2023 July eBytes
How to Claim Your Share of Google's $23 Million Search Privacy Settlement
Fiber Versus 5G: Why the Wired Connection Still Reigns
The Best Apps in the Windows 11 Store for 2023
Everything You Need to Know About the EU's Game-Changing AI Legislation
19 Asus Routers Need Their Firmware Updated Immediately
Better Safe Than Sorry: How to Run a Security Checkup on Your Google Account
Every hardware product Apple announced at WWDC today: Vision Pro headset, Mac Pro, more
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How to Claim Your Share of Google's $23 Million Search Privacy Settlement
If you're one of the millions of US residents who used Google Search between October 2006 and September 2013, you can file a claim. The estimated payout per person is just $7.70.
https://www.pcmag.com/news/how-to-claim-your-share-of-googles-23-million-search-privacy-settlement
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Fiber Versus 5G: Why the Wired Connection Still Reigns
Don't cut the broadband cord yet. 5G home internet has its advantages, but fiber internet remains as the superior service.
https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/fiber-optic-versus-5g-why-the-wired-connection-still-reigns
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The Best Apps in the Windows 11 Store for 2023
You'll be surprised by how much excellent software is in Microsoft's store. These are the must-haves you should grab first.
https://www.pcmag.com/picks/best-apps-in-the-windows-11-store
The Best Free Software You Can Get - 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
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Everything You Need to Know About the EU's Game-Changing AI Legislation
The European Parliament votes to pass the first comprehensive AI rules. Here's a brief summary of the AI Act, the influence of which will likely extend beyond the EU.
https://www.pcmag.com/news/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-eus-game-changing-ai-legislation
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19 Asus Routers Need Their Firmware Updated Immediately
Asus releases a patch for 9 serious security flaws, some of which are rated 'high' or 'critical.'
https://www.pcmag.com/news/19-asus-routers-need-their-firmware-updated-immediately
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Better Safe Than Sorry: How to Run a Security Checkup on Your Google Account
Concerned about the wrong person grabbing unauthorized access to your Google account? You can run a security check to make sure it's as safe and secure as possible.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-run-a-security-checkup-on-your-google-account
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Every hardware product Apple announced at WWDC today: Vision Pro headset, Mac Pro, more
Apple just took the wraps off its WWDC lineup of hardware, including upgraded Macs and a long-awaited Vision Pro headset. Here's everything you need to know about them.
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Links - News, Tips, & Downloads
The best cheap home security cameras: Compare models from Wyze, Arlo, and more - The top cheap home security cameras grant peace of mind, offering premium features like night vision and motion alerts for under $100.
https://www.zdnet.com/home-and-office/smart-home/best-cheap-home-security-camera
Get Moving: How to Make Your Windows PC Boot Faster - Does Windows take a long time to boot up? Here are a few things you can do to make the startup process on your computer a little quicker.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-make-your-windows-pc-boot-faster
Best DVR for Cord-Cutters - If you're looking to ditch cable, these are the best DVRs for watching, recording and streaming live television.
https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/best-ota-dvr-for-cord-cutters
Digital Clutter Is Weighing Us Down and AI Won't Help - People hang on to data for a variety of reasons, but among them is the incorrect assumption that there is no cost. Information overload stresses out workers and not dealing with it hurts businesses.
https://www.pcmag.com/opinions/digital-clutter-is-weighing-us-down-and-ai-wont-help
How to Free Up Disk Space in Windows - Windows 10 and Windows 11 include helpful tools like Storage Sense to help you free up disk space. Here’s how to remove temporary files, uninstall apps, and more.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/free-up-hard-disk-space-on-windows-10
How to Remove Bloatware From Your New PC - A Windows PC typically comes with software you don't want. Here's how to deal with it.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-rid-a-new-pc-of-crapware
The Best iPad Tips and Tricks: How to Conquer iPadOS - Apple's tablet may look like a super-sized iPhone, but it has unique features even the most seasoned iOS veteran should learn. Here are the top hidden iPad features.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/ipad-tips-and-tricks-how-to-conquer-ipados
Mesh routers vs. Wi-Fi routers: What's best for your home office? - Standard Wi-Fi routers provide one central access point, while mesh systems can spread connectivity throughout a space. ZDNET breaks down the best router options for your home, and for hybrid and remote working.
Home Tech Support: How to Remotely Troubleshoot Your Relative's Computer - If you're the designated 'tech person' in your family or friend group, here's how to access a computer from afar, Mac or PC, to see what's going on.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/remotely-troubleshoot-your-relatives-computer
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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 - How to put a link for Zoom on my Windows 10 Desktop?
A. From Tom Kreuzer, a PCC Board member. The Windows Desktop is a directory on your computer and you can put files, software, or links for software. Open the Windows Start menu and locate the software by scrolling down to Zoom. Click on the software and hold down the left mouse button and drag it to your desktop. This creates a link on your desktop to Zoom. You can also setup Zoom in your Smartbar at the bottom of your screen by selecting Zoom from the Start menu and do a right mouse click. Tip: Windows+D will minimize open software and show your desktop.
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Q. From a PCC Member - Deleting files.
A. From Tom Kreuzer, a PCC Board member in the Q&A. Deleting files. If you are in Windows File Explorer and hit the Delete key the file is removed from the current directory and placed in the Recycle Bin. They will stay in the Recycle Bin forever until you Empty the Recycle Bin. While it is in the Recycle Bin you can Restore it at any time back to the directory it was deleted from. You can Empty the Recycle Bin to permanently delete the file. If I was in Windows File Explorer and did Shift+Delete it will permanently delete the file and not place it in the Recycle Bin. You will see a message box telling you that it will be be gone.
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Q. From a PCC Member - Some time ago you told me where to check for a new HP laptop I want. Am continuing to check Walmart, Target, Sam's. Also Amazon. Any others I should be watching?
A. From Tom Kreuzer, a PCC Board member. More reconditioned Windows 11 machines are available now, keep your eyes open. Past eBytes have info on what I bought back in Jan-Feb.
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Q. From a PCC Member - You have amassed lots of photos and files over the years, what happens when you die?
A. From Tom Kreuzer, a PCC Board member. We have talked in past presentations about end of life with Wills, POAs, and others. I recommend the free site “Cake - End of Life”. This also talks about your accounts, password manager, and cloud with your Executor. Plan for what you want. Check out the past meeting May 2019 - Legal Software and Sites.
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Q. From a PCC Member - How to learn something today?
A. From Tom Kreuzer, a PCC Board member. Check out on YouTube “Khan Academy” with over 8 Thousand short and long classes.
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Q. From a PCC Member - I have trouble answering phone calls on my smartphone.
A. From Tom Kreuzer, a PCC Board member. If you have a landline or another smartphone, call from one phone to another and practice with your phone. You can also you a Google Voice account to text or call from your desktop to smartphone to practice.
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A. From a PCC Member Chuck Scott - Other tricks that I use with files to help organize on a Mac are:
1) I create links to frequently used files on the my main Finder Favorites list (not certain if MS supports this)
2) I have a Temporary file and have files in it that I only use for a short time - a few months at most.
3) I have a temporary Word, Xcel, jpeg, pdf, etc. file and just use those over and over again when I create a new file of that type with a life of less than a day or two
