The Best Free Google Chrome Extensions
Does My State Have a COVID-19 Vaccine App?
Windows 10 default settings that aren't good and how to disable them
How to Pick the Best Video Streaming Services for Your Budget
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Microsoft Windows 11 Review
Freshly Updated: The Definitive Microsoft Windows 11 Review - A radically modernized, more consistent design for Windows belies what it is really more of an evolutionary update to the world's most popular desktop operating system.
https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/microsoft-windows-11
Windows 11 vs. Windows 10: Everything Microsoft changed in the new OS - Microsoft's new operating system has started to roll out. Before you download Windows 11, here's every major upgrade compared to Windows 10.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Michael Griffin on Mac M1 Max
For all of the tech wizards out there, the M1 Pro processor in the new Apple laptops has:
* Number of transistors - 33.7 Billion
* Memory bus width - 256 bits
* Process technology - 5 nm
* Silicon die area - 245 mm
If we go back 46 years, the 6502 processor in the Apple II computer had:
* Number of transistors - 3510
* Memory bus width - 16 bits
* Process technology - 8 um (8000 nm)
* Silicon die area - 16 mm
Yagahhh!!! Pretty amazing stuff
Michael Griffin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PCMag Picks the Best Wireless Routers
These days your Wi-Fi router not only connects you to the internet, but often your job, too. Here's what you need to build the best home network along with reviews of our top-rated routers for a range of needs and budgets.
https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-wireless-routers
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What Is iCloud+? Apple's Cloud-Based Subscription Service Explained
iCloud+ kicks in extra Apple cloud storage, as well as security and privacy features. Here’s how it works.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/what-is-icloud-plus-apples-cloud-based-subscription-service-explained
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Best Free Google Chrome Extensions
Extensions let you customize your web-browsing experience by adding functionality with the click of a mouse. We tried scores and scores of tools that expand Chrome's capabilities to deliver the most useful extensions in nine important categories.
https://www.pcmag.com/news/the-100-best-free-google-chrome-extensions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Does My State Have a COVID-19 Vaccine App?
There are lots of ways to carry proof of a COVID-19 vaccine on your phone, but some US states have developed their own apps, vaccine passports, or portals. Here's the state-by-state rundown.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/does-my-state-have-a-covid-19-vaccine-app
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Windows 10 default settings that aren't good and how to disable them
Windows 11 is here. But if you're still using Windows 10, a few minutes' work can stop annoying notifications, improve your computer's speed and boost your privacy online.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
How to Pick the Best Video Streaming Services for Your Budget
Ditching cable for video streaming services gives you more freedom to choose what you want to watch, and it can save you money. The question is, what can you afford? We pick the best services for every budget and audience.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-pick-the-right-mix-of-video-streaming-services-for-every-budget
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Links - News, Tips, & Downloads
How to Find a Lost iPhone - If you’ve misplaced your iPhone, you can hunt it down from a variety of other sources, including an iPad, Mac, iCloud, and Apple Watch.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/find-a-lost-iphone
26 Excel Tips for Becoming a Spreadsheet Pro - Microsoft's program does just about everything one could ask for in a spreadsheet. Become the office Excel guru in no time with these hacks and tricks.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/22-excel-tips-for-becoming-a-spreadsheet-pro
What Is a TPM, and Why Do I Need It for Windows 11? - Windows 11 requires a PC with Trusted Platform Module (TPM), which has raised a storm of doubt and uncertainty. What exactly is TPM, do you already have it? We explain.
https://www.pcmag.com/news/what-is-a-tpm-and-why-do-i-need-one-for-windows-11
Live TV streaming services for cord-cutters - Are you ready to cut cable but want to keep live sports, news and originals?
https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-live-tv-streaming-service-for-cord-cutters
Internet speed: How much 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/home/internet/how-much-internet-speed-do-you-really-need
The best Wi-Fi routers of 2021 - Your Wi-Fi router is the unsung hero holding your smart home together. From mesh to gaming to Wi-Fi 6, these are the best we've tested.
https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/best-wi-fi-router
How to Send and Receive a Fax Online - If you no longer have access to a fax machine, you can send and receive faxes over the internet.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-send-or-receive-a-fax-online
How to Troubleshoot Your Slow PC - Troubleshooting a PC is a pain. Here's how to make it easier and speed up your PC.
https://www.extremetech.com/computing/298645-how-to-troubleshoot-slow-pcs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ask a Question - Send any Tips & Downloads, Ask a Question, For Sale, or articles to: TheMiningPCC@gmail.com
**********************************
Q. From a PCC Member - I was looking at some old information I have from the PC Club regarding Microsoft Home Use Program. I went to the website but it seems that the program code no longer works. Would you let me know if this is something we no longer have access to or if there is a different address and code.
A. From Tom Kreuzer, a PCC Board member. Microsoft stopped the program years ago. Below are links from the Aug 2021 PC Club meeting that talk about options:
2021 Aug - Microsoft Office & Alternatives by Tom Kreuzer
Paid and Free - Word, Excel, PowerPoint & Alternatives
Apps, sites, Google Docs, etc.
Video Slides Handout
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q. From a PCC Member - Tom; I thought you might be interested in how the “Mail” app on Macs works … at least for me. I have 3 of my email accounts linked to this app. I can setup Mail to compose and work on email from just about any email provider. See first image below.
Additionally, I can save emails on my Mac (my normal practice). See second image below.
Or, if I wish - I can save them to an iCloud folder, or to a Comcast folder, or to a Google folder. Additionally, I also have both my gmail and comcast mail linked to my phone. I will look at emails on my phone and sometimes respond to them there. But I almost never save emails on my phone.
A. From Tom Kreuzer, a PCC Board member. I have seen the Mac email before. Several Mac users I know use Google Gmail in a browser on the Mac for all their email. All the features, folders, filters, etc. that I talked about in the PCC are run on the email service provider servers and not on the device you are using, so they work on any OS or device. I have and iPad that I use all the time along with an iClould account for email and files.
FYI... Gmail or iCloud emails to and from users on their system are encrypted between users. When you go out of iCloud or Gmail the emails can not be encrypted.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------