The Desert Computer Tutor

Category: Apps

  • Presentations for Service Groups and Clubs

    I love to share about my work, so I’ve started doing speaking engagements for groups.  I will be speaking at two Rotary Club luncheons in May.

    If you are a member of a group that would like me to do a presentation, please let me know.  Some topics that might be of interest:  “An overview of the latest computers or Gadgets,” “What is The Cloud and Why Should I Care?”,  “Do I Really Want or Need a Tablet?”

    Tell me your suggestions for topics in the comments below.

    Thanks,

    Mardi

  • New Play Shops/Gadget Clinics Soon

    Last year’s Play Shops were very fun and people asked for more of them.  Please let me know the times, days and topics that appeal to you.  We can do almost any topic that is of interest to a group of 12 to 20 people.  I do home parties too!

    You can post your suggestions and comments here.

    Thanks!

    Mardi

  • Heads Up – Sudden Changes

    Have you been experiencing sudden changes to your computer, or seeing new applications and services showing up out of nowhere?  If you have, know that I feel your pain and I’m here to help.

    Even I get frustrated and disappointed when companies add features and applications  without asking permission first.  It used to be that they offered new services and endeavored to pitch them in a way that would be appealing.  Now, they just foist them on us with instructions on how to undo it.  Not only are the sudden changes very confusing, but many people don’t have the vocabulary to understand the instructions on how to undo the changes!

    Here are some solutions for you:

    1.  When you authorize updates or download applications, read each screen before you hit “next.”  There may be other apps being offered and they may have boxes checked that mean they will be included and installed.  You need to uncheck the boxes! 

    Here are just a few examples of what I’m encountering:

    • Current anti-virus program uninstalled and replaced by MacAfee
    • The Ask Tool Bar installed on web browser
    • Default search engine changed from Google to Conduit or Bing

    2.  Did you notice that Google added tabs to the inbox so mail is sorted into categories?  The “Social” Tab is for social networking, “Promotions,” for business offers and promotions, “Updates,” for confirmations, receipts and bills, “Forums,” for online groups, and mailing lists.  (I had many calls from clients who thought some of their emails were missing and I walked them through the process to undo the tabs.)  Google did include instructions for undoing the changes but again…we have to take the time to read the screens and the instructions.

     

    3.  Google will soon allow people to send an email, even if they do not have the person’s email address, as long as both people have a Gmail and a Google Plus account.

    This change was announced Thursday and will be introduced over the next few days.  Some people are concerned that this will open the door to spam and unwanted solicitations.  Google says that the new capability will be useful for people who know one another but have not yet exchanged email addresses.

    Senders can email anyone as long as they follow them on Google Plus, which they are able to do without permission.  Recipients can receive email from anyone on Google Plus but the recipient’s email address only shows up if the recipient replies to the email.

    The ability for anyone on Google Plus to email a Gmail user will be automatically turned on, requiring people to opt out if they do not want to be reachable.

    If this affects you, you can turn it off by visiting the General tab on the Gmail Settings page, where you can choose to receive email from “anyone on Google Plus”, “people in my circles” or “extended circles” or “no one”.
    Google plans to send emails to Gmail users explaining the change before turning it on.  Emails received from people outside Google Plus users circles will be filtered into the social tab in Gmail.  So be aware that you may be getting these requests.  Try to follow the instructions from Google and let me know if you get stuck.

    This change, is directed at more tightly integrating Gmail with Google Plus, and is the latest move by Google to weave its social network into all of its products.
    Technology is all about change and expansion.  It can be a challenge to keep up and takes a certain sense of adventure and passion for the gadgets and apps.  That’s why I do what I do.  I enjoy the game and can bring you the play-by-plays that you need.   My goal is to enhance people’s experience and help to maintain peace and joy in the world.

    So, no worries…I’m here to give you a heads up when I can.  Just read the instructions and let me know if you need help.

    You can do your friends a favor and help me with my mission, by sharing these tips with your friends.   Thanks!

    In Joy,
    Mardi

    “Restoring peace and joy to the world through computer education.”

  • This Might Surprise You

    As you may know, I have not been a big fan of Facebook, and I always empathize when my clients talk about all the reasons it’s bad.  I don’t have extra time to “mess with it” either.

    Well I must confess, I’m having second thoughts.  Yes, it’s true.  I downloaded the Facebook app to my smart phone, so I could see what it does.  After posting a few things on my page, I heard from people that I hadn’t been in touch with for years. They loved the photo of Katie and me at the beach this summer and it was really fun to reconnect.  Then I started seeing all the inspirational and hilarious things that my friends were posting on their pages.  It’s amazing how much love and inspiration is circulating via Facebook  Seriously!  It’s a great antidote to the news!

    One of the posts that moved me to tears was a video of an 82 year old woman’s audition on “England’s Got Talent”.  (See the link below.)  I guess it moved me so much because I’m getting older, my Mother is 92 now, and I work with many amazing elderly people like her, who are enthusiastic about learning techie things. I’ts just so great to see people follow their passion right up to the end of their lives.


    Watch video

    Another inspiration for me was a fun lady, who had me come work with her every week last season so she could learn Facebook and keep in touch with her 4 children and 12 grandchildren.  We had so much fun!  She joked about how some of her friends spent way too much time on it and she just wanted to see all the latest photos and make short comments.  She got really good at it.  Can you imagine how much that means to the children and their parents?!  So many times, our children end up living out of state, and Facebook can really help to keep the family together.

    I’m eager to share what I’ve learned and to show you how rewarding it can be.  I think you will be surprised at how much you will enjoy it.  You don’t have to spend a lot of time, or sift through a gazillion emails notifications.  I can show you how to adjust the settings to calm it down and make it manageable.

    So to this end, I’m planning to offer some Facebook playshops in the new year and I hope you will join in the fun.

    We can do my usual private sessions or you can invite up to 7 friends to a “Play Shop” at your home or office.  (8 gadgets is the maximum for home Wi-Fi routers).  The host is free and the other participants only pay $20 for the 2 hr. play shop. (The minimum requirement is $80)  I will also be happy to do more Play Shops at the Mastermind Seminars’ office on Date Palm.  Just let me know the best days and times for you.

    I hope you are having a lovely holiday season with your loved ones.  I hope you will give Facebook a try, so you can re-connect with loved ones you haven’t seen and keep up with the ones you have.  Let’s keep that love and joy vibration going all year long!

  • At Last…Google Maps on your iPhone

    Now you can have Google Maps on your iPhone, iPad or any iOS 6 gadget!

    I’m so excited!  I never liked the iPhone app and miss the turn by turn voice prompts that you get with a GPS.

    No you can use turn-by-turn directions and keep your eyes on the road.

    If you’re and Android user, you probably have it, but if it didn’t come standard on your phone, you can download it.

    Cost: Free

    Links: iTunes

    play.google.com

  • Should You Use Your Facebook Login To Create New Accounts?

    I’ve been helping an artist friend of mine get her art uploaded to internet sites marketing.

    She asked me what it means when she is invited to create and account for a website using her Facebook login.

    I have run into this also, and have been meaning to look into it.  (When in doubt, I don’t do it.)

    Here is the info I found on logging in using our Facebook login.  I’m glad I finally looked into it.
    I appears that in some cases, an app company is just trying to streamline the account set up process for us so we don’t have to fill out another form and they don’t have to create a form to fill out.
    In other cases, the company may be harvesting information about you and posting commercials to your wall.
    The bottom line is that you need to take the time to read the agreements and choose carefully.
    Below are two articles that explain the options.

    http://www.sctimes.com/interactive/article/99999999/CUST/120213001/Why-Sign-Facebook?nclick_check=1

    http://thepcspy.com/read/never-login-with-facebook/

    I clicked on the Facebook’s Application Settings screen link in the second article to check my settings.
    Here is how it looks.  They are all sites that I trust.

    App Settings

    You have authorized these apps to interact with your Facebook account:
    • Yelp

      August 23

      Edit

    • TripAdvisor

      August 23

      Edit

    • Meetup

      August 22

      Edit

    • bitly

      August 9

      Edit

    • MyCalendar – Birthdays

      April 26

      Edit

    • Bing

      More than 6 months ago

      Edit

    • Pandora

      July 29

      Edit

    • Blue Mountain eCards

      July 12

      Edit

    • WordPress.com

      June 1

      Edit

    • AWeber Email Marketing

      July 8

      Edit

    • Facebook Platform Opt In

      More than 6 months ago
      I probably will not be using my facebook login to create new accounts in the future, but if I do, I will read the fine print first.
      I always appreciate your questions.  I love doing research and keeping “up to speed.”

  • Find Wi-Fi On The Go

    This app is awesome!    

    JiWire uses your phone’s GPS to find nearby Wi-Fi hotspots. It even gives you directions.

    It’s especially useful here in the desert when you want a nice air conditioned spot to chill and get some work done.

    (I personally love Panera Bread on Hwy 111 and 74…I even do tutoring sessions there sometimes.)

    Imagine how helpful it will be when you are traveling out of town on vacation or business.

    3G (phone) service is pretty slow sometimes, and many people have limited data plans, so this app is really helpful on so many levels.

    You can sorts hotspots by service provider, which is helpful if you have a deal with AT&T or T-Mobile.

    Looking for coffee? You can sort by hotspot location type.

    It also sorts by Free and Paid services.

    JiWire invites you to submit new locations to help keep its database updated.

    I just downloaded and tested it and it came up wiith 26 free wifi hot spots within a radius of my home in So. Palm Desert!

    Cost: Free!  Makes my little techie-loving heart flutter with joy!

    Links:       Apple        Android

  • Your Can Save a Life

    A friend sent me this and you must see it.

    This is technology at its finest!  An inspiring and instructive video, the 911 system, a dispatcher coaching on a cell phone, the coolest automatic defibrillator gadget, and a life saved!  Brought tears of joy to my techie loving soul.  You have to see this Heart Rescue Video

    My next thought was, “there must be an app for that,”and a little research revealed that indeed there is!

     

    The App

     

    It would be ideal if there were two or three people to help, one to look at app, one to do the work, and one to go get that that very cool defibrillator gadget!  But if the app inspires one person to call 911 quickly and try CPR instead of standing around in confusion and fear, then there is a better chance that lives will be saved.

    Kudos to The Heart Rescue Project and the American Heart Association!

  • Mobile Manners

    It seems like manners go flying out the window when people are on a smart phone or tablet. They’ll reach for it to text a friend no matter what else they’re doing!

    It’s not just children, adults lose track of good etiquette too. Have you looked around in a restaurant lately?

    Kim Komando put together the 10 Commandments for Mobile Manners. Slap this on your fridge so everyone remembers how important it is to put down the phone at times.  Share this with friends and family, too.

    Download Here

  • Share Your Vacation Photos

    As many of you have discovered, it isn’t always easy to email photos to your friends and family.  The reason is that email service providers have placed limitations on the size of file transfers. The best way to share photos is to post them on a website and send your friends and family a link so they can go there and view them.  Some sites even provide options for others to add their photos.  This is particularly helpful if you have attended an event and want to pool all the photos.  Everyone can enjoy each other’s photos.  You can even choose which ones you want to print.  Another advantage, is that you have your photos in another place for back up.

    There are many sites that will host your photos with no charge. When you get to a Wi-Fi hotspot, you can upload multiple shots at once and unload your memory cards for tomorrow’s adventures. All of your shots will be displayed in a beautiful digital gallery.

    Shutterfly – is a popular photo-sharing community. It gives you an interactive Web page to display all of your pictures, and your friends and family can comment on your photos.  The site displays your photos as a gallery, slideshow or a digital photo book. If you want a physical book, Shutterfly will print one for a fee.  It includes basic photo editing, including filters and a red-eye removal tool.  There is also an APP that allows you to post photos to social media sites right from your Web album or iPhone.

    WinkFlash  is a site designed to turn your photos into prints. It handles everything from an 8×10 poster to a canvas to hang on your wall. You don’t need to purchase anything to store your photos, though.  It has an email feature so that allows you to snap a picture with your mobile device, compose an e-mail and send it later when you have access to Wi-Fi.  You can email pictures to your friends as well.  If you want to share on social media, simply copy and paste your page’s link to Facebook or Twitter.

    Snapfish has all the usual ways to upload photos, but it adds Facebook and Flickr as well. There’s even a handy mobile app  if you like to snap pictures from your smartphone.  In addition to prints and posters, Snapfish will turn your pictures into just about anything. You can put photos onto an iPhone skin, water bottle or even a kid’s growth chart!  Snapfish makes it easy to decorate your whole home with your favorite photos.