Friday, March 30, 2018

Class Notes 3-29-2018

It is getting more an more difficult to remember every little item we discussed during the class time. I did turn on the Hangout this week and will try to remember in the weeks to come. Please mute your microphone so we do not get feedback. Thanks. The link to join in is http://tinyutl.com/dickevans

Jarte, the word processor that wraps a fresh face and new power around Microsoft's trusted WordPad word processing engine. Quick to load and easy to use makes it a great tool.
http://tinyurl.com/34fo8h 

This led us into a discussion on creating and Icon and replacing an icon on the desktop shortcut with our own icon. You can use the Paint program to create an icon, just save it as a .ico file by replacing the .jpg extension with .ico.

The default desktop icon size in XP was 32x32, while in Windows 7 it is 48x48. As a consequence, for Windows 7 it is relatively important to have a 48 icon. Otherwise, it is upscaled from a smaller icon, which may look quite ugly.

@Have you ever wanted to convert files without the need to download software? I had an instance this last week where I was sent a document in .wps format. I could not read this old Work file and had to look for a solution. I Googled it and found zamzar.com. I was able to upload the .wps document and in seconds I received an email with the .doc file I opened in MS Word.
https://www.zamzar.com/

CCleaner now found at ccleaner.com. They have over 2 billion downloads at this point and decided to change their Domain name. So instead of going to Pirifome.com you can access the ccleaner download page directly at ccleaner.com.

Slimjet is a fast, smart and powerful web browser built on top of the Chromium open-source project (on which Google chrome is based as well). It adds more options to Chromium to make it more flexible and customizable. It also integrates more features to Chromium so that users can get more done in less time without relying on external plugins. It works great and is easy to use. Adblocker and other tools we love to use are build right in t the browser… even a YouTube downloader.
http://tinyurl.com/ydxhgm4f

Google Cloud Print Overview can be found at this YouTube page. Also some documentation on our club site at cccgc.info.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1A5zvYda7Eo

How to Bring Back the Quick Launch Bar in Windows 7, 8, or 10. I posted this last week, but thought I would demo it today. It is a nice tool to keep that clutter off the desktop.
http://tinyurl.com/z4qmjxu

A reminder for you who use the keyboard shortcuts. When pressing more that one key, like in Windows + Q or Win+Q, hold down all but the last key and then tap the last key. In this case, hold down the WIndows key and then tap the Q. Release the held down key(s).

We also talked about Facebook security. The key is to not post everything Public and to not allow others to add to your timeline. Just because someone duplicated your Facebook page does not mean you were hacked. It means everything on your pages were copied and placed on a new page with your name. Before adding someone you know, check to see if you are already friends. If so, do not add the new person as they are not your friend.

In addition to my own research, I want to give thanks to Harold at the Club, Ghacks.net Newsletter, AskLeo, tomshardware, and DavesComputerTips.com for the useful ideas we take a look at each week.

Thursday, March 22, 2018

Class Notes 3-22-2018

Okay, I know we did not have a class. These are the items I was planning on discussing had we been together. In reality I probably would not have gotten to most of these with all the questions and rabbit trails we seem to drift into. It has been a strange week being home fighting this cold (Sherri says it was the Flu). I am much better today and it will be life as usual by Monday!

Malwarebytes 3.4.4 update released. The best way to get the new version is to go through ninite.com like we usually do. It works just like the older version. I run it once a week or more often. See the documentation on the club site for how to run all of the maintenance programs.
http://tinyurl.com/ybt3679m

I don’t know if this has happened to you but if Malwarebytes blocks legitimate processes, do this
http://tinyurl.com/y9fqzpo2

Some interesting facts about browsers. Chrome has them all beat no matter with Microsoft wants you to believe. Here is the current browser Market Share in United States Of America - February 2018. Worldwide Chrome did even better.

Chrome 51.56% <-- my favorite

Safari 30.16%

Firefox 5.08%

IE 4.94%

Edge 3.45%

http://tinyurl.com/y7hbwnvu to see the latest results

Speaking of browsers, here is an interesting note about new version and Edge.

“Microsoft will try a new way to push Windows 10 users into running Edge, forcing links opened from the Windows Mail app and its messages to display in the browser.

Normally, links embedded in messages retrieved by the Windows Mail app open in the default browser, which may be an Edge rival if the user has set one.

In the latest preview of Windows 10's fall feature upgrade, currently known as 1809in Microsoft's yymm label format, Microsoft has mandated that Edge assume responsibilities for opening links within messages.”

“Since it debuted as the default within Windows 10 nearly three years ago, Edge's user share of the browsers run under the OS has been in steady decline. In February, Edge accounted for a record-low percentage - less than 12% of all Windows 10 systems - which represented a nearly-two-percentage-point decline from the month before. And Edge's continued slide has been in the face of Windows 10's own growing share. Windows 10 last month powered 39% of all Windows PCs. In other words, the more people who run Windows 10, the less they collectively like Edge.”

How Should I Back Up My Computer Before an Operating System Upgrade or Reinstall? Going to be talking more about this topic at the next general meeting. This article reinforces what are always saying -- backup backup backup
http://tinyurl.com/yb84ftos

How To Send Sound Clips With Facebook Messenger. Messenger lets you send text messages to anyone you know of that has a Facebook account. But it is a lot more. You can make a voice call just like a phone call but it does not require phone service, just WiFi. Pick up an older smartphone someone does not need anymore and you have an internet capable device to surf the net, get emails, use facebook, and even make phone and VIDEO calls using messenger. How cool is that? If you do not want to go that far, you can leave a voice message. This article tells you how.
http://tinyurl.com/y9dqnabr



In previous versions of Windows there was a quick launch bar that was to the right of the Start button. Remember? Well this article tells us how to Bring Back the Quick Launch Bar in Windows 7, 8, or 10.
http://tinyurl.com/z4qmjxu

This one caught my eye and I might be the only one interested but here it is. Praisenter is a free Church presentation software to project worship songs, Bible verses and custom slides with images, audio/video etc
http://tinyurl.com/ya4qol6

Here is another one. It claims to be one of the most popular open source worship presentation program out there, OpenLP packs a ton of features for managing and displaying songs, Bible verses, images, videos (not video backgrounds though) and more.
http://tinyurl.com/y9sl9kze

Ever wonder why C: is C: and D: is D:? You can assign drive letters on your own instead of having Windows 10 decide for you and here is how:
Windows 10 Drive Letters
http://tinyurl.com/yau6fxpy

Most hard drives today come as 1tb and even more. We do not need anywhere close to that amount for normal processes. Some like to take that 1tb and break it up into individual partitions. Instead of one big C: they partitions the drive into 2 or 3 parts. C: still holds their OS and programs but they allocate a couple of other drive letters for backup and data storage. He is how To Make Partitions In Windows 10
http://tinyurl.c butom/y7sz5rcm

The recommended content on your Netflix account comes from a complicated algorithm analyzing your viewing history. But sometimes after endlessly scrolling through Netflix, you find yourself no closer to making a selection from the recommended content. This is where a collection of “secret codes” will be a godsend. By making a small tweak to the Netflix URL, you will be able to unlock hyper-specific genres such as religious documentaries or cerebral French-language dramas from the 1960s. These secret Netflix codes unlock hidden show and movie categories
http://tinyurl.com/yaybhamg

In addition to my own research, I want to give thanks to Harold at the Club, Ghacks.net Newsletter, AskLeo, tomshardware, and DavesComputerTips.com for the useful ideas we take a look at each week.

Friday, March 16, 2018

Class Notes 3-15-2018

Video of the new resort in Port Charlotte. More on their website. Thought you might be interested in a look at it. Nothing to do with computers.
https://www.facebook.com/SunseekerResort/

Bible Verse Desktop
Many people has the habit of reading a portion of the Bible daily or even several times a day. This little and free program allows you to do it in a very easy and convenient form.
http://tinyurl.com/ybo2phsc

Download YouTube videos
Add SS before YOuTube in the URL
Here is a URL to listen to a song on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKLQ1td3MbE click and it will play on your PC
Here is the same URL with the SS added. Click and it will let you to download it to your PC
https://www.ssyoutube.com/watch?v=cKLQ1td3MbE

Download Video and Audio from YouTube. Our you can copy and paste the URL into this site to download in various formats--audio only or full video
http://tinyurl.com/y9nxpad7

How To Stay One Step Ahead Of Hackers. A good article with a number of worthwhile suggestions.
http://tinyurl.com/ycwoqprl



There is a new version of CCleaner available at piriform.com. Choose Downloads > CCleaner

A new screen appears when the cleaner finishes. It shows how many tracking files it deleted (Privacy) and how much spaced was cleared by removing unnecessary files (Junk). To see the old list of files click Show Advanced Report.

For a complete set of instructions on running the maintenance programs see the link on the cccgc.info home page.




Bits and bytes and kilobytes and megabytes… We discussed what they are and what they mean. I found a great article that explains it as well…
http://tinyurl.com/y86von3o




Win+Q brings up the Search for box



Win+I brings up Windows Settings

Mozy for backup: http://www.mozy.com/free use code GFBU22

Mozy is an online cloud backup service that will automatically backup your data during the day. We spent a little time on this but I have written it up before and will be talking about it at the next general meeting. Back in April 2017 I wrote about it.
http://tinyurl.com/y8eor8cq

Mozy for backup: http://www.mozy.com/free use code GFBU22



You have heard of never ending stories? Well this technique lets you create a never ending password. All you need is the first and last letter of the website you need a password for and a 6 character phrase you will never forget. That phrase should contain at least one special character and one number. Pick something you will not forget like perhaps you first grandchild’s name. Say it was Steve. You might use $teve05 changing the S into a $ and adding the month he was born. Simply include that phrase sandwiched in to the first and last letter of the website. If the site were Amazon you would use the first letter of Amazon (A) followed by the phrase followed with the last letter of the site (n). Note the first is a capital and the last is lower case. So the password would be A$teve05n.

In addition to my own research, I want to give thanks to Harold at the Club, Ghacks.net Newsletter, AskLeo, and DavesComputerTips.com for the useful ideas we take a look at each week.

Saturday, March 10, 2018

Class Notes 3-8-2013

A number of the items we talked about have be covered in previous Thursday classes and notes. So I will point you to those notes for details.

Ninite is the go to site for downloading most of the maintenance programs and browsers we use. See details discussed at http://tinyurl.com/y7pxa7t9

Program/Browser From
Google Chrome > Ninite.com
Firefox > Ninite.com
Opera > Ninite.com
Glary Utilities > Ninite.com
Malwarebytes > Ninite.com
Superantispyware > Ninite.com
CCleaner > Piriform.com

Why two browsers? There may come a time that the one browser you use breaks. That means it does not browser anymore and may even lock up. I do not know why and cannot find out why unless I have another browser to use to diagnose the problem. Hence, always have a secondary browser to use. I prefer Chrome for my primary browser and use one of the others for my secondary. BTW IE is on its way out and may not even be installed in future releases of Windows 10.

Google Cloud Print is a Google service that lets users print from any Cloud-Print-aware application on any device in the network cloud to any printer – without Google having to create and maintain ... Wikipedia. In other words you can set up your printer to be able to print from your laptop, tablet, or cell phone sherever in the world you are located. You can also share the printer with others to print to. See the talk I gave at the General Meeting in March at http://tinyurl.com/yce3g6qa

Use Uninstall to see what you just installed. When we download programs from the Internet we may get more than we clicked on. You install program A and then fine a new toolbar on your browser and even some extra programs that came along with the one you wanted. It is a good idea to check what programs were installed using the tools available in Windows 10 to do so. Do it just after the install. You can see what else installed and uninstall them before they do any damage.

To check goto to Settings > Apps > Apps & Features. Then sort by install date.

Look at the recently installed programs. See one the was installed on the same date as the one you wanted? Click it and choose uninstall.

1803 Spring Edition soon. Read this somewhere: “Windows 10" is the brand name, it used to be "Windows". So, "Windows 10" is not a version, it is the brand name. So, 1803 is the next version of the "Windows 10" brand.

And it makes sense. There will always be Windows 10. Window graduated from Window 95 to Window 98… to Vista and 7 and then 8. Now we have Windows 10 1511... to 1709 to 1803 and beyond.


How to restore from an image backup. The full set of instructions for Macrium are on the Club’s home page: http://tinyurl.com/ydex5bnl

In Google Chrome, Ctrl+Shift+B turn shortcut bar on and off. The shortcut bar displays a list of the website you desire quick access to like your Mail, Facebook, Bank, etc

Google Duo (like facetime on iPhone). Simple, high quality video calls for Android and iOS.
https://duo.google.com/

I have been talking about Google Photos for some time. Simply stated as a Google account holder (free) you have 15gb of free space on their cloud and access to Google Drive to upload files. Photos allows you to upload your photos from your PC and directly from your cell phone using their app to your Google Drive. Not only can you place your files in their cloud but the files do not take any space away from your 15gb of allowed data. Photos stores all your images no matter how many free. Access them at photos.google.com by signing in to your google account. I have written about this many times. Check one of the articles here: http://tinyurl.com/ycb9p4qx


Get camelcamelcamel.com functionality in your web browser. Click on the Camel icon in your address bar to see historical pricing data or setup watches and get an email when the price drops.
http://tinyurl.com/pl39ezv

Scanner for me to scan from your iPhone. It is a handy two-in-one app that turns your device into a multifunctional office tool: scan, edit, organize, print and share your docs in a tap!
http://tinyurl.com/y9elllmb

Honey automatically applies the best coupon code at checkout. Never search for a code again.

Sync Amazon ‘Saved for Later’ to your Droplist! Got your eye on something but don't want to overpay? Add it to your Droplist and we'll email you when the price drops.
http://tinyurl.com/y8ubbob8

In addition to my own research, I want to give thanks to Harold at the Club, Ghacks.net Newsletter, AskLeo, and DavesComputerTips.com for the useful ideas we take a look at each week.

Friday, March 2, 2018

Class Notes 3-1-2018

Backups are only necessary after you have a hard disk crash or lose an important file. It is like car insurance. You need it after the accident but you can’t purchase it then. You have to be proactive and get it just in case. Same with your computer. Back it up regularly. I suggest once a week or at least once a month. Some might do it every might as the last action before bed. Then you have a fresh copy of everything every day. If the hard drive crashes, and it is just a matter of time, you can rebuild to the point of that last backup. The club recommends either Macrium Reflect or EaseUS. Both are free and available on the club website as a link. Detail instructions for Reflect is on the club home page as well. These program create an image of your hard drive so if your hard drive fails you can purchase a new one and restore your computer back to the date of the most recent backup.

Create Restore Points before any major updates or even on a schedule. Perhaps create one at the beginning of each week or maybe before you run the maintenance programs each week or before your image backup. These restore points allow your system to be reset back to that point in time without removing and data.

In the “Type here to seach” box, type restore. Then click above on Creat a restore point.



In the bottom right of the Systems Properties > System protections screen, click Create




In the text box, type a description of why you are creating it… Like before Reflect backup. Then click Create. It may takes a few minutes to finish.



When finished click Close, then OK

Use the Start Menu as your desktop shortcuts. Filling your desktop with many many items does not make you job easier. Have all your programs accessible on the Start Menu instead of th desktop. Remove from your Start Menu all the program blocks you do not use. Then to open a program just click the Start Button and click the appropriate box. If you have a few programs that are used often pin them to the taskbar for one click access.

Browsers vs Search Engines. There seems to be a confusion among many about the two. A browser is a program that take the cryptic code off the Internet and translates it into the graphic displays we are used to on our screens. Here are some popular browsers: Google Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Internet Explorer (soon to be retired), Edge, Dogpile, and more. A search engine is a program that runs in any browser to search for something on the web. Here are some popular search engines: Google, Bing, MSN, Ask, Yahoo, and more.

Ctrl+Enter after typing domain name will add the www. and the .com. For example, in your browser, in the address bar, enter the word google. Then hold down the Ctrl key and tap Enter. What you had typed is now www.google.com


How to add the AdBlock extension in Google Chrome.
  1. Open Google Chrome
  2. Click the menu button (3 dots in upper right)
  3. Select More tools > Extensions
  4. Scroll to the bottom and click Get more extensions
  5. Type adblock and press Enter
  6. Locate AdBlock and click Add to Chrome
You now have the adblocker running and will no longer be plagued with a bunch of ads on most pages.

How to search our blog. Open http://dickevanstraining.blogspot.com/

Enter the subject matter you would like to locate and click Search

Gibson Haystack allows you a place to check your passwords to see how easy they might be to hack. Enter you password and see the amount of time it would take for someone to guess it.
http://tinyurl.com/44x8csm

Passwords are a necessity and a pain because we have so many. Instead of having to keep a long list why not have one your will never forget? 

Let’s create a password for Amazon.com.
  1. Start with a uppercase A
  2. Add the first three letter of your fathers name
  3. Add a special character (perhaps a $)
  4. Add the first three letters of your mothers name
  5. Add the last to numbers of your birthdate (I will use 36 as an example)
  6. Add the last letter of Amazon, lowercase
It looks like this now: Afff$mmm36n

So a password for Comcast would be Cfff$mmm36t

For your Microsoft account it would be Mfff$mmm36t

All you have to remember is the middle portion and you know every password you need.

What is Kodi? Kodi is free, open-source software designed specifically with home entertainment in mind – and it's perfect if you're a fan of movies, sports, films and TV shows. There are many YouTube videos showing how to set it up on your PC, on a Firestick, and other devices. Simply put, as long as you have Internet access you can cut the cable and watch pretty much everything.



Click the following link to see all the past notes that contained info on Kodi. Then Ctrl+F and type Kodi. All the words Kodi will now be highlighted and easy to locate.
http://tinyurl.com/yatgumyb