Some of my clients are using streaming devices (or sticks) for viewing movies and TV shows on their TVs over the Internet. Quite popular — these over-the-top (OTT) services versus over-the-air (OTA) or cable TV channels. Personally I’ve used a Fire TV Stick since 2015. And if all you’re interested in is getting to Netflix, that’s [Continue reading]
I received an email message from the Microsoft Store recently reminding me of services available there, some of which are free. While these retail stores are scarce, if you’re near enough to one, you might consider that an option or a place to get general help — Answer Desk. Or if you’re thinking about a [Continue reading]
If you have a computer powered by an AMD processor, is your risk profile any different from someone with an Intel-powered PC? This Ars Technica article (January 18, 2018) summarizes the situation: “Meltdown and Spectre: Good news for AMD users, (more) bad news for Intel.” Windows patches are fixed, but microcode updates are causing even [Continue reading]
Much in the media still about global computer security vulnerabilities Meltdown and Spectre. Apple, among other companies, released patches to mitigate the risks. This PC World article (January 16, 2018) summarizes the situation for Apple’s mobile devices — your iPhone: “Apple’s iOS 11.2.2 Spectre patch probably won’t slow down your iPhone, but here’s what to do if it [Continue reading]
Yesterday, MacWorld posted a useful article about Apple’s $29 iPhone battery replacement program. All of your questions answered. The article covers the usual FAQs. In particular, “How do I initiate a battery repair?” As for the “How do I check my own iPhone’s battery life?” question, I downloaded and tried the coconutBattery macOS app and found [Continue reading]
Much in the media this week about an industry-wide problem with all devices using Intel processors — CPU chips, and perhaps those from other manufacturers as well. A security vulnerability: Meltdown and Spectre. It’s like Dorothy, the Tin Man and the Scarecrow walking through the dark forest in the 1939 classic The Wizard of OZ and [Continue reading]
My Rose Parade 2018 screenshots: Rose Parade 2018 • 42 items • Shared [Wiki] The Rose Parade, also known as the Tournament of Roses Parade, is part of “America’s New Year Celebration” held in Pasadena, California each year on New Year’s Day (or on Monday, January 2 if New Year’s Day falls on a Sunday). The [Continue reading]
New iPhone for the holidays? MacWorld once again has tips for a smooth start with your new device: “Got an iPhone 8 or iPhone 8 Plus? Do these 10 things first.” After you inhale that new-iPhone smell, follow this setup guide to be up and running faster than you can say A11 Bionic. Eleven tips, [Continue reading]
If you got a new PC for the holidays, congrats. What’s next? Windows 10 updates, Cortana practice, customization, privacy settings, another browser, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, backup, … fun. As in the past, PC World posted an article yesterday about what to do first with a new PC: “How to set up your new computer.” Best practices: [Continue reading]
When I ask some of my clients how they get to their email, a typical response is “AOL” or “hotmail” or “Google.” Or they might say “myname@hotmail.com” or “myname@aol.com.” Well, that’s not what I’m trying to understand. Knowing their preferred service company or email address is a start, but I’m more interested in whether they [Continue reading]
We’ll explain why Windows 10’s Fall Creators Update is worth your time in our review. Here’s what’s different this time around: There’s new hardware, too. PC World today shared the news that Microsoft is rolling out the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update: “Windows 10 Fall Creators Update review: This could be Microsoft’s biggest Windows yet.” As [Continue reading]
“Fortify your PC against all manner of attacks—for free!” This PC World article “How to build the best free PC security software suite” (October 16, 2017) is one of the best digests of the topic that I’ve encountered. The article offers a ready summary of what you need to cover various security risks on your [Continue reading]
I’ve talked with at least one iPhone enthusiast who’s going to get Apple’s new iPhone X — and willing to wait until it ships. It’ll be interesting to get his reaction to the new Face ID feature. In the mean time, this CNET article “10 things we learned about Face ID on the iPhone X” [Continue reading]
Starting today, the latest upgrade for macOS — High Sierra — is available. As always, the question is whether to upgrade or not; or, when to upgrade. This CNET article “7 things to know before upgrading to MacOS High Sierra 10.13” discusses this question: “Yes, if you answer any of these affirmatively: You’re paranoid about [Continue reading]
As for previous models of Apple’s iPhone, MacWorld today published an article on things to do first after getting a new one: Got an iPhone 8 or iPhone 8 Plus? Do these 10 things first. Well, you did it. You pulled the trigger on a shiny new iPhone 8 or 8 Plus. Nice! Before you head [Continue reading]
Starting today (September 19, 2017), the iOS 11 upgrade for iPhone and iPad will be available on your Apple devices. There’s lots of coverage of this release. Here’s one (Macworld) article reviewing the changes and new features: “iOS 11 review: Apple’s most ambitious and impressive upgrade in years.” If you’re an iPad user, download iOS [Continue reading]
In this PC World article “Windows 10 Fall Creators Update will add helpful privacy setting tweaks,” senior editor Brad Chacos notes that: Privacy concerns have plagued Windows 10 since its launch. It’s no surprise: The operating system is designed to ensnare you in Microsoft’s services, and you can’t stop it from sending Microsoft basic telemetry [Continue reading]
If you’re particularly worried about somehow landing on a malicious website while browsing the Internet, then this PC World (August 1, 2017) article “AV-Comparatives’ anti-phishing results for 2017 put Avast, Bitdefender, Fortinet, and Kaspersky on top” may be useful. In previous posts, I’ve noted PC World’s summaries of test results by the independent computer security [Continue reading]
Adobe Flash has a checkered history. Although in use for decades, many of my clients do not understand what Flash does. “There’s a message that Adobe Flash is not installed — should I install it? The web page is requesting that I enable Flash — is that okay? There’s a message that Flash is out-of-date [Continue reading]
Lots of my clients use iPhones. I always encourage them to go beyond using such an expensive handheld computer as just a phone or camera. This PC World article “10 basic iOS tricks every iPhone owner should know” provides advice on this topic. … some of iOS’s most useful features are, in fact, the oldest [Continue reading]