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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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, 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 […]
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: 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: 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: 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: 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? 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: 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: 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… 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: 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 […]
iPhone Battery: a reader asks… My ongoing saga with my iPhone 6 has been bumming me out for awhile. Back in October 2016 it started showing problems, draining very quickly. Like instantly from 62% to 2% and then shutting off. Plug it in before it shuts off and it jumps back up to 55%, again instantly. I contacted the genius bar online and they had me reset my iPhone back to factory and then restore my latest iCloud backup. That […]
Switch email: a reader asks… I’ve been using email for a lot of years, and never bothered to switch email addresses when I switched internet service providers. I’ve been hesitant because it’s so hard to do. I tried getting an outlook.com email account, but forgot the password and can’t get back into that account (I never setup an alternate way for the forgotten password feature to reach me). I’m ready to try again, but have two requirements: one, I don’t […]
Tech Support Scam: a reader asks… I opened my computer to discover some audio playing that warns me my computer is infected, and to call a number. It sounds very serious. What should I do? I can’t seem to stop it from happening, even after I restart my computer. It’s also opening a bunch of Edge windows that I can’t shut down and popups. I use Windows 10 with Malwarebytes 3.0 Premium. First things first, DO NOT call the number! […]
Ransomware on the rise: a reader asks… I’m worried about a ransomware attack on my home computer after reading how many people are getting attacked this way. How can I best protect my computer? First let me say that a home computer has been much less likely to be targeted than business computers in the past. Going forward, I think it’s safe to say that any computer is at risk, as these type of attacks are most often received as […]
iMac Questions: a reader asks… I recently switched from Windows PC to a new iMac. Can you answer these questions? 1) Can I get the time to always be visible at the top of the display? 2) I enlarged iTunes (accidentally) to fill the whole screen, but I cannot figure out how to make it smaller. 3) How do I add to favorites? For your first question, the time should always be visible at the top-right corner of the screen. […]
Window Zoom: a reader asks… I’m new to computers, so sorry for the basic questions. I have Windows 10 and use the Edge web browser. Some webpages are really hard to see. Is there a way to magnify them quickly? Zooming the magnification level on Edge windows open on your PC is very easy. Near the top-right of your Edge window you’ll see some icons – click on the right-most one that is three dots placed horizontally. That’s called an […]
Safe Digital Life: It’s time to refresh my recommendations on how to keep yourself safe when using consumer technology. Specifically, computers (Mac and PC), smartphones and tablets, online services, websites and apps. It doesn’t matter which type of computer, tablet or smartphone you use, you need to take steps to make sure you and your personal information are kept safe from prying eyes and hackers hands. I encourage you to take a look at my more detailed Safe Computing Practices […]
CIA Hacks: a reader asks… In light of the recent Wikileaks news of all those CIA hacking tools, do I need to change what I do? I have an always-updated Windows 10 computer with the built-in antivirus, Malwarebytes 3.0, and I use LastPass for password management with a very long master password that I have memorized. I don’t connect to free wi-fi hotspots and don’t use my computer out of the house. My home wi-fi is Verizon FIOS and has […]
"I'm all about helping you deal with our 21st century high-tech digital world so you can enjoy a healthy and secure digital life!"
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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