How to Pause Windows (and Mac) Updates

Even though configuring your computer for automatic updates is set by default on new computers, sometimes users turn this off because it gets in the way. Then they forget to turn updates back on and miss important system updates. Here are some easy steps to follow if you need to temporarily pause updates on your Windows 11/10 computer or your Mac.

How to Pause Windows 11 Updates

Windows 11 offers you the choice of when and how to get the latest updates to keep your device running smoothly and securely. If you’re not ready to get recommended updates, you can choose to temporarily pause them from being downloaded and installed. (But I recommend pausing updates only if you have a really good reason, so you never miss an important update.)

1. Select Start > Settings > Windows Update.
2. Select the amount of time you’d like to pause for.

Note: After the pause limit is reached, you’ll need to install the latest updates before you can pause updates again.

Your device will need to restart to finish installing updates. If you’re asked to restart your device while you’re busy using it, you can schedule the restart for a more convenient time:

1. Select Start > Settings > Windows Update.
2. Select “Schedule the restart” and choose a time that’s convenient for you.

How to Pause Windows 10 Updates

Windows 10 offers you the choice of when and how to get the latest updates to keep your device running smoothly and securely. If you’re not ready to get recommended updates, you can choose to temporarily pause them from being downloaded and installed. In Windows 10, version 1903 (or later), Windows 10 Pro, version 1809, or Windows 10 Enterprise, version 1809, do the following:

1. Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
2. Select either “Pause updates for 7 days” or “Advanced options”. Then, in the “Pause updates” section, select the drop-down menu and specify a date for updates to resume.

Note: After the pause limit is reached, you’ll need to install the latest updates before you can pause updates again.

Your device will need to restart to finish installing updates. If you’re asked to restart your device while you’re busy using it, you can schedule the restart for a more convenient time:

1. Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
2. Select “Schedule the restart” and choose a time that’s convenient for you. 

Pause Updates on a Mac (Current Version of macOS Ventura Only)

To stop a Mac from automatically installing updates is a bit different. All Macs come with this option turned off, but if you really want to disable automatic updates, here are the steps to do so. (NOTE: Every previous version of macOS had a slightly different way to disable automatic updates. I’m only listing the steps for the most current version of macOS Ventura since you should be using this version.)

1. Launch the “System Settings” app.
2. Tap on “General”.
3. Click on “Software Update”.
4. Tap the (i) button towards the top right corner.
5. Disable “Install macOS updates” and/or “Install application updates from the App Store” based on your personal preferences.
6. Now you will need to install future updates manually.
7. To turn auto updates back on, reverse the actions in step (5.) above.

Larry McJunkin, President

Tellico Village Computer Users Club

How to Become a Computer-Savvy Senior

I often talk about ways you can be more engaged with technology because every day I see folks struggling with things that could be so much easier if they were aided by technology. Things that would make their lives easier and help gain back some time each day that could be used for something else.

One of the most difficult obstacles for seniors to overcome in computing is the assumption that technology is best suited for the younger population – that is so far from the truth! So much so that I want to share five reasons to become more dependent upon technology and give you 10 tips that will help you become more technology-savvy.

Five Reasons to Embrace Technology

1. Mental Stimulation. Scientists have found that folks between 65 and 75 years of age are able to expand their attention, improve their memory, and increase their sequencing abilities by engaging in technology.
2. Independence and Fulfillment. Simply stated, it’s often a lot easier to do most things if aided by technology. Living (often alone) as part of the aging generation, has some inherent difficulties, some of which can be automated or at least aided by technology.
3. Social Connectivity. Connecting with your friends and loved ones via email or social media is so easy, thanks to technology. All you need is a phone or a computer that has a camera, an Internet connection and you are good to go. When we interact with others, we feel happier and less alone.
4. Get Things Delivered to You. Mobility is an issue for some seniors who are disabled or are impaired in other ways. With a computer and an internet connection, buying your groceries and shopping for all your needs is only a click away.
5. Software that Improves Your Life. Many software apps can be helpful to seniors for tracking their diet, counting the number of calories you burn while walking, and even reminding you to do activities, such as taking medicine or walking the dog.

10 Tips to Help You Become Technology-Savvy

1. Conquer Your Fear of Technology. Fear holds us back from many things, especially new things that can be intimidating and scary. You haven’t come this far in your life by being timid, but by being brave. Look back at all those things that you were once afraid of and now enjoy. Technology will also be fun – if you embrace it.
2. Have a Positive and Open Attitude. It’s so true that your attitude determines your altitude, so try to have an open attitude towards learning about computers and the Internet. You may find you really like the experience a lot, and even find it exciting.
3. Reach Out for Help. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help when you make the choice to learn about technology. This might be a good excuse to call a nephew, niece, or grandkid you haven’t talked to recently. Younger folks like helping us older folks with technology…it makes them feel smarter! Or if you run into immediate issues, you can always reach out to our FLS Team.
4. Internet Search. If you happen to be where there is no one to assist you, not to worry – the search engine in your browser is your friend. Once you are connected to the Internet, you can use it to find out anything you need to know. Whatever you search on, you’ll be presented with countless detailed results to choose from.
5. Take Control of Your Passwords. Over 85% of us write down our account login credentials in a little notebook, or on a napkin – then we pay the price when someone gains access to these passwords. Get a good password manager and use it! Click for one of the best password managers available, and it’s totally free!
6. Take Your Time. As you explore new things in technology, take breaks when you feel exhausted, and don’t be hard on yourself if you don’t grasp something right away. Be patient. After learning a new technology skill, take time to practice it repeatedly so that you really understand it.
7. Learn When to Charge Your Batteries. Nearly all technology devices have lithium-ion batteries that aren’t susceptible to damage. But it’s still best to always charge these batteries when they reach about 20-30% capacity. Keeping your device plugged in all day can reduce it’s battery life.
8. Stay Connected (Don’t Always Turn off Your Devices). Many years ago, it was protocol to aways turn off a computer when it wasn’t in use for a long period of time, like overnight. Today’s devices are engineered to leave on all the time…in fact, this is better in many regards. With computers, you won’t miss necessary updates and with smartphones, your family and friends can always reach you if your phone is turned on.
9. Search History. If you share your computer or tablet with someone, say a spouse or your grandchildren, who want to play games on it, make sure to keep your activities private. The best way to do this is to always delete your search history when you are done. If you’re not sharing your device with anyone, you can forego this.
10. Reviews are Important ­– but Be Careful. Qualified reviews by folks who actually bought and use a product are essential when buying anything online. But be careful that you’re reading a genuine review, not a review that is really nothing more than advertising for an inferior product. All too often, reviews are written by individuals or sites who make money if you click on the product and purchase it after reading the review on their site (this is called affiliate marketing). These bogus reviews are usually found at the very top of the search engine results and marked as “Ad” or “Sponsored”.
    
    Whether booking a hotel room, renting a car, buying a new smartphone or computer – you’ll find online reviews for everything. But be careful that you’re reading user reviews, and not collusive reviews posted by folks paid to rate something highly, or sites that make revenue through affiliate marketing deals.

Larry McJunkin, President

NOTE: If you have ideas for topics you’d like to see in our monthly newsletter, please let me know!

REMINDER: April 11th is National Drug Take Back Day! Our friends at the Tellico Community Foundation are sponsoring this event in Tellico Village and at Kahite. Read more here about how to safely dispose of unused prescription drugs.

10,000 Computers – and Still Going Strong!

This month is all about how our Technology Access Program (TAP) just reached an unbelievable milestone – refurbishing and repurposing 10,000 computers! Certainly, a milestone that was unimaginable when the TAP program was conceived in 2007.

TAP was envisioned by Warren Sanders, a pillar in our club, and over the past 15 years his leadership has taken TAP to a level that makes us all shake our heads in disbelief. Not that we didn’t believe in Warren, or the many other volunteers who’ve been instrumental in TAP’s success…but disbelief that this community outreach program would ever be so successful and touch the lives of so many children and families in counties surrounding Tellico Village.

TAP intakes computers from many sources – Tellico Village residents who are upgrading to a new computer, and companies and organizations (local and national) who donate their old computers instead of recycling them. Through the efforts of many volunteers who put each donated system through a rigorous refurbishment process of cleaning (both digitally and physically), testing, and re-installing the operating system, the finished computers are readied for their new homes. This effort was especially important during the pandemic when children were forced into remote learning environments. Many of them didn’t have computers at home and TAP was able to fill a huge void in the education system and in the lives of these children.

The 10,000th computer was one of several donated to the Sols Write House Empowerment Center in Knoxville, an organization that helps children in the local area. This, and many other similar organizations, especially local schools, have been the primary recipients of TAP’s work over the years. With recently increased government funding for educational computers in federal schools, we thought the TAP program might start slowing down, but that’s hardly been the case…it’s still going strong!

I know I speak for all the volunteers in our club, as well as our many members, in thanking everyone connected with TAP for the amazing work they do that impacts so many children and families. And Warren, we especially thank you for your vision and leadership of this program during the past 15 years.

Larry McJunkin, President

Tellico Village Computer users Club

Two Things for 2023

As we begin 2023, there are two things I’d like to share with you. The first is something we enjoy being able to offer our members each January, and the second…well, you can read that when you finish reading the first one.

TAP Computers for Sale

Every January, the rules regarding our status as a 501(c)3 organization allow us to sell a number of refurbished computers, with the stipulation of putting the proceeds back into our refurbishment program to further the TAP cause. Each year we do this…and each year it’s a successful, sell-out event, almost instantly. 

Effective immediately, TAP has an assortment of refurbished Windows 10 and 11 desktops, laptops, and all-in-ones for sale. These computers are in excellent condition and the typical prices are only $150-175. If you’d like to purchase a (new-to-you) computer and help further the TAP cause, head on over to our office and select yours today!

Tellico Village Computer Users Club
244 Lakeside Plaza
Loudon, TN 37774

(Located under the Thai Bistro restaurant – enter from behind the building.)

Volunteers Needed

Because of the many services we offer, the TVCUC has become one of the largest organizations in Tellico Village. And while the good side of this is that we can offer you unparalleled First Level Support for your technology devices, provide hundreds of repurposed computers every year to local needy children and families, provide our members technology help resources, provide assistance to other Tellico Village organizations, and much more – we can’t do it without volunteer support…without you! If you’re willing to volunteer just a couple of hours a month, it would be a huge help.

It bears repeating that you don’t need to be a geek, or even a technology enthusiast, to volunteer. We have many open positions in education, management, administration, and other areas. We have a core group of members who help keep your club functional, which is a hefty amount of work. It’s very much like running a business organization, which to some degree, it is.

Among other positions, we desperately need to fill two Board of Director positions – Secretary and the Vice President. Regarding the Secretary position, this requires about two hours work per month, and half of that is simply attending the board meeting. We conduct our meetings via Zoom and record them, so no manual notetaking is necessary. The Vice President position is also a low-stress, minimal-effort role that does not automatically roll over to the position of President (unless you desire that). Please consider volunteering for one of these (or other) positions by sending us an email.

Larry McJunkin, President
Tellico Village Computer users Club