2021 September eBytes
How to Declutter Your Home
Cancel a TV subscription: Which one should you ditch to save some money?
Polish Up Chrome With the Best Extensions
The best cheap phones: Flagship features on any budget
Best photo books for 2021
Swapping Microsoft Word for Google Docs? 8 Simple Tips to Help You Get Started
Apple to Scan iPhones for Child Sexual Abuse Imagery
Tired of annoying and intrusive spam calls? Here's how to keep robocalls at a minimum
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How to Declutter Your Home
The Complete Guide
https://www.budgetdumpster.com/resources/how-to-declutter-your-home.php
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Cancel a TV subscription: Which one should you ditch to save some money?
You probably don't need Netflix, Hulu, Disney Plus, HBO Max, Apple TV Plus, Peacock and Discovery Plus. Here's how to choose which one to cut from your budget.
Best live TV streaming service for cutting cable - Ready to cut the cord but want to keep live sports, news and more? Here's how.
https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-live-tv-streaming-service-for-cutting-cable
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Polish Up Chrome With the Best 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 this list of 100 of the most useful extensions in 9 important categories.
https://www.pcmag.com/news/the-100-best-free-google-chrome-extensions
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The best cheap phones: Flagship features on any budget
Balking at the prices of the latest Apple and Samsung flagships? Consider one of these affordable alternatives.
https://www.zdnet.com/article/best-cheap-phone
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Best photo books for 2021
Here's where to make and print a photo book online.
https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-photo-books
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Swapping Microsoft Word for Google Docs? 8 Simple Tips to Help You Get Started
Google Docs is a free, web-based alternative to Microsoft Word. All you need is a Google account, an internet connection, and these tips and tricks.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/best-google-docs-tips
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Apple to Scan iPhones for Child Sexual Abuse Imagery
The system could help law enforcement catch child sex predators, but security and privacy experts have concerns.
https://www.pcmag.com/news/report-apple-to-scan-iphones-for-child-sexual-abuse-imagery
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Tired of annoying and intrusive spam calls? Here's how to keep robocalls at a minimum
Even with new steps taken by the government to limit robocalls, they're far from a thing of the past. Here's every method you can try to stop them.
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Links - News, Tips, & Downloads
Best laptop under $500 for 2021 - Here are some recommendations and buying advice so you can find the best budget-friendly laptop from Lenovo, Acer and others.
https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/best-laptop-under-500
Best Chromebook 2021: 8 best Chromebooks starting under $300 - Experience the best of what Google's Chrome OS has to offer with one of these laptops or two-in-ones.
https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/best-chromebook
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
What to Do If Your Phone Won't Turn On - Has your phone stopped turning on? Here are some troubleshooting tips that can help you get your iPhone or Android device running again.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/what-to-do-if-a-phone-wont-turn-on
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
Running Out of Storage? Clean Up Apple Messages to Free Up Space - Don't let videos, photos, GIFs, and stickers buried in text messages fill up your Apple devices' storage. Our guide shows you how to dig them out of the Messages app on your iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/running-out-of-storage-clean-up-apple-messages-to-free-up-space
What Is Windows 365 Cloud PC? - With Windows 365, Microsoft thinks it's got exactly what you need to make hybrid work simple. But it might not be as easy as it looks.
https://www.pcmag.com/news/what-is-windows-365-cloud-pc
How to Record the Screen on Your Windows PC or Mac - Here's how to capture your computer screen using the built-in tools in Windows and macOS as well as a couple of third-party screen capture apps.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-record-the-screen-on-your-windows-pc-or-mac
Protect Your Identity on Social Media - Social media means communication, whether it's among a tight circle of friends or a public broadcast. Just take care that you don't give away too much information.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/protect-your-identity-on-social-media
From a member - During yesterday's PCC meeting I mentioned an article I read in the Washington Post about ways to save your vaccination card on your smartphone. The article reiterates a lot that you said, but I thought it was interesting.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2021/07/31/covid-vaccine-card-phone/
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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 - What do you think of the Microsoft Edge browser?
A. From Tom Kreuzer, a PCC Board member. Edge was crated by Microsoft for Windows 10 from the same code base as Google Chrome. It will run the same extensions as Chrome and has been shown to be a little faster and use less memory as Chrome. I use both with my main still being Chrome. When doing Microsoft functions and sites like Office or OneDrive I use Edge. When doing functions and sites like Google Docs or Google Drive I use Chrome. It is nice to have options now. My ad blocker and password manager look and act the same way in either. Chrome is also sharing bookmarks and other settings between all my devices. On my Android phone and iPad I use Chrome mainly.
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Q. From a PCC Member - - What do you think of the Microsoft OneDrive?
A. From Tom Kreuzer, a PCC Board member. Similar to the question and response above on Microsoft Edge. If you are using Microsoft services like Office, OneNote, etc. you need OneDrive which comes with 5GB of storage. Google Drive is needed for Google Docs and come with 15GB of storage. I use both with my main still being Google Drive. It is nice to have options now. A member added that If you purchase a Microsoft Office 365 for $69 a year you get 1TB of storage. I will be talking about Office and Alternatives at the Aug 18 PCC Meeting.
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Q. From a PCC Member – If you store a number of files on OneDrive with Office 365 and then stop the yearly subscription do they delete your files?
A. From Tom Kreuzer, a PCC Board member. If you stop your subscription you will have to buy storage or your files above 5GB will be deleted. You should also be backing up OneDrive and Google Drive files to a local drive. This syncing can be done automatically.
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Q. From a PCC Member - I installed the YouMail app to try to block spam calls, but it doesn't seem to work well. It blocks calls for which I have a contact. Any advice?
A. From Tom Kreuzer, a PCC Board member. Unfortunately with the way our current phone system works it is not possible to identify and block spam. The better blockers check numbers against a spam list, but spamers can spoof a call to look like it came from any number. So there is no complete list of spam numbers. Another option is to block every number that is not in your contact list, this usually is the best option for most people. Protect you phone number and limit where you give it out.
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Q. From a PCC Member - How can I access and print a copy of my COVID vaccine record?
A. From Tom Kreuzer, a PCC Board member. Currently we do not have a state or federal DB with this info. The best you can do now is take a photo of your Vaccine Card. I recommend using the Google PhotoScan app to take a photo of the card to get the best quality and crop it. You can then add the photo to an Album in Google Photo or a document in OneDrive. Use a package that makes it easy to fine a month or two from now.
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Q. From a PCC Member – Satellite Internet - Starlink?
A. From Tom Kreuzer, a PCC Board member. SpaceX's Much-Hyped Satellite Internet Service. About 12,000 satellites. Upfront investment of $499 to purchase an antenna/router and $99 per month, the program offers data speeds from 50 to 150 megabits per second and latency of 20 to 40 milliseconds.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/what-is-starlink-spacex-satellite-internet-service-explained
Putting up satellites is the most expensive, lowest-capacity way to spread Internet access, except in very rural regions. It's the Internet of last resort. A blogger points out that only about 3% of Starlink's satellites will be over the US at any given time and estimates a maximum capacity of about a million US subscribers.
The wireless internet promised by T-Mobile and Verizon could help tens of millions more Americans than Starlink, except that T-Mobile and Verizon have miserably failed at communicating and promoting it. Verizon's 5G Home rollout is incomprehensible.
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Q. From a PCC Member - I have received a few Facebook friend requests from "people" I already have as FB friends. What do these scammers want? Ugh!
A. From Tom Kreuzer, a PCC Board member. Usually trying to get you to buy a product like CBD oil or a service. Some scammers make anywhere from $100,000 to millions. It is easy to take any existing Facebook profile and duplicate it which fools most people with the exact name and photo of the friend. Also there is no cost. Check your list of Facebook Friends before you add anyone as your friend. If it is a duplicate, notify the Friend so they can notify Facebook to take down the duplicate.
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Q. From a Nextdoor Neighbor - CenturyLink Coper DSL issues... I have had CenturyLink DSL with a copper, not Fiber, connection for many, many years now. I have 40 mbps download and 5 mbps upload. It has been very stable, but recently I have been having issues. I have done some testing on my own and see slow ping times and packet drops. I have called Century link 4 times in the last two weeks and they only seem to be concerned with the status of my modem lights and in doing a speed test. The problem is causing issues during calls on my softphone and on Webex and Zoom calls. I suspect I am not alone and wondered if anyone else with the same 40 mbps copper service as I have might also be having problems.
A. From Tom Kreuzer, a PCC Board member. DSL uses old copper lines in your house and from your house to the main hub. You could try trouble shooting if the problem is with the copper in your house, but why waste your time. Quality of DSL can vary with rain and high humidity. Since most of the copper lines are almost 100 years old the quality vary lots between houses. Your best bet is to upgrade to fiber. Do your homework on current prices and deals. If all you need is 40 Mbps you should be able to get it for less than $40. If you want the fastest you can get 940 Mbps for $65 by signing up for auto pay and online statements. I recommend you use the Centurylink Chat on their web site so you can have a record of what the cost will be. When talking with them you should try to get free installation, setup, and free modem (fiber to ethernet). I do not recommend you lease their WiFi router for $10-$20 a month more. Buy a good router depending on what you need ($35-$200) and save money in the long run. If you currently have a WiFi router older than 3 years, it is time to buy a new router.
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Q. From a PCC Member - Does anyone know of an antenna service? My TV antenna is on my roof and needs to be adjusted for a better signal. The service that installed it went out of business.
A. From Tom Kreuzer, a PCC Board member. In the Twin Cities not all stations come from the same source antenna, so it is impossible to get the best signal from all stations. You usually have to decide which are the most important to you. The only other solution is put a rotor on the antenna and turns it each time based on the station you want to watch. Signal strength will vary if you have trees or other building in your path. Site to help align your antenna. Use "Check your address for free tv" then enter in your address. https://www.tvfool.com/index.php Less detail is available at: https://www.fcc.gov/media/engineering/dtvmaps You can also check out https://www.locast.org/ a nonprofit that streams many local stations the web for a recommend $5 month donation that is optional.
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Q. From a PCC Member - My cousin is a retired 3Mer and she is 84 and has a iPad that she can't get into because she has forgotten her Apple ID. How can I do a reset it for her?
A. From Mike Griffin, a PCC Board member. Good question! First, the iPad has a password to wake it up. The AppleID password is different and required for iTunes or iCloud access and to download any updates. In either case, here is how to reset the password:
1) go to: https://appleid.apple.com/
2) At the bottom of the screen, click on “Forgot AppleID or Password”
Follow the instructions from there. If she set up security questions, they will be used to help reset the password. If it is still not behaving, let me know.
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Q. From a PCC Member - I’ve been relying on free Malwarebytes, 4.4.4, for several years, but now I get pop-ups that say I have no protection and that I should buy Malwarebytes. I’ve never had any security issues. Is there a free app that will protect my Acer laptop?
A. From Tom Kreuzer, a PCC Board member. The free Malwarebytes is for scanning and removing malware which is different than antivirus protection. Malwarebytes sells premium versions with antivirus and sounds like that may be the messages you are seeing. I do not recommend the premium Malwarebytes for antivirus. I recommend Malwarebytes be installed if you think you have malware and then uninstalled when you are done checking and fixing any problems. Many people think they have malware because they see pop-up messages when navigating web sites. Real malware is software that shows when you are not navigating web sites. You can go to the Windows "Settings/Update & Security/Windows Security" to see what you currently have.
For antivirus, I recommend you install the free software that some Internet providers like Comcast “xFi Security” and CenturyLink “McAfee” provide. If your ISP does not provide or charges, you can get by with the free basic Microsoft antivirus that comes with Windows 10. In the past I recommended packages like AVG or Avast, but Norton bought these and others, so their days are numbered.
Member responds - I really appreciate your response. I’ll contact Comcast on anti-virus software. The only review I’ve seen on Microsoft free antivirus software was negative. Does anything stand out on this screen capture:
Tom Kreuzer responds - The Malwarebytes message box shows me that you installed the "14 day trial" version of Malwarebytes and now your free trial is expired. I would recommend you uninstall Malwarebytes and only install the free malware if you think you have a problem with malware. If you do not uninstall Malwarebytes, you’ll be nagged with the popup to upgrade to Premium version, to avoid this, launch Malwarebytes, visit Settings > Account Details. and click on ‘Deactivate Premium trial’ button to continue the free scanning for malware.
To get the free software from Comcast you must be subscribed to their "xFi Gateway" which I guess you are not, since you do not know.
I have not seen a negative review of Microsoft antivirus except from competitors who are promoting their own solutions. If you could send me the link I will take a look. Only in the last couple of years has Microsoft been a recommended solution. Microsoft does not have some tools other security packages, but for the basics it is a free and good enough for most people. PCMag review: https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/microsoft-windows-defender-security-center In the past I recommended packages like AVG or Avast, but Norton bought these companies and others, so their days are numbered.
Turn off or uninstall Malwarebytes, then check your "Windows Security" again. Click on the "Protection areas" to see what security you are using and to change settings. It will show if you are using Microsoft Defender or any other company antivirus. Looks like you have two areas currently that are "Yellow" or warning you. "Account protection" lets you set your Microsoft account, manage sync options, manage sign-ins, and other options. "App & browser control" lets you control limits and checking done for your browser and software you use. You need to take control of what you want turned on.
Even with the best antivirus installed, most infections from viruses are caused by people clicking on links in eMail, web sites, or pop-up windows. We all need to watch what we click on.
Member responds - Is this a yes or a no for uninstall: “Do you want Malwarebytes to make changes to your device”?
Tom Kreuzer responds - Click Yes to uninstall. That is a message from Windows that you see during installs and uninstalls because they change your device. If you ever see that message and you did not start an install or uninstall, it is a virus in the background trying to make changes and you would click No.
Member responds - What is Account Protection about – do I need it?
Tom Kreuzer responds - There are many settings. They let you set a recovery account in case you forget your Windows password, manage many sync options if you have multiple Windows devices (laptop, desktop, etc.), manage how your login to Windows (PIN, password, fingerprint, face, picture, etc.), and other many other options. The settings screen usually have links to "Help" that explain everything. If there was one way that worked for everyone, you would not have all these options. I recommend you look them over and decide how you want Windows to work for you. You can always try them and change them back if you do not like it. Like going to McDonalds and ordering a Big Mac, you can get the default items and not like what your get or you can get just the way you like it with no onions, no mustard, and no lettuce.