2022 January eBytes
Top Windows 11 Tips and Tricks
Zoom Class Action Settlement
How to Set Up and Optimize Your Wireless Router for the Best Wi-Fi Performance
The most innovative tech gear of 2021, according to me
Why is my PC running so slow? 3 common causes and how to fix them yourself
How to Block Robotexts and Spam Messages
How to Figure Out If Your Phone Has Malware
4 easy ways to transfer data between iPhones so you don't lose anything
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Top Windows 11 Tips and Tricks
Windows 11 gives Microsoft's venerable OS a new look and adds a few features you'll want to tweak or customize.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/best-windows-11-tips-and-tricks
How to Remove Annoying Ads From Windows 11 - Are unsolicited ads from third-party services and pop-up suggestions from Microsoft ruining your Windows 11 experience? Here's how to get rid of them.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-remove-annoying-ads-from-windows-11
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Zoom Class Action Settlement
You should have received an eMail in December about the settlement. It is not a scam. You can receive up to $25 if you had a paid subscription and $15 if you had a free account. If you used the Zoom Meetings Application between March 30, 2016, and July 30, 2021, you could be entitled to benefits, including a cash payment, under a class action settlement. You must file a Claim Form by March 5, 2022 to receive cash benefits from this Settlement. To file a Claim Form go to www.ZoomMeetingsClassAction.com
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
How to Set Up and Optimize Your Wireless Router for the Best Wi-Fi Performance
Looking to update your wireless network for better performance or security? Follow these simple steps for configuring your router and wireless network the right way.
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
13 Tips to Troubleshoot Your Internet Connection - Have a full house working, gaming, streaming, and news binging, all at the same time? If you're experiencing lags, the problem might be on your end. Before you call your ISP, try these easy router tips to get back online.
https://www.pcmag.com/news/12-tips-to-troubleshoot-your-internet-connection
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The most innovative tech gear of 2021, according to me
Here is my completely subjective list of notable products with technologies that try to solve big problems.
https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/the-most-innovative-gear-of-2021-according-to-me
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Why is my PC running so slow? 3 common causes and how to fix them yourself
Don't suffer with a sluggish computer. We'll walk you through how to get things speedy again on your own.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
How to Block Robotexts and Spam Messages
You don't have to put up with robotexts and junk messages. Here's how to block spammy texts.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/block-robotexts-and-spam-messages
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
How to Figure Out If Your Phone Has Malware
Has your phone been acting up? Here's how to check if malware is to blame, and what to do if it is.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-figure-out-if-your-phone-has-malware
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4 easy ways to transfer data between iPhones so you don't lose anything
Congrats on the new iPhone! Now let's talk about moving all your stuff over to it.
https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/how-to-transfer-iphone-to-iphone
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Links - News, Tips, & Downloads
Why you need to clear the cache on your Android's browser - Clearing your cache can speed up your phone and cut down on those pesky trackers.
https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/how-clear-cookies-cache-android-phones-web-browser
These Android tricks will make your phone feel new again - We have five simple tips to freshen up your Google, Samsung or other Android device.
https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/these-android-tricks-will-make-your-phone-feel-new-again
Your iPhone slows down over time. Here's how to speed it up - Why you should clear your iPhone cache and exactly how to do it in Chrome, Safari and Firefox.
https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/how-to-clear-iphone-cache-in-google-chrome-safari-firefox4
12 Apple CarPlay Tips Every Driver Should Know - CarPlay can do a lot more than just deliver driving directions. Here are a dozen easy tips to help turn your car's dashboard into the ultimate mobile command center.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/apple-carplay-hidden-tips-tricks
Video: Top iPhone tips of 2021 - Experts demo their go-to iPhone tips.
https://www.cnet.com/videos/top-iphone-tips-of-2021-experts-demo-their-go-to-iphone-tips
Best cheap phones 2022: 5G and flagship features for under $400 - Balking at the prices of the latest Apple and Samsung flagships? Consider one of these affordable alternatives. From $399 down to $169, our picks even include phones with a stylus and multiple rear cameras. Several options now support 5G -- so you can take advantage of faster speeds and more coverage at an affordable price.
https://www.zdnet.com/article/best-cheap-phone
10 Easy Tips and Tricks for Better Smartphone Photos - For many, phones have completely replaced dedicated digital cameras, but even pros reach for their iPhones or Samsung Galaxy phones to snap images from time to time. Here's how to take better pics with your smartphone.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/10-easy-tips-and-tricks-for-better-smartphone-photos
The 50 most useful Alexa skills for your Amazon Echo - There are more than 70,000 Alexa skills. We've broken down the best 50 available now.
https://www.cnet.com/home/smart-home/amazon-echo-most-useful-alexa-skills
How to Download Videos From Facebook - Saving permanent copies of the videos you see on the social network to your computer is relatively simple, but it requires a few steps. Here's the simplest way to download your favorite Facebook clips.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-download-videos-from-facebook
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ask a Question - Send any Tips & Downloads, Ask a Question, For Sale, or articles to: TheMiningPCC@gmail.com
**********************************
Q. From a PCC Member – How easy is it to setup Skype setup to have a connection?
A. From Tom Kreuzer, a PCC Board member. Easy to setup on any device. Sounds like you want to use on your laptop. On a laptop you can use it in browser or for more features you can download and install Skype on the laptop. Once downloaded you should create a Microsoft/Skype account. To see what to do, you can then look at YouTube for video on what to do. Just like a phone, one person would then start/schedule a call. Skype is one of many video conference call options.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q. From a PCC Member - How to "decommission" unlocked, no contract Smartphone. Move text messages, Move photos, Would write down current apps, Pull SIM card to new phone, Tips for setting up new unlocked, no contract Smartphone, Insert SIM card, or should I just go to the library?
A. From Tom Kreuzer, a PCC Board member. When you start setting up the new phone, it will ask if you have an old phone. If it is the same type of phone, Andriod or iPhone, it will connect to the old phone and transfer over accounts, apps, photos/video, and some settings. I use an app SMS Backup to backup my text messages that I can then restore on the new phone. If you take both phones into your phone service provider then will do the work for you. The member has a TracPhone, so will be setting it up herself. The SIM card does not contain any of your apps, setting, or data. It is a card that enables your phone to connect to phone service. Your old phone will work fine with the SIM card removed except that the old phone will not be able to make or receive phone/text. There are many uses for the old phone as long as you keep it connected to any WiFi network. If you are going to donate the phone the phone you should go into the Settings and Reset the phone erase all the apps and data.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q. From a PCC Member - Is it possible to accidentally change a password on one Apple device (iPhone) if you're setting up a password on a 2nd Apple device (iPad) with the same Apple ID?
A. From Tom Kreuzer, a PCC Board member. When you are changing a password it changes at the Apple Internet server, so at some time you will need to change the password on all devices. The other devices do not immediately stop working after you change a password. Devices get a credential for a server that is good for a period of time that might be minutes or several days before it expires. An Apple PIN number is not like a password and is kept on each device. Apple has an option to keep the PIN updated on all your devices if you go into the Settings\Privacy…
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q. From a PCC Member - Any idea when 3M will allow in person meetings again for the personal computer club?
A. From Paula. After the Sept 1st 2021 date came and went and the world dealt with Delta variant, 3M published to employees that they would not set a new date, so we are in a wait & see mode for a wide-spread return to the office. However, those employees with a need to work in person are invited to do so as long as they follow standard rules regarding social distancing, mask use and conference room use. So in-person meetings are not in the near future for the PCC.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q. From a PCC Member - I have a message on my computer inviting me to download Win 11. Understand it may be different using Win 11 instead of Win 10. Should I forget the message?
A. From Tom Kreuzer, a PCC Board member. Unless you have an immediate need for Win 11 I would wait till about Mar 2022 so more bugs can be fixed.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q. From a PCC Member – PC can not be updated to Win 11 because CPU is not on the list. Any thoughts.
A. From Tom Kreuzer, a PCC Board member. There are tricks and hacks to install Win 11 on old hardware. I do not recommend the hacks. I own 2 PCs that are not able to be upgraded. I plan to continue to use them as Win 10 until either the end of 2025 or some software/app that I need to use will only run in Win 11. Win 11 has better security so it needs features in new CPUs, BIOS, and disk boot.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q. From a PCC Member - What do you know about wifi tracking security cameras; cameras that follow the movement of a target??
A. From Tom Kreuzer, a PCC Board member. Tracking for indoor cameras are better than outdoor. The mechanics to move the camera can be effected by rain, ice, snow, etc. Also the distance, sounds, and field of view outdoors does not work as well. It usually is better and cheaper to buy multiple fixed cameras to cover what you need.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q. From a PCC Member - Air Tags Blue tooth devices or what?
A. From Tom Kreuzer, a PCC Board member. They do not use Blue tooth, they use a special signal. Air Tags have started to be used by carjackers to place on a high end car in a public parking area. Then latter that night they check the Air Tag to track down the private house to steal the car. The Air Tag itself does not support GPS, but uses other iPhones to get the location of the tag. Air Tags currently only work Apple devices. They plan to support Andriod at some time. I have used Tile tags that work on Andriod or Apple for the last 5 years. My mother had Alzheimer’s and would hide her purse. The Tile saved us a ton of time to locate where she put it.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q. From a PCC Member - How to turn off severe weather notifications on my Alexa devices?
A. From Tom Kreuzer, a PCC Board member. By default on Alexa devices when there is a severe weather in your area the devices will blink on and off with a yellow light until you listen to the message. You MUST first, "Alexa, notify me of severe weather alerts", which overrides the default setting, but actually changes nothing. Only THEN can you, "Alexa, cancel severe weather alerts", and it will then actually cancel them.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q. From a PCC Member - When using Google calendar invite Is there a way to let my wife know of a meeting like PC club on Google calendar but not as an invitation just so she knows I have a meeting?
A. From Tom Kreuzer, a PCC Board member. You can share your calendar or create a new calendar with the events you want other people to see. Example below when I view my Google Calendar. I see any events in all the calendars on the left. I can uncheck if I want to toggle them on or off. I can see everything in my dads "John Kreuzer" calendar. I create "Kreuzer DBs" with our family Birthdays that is used by all the members of my family. I also have calendars from the "Minnesota Vikings" that created a Google Calendar that shows on my calendar and get updated with the current score when they are playing. When shared calendars are updated, everyone who has added them to their calendar gets the update.
