Staying Safe Online

There are currently several ways that bad actors are convincing folks to do the wrong things online. You may have recently read in the news that Facebook just warned over a million users their private information had been leaked through some apps that let users sign into other places using Facebook. In this bulletin I’ll address how to avoid this and give you some other security tips. If you think these things will never happen to you – think again! The truth is, they happen every single week, right here in Tellico Village.

Should You Login with Facebook or Google on Other Sites or Apps? (Thanks to Karen Brown for suggesting we add this in the October Bulletin.)

The short answer is NO! 

Everywhere you go online these days, you’re required to login with a username and password. I get it – this is because sites want you to be registered so they can count you as a site subscriber for their advertisers. And since they know you’ll be more likely to comply if they make it easy to sign up and sign in, they offer the option of logging in through other ubiquitous services they know you use (primarily Google and Facebook).

Just don’t do it!

There are simply too many ways that pressing these buttons can leak your personal information or help companies track you. What could go wrong? Recently, Facebook warned a million Facebook users their accounts might have been compromised by 400 malicious apps that were designed to trick them into disclosing their Facebook log-in information by using fake log-in buttons. When you log in with Google or Facebook, you’re taking a big leap of faith that your data will be protected.

When is it okay to use log-in buttons? (Log-in with Facebook, or Log-in with Google.) The definitive answer is never, but log-in buttons aren’t necessarily always bad. If it’s a legitimate site or service, then you don’t have too much to worry about. For example, some people log in with Google to grant the Zoom video conferencing app access to their calendar, making calls pop up automatically. Here you’re trusting Zoom, but in this case it’s OK to do so.

How do you know when it is legit and when it is not? You don’t…and that’s the problem. If you want to take a chance, you might be just fine, but the safest decision is to just not do this at all. When you use these quick login methods, it helps Google and Facebook track you across websites and apps, letting them know when – and possibly even how – you’re using them.

Some good news. Both Google and Facebook have places where you can check which sites and apps you’ve connected to through their services. It’s a good idea to do a regular census – and remove anything of which you’re unsure. Here’s how to do this.

For Google, log in to your account and click on Third-party apps with account access. It lists all the third-party apps with access and places you use Google log-in and gives you the ability to revoke access to any site or app listed. 

For Facebook, log in to your account and find your way to the Apps and Websites section in Settings. (Thankfully, Facebook now automatically disables connections you haven’t used after 90 days, but it’s still worth reviewing your choices periodically.)

Three Sure Signs You’re Being Scammed!

1. You’re told to act immediately. Imposters want you to act before you have time to think and may pretend to be a relative in need, a utility company, or a financial institution.
2. They’ll ask for your personal info or codes. Never share codes or personal information when contacted unexpectedly by phone, text, email, computer alert or social media.
3. You’re asked to pay in an unusual way. Be wary if you’re asked to pay by wire transfer, gift cards or payment apps, such as PayPal or Venmo.

That’s it for this month! Remember to be vigilant as you use the internet and email. There are lots of bad actors out there who are very good at deceiving you. If you do happen to get into trouble – call our First Level Support (FLS) team immediately at (865) 408-8223.

Larry McJunkin, President

September Monthly Bulletin

Preparing Your Old Computer for Donation, Selling or Recycling

Buying a new computer? Regardless of what you’re planning to do with your old computer (PC or Mac), the first, and most important thing you should do is to completely erase the hard drive. Your best option for this is to use the recovery software on your computer to reset it back to the way it was when you first bought it. This will not only erase your data from the computer, it will also make your computer usable by the next person who owns it. While this isn’t as important for recycling, it is very important if you’re selling, trading or donating your computer. I’ll go over the standard way of doing this first, and then I’ll provide an even more simple option.

Regardless of which version of Windows you’re using, your computer likely has a small section set aside on the hard drive for system recovery. Since most of you are using a Windows 10 or 11 computer, I’ll use these as examples, but this also works the same for Windows 8.1.

If you’re using Windows 8.1 or 10, follow these steps:

1. Select Settings (the gear icon on the Start menu).
2. Select Update & Security, then Recovery.
3. Choose Remove Everything, then Remove files and Clean the drive.
4. Click Next, then Reset and Continue.
5. You may be asked whether you would like to remove files quickly or thoroughly. Select thoroughly to ensure that data cannot be recovered.

If you’re using Windows 11, follows these steps:

1. Select Start > Settings > System > Recovery.
2. Open Recovery settings.
3. Next to Reset this PC, select Reset PC.
4. Open the dropdown table and select Remove Everything.
5. Data erasure will be set to on by default. Leave it at that setting for a full system wipe.

If you’re using a Mac Computer:

When performing a system wipe on Mac computers, there are a few extra things to be aware of. The steps can change based on which processor your Mac has, and potentially which update of macOS it has. There is one method for older Intel processors, and another for the proprietary Apple Silicon chips that have been released in the past couple of years. To make sure you use the proper method for your Mac, follow the guidance Apple provides on their website.

https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/erase-and-reinstall-macos-mh27903/mac

Now, for that more simple option I promised you…

If you’re planning to donate your old computer, regardless of what kind it is, please consider donating it to our Technology Access Program (TAP). All you need to do is bring your computer to our TAP office, located under the Thai Bistro (enter from the rear parking lot). The very first thing TAP will do in preparation for refurbishing your old computer to repurpose it for needy children or families, is to completely wipe the hard drive…so you don’t have to do it.

TAP uses a certified military grade hard disk erasing station that renders your hard drive completely unrecoverable, even by data retrieval experts. This means you don’t have to go through the process I recommended earlier, plus you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing your old computer is being refurbished and repurposed to a deserving home.

You, our members, are the very best part of the TVCUC and we appreciate your involvement. Speaking of involvement, we are still looking for candidates for three positions on our Board of Directors that expire at the end of 2022. These positions do not require that you be a geek or computer enthusiast, but that you simply have a willingness to help us help our members and make our organization even better and stronger. We are seeking candidates for the positions of Vice President, Secretary, and Director-at-Large. If you would like to volunteer a couple of hours a month to any of these positions, please send an email to the TVCUC Nominating Committee.

Larry McJunkin, President

July Monthly Bulletin

President’s Message

Computer Problems? Try These Solutions First.

I was talking recently with Tom Verbeke, who heads up our First Level Support (FLS) team, about which technology problems we encounter most frequently. It turns out that many support calls answered by our FLS team are for repetitive problems, and we thought it would be beneficial to identify them and their common solutions in this month’s Bulletin. If you encounter any of these technology issues, it’s easy to try fixing them yourself. If that doesn’t work, you can always reach out to the FLS team.

Computer is running but there is no Internet (Windows & Mac.

1. Locate the internet modem. Unless you’ve purchased a modem, yourself, this is the device provided by Spectrum, or your internet service provider.
2. Disconnect the modem power cord.
3. Locate your Wi-Fi router (this should be connected to the modem with an ethernet cable) and disconnect the power.
4. Leave the modem and Wi-Fi router unplugged for at least 15 seconds.
5. Plug the modem back in first, wait a few seconds and then plug in the router.

Everything is frozen (Windows)

1. Press and hold the power button for 10-15 seconds. 
2. Start the machine as you normally would. This most often will result in the computer starting normally.

Computer won’t start (Windows & Mac)

1. Be sure it is connected to a live outlet? Plug a lamp into the same outlet and see if it works. (I know, you’re thinking this could never be the case) – but we find this to be the culprit more often than you would think.
2. Ensure the AC plugs are fully and tightly inserted.
3. Be sure the monitor is turned on. If you’re using a desktop with an external monitor, power or a video signal to the monitor can often be the problem.
4. If you’re using a laptop, be sure the brightness is turned up.

Printer connection issues

1. Windows 10 supports most printers, but connection issues happen. To install or add a printer (whether it’s networked, wireless or Bluetooth), go to Start > Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners. Select Add a printer or scanner. Your device should find the printer (assuming it’s turned on and connected to Wi-Fi or the network) and should allow you to select Add device.
2. If your printer isn’t in the list, select The printer that I want isn’t listed and then follow the instructions to add it manually, using one of the options provided.
3. If you’re trying to install a local printer (connected via USB cable and not Wi-Fi), you can typically just plug it into your USB port and follow the same instructions. If your printer stops working, repeat the process.

Problems when updating Windows

If you’re running into a problem or error updating, try the following:

1. Make sure your device is connected to the internet (you’ll need an internet connection to update Windows).
2. Try to install the update manually, by following the instructions above. If unsuccessful, try the Windows Update Troubleshooter.
3. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter: Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot. Under Get up and Running, select Windows Update.

Bluetooth not working

If you suddenly can’t connect your Bluetooth headphones, mouse or keyboard, here are a few things you can try:

1. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on. You can do this by going to the taskbar and selecting Action Center (it looks like a message square). If you don’t see Bluetooth, select Expand. You should then see Bluetooth, and be able to select it to turn it on. If your device isn’t paired with any Bluetooth accessories, it will say “Not connected.” Your other option is to go to Start > Settings > Devices > Bluetooth and turn it on there.
2. Check your Bluetooth device. Make sure your accessory is turned on, is charged or has fresh batteries, and is close to your Windows 10 device. You can then try turning off the Bluetooth device and turning it back on after a few seconds. If it’s still not working, make sure it’s not too close to any other USB device plugged into a USB 3.0 port, since those can interfere.
3. Check your Windows 10 device. Make sure Airplane Mode is turned off (Start > Settings > Network & Internet > Airplane mode). Try turning Bluetooth on and off (see above). Finally, try removing the device and adding it again (Start > Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices. Select the device you’re having trouble connecting, and choose Remove device > Yes).
4. If none of this works, Microsoft has some other tips for troubleshooting Bluetooth problems.

Larry McJunkin, President

June Monthly Bulletin

President’s Message

How to be a Tech-Savvy Senior

Some of our members are already tech-savvy, but for those who aren’t – or for those who’d like to just ride along, here is some information to help you master the ever-changing world of technology.

As seniors living in a digital world, we can be easily overwhelmed by all the new technology around us. Everywhere we look, we see digital devices, whether they’re smartphones, computers, tablets, check-in kiosks at the hospital, or even ATMs. The bottom line is we either need to embrace them or…or what? Unfortunately, there isn’t another option. There’s just no avoiding that we should learn how to use these technological marvels surrounding us to make life easier. I think the more you learn about the technology around you, the more tech-savvy you’ll become.

We all want things to be easier and faster as we age, so it’s important to stay abreast of how technology can help us in our golden years. Technology provides the connectivity, speed and efficiency to make everything we do easier. Will we ever outsmart our grandkids when using technology devices – not a chance! But we can certainly make an impression on them about our understanding of technology and how we’ve adapted to it in our daily routines.

How much technology knowledge do we really need? Not all that much. Just getting some simple training in how to use computers, tablets, and smartphones can help us to stay connected with our families, friends, and communities. This is especially important for those who want to live independently and age at home.

There are many online services that offer technology lessons, instructional videos, or reference even more online resources that allow you to learn at your own pace. Here are a few you can visit to see if they are suitable for you.

• GCF Global – (Free of charge and supported by the Goodwill Community Foundation.)
• Tech Boomers – (Free tutorials in basic computer skills.)
• Top Free Computer Classes for Seniors – (Comprehensive list of online resources.)
• How to Help Seniors Learn Computing Skills – (This site has many great resources.)

If you don’t mind doing a bit of browsing, there are also many YouTube videos that offer quick overviews on general computer know-how and even specifics, such as setting up a Facebook account or doing Skype calls. All you need to do is go to YouTube and type in some search terms, like “basic computer training”, “computing for seniors”, “how to use Facebook”, etc. There will be hundreds of options presented to you – simply pick the most recent and those with the most views.

Using a computer helps you stay informed, share information, organize your schedule, do your banking, find and listen to your favorite music, watch old episodes of your favorite shows and films…and the list goes on. In fact, with all the resources and help available, you may find yourself becoming a technical expert sooner than you think. See you online!

Larry McJunkin, President

May Monthly Bulletin

President’s Message

Is it Time for a New Smartphone?

Now is a great time to shop for a new smartphone. It’s mid-year for most manufacturers and they’re past the onslaught of buyers wanting the latest and greatest when new phones first release, and they’re also dealing with slumping sales caused by other potential buyers who plan on waiting until new models come out in the fall.

The easy part is your decision to purchase a new smartphone. Now you have to decide on which OS, which manufacturer, which carrier…and the list of questions goes on.

Smartphones have become an integral part of our lives and few of us can function without one. A smartphone is just another computer…but one we can carry in our pocket or purse that also lets us call people. These devices are no longer simply phones – we do everything with them and in some instances, they can completely replace a desktop computer.

With the top three carriers continually fighting for the most subscribers, the best coverage, or the best 5G signal, you’ll always find one of them willing to make a better deal, but it’s still in your best interests to shop around and find that best deal. You’ll inevitably find the best prices not in the actual price of the phone, but with the wireless carrier you choose. Due to price fixing, carriers are often not allowed to discount the price of phones, but they can give you a deep discount in terms of monthly credits on your bill. This is nothing shady…it’s a great way for them to secure new customers and you to get a discounted, or even free phone. Here’s how it works.

Let’s say you want to purchase a new iPhone 13 and the retail price from Apple is $799. To entice you to switch carriers (something you might be planning to do anyway), some carriers will give you this phone FREE. The only catch is they’ll divide the cost of the phone by 24 ($33.29), then take $33.29 off your bill each month for 24 months. You’re getting the phone free, but you have to stay with the new carrier for two years to receive all the credits. This is NOT a contract…you can leave anytime. But if you do, you’ll owe the balance of the $799 based on when you leave and how much you’ve paid on it. This is a great way to get a new phone free if you’re planning to move to a new carrier, anyway.

Also, at this point on the cellular timeline, don’t even consider a phone that isn’t 5G capable. All the carriers with towers in Tellico Village have either fully transitioned to 5G or will be finishing it soon. In fact, a 6G standard is already in the works.

We’re very fortunate here in Tellico Village, in that all the major wireless carriers work equally well (or poorly) depending on your perspective. They each have their dead spots, it’s unavoidable as the signal from the tower radiates straight out from the tower and we have hills and valleys which can hinder that signal. Also, the antenna inside your phone is a very small target which may or may not do as well as another phone – even from the same manufacturer, in a fringe service area. Some due diligence and research will quickly educate you on which carrier and or phone works best in your part of Tellico Village or the places you often frequent. Select your wireless carrier and phone accordingly.

Above all, remember that your smartphone is an extension of your digital life and keeps you connected to family and friends with calls and texts. I recommend purchasing one of the top brands for performance, durability and longevity. Some of the best names in smartphones this year are the Samsung Galaxy Series, iPhone 13 Series, and the new Google Pixel 6 series. All phones will work…but the flagship phones are always your best choice and usually only cost a little more.

Larry McJunkin, President