Practical Help Library – Page 21 – Practical Help for Your Digital Life®

Practical Help Library

Fake claim: Bose Spyphones

May 5, 2017

Fake claim: Bose Spyphones: a reader asks… I have a pair of Bose headphones which I use on airplanes for blessed silence while in-flight. I recently read about my headphones spying on me (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-switch/wp/2017/04/19/bose-headphones-have-been-spying-on-their-customers-lawsuit-claims/?utm_term=.014275e2a6c7). Do I need to worry? Umm, no. I’m calling that article and others like it ‘clickbait’. The title reads falsely. Your Bose headphones have no capability to do any spying on you. All they can do is cut ambient noise down, and when connected to your […]
Time Capsule Not Working

May 4, 2017

Time Capsule Not Working: a reader asks… I have several older Macbook Air computers at home in the family, and I also bought a Time Capsule so they’d all automatically back up with the Time Machine app. I just checked, and none of the Macs are backing up, they say they can’t. I have Time Machine turned on and the Time Capsule is powered on and connected to my home network. What can I do to get Time Machine working […]
Mac First Aid

May 3, 2017

Mac First Aid: a reader asks… My Mac is not working correctly, I’m getting some odd errors, such as apps that won’t quit, shutdown problems, and generally slow operation. Is there anything I can do to quickly get it back up and running normally? I am running Sierra on my 2-year-old Macbook Pro. Fortunately, MacOS has a nifty utility that you can run, called “First Aid”. Older versions of OS X (the Mac operating system before the current ‘Sierra’ version) […]
My Computer’s folders

May 2, 2017

My Computer’s folders: a reader asks… I have two Windows 10 computers and am worried about losing my personal files. I would also like for them to have the same exact files in the personal folders, and keep them synchronized. Is there an easy way for me to have all my personal files automatically backed up to the cloud? I use Dropbox and have plenty of space for the files, but I don’t want to have to copy everything from […]
Lotsa Favorites

May 1, 2017

Lotsa Favorites: a reader asks… I have a PC with Windows 10 and I’ve noticed a problem. My Favorites folder keeps filling up with tons of duplicate folders. They’re all empty. I keep deleting them but they come back. This is maddening and it’s clogging up my computer – I don’t even use Internet Explorer favorites! It’s a mystery, can you solve it? Actually I can. You also have iCloud installed on your PC, and in the iCloud control panel […]
Logitech Mouse

April 28, 2017

Logitech Mouse: a reader asks… I just bought a new Logitech MX Master mouse for my Windows 10 computer. There’s really no manual in the box, but there’s a pictograph on the cover telling me how to set it up. I followed that and it works ok. But the last step (step 5) says to go to www.logitech.com/mxmaster/setup. I did that but got a ‘page not found’ error. What should I do now? Fortunately for you, your mouse will work […]
FIOS Remote

April 27, 2017

FIOS Remote: a reader asks… I have a simple question. The remote that came with my FIOS service has two buttons, one for TV and one for the STB (FIOS box). It came with a printed manual that I can’t make sense of. How can I get my FIOS remote to turn my TV on and off, and control the volume of the TV speakers? My TV is a Samsung 40″ flatscreen TV that’s about 4 years old, model LN40C630K1F. […]
Mac to PC with iPhone

April 26, 2017

Mac to PC with iPhone: a reader asks… I’m moving from a Mac to a PC. I use Gmail and Google Chrome, and I have an iPhone. What do I need to do to move over my iTunes library? I have iTunes Match and a lot of music in iTunes, both albums I’ve ripped and music I bought from the iTunes Store. It’s all backed up to iCloud. With iTunes syncing to iCloud (and iTunes Match covering most/all your ripped […]
Kids disabled my iPhone

April 25, 2017

Kids disabled my iPhone: a reader asks… We have an old iphone6 left around the house after a previous upgrade. We use it to let the kids play music, take pics and play some of their games. Some how, sometime in the last couple days a passcode has been entered and it is now saying it has been “disabled”. I’m assuming one of the kids has been trying to play. I know my active line just did an update but I […]
Win10 Setup

April 24, 2017

Win10 Setup: a reader asks… I just got a new Windows 10 computer and am about to power it on for the first time. Can you run me through the initial setup screens so I set it up right? Sure! The first screen you’ll see will ask you where you are, what language you use, what keyboard version to use and what time zone you are in. That’s all pretty straightforward, you want to answer these questions, then click the […]
Poor Eyesight

April 21, 2017

Poor Eyesight: a reader asks… I am a senior who’s eyesight is failing. I have recently switched from a laptop computer to an iPad. I’m getting used to it, but the one thing that’s bothering me is the darn size of everything on the iPad – it’s so small! Is there a way to make things bigger, some sort of controls I can turn on and off when I need them? Absolutely! On the iPad, tap the Settings icon, and […]
Connecting Wires

April 20, 2017

Connecting Wires: a reader asks… Can you give me a quick rundown of the types of wires, jacks, and ports I might encounter using personal computers, home networking equipment, home theater systems and smartphones? I have a box full of various cables and such and am not sure what goes with what. I’m going to assume you’re in the US, so I won’t cover international power plug options. If you want more info on those, you can look through http://www.iec.ch/worldplugs/list_bylocation.htm for […]
Protect Win on Mac

April 19, 2017

Protect Win on Mac: a reader asks… I have an iMac with Parallels and Windows 10. I only use Windows for a few programs that aren’t available (or suitable versions) for Mac. Do I need to add your recommended Bitdefender and Malwarebytes on my Windows installation? As long as you’re limiting your use of Windows 10 to a few applications and not using it to surf the web, you should be adequately protected by the built-in Windows Defender for Windows […]
Don’t Answer

April 18, 2017

Don’t Answer: a reader asks… My phone is now ringing several times a day for seemingly no reason. Sometimes there’s a voice at the other end, and sometimes it just rings one to three times and then stops. For the hangup calls, whatever you do, don’t call back the number that called you – this is a scam! Creative scammers have discovered that they can use a robo-caller to dial random numbers, ring once and hang up. When someone calls […]
Scam Email Word Doc

April 17, 2017

Scam Email Word Doc: a reader asks… I recently received an email from someone I don’t know who sent me a Word document for something he says I asked for. I’m not sure what to do. I have Outlook and saw the note in my preview window but haven’t opened the email yet. What should I do? Do not pass Go, delete the email without opening it or the file attachment. Scammers and hackers are constantly finding new and creative […]
Print Queue Full

April 14, 2017

Print Queue Full: a reader asks… I have a Windows 7 computer and an HP Envy printer. Yesterday I had a printer jam which took me a long time to fix. I had a lot of documents queued up to print and of course, they aren’t printing. Of course I’m under the gun trying to print tax return documents. I’ve tried sending new print jobs to the printer but nothing prints. I have pressed all possible icons and can’t find that […]
iPhone Mount

April 13, 2017

iPhone Mount: a reader asks… I have an iPhone that I’d like to have handy in my car. I’ve tried those airvent thingies but I don’t like them. Do you have a solution you recommend? Actually, I’ve been using the Steelie car mounting kit (you can get it on Amazon or direct from Nite Ize at https://www.niteize.com/product/Steelie-FreeMount-Car-Kit.asp) for several years now. Using 3M adhesive rings, you attach a strong magnet (sort of a flat donut shape) to the back of your […]
Office365 +5

April 12, 2017

Office365 +5: a reader asks… I have a 5-user MS Office 365 subscription but I have more than 5 computers. Is there a way to use it on more than 5 computers? Officially, Microsoft only sells the Home and Premium subscriptions for up to five computers, so you’ll have to buy another Office subscription for the other computers. Or act like a business and buy with volume licensing. Unofficially, there is a way, but it can be a little extra […]
Turntable with Sonos

April 11, 2017

Turntable with Sonos: a reader asks… I have an old turntable that was part of a home stereo system (maybe 20 years old). I also have a Sonos music system with a Sonos Connect and a few Play 3 and 5 speakers. Two questions: First, how can I hookup my turntable so I can play my vinyl collection through the Sonos, and second, I want to expand my speakers to all the rooms of my house – do I need […]
To VPN or Not to VPN

April 10, 2017

To VPN or Not to VPN, that is the question: a reader asks… Quick question for you: Should I get VPN service for any/all my devices? I’ve seen a few offers online for lifetime VPN service for a one-time cost. The short answer is that at this point, most US consumers shouldn’t switch to a VPN. Congress recently passed and the President signed a resolution to repeal Obama-era FCC rules that were intended to protect consumers from privacy invasions. Specifically, the rule […]
Verizon email to AOL

April 7, 2017

A reader asks… I recently received an email from Verizon telling me my email account was being discontinued (I use Verizon webmail). I was given a choice of moving to AOL or another email service. I’m not sure what to do. If you use a verizon email account for your primary email, then yes, it’s time you switched, because Verizon is ditching its branded email service. Years ago, Verizon bought AOL and so for years the company has been supporting […]
LastPass Worries

April 6, 2017

LastPass Worries: a reader asks… I use your recommended LastPass password manager. Do I need to worry about security vulnerabilities? I read that several security vulnerabilities were discovered with LastPass. Should I switch to another password manager? LastPass advised users of an existing potential vulnerability via their blog. While the threat is pretty obscure, it is possible for you to inadvertently allow your account to be compromised. LastPass is working on a permanent fix, but in the meantime advises folks […]
Tunes on the Go

April 5, 2017

Tunes on the Go: a reader asks… I am just getting into listening to music. I have a Mac, a Windows PC, an iPhone and an Android smartphone (between me and my spouse). I’m a bit overwhelmed with all the choices in getting and listening to music. Can you give me some advice for something we both can share and use? We want to be able to listen to music on any of our computers or smartphones, and also want […]
Win10-2 things for recovery

April 4, 2017

Win10-2 things for recovery: a reader asks… I have a Windows 10 computer, and I want to make sure I can recover from a disaster. I have File History turned on, backing up to an external hard drive. Is that enough? Not quite. You need two more things in order to be ready to recover from a disaster. Such as a hard drive crashing. Thing One is a System Recovery USB thumbdrive. That’s what you can insert into your computer […]
Microsoft account for Win10

April 3, 2017

Microsoft account for Win10: a reader asks… I recently got a new Windows 10 computer. When I was setting it up, it asked me to create a Microsoft account which I did. Now everytime I restart the computer I have to sign into that account with the online password – just to use Windows. Is there a way to streamline this? With Windows 10, Microsoft is pushing everybody to create a linked user account on their computer – linked to […]
Location Request?

March 31, 2017

Location Request? a reader asks… I’ve noticed that lately my web browser (Google Chrome) is giving me a popup it never used to. When I visit sites, the popup asks me if I want to share my location with the website. I get that for using mapping websites like google maps and mapquest, but no other website should be asking for my location! Can I turn that off? Also, some sites I visit display an annoying popup asking me if […]
Internet Nanny

March 30, 2017

Internet Nanny: a reader asks… I have an 8-year-old who’s wanting to use the computer. We only have one computer in the house. What’s the best way I can make sure my child doesn’t visit the seamier parts of the internet? One word: supervision. As in yours – you looking over their shoulder while they use the computer. That is really the only way you can make sure they stay safe. There are tons of software programs out there that […]
More secure surfing

March 29, 2017

More secure surfing: a reader asks… I use the Google Chrome web browser, and will sometimes use an Incognito window when I’m visiting someplace where I don’t want them to track me. What else should I do to protect my surfing privacy online? First off, using Incognito Mode (InPrivate window for MS Edge/IE, Private window for Firefox), doesn’t hide you from websites you visit. All Incognito Mode does is prevent Google from saving your site visit activity on your computer. When […]
AirPods vs…

March 28, 2017

AirPods vs… a reader asks… I’m considering getting a pair of Airpods to work with my iPhone 7 Plus, my iPad Pro, and my Macbook Pro. The order-to-deliver time is very long though. Is there a better alternative? For you, I’d say wait it out. Order your $159 Airpods and sit back. If you want to possibly shorten the time, give http://fruit-basket.surge.sh/ a try – you can plug in your zip code and distance you’re willing to travel. That website will […]
Alexa Tip

March 27, 2017

Alexa Tip: a reader asks… I bought an Amazon Echo and put it in my family room open to the kitchen. I can call on Alexa from either room and she’s good about responding. I also have a Firestick on my Family Room TV. Can the two Alexa’s talk to each other? I’d like to get the Echo to turn on the TV, change channels on my cable box and switch to the Firestick by voice command. No, or rather […]

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Hi! I'm Chris Gardner, Your Tech Coach giving you Practical Help for Your Digital Life® since 1996. My job is to translate geek-speak into clear and concise advice and give you easy-to-understand how-to's and instructions about your consumer technology products and services.

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