Interesting Internet Finds
By Steve Costello
scostello (at) sefcug.com
While going through more than 300 RSS feeds, I often run across things I think might be of interest to other user group members.
The following are some more items I found interesting during January 2019
Crank Your Password Strength Up to 11!
https://askleo.com/crank-your-password-strength-up-to-11/
Leo explains the current password strength recommendations. As you can probably tell from the post title, the most important one is the length of the password.
Using Macrium Reflect Boot Media
https://www.tweakhound.com/2019/01/24/using-macrium-reflect-boot-media/
This post explains how and why the author only uses boot media (USB in his case) to make operations system backups. Editor’s Note: I use Macrium Reflect with the desktop application. But, after reading this am going to start using boot media instead.
How Do I Know When to Repair or Replace My Computer?
https://www.askdavetaylor.com/know-when-repair-or-replace-computer/
This is a common question regardless the operating system. Dave provides some basic answers depending upon the reason.
A reader asks: “What do I do with the USB drive that I found in a department-store changing room?”
Fred Langa answers this question with four choices. If you should happen to find a USB drive and don’t know what you should do refer to this post for options. Note: This has happened to me and I have taken it to the front office in case someone realizes they lost it they can get it back.
Why Use A VPN At Home On Your Windows PC
https://reviews.thewindowsclub.com/why-use-vpn-windows
Do you use a VPN on your Windows PC at home? I do. If you don’t, check out this post for reasons you should too.
How to Get In-Ear Headphones to Fit Properly
https://www.techlicious.com/how-to/tips-for-getting-in-ear-headphones-to-fit-properly/
Have problems getting your in ear headphones to fit properly? If like me you sometimes have a problem with this, check out this post.
I Cut Google Out Of My Life. It Screwed Up Everything
https://gizmodo.com/i-cut-google-out-of-my-life-it-screwed-up-everything-1830565500
This post emphasizes how dependent we are on Google in our internet life. This post is included just because I found it very interesting. Note: I regularly use Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Photos, the Chrome browser, and many other Google items, so this is not because this is a Google bashing thing.
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The following are some items I found interesting during the month of February 2019.
What is Google Voice and How Do I Use it?
https://www.groovypost.com/howto/what-is-google-voice-how-to-use/
I have been using Google Voice for years and am always surprised by people I meet knowing nothing about it. It started out as the designated phone number for user group contacts so no matter where I was the calls forward to my house and cell numbers and if still missed the voice mails get transcribed to text. Google Voice was free then and is still free now.
How to Protect Your Accounts with Two-Factor Authentication
https://www.techlicious.com/tip/best-practices-for-using-2-factor-authenication/
Do you keep hearing about two-factor authentication and want to learn more about protecting your accounts with it? If so check out this post. (Note: If you are not using two-factor authentication, you really should.)
Search Images with Creative Commons License: Free Tool by Creative Commons
As a blogger I look to use creative commons licensed images a lot. Sometimes I will even use tools such as this one to browse a broad group for images serving as inspiration. Free stock photos are also good, but I feel they don’t work as well and it is harder to properly use them without copyright concerns.
Which Wifi Channels Should I Use for My Wireless Network?
https://lifehacker.com/which-wifi-channels-should-i-use-for-my-wireless-networ-1832788063
Are you having trouble with your wifi speed? If so, check out this posting to see how to find out which channels you are using and which you should be using.
5 GHz Wi-Fi Isn’t Always Better Than 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi
https://www.howtogeek.com/405105/5ghz-wi-fi-isnt-always-better-than-2.4ghz-wi-fi/
This post explains why sometimes one band is better than the other for dual band wifi. Something else to check if you are having wifi speed issues.
How I Write on My Phone … WITHOUT Typing on a Fiddly Touchscreen
https://www.aliventures.com/writing-on-phone/
I have been thinking about only taking only my smartphone and maybe my tablet on vacation, instead of lugging a laptop around. I do have a bluetooth foldable keyboard that I only used to use at meetings with my tablet. After reading this post I am actually going to do it next vacation. Check it out for yourself to see if it might be right for you too.
Is There a Real Alternative to Windows?
https://askleo.com/is-there-a-real-alternative-to-windows/
With support for Windows 7 ending soon many who don’t want to move to Windows 10 are asking this question. Leo Notenboom explains that there is no direct replacement, but there are alternatives that may or may not work for you. (Note: I have experimented with several distributions of Linux, and probably will go with Linux Mint. If I need a laptop my top choice will be a Chromebook.)
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The following are some items I found interesting during the month of March 2019.
Can I Use My TV As A Second Display?
https://askleo.com/can-i-use-my-tv-as-a-second-display/
Leo Notenboom answers this often-asked question.
5 Useful Mobile Apps To Help You Deal With Long Layovers
My wife and I are flying a lot more often since we have both retired. If you fly a lot also and end up with a lot of layovers, check out this post for making those layovers less stressful.
3 Tips For Caring For Your Eyes When Using Technology
https://www.livescience.com/35579-3-ways-technology-affects-eyes.html
Whether you are young or old, wear eyeglasses or don’t, you need to know these tips if you use technology.
How Does DuckDuckGo Protect Your Personal Information Online?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DuckDuckGo
If you are not using DuckDuckGo as your search engine, I recommend that you do. This post explains how it protects your personal information online. (Note: I also use the DuckDuckGo app on my smartphone and tablet.)
Why You Should Stop Using Mobile Data
https://www.computerworld.com/article/3379616/why-you-should-stop-using-mobile-data.html
After reading this post, I turned mobile data off on my smartphone for the weekend. Instead of checking Twitter, Gmail, etc., all the time, I was able to just enjoy the day without interruption. I was able to use the phone and text functions without any problems. The few times I did want to get to the internet I was able to through Wi-Fi either at home or nearby shops. (I am thinking that I will keep mobile data off unless I am traveling and need to use the internet a lot.)
How To Pack Your Electronics For Air Travel
https://www.howtogeek.com/407341/how-to-pack-your-electronics-for-air-travel/
For those not used to flying with electronics, This post explains how you should pack them to avoid problems.
HTTPS Everywhere — Make The Internet A Safer Place
https://www.eff.org/https-everywhere
I use this extension all the time in my browsers. I like that I don’t have to keep checking for “https” all the time. If you don’t already use this, read the post and install it in all your browsers, set it up, and be safer easily.
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This work by Steve Costello is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
As long as you are using this for non-commercial purposes, and attribute the post, you can use it in part, or whole, for your newsletter, website, or blog.