2023 February eBytes
Windows, macOS, Chrome OS, or Linux: Which Operating System Is Best?
ChatGPT Will Be Everywhere in 2023
Save a Bundle With One of the Best Cheap Phones
Top 7 Home Security Myths, Busted
You Don't Need Internet to Use Google Maps on Your Phone
Is Cable Really Less Expensive Than Streaming?
5 Easy Habits to Protect Your Data
How to Set Up and Optimize Your Wi-Fi Router for the Best Performance
How to Connect Your Android Phone to Your Windows 11 PC
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Windows, macOS, Chrome OS, or Linux: Which Operating System Is Best?
We compare the top desktop operating systems based on availability, interface design, and ease of use, plus the apps and games you can run on them.
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ChatGPT Will Be Everywhere in 2023
The chatbot is paving the way for search results far beyond anything you've come to expect -- and so much more.
https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/chatgpt-is-going-to-be-everywhere-in-2023
How to get started using ChatGPT - The new AI language processing tool has been trending since its launch late last year, but how do you use it and what for?
https://www.zdnet.com/article/how-to-use-chatgpt
The best AI writers: ChatGPT and other interesting alternatives to try - AI writing tools can help lighten your workload by writing emails and essays and even doing math. They use artificial intelligence to generate text or answer queries based on user input. ChatGPT is one popular example, but there are other noteworthy AI writers.
https://www.zdnet.com/article/best-ai-writer
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Save a Bundle With One of the Best Cheap Phones
Looking for a new phone that won't wipe out your bank account? Whether you want a flip phone or a smartphone, we've gathered the best wallet-friendly handsets on the market for around $300 or less.
https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-cheap-phones
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Top 7 Home Security Myths, Busted
Don't let these common myths keep you from improving your home security. Here's why they're either outdated or simply untrue.
https://www.cnet.com/home/security/top-7-home-security-myths-busted
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You Don't Need Internet to Use Google Maps on Your Phone
No cell service? No problem.
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Is Cable Really Less Expensive Than Streaming?
We've done the math and broken down the costs to see if having a bunch of subscriptions is better than cable.
https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/is-streaming-really-cheaper-than-cable
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5 Easy Habits to Protect Your Data
You're the first line of defense against theft of your data, identity, and money. Adopt these habits for greater protection against all three.
https://www.pcmag.com/opinions/5-easy-habits-to-protect-your-data
12 Simple Things You Can Do to Be More Secure Online - Follow these easy tips to protect the security of your devices, your data, your internet traffic, and your identity.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/12-simple-things-you-can-do-to-be-more-secure-online
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How to Set Up and Optimize Your Wi-Fi Router for the Best 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.
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How to Connect Your Android Phone to Your Windows 11 PC
Connecting the two lets you send text messages, see notifications, instantly grab photos, and even run apps from your Android on your Windows 11 PC. We show you how to get started.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-connect-your-android-phone-to-your-windows-11-pc?
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Links - News, Tips, & Downloads
The best sports streaming services and what packages they offer - No need to miss your favorite team's game. With any of these sports streaming services, you can catch every touchdown, goal, and three-pointer from anywhere.
https://www.zdnet.com/home-and-office/home-entertainment/best-sports-streaming-service
How to clear the cache on your Android phone or tablet (and why you should) - Make this process part of your Android maintenance routine.
The Best Free Software - You want powerful software? You don't have to pay for it. Everything you need to be productive and secure on your PC is on this list, and it's all totally free.
https://www.pcmag.com/picks/best-free-software
7 Ways to Avoid Scammers on Social Media - Learn how to recognize the most common scams and protect your personal data on Facebook and Instagram.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/7-ways-to-avoid-scammers-on-social-media
18 Google Drive Tips You Can't Afford to Miss - Google's online storage service is a stellar file repository and syncing tool to begin with, but with these top tips, you'll be amazed to find out what it can do for you.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/google-drive-tips-tricks
Forget Email: How to Send and Receive a Fax Online - If you don't have access to a fax machine, you can send and receive faxes from your iPhone, Android, or computer.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-send-or-receive-a-fax-online
What to Do if Your Laptop Is Plugged In But Not Charging - If your laptop is plugged in but not getting any juice, these steps can help you troubleshoot.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/what-to-do-if-your-laptop-is-plugged-in-but-not-charging
Report: Google Developing AirTag-Like Smart Tracker - Codenamed 'Grogu,' the device is reportedly in development by the Nest team.
https://www.pcmag.com/news/report-google-developing-airtag-like-smart-tracker
32 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 tricks.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/22-excel-tips-for-becoming-a-spreadsheet-pro
iPhone Storage Tricks That Free Up the Space You Need - Maximize your phone's capacity with these quick and easy tips.
https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/free-up-your-iphone-storage-with-these-simple-tricks
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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 - Do I have to be a member of the 3M Club to be a PC Club member.
A. From Tom Kreuzer, a PCC Board member. - You don’t need to be a member of the 3M Club to be a member of the 3M PC Club. The 3M Club raised yearly dues for active employees from $25 to $50 and retired from $0 to $25 starting January 2023. The PC Club membership is $8 that the PC club uses for the Picnic, Pizza, and other expenses. Some of the other 3M activity clubs do require that you belong to the 3M Club also because of insurance or other reasons.
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Q. From a PCC Member - How to backup a new iPhone using iTunes. How can I make sure it is working?
A. From Tom Kreuzer, a PCC Board member. When Apple first released the iPad and iPhone the only backup was to use iTunes and connect your device to your PC and do it manually. Several years ago with the improvements in internet speed and cloud storage the iPad and iPhone now are automatically backed up to iCloud when the device is plugged in and connected to WiFi. You can go to https://www.icloud.com/ to see the backups of your devices and other files or photos you have out there. You can also look on your iPad or iPhone in the Settings\Your Account Name\iCloud to see.
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Q. From a PCC Member - Xfinity is offering me a free TV streaming box. What can it do? My smart TV is five years old and can no longer stream Hulo or PBS aps.
A. From Tom Kreuzer, a PCC Board member. The Xfinity box is similar to a Roko or Amazon Fire device and may let you use apps that your TV or older box do not. Give it a try to see if it gives you what you need. Your old TV may just have supported 1K TV. New TVs and devices support 4K and even 8K so if that is important you may want to upgrade the TV, your Internet, WiFi, or streaming box.
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Q. From a PCC Member - Who lives in Arizona just switched from DSL on old phone line to a T-Mobile 5G home WiFi and likes the speed.
A. From Tom Kreuzer, a PCC Board member. Currently 5G WiFi is only available in certain areas. To get max 1 GB speed you need to be within 2 blocks of a new 5G cell antenna. It may take 5-10 years to roll out new 5G antennas. Lots of options to connect to the Internet that vary from house to house and is changing all the time. Check your area to see what you need and what is available.
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Q. From a PCC Member - My wife has Yahoo mail. The spam filter does a pretty good job, but she still gets a few spams, which she labels as such. What I do not understand is the huge number of spams--typically 20 per hour in her spam file. Lots of them sex related. Any idea why so many?
She has to scroll through them to make sure no good emails are there.
A. From Tom Kreuzer, a PCC Board member. Sorry about the emails. Spammers sell emails to other spammers so unless you can unsubscribe you will continue to get them and more. First see if they have an unsubscribe link. Most unsubscribes work, but some do not and you might even get more. If it does not work, you can create a "filter" in your email that looks at mail coming in and can send it right to Trash based on who the sender is or keywords in the title or detail. This saves having to check your spam folder all the time.
Since it does not cost anything to send out thousands or even millions of emails, spammers are the ones in control. Some people will create a new email to start over that they only use for family and friends. You can have another you use for stores and other sites.
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Q. From a PCC Member - I have been paying $15/month for my Xfinity router/modem/wifi box for maybe 3-4 years or more. I hear buying my own is a better idea. I have looked at Amazon...but, get confused as to what I need. Some modems are a match for Xfinity, but the description states it works with most routers. So, I don't know what I should buy? Do I need a modem/router combination box for sure? And that will do the wifi too?We don't have any big speed needs...just wifi for internet and streaming Netflix or Amazon Prime. No gaming.
A. From Tom Kreuzer, a PCC Board member. View and look at the past PCC meeting for Jan 2022 on Home Network: https://sites.google.com/site/theminingpcc/future-meetings/past-meeting-files
Sounds like the box you have today is a combination modem and wifi router. Not sure if you also get home phone or cable tv from your modem. For Internet the modem function converts the coax signal to an Ethernet. The router gives multiple Ethernet and WiFi. You can buy the exact model or buy separate modem and router units. These devices need to be upgraded over time either because Xfinity does not support old modems or you want a new faster, more secure router WiFi. If you are happy with the WiFi you have now, you can buy the exact modem/router, if not buy separate units. You need to get a modem that Xfinity supports, most routers will work with the modem. I usually recommend separate units because routers should be upgraded more frequently than modems.
Info for XFinity on approved units: https://www.xfinity.com/support/articles/list-of-approved-cable-modems
There is info there that you will have to do when you change units to set up the new devices so they can use your Xfinity account.
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Q. From a PCC Member - It would be helpful if there was clarification around ""laptop"" and ""tablet"" and where a chromebook"" fits. For this survey, I consider my ""Chromebook"" a ""laptop"" and not a ""tablet"". While I still use my Windows PC laptop, I use my ""Chromebook"" laptop the majority of the time because it is lightweight, has a long battery life, and I've learned how to use Google docs. Just mentioning this because it affected the way I responded to the survey questions. Also, as an fyi, I've spent this week setting up my new Verizon 5G Home Internet. I just need to get my printer moved over. There are some downsides but I hope I can find a way to workaround them. It was a good move for me to make. I never would have had the courage to make this move without your PC Club lessons and all the good Q&As from the group.
A. From Tom Kreuzer, a PCC Board member. A Chromebook uses a small tablet OS than the much larger and complex Windows OS or Mac OS. It runs Apps, so more like a tablet with a keyboard.
In the days before the Internet you had to have knowledge yourself, buy a book, or access to a friend with knowledge to attempt many things in life. Now with a simple Google search, YouTube, and many other sources you can find and see how to do almost anything in life. Glad I am able to help, but I get my knowledge from others also. Every day I learn things, never stop learning.
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Q. From a PCC Member - A few observations from the PC Club Survey: The correlation between our aging population and concentration of smartphones is an extremely interesting phenomena. I recall that when smart phones first were marketed older people (including me) did not see any benefit to owning one. Now they are an essential accessory for everyone. I used to own a tablet, but I now use my smartphone to do things I used to do on my tablet. I wonder if others are doing this too. A thought; I wonder how many people use a computer as a hobby - for example building their own, writing code for fun, etc. Maybe a future survey question. This used to be an important factor when home computing started, but now all I ever hear about from friends is using a computer as a tool.
A. From Tom Kreuzer, a PCC Board member. Thanks for the feedback.
Smartphones - The smartphone has gone thru exactly the same growth as the PC. The early days the cost benefit was not there, over time the costs and what they could do improved to the point that everyone needed one. I used a flip phone till 2014. The costs for the phone, data plan, and what the apps could do was not worth it to me. Many of my friends had a smartphone before I switched.
Tablets - My iPad tablet is in my living room and I use it several hours every day for email, Facebook, read St Paul Paper, set TV recordings, check weather, view photos, and lots more. I use my smartphone when I am not near the tablet mainly because of the larger screen on the tablet. I use my tablet to stream TV when doing anything in the house in any room. The survey results show we estimate 15% usage compared to 30% smartphone and 55% computer. I use my computer less and less each year and my tablet more.
Computer hobby vs tool - Definition of hobby: An activity done regularly in one's leisure time for pleasure. I do not know anyone today that sees it as just a hobby. Even when I started in the 70s I used it as a tool to do games, checkbook/budget, my dads business (inventory), and knew I wanted a job working with computers. It is a tool like a hammer that can do anything you can think of. We live in a great time.
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