The Lökwest "Digital Life" - June 2019
Welcome to June. Permission to wear white pants granted! 🙂 We hope you have great summer plans. Whether you're staying at home or heading out, we've got some interesting reading to get you going. One can only browse the 'Gram feed for so long, so get to exercising your brain!
This month - an update on fake alerts, Alexa guards your house, and more in security. We've got tips - the Android phone you need this summer, free network streaming, some great app selections, and the Windows tips you need to know! Lastly, whether you're a Senior or know one, we've got three great articles for Seniors to read.
Oh - and don't forget "This month in tech history" and info on our next Exploring Technology talk.
Let's dig in! But first - speaking of white pants...
[WATCH OUT] Fake browsing alerts on the rise
On a serious note - A SPECIAL ALERT. This month, we've helped several clients with fake warning messages that lock up the computer when they're browsing the web. If this happens to you, don't worry! Most of the screens are the result of a simple typo or wrong click. The bad actors are counting on you to get scared and call. They will proceed to gaslight you into granting them access to your computer.
Most of these warning screens can't harm your machine if you don't react!
Here's what to do (on Windows):
DON'T PANIC
DON'T CLICK
DON'T CALL THE NUMBER no matter how loud the siren is! 😮
Press the following keys on your Windows computer: CTRL and SHIFT, then press ESC.
In the task manager window that appears, click on Chrome (or the browser you were using)
Select end task
Restart your computer
If you return to your browser and the message appears again, you may need to clear your browser history or reset the browser to default. Look up how to do this on another computer or give us a call for help! And, watch for a future Exploring Technology talk on security coming soon!
While we're on security...
Do you have Alexa? She can help guard your house! — ow.ly
Amazon Alexa Guard is available for all Echo devices and can listen for breaking glass when you leave the house to trigger alerts. Read the article above, and the FAQ from Amazon here: Amazon Guard FAQ.
Google data shows 2-factor authentication blocks 100% of automated bot hacks — ow.ly
You NEED TO KNOW what 2-factor authentication is and it should be ENABLED on all your important accounts. Need a nudge? Take a look at this study found out about automated hacking. That extra prompt may be well worth it. And let's face it - most are only required when you log in from a NEW device. How often do most of us do that?
Tips....tips....we've got tips...
Organize Your Digital Life - Lökwest — www.lokwest.com Get our top picks on tools to help you organize your digital life in this free presentation! Information organization and curation, bookmarks, and to-do's covered!
The Best Free Apps and Software You're Not Already Using — ow.ly
Check out this freshly curated list of tools for your mobile and home computer. We recommend JustWatch to choose your next streaming show and Libby for free stuff from the library, just to name a few!
Puffer - stream the networks for free
This test is being conducted by Stanford. While it lasts, you can stream live network TV in your browser. There's no charge. You can watch NBC, CBS, ABC, PBS, FOX, and Univision. If you're in an area where the digital antenna doesn't cut it (er - San Clemente 🙂) check it out!
10 time-saving Windows tips and tricks that help you get stuff done faster — ow.ly
After 25 years in IT, we even learned a tip or two in this article. A five minute read could save hours wasted. Stop fiddling with menus today!
The best Android phone for the price this year
Google Pixel 3a - the best Android this year for the price — ow.ly
The Pixel 3a is the best feature to value Android phone in 2019, in our opinion. For 1/2 the price of the Pixel 3, the 3a packs nearly the same punch for most applications. You lose a little panache on the case and front screen. The processor is a wee bit slower (but probably faster than your current phone). The selfie camera is less powerful. If you don't game and aren't a social influencer, for $400 bucks this is a solid buy!
Must reads for Seniors (or those helping them out)
I wrote the book on user-friendly design. What I see today horrifies me — ow.ly
This 83 year old knows tech design and has something to say about how tech works. The answer? Older people aren't being accounted for and the world is designed against them, despite the growing numbers. Our MOST POPULAR READ this month!
The most compelling tech tools to assist the visually impaired — ow.ly
Microsoft amazes with some of the apps in this article, written in celebration of Global Accessibility Awareness Day. Take a look at some of the most innovative apps and solutions helping people with visual impairment today. My late grandma would have been amazed!
Here's a little teaser:
Meet the Counter Strike e-sports team where everyone is over 60 — ow.ly
Think you're too old to play video games? Think again! Meet "The Silver Snipers", the Swedish killers sponsored by Lenovo. Watch your back whipper snappers! 🙂
In tech history...how we used to waste time...
June 6, 1984 - Alexey Pajitnov first releases the game Tetris in the USSR. Tetris will become one of the most popular puzzle video games of all time. Originally programmed for a Soviet-built Elektronika 60 computer, the game was soon ported to the IBM PC, where it spread quickly throughout Moscow and the rest of the USSR.
Ironically, Pajitnov himself was not able to make any money on Tetris for years because as an employee for the Soviet government, the Soviet State ended up owning the rights. It was only when the rights reverted from the old Soviet government to Pajitnov and he moved to the US in 1996 that he was able to form a company and collect royalties. Then he went on to work for Microsoft … trading one oppressive regime for another it would seem!
And did we mention the it MADE the GameBoy? For more on that, check out "The 80's - The Decade that Made Us" on National Geographic.
Now, watch and be amazed.........
June Exploring Technology - join us!
(In conjunction with San Clemente Village)
The Digital Life Live! This month, we’re covering some of the top technology news in person once again. Come see the live, extended, early preview of the June newsletter and you’ll be informed ahead of the crowd.
See you there!
Date: Tuesday, June 25th, 10:30 AM (note new time)
Location: To be announced. Please see the calendar on the San Clemente Village website.
Non-Village members, please RSVP to this e-mail if you’re planning on attending.
DON'T FORGET
Father's Day is June 16th!
