Wednesday 13th March 2019
Setting Up Email App
Following a query from Margaret, we had a brief discussion about setting up an email account in an app, e.g. the Microsoft Mail app on Windows 10. If you have problems, or you are unsure you have the correct password, I recommend first trying to log into your mail account via the web. For example, if you are using BT Mail, use any web browser to go to:-
Then try to log in using your email address and password. This will verify that you are using the correct password. If the password is incorrect, this web mail approach will usually offer a 'forgotten my password' link allowing you to reset your password if you can provide suitable security information. Once you are sure you have the correct password, you can use this with confidence to set up the mail app.
Banking Security
When paying someone by bank transfer, the banks only use the Sort Code and Account Number. Even though you may provide the payee's name, this is not checked by the banks. This has allowed scammers to con thousands of customers into paying a scammer's account rather than paying the person they intended. A new system called "confirmation of payee" is being introduced by the banks to counter this fraud. Unfortunately, the banks are taking their time about this, and have delayed its introduction to next year. Here is a recent article from the "This is Money" web site about this issue:-
https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/markets/article-6706383/Security-check-stop-millions-scammed-not-fully-introduced-2020.html
Taskbar Options
A query from Brian led to a brief discussion of some of the features of the Taskbar on Windows 10. I made the following points:-
Banking Security
When paying someone by bank transfer, the banks only use the Sort Code and Account Number. Even though you may provide the payee's name, this is not checked by the banks. This has allowed scammers to con thousands of customers into paying a scammer's account rather than paying the person they intended. A new system called "confirmation of payee" is being introduced by the banks to counter this fraud. Unfortunately, the banks are taking their time about this, and have delayed its introduction to next year. Here is a recent article from the "This is Money" web site about this issue:-
https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/markets/article-6706383/Security-check-stop-millions-scammed-not-fully-introduced-2020.html
Taskbar Options
A query from Brian led to a brief discussion of some of the features of the Taskbar on Windows 10. I made the following points:-
- Right-clicking on the Taskbar provides a menu of options including Lock the taskbar. If it is locked (which is recommended) you cannot accidentally change it.
- If the Tasbbar is unlocked, it can be dragged to the top, left or right of the screen instead of being at the bottom.
- If the Taskbar is unlocked, you can drag the top edge to expand the size of the Taskbar.
- The Cortana option in the Taskbar menu, allows you to change the Cortana Search from a relatively large box, to just an icon, or it can be hidden completely. You can use these options to give you more space on the Taskbar for other icons.
- If you find an icon for a program in the Start Menu or on the Desktop, you can "pin" it to the Taskbar by right-clicking on it and selecting Pin to taskbar or just dragging it to the Taskbar.
- Even if the Cortana Search box is hidden on your Taskbar, the Start Search function is always available. Simply click the Start button, then begin typing, even though initially, there is no search box to type in! This is a great way to find any app on your system and then press Enter or click on it to launch it. (Note, this Start Search function has existed since Windows Vista).
iPad Photos Backup
Note that this feature was introduced with the iPhone 6S. As each photo is a short video, this will use up more storage - both on your device and in iCloud when you backup. Also, since the camera starts recording as soon as you open the Camera app (so it can capture the 1.5 seconds before you press the button) it could use up more battery power.
Resetting Windows 10 Apps
On Windows 10, you can reset some apps (e.g. Edge and some Store apps) if they are not working correctly. To do this, go to Start, Settings, Apps, Apps & features. Scroll through the list of apps to locate the problem app - the specific example we looked at was the Microsoft Solitaire Collection. Click on the app and click Advanced options. Here you will find options to Terminate, Reset or Uninstall the app - try Reset first.
You can uninstall any app without going into Settings - just find it in the Start Menu and right-click to find the Uninstall option.
Security Cameras
We had a brief discussion about online security cameras. Many makes and models are available. Usually, by paying a subscription, these cameras can store recordings in the cloud when they are triggered by motion or sound. You can also view the camera online, perhaps using your smartphone, when you are away. Note that these devices totally rely on your Internet working, so they don't replace a conventional intruder alarm system, although they may be a useful addition. Here is a site giving some reviews of current security cameras:-
https://www.t3.com/features/best-security-camera
An iPad/iPhone can automatically upload any new photos to your online iCloud storage. To enable this feature, go to Settings, tap your name/photo at the top left, tap Photos and ensure that iCloud Photos (previously called iCloud Photo Library) is turned on. This will automatically upload new photos as soon as your device is connected to wi-fi and is charging. Note that you only have 5GB of free storage on iCloud, so you can soon fill this with photos. iPads/iPhones will usually do a complete backup to iCloud when connected to wi-fi and charging - if your iCloud is full, it cannot backup.
You can purchase additional iCloud storage quite cheaply (79p per month for 50 GB). However, a free alternative solution is to install the Google Photos app which offers free, unlimited storage of photos. You could then turn off iCloud Photos, thus only using iCloud for complete backups of your device.
iPad Reset
Margaret mentioned she had solved someone's stuck iPad by resetting it. A reset is performed by holding down the Home and On/Off buttons simultaneously. This article explains more:-
Live Photos
Linda asked about the Live Photos feature on Apple iPhones/iPads. This feature can be enabled in the Camera app and it records 1.5 seconds before and after you actually take the photo, including sound. In effect, it means each photo is a 3 second video. You can turn this feature on or off in the Camera app by tapping the Live Photo button. See this Apple support page for details:-
https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT207310
When you view a Live Photo in the Apple Photos app, pressing and holding on the photo will play the short video, as explained in the above web site.https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT207310
Note that this feature was introduced with the iPhone 6S. As each photo is a short video, this will use up more storage - both on your device and in iCloud when you backup. Also, since the camera starts recording as soon as you open the Camera app (so it can capture the 1.5 seconds before you press the button) it could use up more battery power.
Resetting Windows 10 Apps
On Windows 10, you can reset some apps (e.g. Edge and some Store apps) if they are not working correctly. To do this, go to Start, Settings, Apps, Apps & features. Scroll through the list of apps to locate the problem app - the specific example we looked at was the Microsoft Solitaire Collection. Click on the app and click Advanced options. Here you will find options to Terminate, Reset or Uninstall the app - try Reset first.
You can uninstall any app without going into Settings - just find it in the Start Menu and right-click to find the Uninstall option.
Security Cameras
We had a brief discussion about online security cameras. Many makes and models are available. Usually, by paying a subscription, these cameras can store recordings in the cloud when they are triggered by motion or sound. You can also view the camera online, perhaps using your smartphone, when you are away. Note that these devices totally rely on your Internet working, so they don't replace a conventional intruder alarm system, although they may be a useful addition. Here is a site giving some reviews of current security cameras:-
https://www.t3.com/features/best-security-camera
Travel Router
If you are going on holiday with all your gadgets – phones, tablets, etc - especially if you are travelling with your partner or a group, you may have a number of devices that you want to connect to the Internet at the hotel. A Travel Router can simplify the process. It connects to the hotel network – usually by wi-fi or possibly by a cable if you have physical access to the hotel’s router. All your devices connect by wi-fi to the Travel Router.
The advantage being that you can connect all you devices to the Travel Router once, before you leave home, so only the Travel Router needs connecting to the hotel’s wi-fi and you are done.
Also, if the hotel uses a captive portal – that’s one of those web pages that asks you to sign in when you first connect – this sign-in should only need to be done on one of your devices, since the Travel Router presents a single IP address to the hotel’s wi-fi. This even means that devices which cannot cope with a captive portal (e.g. an Amazon Echo) can still be used, simply by signing in on another device, e.g. your phone which is also connected via the Travel Router.
Tony pointed out that some cruise ships (and maybe some hotels) charge per connected device or may restrict you to only connecting one device. The Travel Router represents a single device to the host system, even though you may have a number of devices connected to the Travel Router.
I showed the TP-Link TL-WR902AC as an example of a Travel Router:-
Tony pointed out that some cruise ships (and maybe some hotels) charge per connected device or may restrict you to only connecting one device. The Travel Router represents a single device to the host system, even though you may have a number of devices connected to the Travel Router.
I showed the TP-Link TL-WR902AC as an example of a Travel Router:-
This can be purchased from Amazon for £35.
You can, of course, read more about Travel Routers on the Internet. This site by Independent Travel Cats has some information:-
https://independenttravelcats.com/internet-while-traveling-a-review-of-netgear-trek-travel-router/
You can, of course, read more about Travel Routers on the Internet. This site by Independent Travel Cats has some information:-
https://independenttravelcats.com/internet-while-traveling-a-review-of-netgear-trek-travel-router/
Next Session
Wed 10th April 2019. 1:30 to 3:30 pm.
