Computer Class Notes 12-24-2020

View the class at: https://tinyurl.com/yazhgxk7 





Messenger Rooms
Facebook Messenger Rooms, also known as Messenger Rooms, is a video conferencing feature of Facebook Messenger. It allows users to add up to 50 people at a time. Messenger Rooms does not require a Facebook account. (from Wikipedia)
https://www.messenger.com/rooms

Send or Share
The choices in Facebook as to SEND or SHARE has to do with the settings. As I understand it, in settings, change so only friends can see what you post and then the available options for others will be to SEND and not SHARE.

How to Pause Updates on Windows 10
Windows 10 automatically downloads and installs updates as they become available. To stop this, you can “pause” updates for up to 35 days in just a few clicks—even on Windows 10 Home. Here’s what you need to know about pausing Windows Update.
https://tinyurl.com/yayagk3s

14 Ways to Make Windows 10 Faster and Improve Performance
It's not hard to make Windows 10 faster. Here are several methods to improve the speed and performance of Windows 10.
https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/windows-10-faster-performance/

Chrome Startup Setting



Type this in the address bar of Chrome

chrome://settings/onStartup

Or open Menu (three dots) > Settings > On startup

Create encrypted documents with Crypto Notepad
Storing sensitive data in plain text documents is never a good idea. You never know what could happen if it falls in the wrong hands. Crypto Notepad is a text editor that can encrypt your documents, and protect them from unauthorized access.
https://tinyurl.com/y3gwd673

SafeHouse Explorer
One password to open each safehouse safe. You create the safes.
SafeHouse Explorer is a software that requires less storage space than most programs in the category Security software. It's very heavily used in some countries such as Brazil, United Kingdom, and United States.Since we added this program to our catalog in 2011, it has already reached 30,036 downloads, and last week it achieved 4 downloads.SafeHouse Explorer is available for users with the operating system Windows 2000 and previous versions, and you can get it in English. Its current version is 3.01 and was updated on 6/27/201
https://safehouse-explorer.en.softonic.com/

Scan multiple photos at once with AutoSplitter photo scanning software
This multiple photo scanning software will automatically crop your scan of several images. Place as many photos on your flatbed scanner as you can fit and scan - this software will automatically detect individual photos from the scan and will divide the image. Photos will be straightened and saved into separate image files. Scan all your family photos quickly. Multiple baseball cards, postcards, and other rectangular prints can also be scanned efficiently at once.
https://tinyurl.com/yyh2yhhp

Your PHONE is an awesome WEBCAM!
iVCam turns your Phone/Pad into an HD webcam for Windows PC, which has much better quality than most webcams and is compatible with all webcam-enabled applications. Replace your USB webcam or integrated webcam now with your Phone/Pad! It’s also a perfect baby monitor, spy-cam, security camera, and pet-cam.
Download the software https://tinyurl.com/y3ace5hj
Connect vis USB https://tinyurl.com/yyhcerds
Use with Zoom https://tinyurl.com/y6yuwcvx
Video explaining how to set up and use https://youtu.be/SNEYrWH3sME 

Handypad Is A Freeware Text Editor
HandyPad is a freeware offline text editor that autosaves the content of the document as you type. It has a very minimal design with the interface just having an editor pane and a menu bar. To start using HandyPad, just type the text in the editor pane.
https://tinyurl.com/y76cj78l



Anotepad
aNotepad is exactly the way a notepad should be. It’s fast, hassle-free and has a built-in rich text editor for more advanced formatting needs. It’s completely free and even allows you to create an account just in case you’d like to save your notes or keep them private on the cloud.
https://anotepad.com/

Stop The Indexing Of Files To Search
This is useful on older computers to stop indexing and speed up your computer by not running this in the background.

Win+E to open File Explorer > This PC



Right-click



Click Properties



Uncheck “Allow files on…” to stop indexing

File Explorer Navigation Pane Missing



Click the View tab



Click Navigation pane



Click “Navigation pane”

The Navigation pane appears to the left of the Frequent folders list

Computer Class Notes 12-17-2020

Watch Video here: https://tinyurl.com/y8fokkq7



A QR code is a type of matrix barcode first designed in 1994 for the automotive industry in Japan. To read the contents of a QR code you need to have a QR reader app on your cell phone.



A barcode is a machine-readable optical label that contains information about the item to which it is attached. Like with the QR co.de, you need an app on your cell phone to read the barcode. The Sam’s Club and the Walmart apps each include bar code readers.

IrfanView
IrfanView is an image viewer, editor, organizer, and converter program for Microsoft Windows. It can also play video and audio files and has some image creation and painting capabilities. This is a freeware image editor and viewer. I have used it to display a series of pictures as a looping slideshow. You can use it to resize those large pictures as well. It has many features including editing your image by cutting, enhancing the color, converting to B&W, and more. Even a way to resize one or a group of images. It is available on the Ninite list of programs.

Paint To Add Captions
You can use IrfanView to add captions to a picture. However, I find the simplest way is to use Microsoft Paint.

Win+R > Paint

Use the A in the Tools group. Draw a box where you would like to see a caption and type away. You can change the font, size, and color.



I like to increase the size of the background (the white box) so I have an area below the image and use it to show the caption.

Some Windows 10 updates will soon be force installed
Later this month, Microsoft will begin to forcibly install Windows 10 updates on devices running certain outdated versions of the operating system. In light of the fact, Windows 10 version 1903 has already reached the end of service, the remaining users will be automatically updated to version 1909, whether they like it or not.
https://tinyurl.com/y42ogxaw

How to Use the Built-In Stocks Feature in Microsoft Excel
If you need stock market data for your spreadsheet, you can save time and get up-to-date information with the built-in Stocks data type in Microsoft Excel. Here’s how to populate your sheet with details like ticker symbols, market caps, previous close, and more.
https://tinyurl.com/y4g2n2nz


Stock Connector add in to Excel
Stock Connector lets you link stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, currencies, and cryptocurrencies to cells in your spreadsheets and refreshes them automatically.
https://tinyurl.com/y8puf325

Extract an Icon from a Windows EXE File
Sometimes you’re working on a project and need access to a high-quality version of a Windows 10 application icon, but you can’t find one on the internet. Luckily, a free utility called IconViewer makes it easy to extract a high-quality icon from an application’s EXE file. Here’s how.
https://tinyurl.com/y5wg9bfg 

Windows PowerToys

• PowerToys for Windows 10 includes the following utilities:
• Color Picker is a tool for HEX and RGB color identification.
• FancyZones creates a window manager that makes it easier to build complex window layouts.
• File Explorer Preview adds Scalable Vector Graphics and Markdown previews to File Explorer.
• Image Resizer puts an image-resizing option into the File Explorer context menus.
• Keyboard Manager adds options for remapping keys and shortcuts.
• PowerRename is a tool for bulk file renaming in File Explorer via search-and-replace or regular expressions.
• PowerToys Run is a powerful search tool. Use it to find folders, files, applications, and other items.
• Shortcut Guide pops up an overlay screen of Windows-key shortcuts for as long as the Winkey is pressed and held.

https://tinyurl.com/yykw2yd3

About Passwords
On my iPhone, all I have to do is ask Siri to “Show me my passwords” and a list of all saved passwords appears after I answer the security question.

In Google Chrome, on my Android phone, or my computer, I open the menu (three dots) and select Settings > Passwords to view a list of saved passwords

Computer Class Notes 12-10-2020

View video here: https://tinyurl.com/yxqt9ns5

Faxing
How do I fax from My HP ENVY Printer if it doesn't have a Phone Line Connection?

I have always use jConnect which has joined forces with eFax - the world leader in online faxing! Here is what you get:

• A local or toll-free fax number to suit your needs
• Convenient sending and receiving of faxes online or via email
• The ability to sign your faxes digitally using a free mobile app

https://www.jconnect.com/

Here is another Free Fax Service. In the free plan, you can send up to 10 pages. If you are planning on sending more pages, the rate can be as low as $0.03 per extra page.
FAX.PLUS plans

Find Text Inside
Office Search is a specialized open-source search tool for Microsoft Windows devices that are designed to find text that you specify in Office and text documents.
https://tinyurl.com/yyxmkb8q



Win+E > Click a folder > View > Options > Change… > Search
And place a checkmark next to Always search...

What is Meet Now in Windows 10
If you are running a recent version of Microsoft's Windows 10 operating system, you may have noticed the new Meet Now taskbar icon that the company added in October 2020 ...
https://tinyurl.com/yysl8p7u

Can Websites See Your Physical Location?
If you really want to hide your physical location from a website, you can use a VPN (a virtual private network) Or, for additional privacy at the cost of speed, use Tor. When you access a website through a VPN, you connect directly to the VPN server, and the VPN server connects to the website on your behalf. It functions as a middleman, passing traffic back and forth.
https://tinyurl.com/y3f52l55

Why Aren’t Viruses a Problem on Chrome OS?
Chrome OS has a reputation for being virus-proof. Google likes to boast about how secure its operating system is compared to others. Are Chromebooks really immune to viruses, though? And, if so, how do they achieve this? Allow us to explain.
https://tinyurl.com/y278wj8c

The New Windows Terminal
Microsoft’s new Windows Terminal is finally stable. Windows finally has a more modern terminal environment including features like tabs, split panes, multiple session types, and settings that let you configure everything from keyboard shortcuts to animated GIF backgrounds.
https://tinyurl.com/yag6btow

ShareMouse
With ShareMouse you can share your mouse and keyboard between two computers and easily transfer files. ShareMouse not only works between Windows 10 computers but also between Microsoft Windows 10 and/or Apple macOS 10.13-10.15 and can be used with up to 9 computers. You can copy files from one to the other using drag and drop. Simply put, you control two (or more with the paid version) with one keyboard/mouse and can copy between computers.

"ShareMouse Free" is free-of-charge to all users except Power and Professional Users. The demo version allows you to use all features free for 30 minutes. After that the free version only allows you to use your keyboard/mouse to control two computers. Restart for an additional free 30 minutes of the demo.

• A minimum of two computers is required.
• Each computer must have its own monitor.
• All computers must be connected to the local network.

Pricing https://www.sharemouse.com/shop/
Good video here https://youtu.be/veKYkc_u7hc
Download here https://tinyurl.com/y2yd2auu

Chromebooks Are Better Than Windows Laptops
Despite all the growth they’ve made in the last few years, Chromebooks still get a bad rap or are often thought of as “just a browser.” That couldn’t be further from the truth, especially now. In fact, there are several ways that Chromebooks are actually better than Windows laptops for many users.
https://tinyurl.com/yxuuhjog

Print From Cannon Tablet
Download the print Service app for the printer manufacturer
Then you should have the capability to print

Printing Using Canon Print Service

• Make sure the printer is on
• Load paper
• Perform operation for printing in the application. The operation procedure varies depending on the application
• Select “printer” in the application
• Specify the number of copies, paper size, and other settings as needed
• Start printing

Cheap Ink

https://tinyurl.com/y3wphhga

Creating A Christmas Card
I demonstrated how to create a simple eCard using Google Docs. Using Google Seach we located potential images and chose one to use. Then I searched for “greetings” and found this one https://tinyurl.com/yxuvce9o which has many simple greetings to use.

Then we added a simple salutation and using Shift+Win+S to select the entire card area and created an image file to be used to email, post on Facebook, text, etc.

Computer Class Notes 12-3-2020

View video of the class https://tinyurl.com/yxgqqqsu

Useful Windows Stuff Evans December 2020 Presentation

VPN?
Please outline what is and what are the advantages of a Virtual Private Network and how to get one.

If you really want to hide your physical location from a website, you can use a VPN (virtual private network) Or, for additional privacy at the cost of speed, use Tor.

When you access a website through a VPN, you connect directly to the VPN server, and the VPN server connects to the website on your behalf. It functions as a middleman, passing traffic back and forth.

Tech For Seniors (A recap from Donna)

1. Microsoft revenue was $38 billion last quarter, mostly from web-based platforms. Windows usage has steadily dropped in the last five years. Europeans are moving to Linux. And something coming up which may affect Windows is the new Macbook Air.

2. A former hacker known as Mudge has been hired as Twitters' new head of security. He has been used often to hack into systems to prove their vulnerabilities with Microsoft being one of his largest clients.

3. Tik Toc has added more parental controls. Previously guardians could just set time limits, content, and chat use, now they can also limit the comments on their children's posts and can turn off the search function for certain contents and hashtags.

4. High-end laptops now come with facial recognition.

5. The Brave browser is fast and blocks tracking.

6. Driveandlisten.herokuapp.com and you can see yourself driving through another country and listen to the local music

7. PC magazine has voted Audacity the best free software of 2020. (Hewie demonstrated the use of Audacity).

Entertain Your Brain
MindBounce is where you come if you have an appetite for the smart, the fun, or the weird. Whether you’re into history, science, literature, language, tech, or sports, you’ll find it all here in the form of feature articles, trivia questions, and fun facts.
https://www.mindbounce.com/

Should You Ditch Streaming?
Streaming video was supposed to save us from the wicked grasp of cable TV. But as prices rise and streaming selections fall, it’s getting hard to justify the frustrating, expensive streaming experience that comes along with being a cord cutter. People subscribed to services like YouTube TV could actually save money and get more channels with a cable subscription. But is going back really worth it?
https://tinyurl.com/y3vetawy

Chrome 87 launches
Google published Chrome 87 Stable to the public on November 17, 2020. The new version of the company's Chrome web browser is a security and feature update. The update is available already, and while Google rolls it out over time, users on the desktop may run a manual check for updates to get it right away.
https://tinyurl.com/y2tqrlvg

Master Windows 10’s Alt+Tab Switcher
Alt+Tab lets you switch between open windows, but there’s more to it than that. The Alt+Tab switcher has other useful-but-hidden keyboard shortcuts. These tips apply to both Windows 10 and 7.
https://tinyurl.com/y5emwjtx

The MultCloud service is like an online version of Windows Explorer and provides access to multiple cloud storage services in one place. It eliminates the need to visit multiple websites or install several client apps to access all of your files. If you want to copy files from Google Drive to Dropbox, or from OneDrive to Amazon S3, or you just like the idea of browsing all of your accounts in a single browser tab, MultCloud lets you do it.
https://www.multcloud.com/

PosterMyWall simplifies graphic design for marketers and businesses. Easily create stunning promotional flyers, posters, social media graphics, and videos. It is free to use their site and to create an account. They offer free basic quality image downloads. You only pay if you need a high-resolution file of your design. ... PosterMyWall's easy to use online editor lets anyone customize thousands of beautiful image and video templates in our gallery.
https://www.postermywall.com/

Printing Emails
We demonstrated 3 ways to print an email.

Open the email

1. Click the printer icon or tap the P key on the keyboard
The content of the email will print

2. Ctrl+P brings up the print dialog box and everything on the screen will
Be printed

3. Select the portion you want to print. Then Ctrl+P and choose the print selection option. Only what you have selected will print.

Adobe

Edge

When printing a PDF be sure to scroll down in the settings window in Adobe and “shrink oversized pages” or in Edge “Fit to printable area”

Delete From Desktop
The question asked was “If I delete something from my desktop is it still on my computer?” The answer was yes and no!

If it is a shortcut it will have an arrow and when deleted will not delete anything but the icon on the desktop. The data accessed with the shortcut will still remain on the hard drive.

If it is not a shortcut (no arrow) then it is the data and it will be removed from the desktop and therefore the hard drive completely.

Run Defender
Windows 10 Defender is running in the background all the time as long as you have not installed some other anti-virus application.


To access Defender to run a quick scan: Win+I > Update & Security > Windows Security > OpenWindows Security > Quick scan