2023 March eBytes
The Best Cheap Phone Plans
Is 5G Home Internet the Answer to Your Broadband Needs?
Chromebooks Have an Expiration Date. Here's How to Check
Return to Sender: How I Unsubscribed From Catalogs and Stopped Junk Mail
Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera, or Safari: Which Browser Is Best for 2023?
OnePlus Pad Plans to Take on Apple's iPad
How to use ChatGPT: Everything you need to know
The Best Apps in the Windows 11 Store for 2023
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The Best Cheap Phone Plans
It's time to ditch the big carriers: If you're looking to save money on your wireless bill, these lesser-known, lower-cost cell phone plans might be the ticket.
https://www.pcmag.com/news/best-cheap-phone-plans
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Is 5G Home Internet the Answer to Your Broadband Needs?
Mobile carriers rave about its capabilities, but 5G offers appealing speeds and straightforward pricing for household internet connections too.
https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/what-is-5g-home-internet
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Chromebooks Have an Expiration Date. Here's How to Check
The date is when security and feature updates will end for a Chromebook
https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/how-to-check-chromebook-auto-update-expiration-date-aue
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Return to Sender: How I Unsubscribed From Catalogs and Stopped Junk Mail
I set out to cancel all the catalogs and marketing mail that I got over the course of about six weeks. Here's what happened, including the method that worked best.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/unsubscribe-from-catalogs-stop-junk-mail
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Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera, or Safari: Which Browser Is Best for 2023?
Don't take your browser for granted! We help you investigate your options, comparing the best web browsers on speed, privacy, and other important features.
https://www.pcmag.com/picks/chrome-edge-firefox-opera-or-safari-which-browser-is-best
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OnePlus Pad Plans to Take on Apple's iPad
The first tablet from OnePlus includes a large, pixel-rich display, plenty of RAM, and productivity-focused accessories to challenge the Apple iPad.
https://www.pcmag.com/news/oneplus-pad-plans-to-take-on-apples-ipad
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How to use ChatGPT: Everything you need to know
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
What Is ChatGPT? And Is It Going to Take Your Job? - You've seen the headlines about this very human-sounding AI chatbot. Here's what you need to know about ChatGPT—and how to try it yourself.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/what-is-chatgpt-ai-phenomenon-that-seems-almost-human
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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
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Links - News, Tips, & Downloads
Disable These 2 iOS 16 Features to Save Battery - If you're not using these new iPhone features, disabling them could help your battery life.
https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/disable-these-2-ios-16-features-to-save-battery
Twitter Is Done With SMS 2FA, but There's a Better Option on Your iPhone - You don't need to pay for Twitter Blue to get two-factor authentication for your account.
The Best Deals on Tax-Filing Services: Up to 38% Off TurboTax, H&R Block, More - Ready to try a different tax-prep service this year? Here's where you can save.
https://www.pcmag.com/deals/best-tax-filing-service-deals
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
Best Smart Thermostats for 2023 - Which smart thermostat is right for you? We tested smart thermostats from Amazon, Ecobee, Honeywell, Nest and more to find you the perfect energy-saving tool.
https://www.cnet.com/home/energy-and-utilities/best-smart-thermostats
Clear the Clutter: How to Free Up Space on Your iPhone or iPad - Is the storage full on your iOS device? Here's how to figure out what's taking up the most space on your iPhone and iPad so you can decide what to delete.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-free-up-space-on-your-iphone-or-ipad
Your MacBook needs this slim, lightweight hub - Wish your new M2 MacBook Air had more ports? Satechi has you covered. And it works for older Air and Pro models too.
https://www.zdnet.com/article/your-macbook-air-needs-this-slim-lightweight-hub
How to Sell Your iPhone Safely and Get the Most Cash - Here's what to do before you sell your iPhone or trade it in for an iPhone 14, plus the best places to get cash or credit for your Apple device.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/sell-your-iphone-safely-and-get-the-most-cash
Don't Waste Your Smart Plug's Potential. Here Are 10 Creative Uses for It - Your smart plug is more than a fancy on-off switch. Here are 10 ways you can put that little device to better use.
https://www.cnet.com/home/smart-home/got-a-smart-plug-here-are-10-cool-things-you-can-do-with-it
My idea for a great new beginner-friendly Linux distribution - This could be the perfect solution: a distro designed to help new users migrate from Windows or MacOS to Linux.
https://www.zdnet.com/article/my-idea-for-a-great-new-beginner-friendly-linux-distribution
Best Free TV Streaming Services: Tubi, Sling Freestream, Pluto TV and More - Tubi and Pluto are among the top choices if you need a break from Netflix, HBO Max and others.
https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-free-tv-streaming-services
The Best Podcast Player Apps - Need something better than the stock podcast app on your phone? You're covered with these podcast catcher apps.
https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-podcast-player-apps
The Best Free Software of 2023 - 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
Try Ditching These Windows 11 Default Settings - Not all defaults are worth keeping. These settings might be holding you back.
https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/try-ditching-these-windows-11-default-settings
The Best Tablet Deals for February 2023 - Save on tablets from Apple, Samsung, Amazon, and more.
https://www.pcmag.com/deals/best-tablet-deals
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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 - I am going to get rid of an old Dell laptop that we no longer use running Windows XP. Can the PC for People use it?
A. From Tom Kreuzer, a PCC Board member. They could not reuse anything in it due to its age of about 2005. Looks like that model has 512MB RAM, 40GB hard drive, old WiFi, and old CPU. That machine is less powerful than a $20 tablet I can buy today. A Linux or chrome OS could not even be installed; it is too old. The hardware like the RAM, hard drive, and CD/DVD would not work for building a new machine either. so it would just be recycled and not re-used. You can take to a number of places to recycle for free like Best Buy or Staples.
Six years old is about the max limit today with usable hardware. FYI... NEVER connect an old device (PC, smartphone, tablet, router, smart device) to the Internet. Most of these devices are running OSs or firmware that is no longer updated or supported by the vendor so you have almost a 100% chance of being hacked if you leave it connected to the Internet for an extended time. There are 1000s of hackers' servers that "crawl" the internet looking for old devices like this that can be easily hacked. They cycle sending out a message to every Internet TCP/IP address in the world and record a list of old devices that can be hacked later.
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Q. From a PCC Member - We had a power outage yesterday and when I started my old HP desktop out in my shop today it wouldn’t cooperate. It is an HP, circa 2010, that is on windows 10 and had a SSD installed about 3-4 yr ago when it was upgraded to Windows 10. I see the following message a “Hard Disk Failure is Imminent” is referring to the SSD drive. Any thoughts on my machine?
A. From Tom Kreuzer, a PCC Board member. Sorry to hear about your PC. Many times a hardware problem like yours is caused by a power surge that knocks out electronics that are plugged in. Some power strips offer some protection that you may consider in the future.
Your screens look like an issue with your SSD which is where Windows 10 installed and why it will not boot. If it could, you would be able to run some checks on the drive. Since you can not, I would recommend the following. Take it to a local PC fix it store that does a free check and then will give a quote to fix. Example of a place near me that several people I know have used: https://www.hackerattackers.com/ . They will most likely open the PC and remove the drive and check it. Most likely it is bad and would need to be replaced with another SSD or HDD. Windows would have to be reinstalled and you would have to install and setup everything. Since Windows 10 end of life is 2025, not sure if it is worth it.
Maybe time to replace it with a Windows 11 unless you can get it fixed for $100 or less since many Win 10 PC can be had for $150. I just replaced my main desktop with a reconditioned Win 11, HP Pavilion TP01-2327C Win 11, 12GB RAM, 1TB Hard Drive + 256GB SSD, 6 Core™ i5-11400F 2.9GHz, DVD, and more. They sell for $400-$500.
Member Responds - Thank you for your thoughts. I’ve called a round a little including, Hackerattackers, and it would be $200+ everywhere to put in a new drive and install windows. I think it’s time to move on with a new machine. In terms of disposing of this machine, since it won’t run, I’m inclined to remove the hard drive(s), beat it/them to death with a hammer and send the chassis to recycling. Any other thoughts on disposal?
Tom Kreuzer Responds - It sounds like it could be turned into a Linux machine for no cost, but would take some of your time to setup. Looks like the only bad part is the SSD which I would take out and destroy by drilling holes in it. The other hard drive could be used as the primary drive and loaded with a version of Linux which could run another 5-10 years. Chrome and a number of free public software will run in Linux very well. I have a Linux PC I converted and have converted 2 other old laptops for people that work very well. With a browser you can connect to the Microsoft site and edit and view Excel files from Linux. If you do not go the Linux route, you could remove and destroy the drives and still donate the rest to a place like https://www.pcsforpeople.org/locations/stpaul/ who could use the parts (CPU, RAM, Graphics, keyboard, etc) to build a working machine.
Member Responds - As you note, it’s time to move on and get a PC for 2025 and beyond with Windows 11. I like the one you mentioned acquiring and started looking today for that same refurbished machine. The best price I found was at Newegg for $409, which sounded like almost too low a price. https://www.newegg.com/hp-pavilion-tp01-2327c-student-home-office/p/N82E16883451036
Do you know anything about the background of these refurbished machines, such as 1) is the refurbishment done by HP, or 2) a contracted vendor or 3) ??? Would you be comfortable purchasing from Newegg, or do you think there are better places to purchase? Thank you.
Tom Kreuzer Responds - Newegg is a good trusted company and myself and many PC Club members have bought from them. The price looks very good, the Walmart was the lowest at the time I checked, but prices change daily. The prices and availability varies because these machines have to come off a lease and then be checked out. It is not like HP who may be making thousands a month. Refurbishers get small limited quantities that come up for sale.
Newegg just like Walmart does not refurbish the PC. The work is done by a 3rd party company who purchases the PCs from other 3rd party companies who leased the PCs to companies. 3M leases all their laptop PCs as an example. The leases usually run 2-3 years. The leasing company sells them to the other 3rd party who does limited checks of the PC, reset the OS, package with a new mouse and keyboard and sell. Since the original HP warranty has expired the 3rd party offers a 30-90 day warranty and usually an option to purchase a 1-2 year additional warranty from another company. I do not recommend the additional warranty, since most PCs and electronics die right away if they die.
Part of the reason I original bought it was that somewhere on the Walmart site it said it had a VGA, HP Display, and HDMI ports. My old 24" monitor is VGA with no HDMI. When I got the PC it had a DVI and no VGA. Lucky I had a HDMI to VGA converter that I am using. I do plan to get a better monitor in the next year or two since the PC can support multiple monitors of up to 4K and my old monitor only supports up to 1K (1920x1080). Before I bought my PC I wanted to see an image of the back and never could find one to see the ports.
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Q. From a PCC Member - Do you have any information or recommendations on a company to use to print a hard-cover genealogy book?
A. From Tom Kreuzer, a PCC Board member. eMail the 3M Genealogy Club - Kelly Alaspa - kjalaspa@mmm.com
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Q. From a PCC Member - Using my Samsung TV remote (not the DirecTV remote) I went to Menu to locate Network Settings/Status where it is verified that my “Wireless Network and Internet Connection are setup and ready for use”. I see the same horizontal “linking” graphic for the connection as I see on my computer that makes it look like the links are connected from beginning to end. Seems to be good. I’m still trying to assess why my laptop cast-to-TV process indicates that the capability is there but, apparently, not active (except for the weird “phantom cast” that occurred when recently testing/attempting to cast from a YouTube video to TV). I recently got setup with PBS Passport access to many programs using my laptop, but I would like to have ability to cast the stream to my larger-screen TV for better viewing.
A. From Tom Kreuzer, a PCC Board member. Good that your TV is connected to WiFi. If it is a weak connection that may explain it coming and going or what you have on the laptop can not be casted. Like we talked about yesterday, not every web site or software on a laptop can be cast to a TV. In fact very few things can because the laptop is not sending images of your laptop to the TV it is sending commands to the TV and the TV only works with limited things. At some point you were on a site or software that was able to be cast. It will be gray if it has no WiFi connection or can not send that site/software to the TV. Casting should only be used when the TV is not directly able to run or access the site. Example: PBS Passport most likely can not be cast because on most TVs you can load the PBS Passport app and run it directly without casting. Load the app on your TV and run it without the laptop if you want to watch it on the TV.
Member Responds - I will look into that option of enabling a program to run on TV. However, I’m not sure how many streaming entities may also view my 2017 TV as too old. Think I’m going to bite the bullet and purchase one year of the total coverage Best Buy now claims will address all our service needs
Tom Kreuzer Responds - I recommend people do their own setup and NOT use any service. There are many options on how to setup and what settings are used. If you do not make your own decisions you will not be able to make changes, add new things, or fix problems. You will not know what options you even have because you let someone else decide. If you ask me a question about your setup, I will not know how they setup your system and you will not know. This means every question or issue can only be done by them.
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