ChatGPT

You may not think that ChatGPT is important to you, or even relevant…but it is, and you don’t even have a choice. In its very short life since November 2022, ChatGPT has become integrated with the primary internet search engines, embraced by the top technology giants, and has become an irreversible way of the future. It’s OK to not care about ChatGPT, but since it now affects us all, I’d like to offer you a simple explanation of what it is and what it does. And from this, I hope you’ll see a glimpse of its potential, not only globally, but in your own world.

What is ChatGPT?

ChatGPT is a natural language processing tool driven by Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology that allows you to have human-like conversations and other interactions with a chatbot. The language model can answer questions and assist you with tasks, such as composing emails, writing essays, and even writing complex programming code. It could assist someone in opening a business, planning a wedding, or literally anything you could imagine to ask.

Think of it in more simplified terms – you could ask it the following – “My grandkids, ages 10 and 12, both boys, will be visiting me for a week this summer. Plan one thing fun for them to do each day they’re here. Keep the travel within 50 miles of Tellico Village, TN and recommend a highly rated restaurants for lunch each day”. ChatGPT would plan this week and you would be amazed at how much detail it would provide…like places to go, what to do, hours for all the events or places it finds, and for the most part, it would plan a perfect itinerary. Obviously, it’s only a starting point, and you could easily refine it.

Who made ChatGPT?

ChatGPT was created by OpenAI, an AI and research company. The company launched ChatGPT on November 30, 2022.

How big a deal is ChatGPT?

It’s huge. And it’s actually scary good! ChatGPT had over 100 million active users in January, only two months after its launch. For comparison, it took nine months for TikTok to reach 100 million users. Currently, the number of users is so high, it can’t be accurately determined.

How can you access ChatGPT?

You can access ChatGPT simply by going to http://chat.openai.com and creating an OpenAI account. Once you sign in, you can start chatting away with ChatGPT. Get your conversation started by simply asking it some questions. Because ChatGPT is still in its research stage, it is free, and you can ask as many questions as you’d like. You can also access ChatGPT on your iPhone, using the ChatGPT app from the App Store (be sure to install the ChatGPT app labeled with “The official app by OpenAI”

How much does ChatGPT cost?

ChatGPT is free to use. There is an available subscription option (ChatGPT Plus) that users can take advantage of that costs $20/month. The paid subscription model guarantees users extra perks, such as general access, even at capacity, faster response times, and access to the internet through plugins. However, the free version is still a very solid option as it has mostly the same technical abilities.

My take on ChatGPT

There is so much hype around ChatGPT and it has tremendous potential, but it can’t do everything – it’s not magic. By now, it’s incorporation into our top search engines has transformed what was already amazing into an infinite knowledge source with endless potential. Occasionally, ChatGPT writes plausible sounding but incorrect or nonsensical answers, so you’ll need to temper its responses with some common sense. Hmm…I wonder if I could ask it to write next month’s newsletter?

Larry McJunkin, President

Tellico Villager Computer Users Club

STAYING SAFE ONLINE

Earlier this week, I spoke to a local group here in Tellico Village about this same topic, and while gathering my thoughts about what to say, it seemed appropriate to also share them with all of you. Staying safe online is becoming more difficult because the bad actors are devising new ways to skirt the safeguards built into our computing devices. Increasing our personal diligence and being able to recognize a fake email or phone call is our best defense against getting into trouble while online. In 2022, the online fraud industry was over $20 BILLION! And most of this from individuals, just like you and me. Here are some tips to help you stay safe while online.

At the end of the day, staying safe online is all about common sense. I say this because regardless of what you do to preempt bad things from happening, what ultimately gets us in trouble is a bad decision…even if in our heart of hearts…we know it’s a bad decision, we often do it anyway. So, if you take away anything from this newsletter, I hope it’s a little visual sign in your mind’s eye that flashes and says “should I really do this?”. If you’ll ask yourself this a few times before making a questionable online decision, you’ll be fine, because your smarter self won’t let you make that bad decision.

Speaking of bad decisions, the #1 bad decision that gets folks into trouble is allowing someone on the other end of the phone to take control of your computer. Above anything else…do not ever, EVER let anyone take control of your computer unless you know who it is. A friend, a relative, one of us in First Level Support at the computer club – that’s fine. If you use a Mac, then someone from Apple Care (as long as you know you’re actually speaking to an Apple employee), but if you use Windows, understand there is NO ONE at Microsoft who will ever remotely take control of your computer to help you. So, if someone is on that phone and telling you they’re from Microsoft…just hang up!

I know you’re thinking “Hmm…I’d never do that” but we assist several members every month who’ve inadvertently gotten into trouble by letting someone take control of their computer. So don’t say this won’t happen to you…just promise yourself you’ll do everything possible to stay diligent and not make that bad online decision.

The way we get into these situations is invariably by trying to get help. Help with a software app, help with your computer, help with your TV, etc. You bring up Google and start looking for support for something. Out of the search results that populate your screen…I’ll bet over 70% of them are bogus. The first indication they’re bogus is they offer a toll-free number. That’s just not going to happen. The second indication is that someone is actually offering to help you…for free. That’s rare today. Companies go to great lengths to make it nearly impossible to contact them by phone. You have to figure out how to separate the wheat from the chaff, because when you dial that number for free support, and you hear someone with a strange accent promising to help with your problem…that’s when you need to visualize that mental sign. “Should I really do this?” And the answer is NO!

Here are some other simple pieces of advice regarding online safety.

Keep your internet browser updated.

The latest versions have a lot of built-in protection against fake websites and web-based viruses.

Get a Password Manager.

If you use a Windows PC, I recommend Bitwarden or RoboForm. If you use a Mac, I recommend 1Password or Bitwarden. Create a memorable passphrase to open your password manager. An example of a passphrase is several words separated by special characters, including capital letters and numbers – such as: Sporty-Crown-Tarmac-Imaginary7 (this example passphrase would take approximately 87 years to crack). Whatever you use for your passphrase, it must be memorable to you.

Shred all your sensitive paper documents.

Bad actors can use information on paper statements to steal someone’s identity. Yes, there are lots of people sifting through landfills looking for valuable information.

Learn to spot fake emails and websites.

Criminals use these to con people into giving away passwords and bank details – the technical word is ‘phishing’.

Venmo Privacy

While some of you may like the social aspect of using the Venmo app to transfer money, others may not, and there are downsides to this. To maintain better privacy while using Venmo, Karen Brown sent me the following Venmo tip:

If you’re bothered by the Venmo home screen, which displays not only the transactions you’ve made, but transactions from others in your Contacts app, here are some steps to protect your own privacy while using Venmo.

1. Open Venmo and tap the “Me” icon at the bottom right.
2. Tap the Settings icon at the top right (the gear-shaped icon).
3. Tap “Privacy”.
4. Check “Private.” (The other two choices are “Public” and “Friends”.)
5. Tap “Past Transactions”.
6. Tap “Change All to Private”. Tap the “Back” arrow.
7. Tap “Friends List”.
8. Tap “Private”. (Again, the other two choices are “Public” and “Friends”.)
9. That it…you’re done!

One last reminder to help you stay safe online – whenever your sixth sense presents you with a question mark regarding something you’re about to do online – remember that little sign…”Should I really do this?”

Larry McJunkin, President

Tellico Villager Computer Users Club

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