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As we all practice social distancing, videocalling has exploded, especially Zoom, which is free (with limitations), easy, and powerful. But recently there’s been a lot of media coverage about issues with Zoom, and we’ve been deluged with questions from worried clients. Should you be using Zoom? The short answer is yes. “Zoombombing” is ugly but rare, …
While we’re all stuck at home and online, reliable sources report a sharp spike in bank fraud, scam calls, emails and websites–and we’re seeing it with clients, too. One banker said: “People will be at home, receiving phone calls and texts from people who claim to be their banks, asking them about cancelled events and …
Good news first Remote support is extra appealing right now, and we have FINALLY found a safe way to see your iPhone or iPad screen remotely so we can assist you more effectively. (Yay!). Just install the Zoom app (free) and make a date if you need a little help. And the less good news– In our ultraconnected world, the speed …
Your computer is NOT locked! Lots of calls lately about messages warning “your computer is locked, call this number”. Some of them even blare horrible alarm sounds. We’ve talked about this before. . . THESE ARE FAKE. Do not call the number on the screen, do not let anyone into your computer, do not give …
The holiday season brings. . .HUGE amounts of trash If you are giving or receiving electronic gifts, you’re likely to end up with older devices stashed in a drawer. The longer they sit there, the less they’re worth, so what should you do with them? (Here’s a guide to what’s recyclable). NEVER throw electronics in the …
How scary would it be. . . . . . if all your incoming email was suddenly blocked? Gmail has been around long enough that we’re getting lots of panicked calls from people whose free space is full. Here’s how to check if you might have the problem, and what to do about it. And in Other News: …
LOTS of news from Apple, Microsoft, and Google lately. Sooo Many Apple Upgrades! A little background… Until this week, Apple devices came in two basic flavors: iPhones and iPads had one set of abilities, and Macs had different ones. Now iPads are evolving separately from iPhones and will have their own operating system (the built-in …
Phishing attacks— –that’s an email, text or call claiming to be from a trusted entity (like Apple or the IRS) that lures you into revealing personal information and/or logins–are rising rapidly, experts say, especially for Mac users. Some of the cleverest ones can use the REAL login pages of safe sites to steal your info. …
Things Will Be DifferentNext Week On Tuesday, Apple holds their annual dog-and-pony show to announce new stuff. (It’s entertaining, if you’re interested). In past years, we sent you the highlights shortly afterward, with a reminder not to rush into updates, to back up first, etc. . . . just in case. But— This year will …
Shoppers, start your engines The retail juggernaut known as Amazon Prime Day is July 15 and 16. Tom’s Guide has some good advice here on making the most of it. How to Save a Web Page PROPERLY (because you’re doing it wrong) Because we keep seeing these messes on people’s computers, and it’s easy to do …
A Teachable Moment. . . Google Calendar is having an issue today. If you open your calendar in a web browser, you may see a page like this: We’re all accustomed to these services working perfectly all the time, so many people assume it’s their own fault when this happens. But you may not know …
Skills You Should Have My favorite among the ESSENTIAL computers skills everyone should have is the ability to select multiple items at once. Super useful when you need to delete, move, copy, organize a bunch of files, email, photos, whatever, and really easy once you know how. Tutorials are now up on our YouTube channel: for Mac, for Windows. Windows …
Smart, capable people call us when technology problems make them feel like idiots. Here are some situations we’ve been seeing a lot lately—perhaps they’ll sound familiar. Mac users, unaware of the recent issues with Mac keyboards, convinced they are terrible typists. (They’re not: and Apple will fix your keyboard for free if it’s on this …
Apple LaunchesA Bunch ofNew Services Apple quietly announced minor updates to the iMac, iPad mini and Airpods wireless headphones last week but saved bigger news for their launch event today, which focused heavily on subscription services and . . . a credit card (with Goldman Sachs)?! The headliners were beefed-up Apple News, Apple TV, Apple Pay, and a new subscription gaming option called …
Good Advice “Which [insert type of device here] should I buy?” was harder to answer before the excellent Wirecutter website took off. Their reviews are shorter than Consumer Reports’ and more consumer-friendly than the tech press. Some clients have been skeptical; yes, they make money from affiliate links, but reviews are written “blind,” and they’re owned by the NY Times. Not just …
Important Reminder Ah, January. . . when the mail brings tax statements instead of holiday cards. As you gather financial records, remember: regular email is not secure or private. NEVER send unprotected private information such as social security numbers or financial statements by email. The good news is that you can password-protect most documents for free; instructions here. Gmail, Explained! New …
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