President’s Message

The holiday season is a time when we can all slow down a little, enjoy our families and friends, and start planning the new year ahead. On behalf of the TVCUC Board of Directors and our many volunteers, I wish each of you and your families health and happiness for the holiday season and the very best for the new year.

Larry McJunkin, President

(The TVCUC Monthly Bulletin will resume in January 2022.)

President’s Message
 

The first half of October was a busy time for the Technology Giants. Microsoft announced Windows 11, the first new version in over six years; Apple released their annual new line of iPhones, followed by a second event announcing a completely redesigned MacBook Pro, powered by faster processors than we could have ever imagined; and Google, playing catch-up to Apple and Microsoft, finally released their own silicon processor line in the new Pixel 6 phones. With everyone now making their own processors and AMD offering competitive processors for much less, this isn’t a good time for Intel Corporation. 

In all this news, probably the most impactful for Windows 10 users is should you upgrade to Windows 11. The answer is different for everyone. If you’re buying a new PC, there is no choice – it will come with Windows 11 pre-installed. If you want to have the latest and greatest, then you’ll need to make the switch now. But if you’re content (at least for now) with Windows 10, we recommend you simply tread water for a while longer. Like every new operating system, Windows 11 has already had a series of patches and updates and more will surely arrive in the next few weeks. There is very little that has functionally changed, but I’ll admit Windows 11 is a lot more aesthetically pleasing. Gone is the sharp, square look, replaced by softly rounded corners with the Start Menu more prominently positioned.

If your old computer is compatible, we feel you should eventually upgrade – but give Windows 11 a few more weeks (or longer) to get all the early issues resolved. Additionally, not all older computers are compatible with Windows 11. To check your computer’s compatibility, go to this Microsoft webpage for the minimum requirements and to download a small app that will automatically check if your PC is compatible. 

TVCUC Updates

Technology Access Program. One of the busiest places in Tellico Village is our TAP office. Here, a group of dedicated, and exceptionally talented volunteers can always be found, refurbishing donated computers to be repurposed to needy youth in our surrounding counties. To date, TAP had helped 13,266 children have access to the internet with a computer in their home.

Membership Committee. 2022 dues must be paid before January to continue your family membership. In addition to our usual method of accepting dues payment by credit card on TellicoLife, we are once again accepting dues payment by check. If you prefer to pay by check, please print out the invoice generated from TellicoLife at the end of the JOIN/RENEW process. Drop off or mail your check (and invoice) to the TVCUC TAP office at 244 Lakeside Plaza, Loudon, TN 37774.

We currently have 1211 members in the TVCUC, and our goal is to increase this number before 2022. Your $20 membership affords your entire family with unlimited FLS support, access to our Help & Resources on the website, and much more! If you know someone who isn’t a member but could benefit from some helpful technology assistance, please let them know they can join by going to the Membership Section of the TVCUC website.

Education Committee. This committee is slowly morphing into Help & Resources to provide our members with pertinent information about the daily technology issues they encounter. We’ve tailored the Help & Resources content to address the types of problems we hear about every day from folks here in Tellico Village. Take a few minutes to check out these self-help resources. If you feel any topical areas are missing, email us your suggestions.

First Level Support. Our knowledgeable and dedicated FLS team continues to solve our members’ technology issues remotely, and in many cases, we’re getting back to making house calls, depending on the nature of the call and if everyone involved is amenable. The level of support calls has remained steady throughout the continuing pandemic, and if you’re facing technology issues with any of your devices, we’re here to help. You can initiate a support request here.

Trending Technology Articles

Google’s New Pixel 6 Phones. For many Android users, Google’s new Pixel 6 phones are very compelling, especially if you prefer a clean Android look without the clutter and bloatware that typically comes with 3rd party Android phones. The Verge has published some great hands-on thoughts about these new phones and why they just might be the best Google has released to date. Read the article.

Apple Announces New Colors For HomePod mini. Apple recently introduced the HomePod mini in three bold new colors – yellow, orange, and blue – giving users more ways to express their personality and style in any space. At just 3.3 inches tall, HomePod mini offers a great music-listening experience, the intelligence of Siri, and smart home capabilities, with privacy and security built in. Read the full article.

Windows 11 Full Review. Windows 11 has arrived, and with it comes Microsoft’s vision for the future of personal computing. This is a softer, more rounded Windows, one that puts the Start menu front and center while doing away with some of the cruft that cluttered up Windows 10. But while Windows 11 does introduce some welcome improvements, many are so subtle you probably won’t notice them unless you’re specifically looking. Read the full review.

Larry McJunkin, President

 

 

President’s Message

Windows 11 will start to become available on October 5, 2021. On this day, the free upgrade to Windows 11 will begin rolling out to eligible Windows 10 PCs, and PCs that come pre-loaded with Windows 11 will start to become available for purchase. A new Windows experience, Windows 11 is designed to bring you closer to what you love.

As the PC continues to play a more central role in our lives than ever before. Windows 11 is ready to empower your productivity and inspire your creativity. Here’s what’s new.

• New design and new sounds that are modern, fresh, and clean.
• Windows Start utilizes the power of the cloud and Microsoft 365 to show you your recent files no matter what device you were viewing them on.
• More powerful ways to multitask and optimize your screen real estate.
• Chat feature from Microsoft Teams integrated into the taskbar.
• Widgets, a new personalized feed powered by AI, provides a faster way to access the information you care about.
• A new Microsoft Store, rebuilt with an all-new design making it easier to search and discover your favorite apps, games, shows, and movies in one trusted location.
• The most inclusively designed version of Windows with new accessibility improvements that were built for and by people with disabilities.
• Optimized for speed, efficiency and improved experiences with touch, digital pen and voice input.
• An operating system built for hybrid work, delivering new experiences that work how you use it.

We think this may be the best version of Windows that Microsoft has ever released. At least they’ve listened to valuable suggestions from the Windows Insider Team as they created it. If you upgrade to Windows 11 and encounter any problems, please reach out to our First Level Support team.

TVCUC Updates

Technology Access Program. TAP is still going strong, thanks to your support and the many volunteers who graciously give their time in refurbishing donated computers to be repurposed for needy youth in the local area. At the end of August, TAP had helped 13,208 children have access to the internet with a computer in their home. This has helped to level an otherwise unlevel playing field for these kids as they’ve struggled with home schooling, online classes, and simply trying have a better life.

Membership Committee. We currently have 1193 members in the TVCUC, and our goal is to increase this number before 2022. Your $20 membership provides you with unlimited FLS support, access to our Help & Resources on the website, and much more! If you know someone who isn’t a member but could benefit from some technology assistance, please let them know they can join by going to the Membership section of the TVCUC website.

Education Committee. We recently hosted the first of two Zoom presentations in support of a Password Manager class. We had an amazing turnout that nearly reached the limits for the number of participants allowed in a Zoom meeting. The final presentation for this will be on October 5th for those who participated in the first session. Because of its popularity, I’m sure we’ll host this class again. In the meantime, if there are topics on which you’d like to have us do a similar online class, just send us an email.

First Level Support. Our FLS team continues to solve our members’ technology issues both remotely, and in some cases, in person. The level of support calls has remained steady throughout the pandemic, and now that many folks are back in their bubble, we’re here to help when you have computer problems.

Tours. Just a reminder that because of the uptick in COVID cases in our area, we are suspending the tours. Every facility to which we normally offer tours has told us it will likely be the first part of 2022 before they’ll allow tours again in their facilities. We will keep you informed.

Trending Technology Articles

The New iPad Mini. The iPad Mini has been overlooked for years now, with Apple favoring a spec bump here and there over a full upgrade. But for 2021, unlike the barely noticeable changes in the past, Apple redesigned the iPad Mini to place it more in line with the rest of its tablet offerings. Read the full article.

The 20 Best New Movies to Stream. As we leave the hottest months of summer behind, Hollywood enters spooky season as well as prestige season, which means a ton of movies coming out. With so many new originals, classic flicks, and indie marvels arriving, here’s a list of the top 20 movies to stream on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and HBO so you always have something new to watch. Read the full article.

Larry McJunkin, President