August Meetings 2023
August 3, 2023 - Add Contacts on Smartphone - Take Better Smartphone Photos - What are Smart Bulbs?
"The simplest solution is for everything is to NOT click on any unknown links." - Occam's Razor
Club Questions
"The simplest solution is for everything is to NOT click on any unknown links." - Occam's Razor
Club Questions
How to Add a Contact
Your smartphone can handle lots of different tasks for you, one of the big ones is making calls. Your phone can organize and keep track of your calls as well as keeping track of all your contacts. Adding a new contact name, number, address, etc is easy whether you're using an Android device or an iPhone. For an illustrated how-to on adding contacts to Android phones, take a look here. For adding contact information into an iPhone, take a look here.
Take Better Smartphone Photos
"The best camera is the one you have in your pocket" and these days that's most likely a smartphone of some kind. Many of the modern smartphones come equipped with excellent cameras built in to them, but there are additional tricks you can use to enhance your picture taking abilities. For a good overview of smartphone cameras and how to best use them, take a look at this article, or at the video below.
"The best camera is the one you have in your pocket" and these days that's most likely a smartphone of some kind. Many of the modern smartphones come equipped with excellent cameras built in to them, but there are additional tricks you can use to enhance your picture taking abilities. For a good overview of smartphone cameras and how to best use them, take a look at this article, or at the video below.
What are Smart Bulbs?
Smart bulbs come in a variety of shapes and sizes now, from inexpensive to downright pricey. Aside from allowing you to change the bulb's colour to any one of a million different hues, you can also combine several bulbs together and create a scene, or light show. There are a bunch of different formats and manufacturers and knowing what you want to achieve will help in your choices. To learn more about over a dozen of the latest smart bulbs, take a look at the video below.
Smart bulbs come in a variety of shapes and sizes now, from inexpensive to downright pricey. Aside from allowing you to change the bulb's colour to any one of a million different hues, you can also combine several bulbs together and create a scene, or light show. There are a bunch of different formats and manufacturers and knowing what you want to achieve will help in your choices. To learn more about over a dozen of the latest smart bulbs, take a look at the video below.
August 10, 2023 - How to Use Google Maps Offline + Map Tips - Best eReaders 2023 - New Resource: Senior's Guide to Computers,
"You have to trust me on this, you do NOT want to ever click on any unknown links!" - Eleanor, Club member
Club Questions
"You have to trust me on this, you do NOT want to ever click on any unknown links!" - Eleanor, Club member
Club Questions
Use Google Maps Offline
Google Maps is arguably the best navigation app out there, but what if you're in an area or country where there is no coverage? Your maps and navigation features can still work, even without an Internet connection by using this simple hack. All you need to do is download the maps to the place on the world where you will need them (say, in a country where you don't have a data plan, or maybe in a part of the country where the cell service is weak or nonexistent). To learn more about how to download Google Maps before you need them, take a look at this article, or the videos below.
Google Maps is arguably the best navigation app out there, but what if you're in an area or country where there is no coverage? Your maps and navigation features can still work, even without an Internet connection by using this simple hack. All you need to do is download the maps to the place on the world where you will need them (say, in a country where you don't have a data plan, or maybe in a part of the country where the cell service is weak or nonexistent). To learn more about how to download Google Maps before you need them, take a look at this article, or the videos below.
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Best eReaders 2023
An e-reader, also called an e-book reader or e-book device, is a mobile electronic device that is designed primarily for the purpose of reading digital e-books and periodicals. Any device that can display text on a screen may act as an e-reader; however, specialized e-reader devices may optimize portability, readability, and battery life for this purpose. Their main advantage over printed books is portability. This is because an e-reader is capable of holding thousands of books while weighing less than one book. Over time, e-readers have evolved to have many more functions (modern tablet), but there are still plenty of e-readers dedicated to book readers. To read about some of the best eReaders for 2023, take a look at the links below.
PC Magazine's Best eReaders for 2023
Engadget's Best eReaders for 2023
TechRadar's Best eReaders for 2023
CNET's Best eReaders for 2023
Wired.com's Best eReaders for 2023
New Resource: Senior's Guide
While stumbling along the Internet, I ran into a website and then a YouTube channel that I found very helpful. The YouTube channel has almost 400 videos and they post a new one each day. The videos are short and easy to understand, and best of all, they go over all the basic stuff that we tend to forget. The website is Seniors Guide to Computers and the YouTube channel is the same people on video. The channel is also organized into categories to help you find what you're looking for, and all the videos are aimed at the beginner level.
While stumbling along the Internet, I ran into a website and then a YouTube channel that I found very helpful. The YouTube channel has almost 400 videos and they post a new one each day. The videos are short and easy to understand, and best of all, they go over all the basic stuff that we tend to forget. The website is Seniors Guide to Computers and the YouTube channel is the same people on video. The channel is also organized into categories to help you find what you're looking for, and all the videos are aimed at the beginner level.
August 17, 2023 - What is Accessibility? - Heart Health Monitoring at Home - Recipe Websites
“Life moves pretty fast, if you don’t stop and look around, you could miss it, and don’t click any unknown links." - Ferris Bueller
Club Questions
“Life moves pretty fast, if you don’t stop and look around, you could miss it, and don’t click any unknown links." - Ferris Bueller
Club Questions
What is Accessibility?
Computer Accessibility (also known as accessible computing) refers to the accessibility of a computer system to all people, regardless of disability type or severity of impairment. The term accessibility is most often used in reference to specialized hardware or software, or a combination of both, designed to enable the use of a computer by a person with a disability or impairment. Computer accessibility often has direct positive effects on people with disabilities. All modern computers, smartphones and tablets come with built-in accessibility features. To learn more about accessibility features, take a look at the videos below.
Computer Accessibility (also known as accessible computing) refers to the accessibility of a computer system to all people, regardless of disability type or severity of impairment. The term accessibility is most often used in reference to specialized hardware or software, or a combination of both, designed to enable the use of a computer by a person with a disability or impairment. Computer accessibility often has direct positive effects on people with disabilities. All modern computers, smartphones and tablets come with built-in accessibility features. To learn more about accessibility features, take a look at the videos below.
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Heart Health Technology
Your heart is a strong muscle that pumps blood to your body. A normal, healthy adult heart is about the size of your clenched fist. Just like an engine makes a car go, the heart keeps your body running. The heart has two sides, each with a top chamber (atrium) and a bottom chamber (ventricle). The right side pumps blood to the lungs to pick up oxygen. The left side receives blood rich with oxygen from the lungs and pumps it through arteries throughout the body. An electrical system in the heart controls the heart rate (heartbeat or pulse) and coordinates the contraction of the heart's top and bottom chambers. People age 65 and older are much more likely than younger people to suffer a heart attack, to have a stroke, or to develop coronary heart disease (commonly called heart disease) and heart failure. Heart disease is also a major cause of disability, limiting the activity and eroding the quality of life of millions of older people. Thru the use of modern technology we now have many different ways to track our heart health. To see some of the best at home heart health monitors available now, take a look at the best of links below.
Forbes' Best Heart Rate Monitors for 2023
Healthline's Best Heart Monitors for 2023
Prevention Magazine's Best Heart Monitors for 2023
Anyone Hungry?
And now, just for fun, we have compiled a list of various websites dedicated to the culinary arts, food that is. The name of each website below is a link to that website. Some of the websites are old school recipe sites, others are AI enhanced. Bon appétit!
Allrecipes is a top-tier recipe website that is estimated to have over 25 million visitors each month. With an easy to navigate site and the backing of skilled and experienced culinary masters, it furnishes its visitors with thousands of delicious recipes and meal preparation videos. It also features comprehensive how-to-do guides on every food-related topic. The site also permits users to create profiles and share their recipes with others.
Yummly is another excellent website for top-notch recipes. The site boasts an appealing and easy to navigate interface, as well as plenty of filters to help you customize the recipes you see and also to sort through their 2 million+ recipes. The site also features fantastic recipe videos that are often displayed on social media platforms such as Snapchat, Facebook, and TikTok. The site allows users with an account to save recipes, share their creations, and make shopping lists.
Epicurious was launched in 1998, and it has been providing top-quality recipes since. However, unlike other recipe websites that brag of the number of visitors they have, this platform takes pride in the quality of recipes and food-related content it provides. Don’t expect to find millions of recipes on this site, but a handful of handpicked and trusted ones, making it a perfect site for foodies. The site sources filtered and tested meal preparation techniques from its partners Bon Appetit and Gourmet (RIP) magazines. They also provide culinary basics and tips.
Tasty is primarily focused on videos, and is one website that you ought to visit if you enjoy visually appealing recipes. The site features video recipes that carefully crafted with savory, mouth-watering ingredients. Due to the simplicity of its recipes, Tasty recipe videos are always trending on social media.
FoodAI - It’s dinner time, and you open your fridge and see you only have a tomato, an egg, and some slices of bread. It’s normal to be worried about what to cook. But that’s where FoodAI comes into action. It curates the tastiest dish, even with the most minimal ingredient. All you need to do is select the items, and boom; your dish is ready.
ChefGPT enters the realm of culinary innovation with a platform that combines the art of cooking with the prowess of artificial intelligence. Delete your constant search for the ideal recipe on Google. You can use ChefGPT to find the precise recipe you’re looking for or create a brand-new dish based on your wants.
And now, just for fun, we have compiled a list of various websites dedicated to the culinary arts, food that is. The name of each website below is a link to that website. Some of the websites are old school recipe sites, others are AI enhanced. Bon appétit!
Allrecipes is a top-tier recipe website that is estimated to have over 25 million visitors each month. With an easy to navigate site and the backing of skilled and experienced culinary masters, it furnishes its visitors with thousands of delicious recipes and meal preparation videos. It also features comprehensive how-to-do guides on every food-related topic. The site also permits users to create profiles and share their recipes with others.
Yummly is another excellent website for top-notch recipes. The site boasts an appealing and easy to navigate interface, as well as plenty of filters to help you customize the recipes you see and also to sort through their 2 million+ recipes. The site also features fantastic recipe videos that are often displayed on social media platforms such as Snapchat, Facebook, and TikTok. The site allows users with an account to save recipes, share their creations, and make shopping lists.
Epicurious was launched in 1998, and it has been providing top-quality recipes since. However, unlike other recipe websites that brag of the number of visitors they have, this platform takes pride in the quality of recipes and food-related content it provides. Don’t expect to find millions of recipes on this site, but a handful of handpicked and trusted ones, making it a perfect site for foodies. The site sources filtered and tested meal preparation techniques from its partners Bon Appetit and Gourmet (RIP) magazines. They also provide culinary basics and tips.
Tasty is primarily focused on videos, and is one website that you ought to visit if you enjoy visually appealing recipes. The site features video recipes that carefully crafted with savory, mouth-watering ingredients. Due to the simplicity of its recipes, Tasty recipe videos are always trending on social media.
FoodAI - It’s dinner time, and you open your fridge and see you only have a tomato, an egg, and some slices of bread. It’s normal to be worried about what to cook. But that’s where FoodAI comes into action. It curates the tastiest dish, even with the most minimal ingredient. All you need to do is select the items, and boom; your dish is ready.
ChefGPT enters the realm of culinary innovation with a platform that combines the art of cooking with the prowess of artificial intelligence. Delete your constant search for the ideal recipe on Google. You can use ChefGPT to find the precise recipe you’re looking for or create a brand-new dish based on your wants.
August 24, 2023 - How to Use Safe Mode, How to Access Control Panel, How to Search!
“As I've always said, have fun on the internet, just don’t click on any unknown links." - Bernard (Computer Club)
Club Questions
“As I've always said, have fun on the internet, just don’t click on any unknown links." - Bernard (Computer Club)
Club Questions
How to Use Safe Mode
Safe mode is a diagnostic mode that can be entered on computers, tablets and smartphones. It is designed to help troubleshoot issues by loading a minimal set of drivers, software, and settings. When a device is booted into safe mode, it typically disables third-party applications and uses default system settings. This can be helpful for identifying and resolving problems caused by conflicting software, malware, or other issues. In safe mode, the device operates with limited functionality, which allows users to perform necessary troubleshooting steps or uninstall problematic applications. For specific information about your device, take a look at the videos below, they cover Safe Mode for Apple computers and Windows computers. For those of you with Android devices, take a look at this illustrated article. iPhone users are out of luck on this feature, as the iPhone and iPad have never offered any version of safe mode.
Safe mode is a diagnostic mode that can be entered on computers, tablets and smartphones. It is designed to help troubleshoot issues by loading a minimal set of drivers, software, and settings. When a device is booted into safe mode, it typically disables third-party applications and uses default system settings. This can be helpful for identifying and resolving problems caused by conflicting software, malware, or other issues. In safe mode, the device operates with limited functionality, which allows users to perform necessary troubleshooting steps or uninstall problematic applications. For specific information about your device, take a look at the videos below, they cover Safe Mode for Apple computers and Windows computers. For those of you with Android devices, take a look at this illustrated article. iPhone users are out of luck on this feature, as the iPhone and iPad have never offered any version of safe mode.
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Windows Control Panel
The Control Panel is a central management hub in Windows that allows users to configure and customize various system settings, hardware devices, and software applications. Through the Control Panel, users can adjust display settings, manage user accounts, install or uninstall software, configure network connections, set up printers, and more. It provides a convenient way to access and modify system preferences without needing to navigate through complex system directories or use command-line tools. It's worth noting that with the evolution of Windows, Microsoft has been transitioning towards the Settings app as the primary interface for configuring system settings, while still maintaining some legacy functionality within the Control Panel. To learn more about accessing Control Panel, take a look at the video below.
How to Search the Internet
Within the Internet is the answer to your every question, and arguably the best search engine out there is still Google Search. There are many other search engines, but Google still handles more data, more requests from users and because of that if you can learn to ask Google the right questions, you'll never be at a loss for answers. There are a few basic rules to help you get the most out of Google search, for more on the basics and some great tips, take a look at the videos below.
Within the Internet is the answer to your every question, and arguably the best search engine out there is still Google Search. There are many other search engines, but Google still handles more data, more requests from users and because of that if you can learn to ask Google the right questions, you'll never be at a loss for answers. There are a few basic rules to help you get the most out of Google search, for more on the basics and some great tips, take a look at the videos below.
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August 31, 2023 - How to Use Keyboard Shortcuts - How to Use Desktop Shortcuts - How to Backup Your Computer - What is Microsoft One Drive?
“Every journey starts with a single step, just don’t click on any unknown links along the way." - Confucius
Club Questions
“Every journey starts with a single step, just don’t click on any unknown links along the way." - Confucius
Club Questions
How to Use Shortcuts
The shortcuts we're talking about here are the keyboard shortcuts on your computer. Both Windows and Apple computers offer a wide range of keyboard shortcuts and you don't have to be a power user to get benefit from shortcuts. Let's start with Windows, first you can take a look at the most basic shortcuts that Windows recommends. Then, take a look at the video below (left side), for more on Windows shortcuts.
Apple computers also take advantage of keyboard shortcuts, Apple doesn't offer its users a StartPage button, like Windows, but it does have a Command button which works in a similar way. For a great breakdown of which keys you'll need to use, and what they'll do, take a look here, or if you prefer videos, take a look below.
The shortcuts we're talking about here are the keyboard shortcuts on your computer. Both Windows and Apple computers offer a wide range of keyboard shortcuts and you don't have to be a power user to get benefit from shortcuts. Let's start with Windows, first you can take a look at the most basic shortcuts that Windows recommends. Then, take a look at the video below (left side), for more on Windows shortcuts.
Apple computers also take advantage of keyboard shortcuts, Apple doesn't offer its users a StartPage button, like Windows, but it does have a Command button which works in a similar way. For a great breakdown of which keys you'll need to use, and what they'll do, take a look here, or if you prefer videos, take a look below.
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Desktop Shortcuts
What? there's another kind of shortcut?! Sorry, but yes, we are now talking about computer desktop shortcuts. Unlike keyboard shortcuts, desktop shortcuts are all on your computer screen. A desktop shortcut will open a saved webpage, an app, an email, a file, etc. It can be very handy to have a desktop shortcut to your Solitaire game right on your desktop, for easy access, rather than having to dig around inside your computer files looking for the app. As usual, the two main OS (Windows and Mac) have a slightly different way of doing the same action. If you're a Windows user, take a look at this illustrated guide to creating any kind of desktop shortcut you want. For those of you Apple users, take a look here at Apple Support's guide to shortcuts.
Or if you prefer videos, once again Windows and Apple videos below.
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How to Backup Your Computer
There are lots of reasons to backup the data on your computer, and there are also a few ways to achieve that goal. As always, Windows and Apple do this task differently, yet in a similar way. Your two main avenues to backing up a computer is via an external drive or some sort of cloud storage. If you're a Windows user and want to learn more about backing up your Windows computer, take a look at this article. Or if you're backing up an Apple computer, take a look at this article.
Microsoft One Drive
If you know what Apple's iCloud or Google Cloud are, you know what One Drive is, it's a cloud service. One Drive is Microsoft's player in the cloud storage business, and like the other two above, comes with 5 Gbs of free storage and tiered payment plans for greater amounts of storage. Cloud storage can be used for many reasons, backups, sharing information, quick access, etc. To learn more about how to make best use of Microsoft's One Drive, take a look at the videos below.
If you know what Apple's iCloud or Google Cloud are, you know what One Drive is, it's a cloud service. One Drive is Microsoft's player in the cloud storage business, and like the other two above, comes with 5 Gbs of free storage and tiered payment plans for greater amounts of storage. Cloud storage can be used for many reasons, backups, sharing information, quick access, etc. To learn more about how to make best use of Microsoft's One Drive, take a look at the videos below.
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