2024 November eBytes
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Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses are a near-perfect wearable for me
How to Safely Get Rid of Your Old Phone or Tablet
What’s New in the Windows 11 24H2 Update?
Tested: The Best AI Image Generators
Android 15 Is Here. What You Need to Know about Google's Latest OS on Your Phone
AI Is Definitely Coming for Your Job
Why CNET Isn't Recommending Wyze Cameras in 2024
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Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses are a near-perfect wearable for me
Meta released 7,500 pairs of transparent glasses, and I secured a pair that impressed me with its camera, Meta AI responses, and audio playback performance.
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How to Safely Get Rid of Your Old Phone or Tablet
Many people hold onto their old, unused phones and tablets. We tell you how to prepare your mobile device for recycling or trade-in.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-safely-get-rid-of-all-your-old-phones
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What’s New in the Windows 11 24H2 Update?
New core code, convenience features, and eye candy, along with exclusive Copilot+ PC bonuses make the latest version of Windows 11 worth a look. Here's everything you get.
https://www.pcmag.com/news/whats-new-in-the-windows-11-2024-update
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Tested: The Best AI Image Generators
We torture-tested 10 of the most popular text-to-image AI tools with a series of prompts designed to highlight their strengths and weaknesses. Here's how they fared.
https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-ai-image-generators
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Android 15 Is Here. What You Need to Know about Google's Latest OS on Your Phone
You can download Android 15 on your compatible phone and tablet starting today.
Google Ships Android 15, Unwraps New Pixel Drop for Recent Devices - The mobile operating system update adds 'Private Space' for sensitive apps, better support for satellite connectivity, and features for foldables and tablets.
https://www.pcmag.com/news/google-ships-android-15-unwraps-new-pixel-drop-for-recent-devices
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AI Is Definitely Coming for Your Job
Get up to speed on the rapidly evolving world of AI with our roundup of the week's developments.
https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/ai-is-definitely-coming-for-your-job/
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Why CNET Isn't Recommending Wyze Cameras in 2024
We're putting Wyze on hold for the time being as it reckons with security breaches and more.
https://www.cnet.com/home/security/why-weve-removed-our-wyze-home-security-recommendations-at-cnet/
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Links - News, Tips, & Downloads
Better Browsing: 32 Hidden Tricks Inside Apple's Safari Browser - Safari offers a variety of features and settings to help you navigate and use the web. And you’ll find even more handy options in iOS 18 and iPadOS 18.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/hidden-tricks-inside-apples-safari-browser
97 Hidden iPhone Tricks You Probably Don't Know - Think you know Apple's iOS inside out? There's plenty more to uncover with our huge collection of expert tricks and tweaks to help unlock your iPhone's full potential.
https://www.pcmag.com/explainers/iphone-tips-tricks-ios-secret-expert
Wiping your Windows laptop? Here's the simplest way to erase all personal data - Before you get rid of an old laptop, ensure your personal files are fully deleted and unrecoverable. Here's how.
PC on the Fritz? How to Factory Reset a Windows Computer - If your Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC is struggling, or you're looking to sell, it could be time to restore the computer to its out-of-the-box settings.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/factory-reset-windows-10
Use Venmo? Change this privacy setting now. Here's why - and how - You're probably revealing more information than you realize when you use Venmo.
7 reasons why a Chromebook is the best laptop for most people - Forget Windows laptops, MacBooks, and iPads. If you want a fast, reliable, and secure laptop for cheap, get a Chromebook. It'll be one of the best tech decisions you'll make.
https://www.zdnet.com/article/7-reasons-why-a-chromebook-is-the-best-laptop-for-most-people
How to encrypt a file on Linux, MacOS, and Windows - and why - Have a private document on your desktop OS? Here's how to keep it secure on Linux, MacOS, and Windows.
https://www.zdnet.com/article/how-to-encrypt-a-file-on-linux-macos-and-windows-and-why/
How to Use AI to Make a Work Presentation - Using goblin.tools, you can learn about your subject and refine your presentation's outline, bullet points and first draft.
https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/how-to-use-ai-to-make-a-work-presentation/
6 Simple Tricks to Make Your Windows PC Boot Faster - Does Windows take a long time to start up? These six tips will speed up your computer's boot process.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-make-your-windows-pc-boot-faster
The Best AI Search Engines - Generative AI is infiltrating everything you do on the web, and search is no exception. If you want to embrace the revolution, here are the best AI search engines we’ve tried.
https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-ai-search-engines
No More Dead Zones! How to Set Up a Wi-Fi Mesh Network - Spotty Wi-Fi in parts of your home? A mesh network system can bring seamless connectivity to every corner. Here's how to choose the right system and set it up for optimal performance.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-set-up-a-wi-fi-mesh-network
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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'm planning to purchase a new PC, chromebook or other device this November. My preference would be an HP, but I'm flexible.
A. From Tom Kreuzer, a PCC Board member. First define what you plan to use the device for. That will help determine what device would be best and what level of device (basic, mid, or advanced) is needed. If you want to play games on a desktop at a top level or AI you need a high end PC with a very fast CPU, lots of very fast RAM, very fast graphic card, multiple monitors, and more. High end is also needed if you plan to work on video. Basic is fine for eMail, viewing 1K video like YouTube, Facebook, limited documents and spreadsheets.
With Windows 10 no longer supported in Oct 2025, there will be millions of new PC and devices made and sold in the next year. Most likely that will drive prices up the closer we get to Oct 2025 or if tariffs are in place. Only buy a new or reconditioned PC that can run Windows 11. Do not buy a Windows 10 PC.
Another factor is AI. You are starting to see AI PCs coming out. Example will be the PC that support the new Windows AI and will be called CoPilot+ PCs. They contain high end CPUs, RAM, Graphic Card, and SSD storage. This is required if you plan to use certain AI features that are done locally on your PC and not done on the Internet.
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Q. From a PCC Member Paul Ebert- I watched the 20 minute YouTube tutorial below to understand the capabilities of Apple Air Tags. I plan to configure four Apple tags this week. Apple products are superior to Android. However, I don't like paying triple the price for the phones versus Android.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8jVFLkYq18
Motorola Moto Tags are apparently so new that Best Buy, Target and WalMart don't carry them, and Amazon has 2-4 week delivery. I'm going to Europe in 2 weeks, and I'd prefer to buy the Moto Tags, but I can't get them in time.
A. From Tom Kreuzer, a PCC Board member. PC Mag review of trackers: https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-bluetooth-trackers
Why You Should Pick a Chipolo One Point Tracker Over Apple's AirTag. The AirTag is the tracker boss, but that doesn't mean it's the best Bluetooth tracking device for you.
I started to use Tile trackers six years ago when my mom would misplace and hide items. They are a very good option.
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Q. From a PCC Member Mitch Stary - I think Frank AI’s explanation of psychological warfare might relate to your presentation on Fake news in October.
Frank: Psychological warfare involves the use of psychological tactics to influence, manipulate, or undermine the morale and behavior of individuals or groups, often in a military or political context. Here are some key methods and strategies used in psychological warfare:
### 1. **Propaganda**
- **Definition**: Dissemination of information, ideas, or rumors to promote a particular agenda.
- **Methods**: Use of media (newspapers, radio, social media) to spread favorable narratives or discredit opponents.
### 2. **Disinformation**
- **Definition**: Deliberately misleading or false information intended to confuse or mislead the enemy.
- **Methods**: Creating fake news stories, altering facts, or spreading rumors.
### 3. **Fear Tactics**
- **Definition**: Instilling fear to demoralize or control an audience.
- **Methods**: Highlighting threats, showcasing violent consequences, or using horror imagery.
### 4. **Psychological Operations (PsyOps)**
- **Definition**: Military operations aimed at influencing the emotions and behavior of adversaries.
- **Methods**: Leaflets, broadcasts, and other communications designed to sway public opinion or enemy troops.
### 5. **Cultural Manipulation**
- **Definition**: Leveraging cultural symbols and narratives to influence beliefs and behaviors.
- **Methods**: Exploiting cultural values, traditions, or religious sentiments to gain support or undermine opposition.
### 6. **Targeting Vulnerabilities**
- **Definition**: Identifying and exploiting weaknesses in an opponent's psyche or social structure.
- **Methods**: Focusing on areas such as fear of loss, social cohesion, or loyalty to leaders.
### 7. **Social Media Campaigns**
- **Definition**: Using digital platforms to spread messages quickly and widely.
- **Methods**: Viral content, influencers, and targeted ads to shape perceptions and opinions.
### 8. **Deception Operations**
- **Definition**: Misleading the enemy about one's intentions or capabilities.
- **Methods**: Feigned attacks, fake troop movements, or misleading intelligence reports.
### Conclusion
Psychological warfare is a complex interplay of communication strategies aimed at influencing perceptions and behaviors. Its effectiveness relies on understanding human psychology, cultural contexts, and the dynamics of conflict.
A. From Tom Kreuzer, a PCC Board member. You are correct. We do not live in a perfect world. We all need to be careful.
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