Last year's column
Carbonite
Crashplan
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Last New Year's Column
In the Family Tech running on January 1, 2015, I allude to the first column of 2014 from January 2, 2014. With the permission of Prince William Today, here is that column :
Note: This is the column as submitted; without the editors probably needed edits.
Note: This is the column as submitted; without the editors probably needed edits.
At this point, we are far enough into the New Year to know, yet again, most of our resolutions are not going to happen.
And being January, we are likely to find ourselves snowed in for a day or more at some point. I thought I’d suggest a few things we can all do on that snowy day that will help with some of the computer and organizational resolutions that we made or perhaps should have made.
One thing I do every January is put a folder on the table by the front door for the many tax documents that will be arriving from employers, banks, investment houses, schools ,and the like. So as I walk in the door with mail each day, I have a specific place to put these important documents.
Thursday, December 18, 2014
Thursday, December 11, 2014
Links for Amusement Park Tech
Check the website of your destination for links to official apps for your phone.
Check your phone's app store for apps for your planned destination for other apps that might provide information on your destination. Exercise caution, those third party apps are likely there to push products.
Learn more about Disney Magic Bands at Disney's Website.
Check your phone's app store for apps for your planned destination for other apps that might provide information on your destination. Exercise caution, those third party apps are likely there to push products.
Learn more about Disney Magic Bands at Disney's Website.
Thursday, December 4, 2014
Links to being your families pc tech
Chromebooks
Ninite.com Safe site to download software
What is System Information : Windows Vista Windows 7 Windows 8 Windows XP
Ninite.com Safe site to download software
What is System Information : Windows Vista Windows 7 Windows 8 Windows XP
Thursday, November 20, 2014
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Links for Smartphone Can Control your life
Bruvelo Coffee Maker (Kickstarter project - not yet on market.)
Viper Remote Car Starter
Ten Ways to Control Your home with a smartphone
Smart Garage Doors
Lockitron
Kivo from Kwikset
Smartthings Home Automation
Tivo Roamio
There are other smartphone controlled devices out there. These are just a sample.
Viper Remote Car Starter
Ten Ways to Control Your home with a smartphone
Smart Garage Doors
Lockitron
Kivo from Kwikset
Smartthings Home Automation
Tivo Roamio
There are other smartphone controlled devices out there. These are just a sample.
Thursday, October 30, 2014
Links for Television
Published in paper November 6, 2014
Headline : Technology changes are inevitable and mostly beneficial
Netflix
Hulu Plus
CBS All Access
HBO Go (still requires HBO and cable subscriptions)
SimpsonsWorld.com
Headline : Technology changes are inevitable and mostly beneficial
Netflix
Hulu Plus
CBS All Access
HBO Go (still requires HBO and cable subscriptions)
SimpsonsWorld.com
Thursday, October 16, 2014
Links for What I should have done
VirtualBox
Windows 8 Evaluation version
Note : This is the Enterprise version. For home use you'll want to purchase the Home version, but if you PC supports the Enterprise version, you can use it for temporary use in a VirtualBox.
Additional information here.
How to Refresh your PC
Windows 8 Evaluation version
Note : This is the Enterprise version. For home use you'll want to purchase the Home version, but if you PC supports the Enterprise version, you can use it for temporary use in a VirtualBox.
Additional information here.
How to Refresh your PC
Thursday, October 9, 2014
Links for How to Rid Your system of Malware
If you like me, managed to infest your system with malware, or you want to check to see if you have, these are the steps you can follow.
First, download MalwareBytes and Spybot from these safe locations.
Install MalWareBytes, and run it.
It will likely prompt for you do download the latest Database of threats. If not click the Update Now link on the Database Version line on MalWareBytes main screen.
Do not, at this time run a scan. Exit MalWareBytes after the database has been upgraded.
Next, install Spybot and run it. At the main screen, click Update.
And as with MalWareBytes,, do not, at this time run a scan. Exit Spybot after the database has been upgraded.
When we run the actual scans, we want to be in Safe Mode. Safe Mode is a boot up option. It boots up your computer with just the bare minimum applications. That means any malware should not load into the computer, and not interfere with the scans.
To get into the Windows 8 Safe Mode, follow these steps:
Start Windows 7/Vista/XP in Safe Mode with Networking
Once you are booted up in Safe Mode, run a scan with MalWareBytes. It may take overnight.
First, download MalwareBytes and Spybot from these safe locations.
Install MalWareBytes, and run it.
It will likely prompt for you do download the latest Database of threats. If not click the Update Now link on the Database Version line on MalWareBytes main screen.
Do not, at this time run a scan. Exit MalWareBytes after the database has been upgraded.
Next, install Spybot and run it. At the main screen, click Update.
At the next screen, click Update also.
And as with MalWareBytes,, do not, at this time run a scan. Exit Spybot after the database has been upgraded.
When we run the actual scans, we want to be in Safe Mode. Safe Mode is a boot up option. It boots up your computer with just the bare minimum applications. That means any malware should not load into the computer, and not interfere with the scans.
To get into the Windows 8 Safe Mode, follow these steps:
- When the computer is booting, press and hold the Shift key, and tap the F8 key repeatedly until the Recovery screen appears.
- Click the See advanced repair options option on the Recovery screen.
Start Windows 7/Vista/XP in Safe Mode with Networking
- Immediately after the computer is powered on or restarted (usually after you hear your computer beep), tap the F8 key in 1 second intervals.
- After your computer displays hardware information and runs a memory test, the Advanced Boot Options menu will appear.
Once you are booted up in Safe Mode, run a scan with MalWareBytes. It may take overnight.
Once it is done, run a scan with Spybot.
With either program, if it offers to fix or quarantine any program, have it do so.These
Once both scans are done, reboot your computer into its normal boot process.
This process may not get all your malware, but it should be a good start before moving to more dramatic methods. Those we'll discuss in next week's column, on October 16, 2014 and its accompanying blog post here..
Thursday, October 2, 2014
Thursday, September 25, 2014
Links for Cars Black Box
Bluetooth Car Diagnostic Plugs
Check the Apple App Store, or the Google Play store, as applicable, for "car diagnostic" apps.
Check the Apple App Store, or the Google Play store, as applicable, for "car diagnostic" apps.
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Setting up your small business or personal web page
In the Family Tech column that ran in the September 18, 2014 printed edition of Prince William Today, I discuss how a business, and individuals, receive the most cachet with an email address that is to their own domain.
I talked about creating your own domain, and setting up your email to be sent to that domain in another blog post today.
Once you have your own domain, a small business should definitely set up its own web page. It doesn't have to be much. Think of it as your business card online, where people can find it via Google or Bing search. And it provides a simple link your satisfied customers can share with their friends via email, Facebook, Twitter etc.
I talked about creating your own domain, and setting up your email to be sent to that domain in another blog post today.
Once you have your own domain, a small business should definitely set up its own web page. It doesn't have to be much. Think of it as your business card online, where people can find it via Google or Bing search. And it provides a simple link your satisfied customers can share with their friends via email, Facebook, Twitter etc.
Creating an Email address at your own domain
This summary is not available. Please
click here to view the post.
Thursday, September 11, 2014
Family Tech: The New Phones of September
The two new iPhone's were not the only cell phones announced in September.
Read about the iPhones and the others, in the latest Family Tech.
Read about the iPhones and the others, in the latest Family Tech.
Family Tech now appears in Washington Family Magazine too!
Starting with the September issue, Family Tech also appears in Washington Family Magazine. You can find the magazine at these locations.
It will be a column that previously appeared in the Prince William Today newspaper, so if you have discovered Family Tech through the magazine, and want to read more Family Tech, be sure to pickup the paper each week. You can subscribe to a digital version or have it delivered.
It will be a column that previously appeared in the Prince William Today newspaper, so if you have discovered Family Tech through the magazine, and want to read more Family Tech, be sure to pickup the paper each week. You can subscribe to a digital version or have it delivered.
Links for New Phones in September
Apple 6
Apple phones compared
Apple Watch
Steve Jobs' "One More Thing" video
One thing I didn't have room to mention in the column. U2 played at the iPhone 6 introduction. And they are releasing a new album, that is free through iTunes until October 15.
Samsung Note 4
Motorola Moto X
Nokia 735
Apple phones compared
Apple Watch
Steve Jobs' "One More Thing" video
One thing I didn't have room to mention in the column. U2 played at the iPhone 6 introduction. And they are releasing a new album, that is free through iTunes until October 15.
Samsung Note 4
Motorola Moto X
Nokia 735
Friday, September 5, 2014
Links for Internet Access for All
There are no links for this column.
Thursday, August 28, 2014
Links for Don't Read a Manual, Watch Youtube
No links for this column.
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Finding a lost iPhone or Android phone
Had a friend ask today how kids in her high school could locate a lost or stolen smartphone. Instead of answering by email, I decided to write it here for all.
These methods will work only if your phone is turned on, and is in a place it can make contact. If it isn't these methods can wait until the phone is visible on the cell network.
These methods will work only if your phone is turned on, and is in a place it can make contact. If it isn't these methods can wait until the phone is visible on the cell network.
iPhone
On a PC, go to icloud.com
Login with the phone owner's iTune username and password
Thursday, August 21, 2014
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
Links for Software for Back to School
Google Drive
Dropbox
OneDrive
Apple iCloud
Box
LibreOffice
Microsoft Office Online (free Office)
Microsoft Office's compared
CloudHQ
Carbonite
Crashplan
Dropbox
OneDrive
Apple iCloud
Box
LibreOffice
Microsoft Office Online (free Office)
Microsoft Office's compared
CloudHQ
Carbonite
Crashplan
Monday, August 11, 2014
Thursday, August 7, 2014
Links for Back to School Hardware
Surface Pro 3 (Microsoft) (Amazon)
LCD Printers at Amazon
Chromecast (Google) (Amazon)
Amazon links are part of the Amazon Affiliate program. What's this?
LCD Printers at Amazon
Chromecast (Google) (Amazon)
Amazon links are part of the Amazon Affiliate program. What's this?
Thursday, July 31, 2014
Links for Voice Control
Siri Commands from Apple and TechBlog and Applevis
Google Now Commands
Dragon NaturallySpeaking -- Amazon [Affiliate Link]
Voice Search in Google Chrome on your PC
Google Now Commands
Dragon NaturallySpeaking -- Amazon [Affiliate Link]
Voice Search in Google Chrome on your PC
Thursday, July 17, 2014
Thursday, July 10, 2014
Links for The Cloud
Dropbox
Google Docs
Microsoft’s OneDrive
Apples iCloud (requires iTunes account)
Box
MediaFire
JoliCloud (service to manage all your cloud space)
Google Docs
Microsoft’s OneDrive
Apples iCloud (requires iTunes account)
Box
MediaFire
JoliCloud (service to manage all your cloud space)
Friday, July 4, 2014
Thursday, June 26, 2014
Links for Apps for Emergencies
Red Cross Apps for Android
For IOS Apps, search iTunes for "Red Cross".
Channel 7 WJLA Weather App for IOS and Android
WTOP Closings Page
Evernote.com IOS App Android App
Red Cross information on Preparing your Home and Family for disasters
For IOS Apps, search iTunes for "Red Cross".
Channel 7 WJLA Weather App for IOS and Android
WTOP Closings Page
Evernote.com IOS App Android App
Red Cross information on Preparing your Home and Family for disasters
Thursday, June 19, 2014
Thursday, June 12, 2014
Links about Losing your Cell Phone
Apple's Find My Phone is on iCloud.com
Google's Android Device Manager
AndroidLost in the Play Store, and their website
Google's Android Device Manager
AndroidLost in the Play Store, and their website
Thursday, June 5, 2014
Thursday, May 29, 2014
Thursday, May 22, 2014
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Friday, May 9, 2014
Family Tech: A way to manage all your passwords, easily.
I finally broke down and started using a password manager. What took me so long?
It's a good idea, and the topic of this Family Tech column.
It's a good idea, and the topic of this Family Tech column.
Thursday, May 8, 2014
Saturday, May 3, 2014
Thursday, May 1, 2014
Links for Vocabulary
Published in 5/1/2014 paper
No links for this column
No links for this column
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Family Tech: Keep your Driving Teen a bit safer with tech
Some high tech tools for finding out how well your teen driver is doing.
The latest Family Tech is online.
The latest Family Tech is online.
Links for Digital Trail
There are no links for this week's column.
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Links for Teen Driving
Find the column at InsideNova.com
Ford MyKey
Amazon Affiliate Link : Dash cams
Be sure to look for ones with two cameras able to be aimed forward while another faces back.
Amazon Affiliate Link : Tracking Devices
Amazon Affiliate Link : Textbuster Corporate page:
Items purchased through Affiliate Links offer me a small commission without raising the price you pay.
Ford MyKey
Amazon Affiliate Link : Dash cams
Be sure to look for ones with two cameras able to be aimed forward while another faces back.
Amazon Affiliate Link : Tracking Devices
Amazon Affiliate Link : Textbuster Corporate page:
Items purchased through Affiliate Links offer me a small commission without raising the price you pay.
Monday, March 31, 2014
Family Tech: Watch out for your kid's selfies
Kids are sharing inappropriate photos. I try to understand the force behind this.
The latest Family Tech.
The latest Family Tech.
Friday, March 28, 2014
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Links for Monitor your Child's Selfies
There are no specific links for this column.
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Links for Investigating Products
Wikipedia
FBI Fraud Alerts
Who Called Me?
Time Magazine: How to Spot a Fake Review Site
WikiHow: Fake Review Sites
FBI Fraud Alerts
Who Called Me?
Time Magazine: How to Spot a Fake Review Site
WikiHow: Fake Review Sites
Monday, March 10, 2014
Family Tech: Girls and Engineering
Building things is how a nation builds wealth. New efforts hope to attract girls to engineering.
The latest Family Tech column is online.
The latest Family Tech column is online.
Thursday, March 6, 2014
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Links for Summer Camps
Loudoun Robotics Camps
Crime Museum Camp
Wonder Space Camp
TIC Camp
Fairfax County Camps (PWC residents can attend for an additional $15 fee)
FunBotLab
George Mason Camps
Northern Virginia Geocaching
Air & Space Museum
Crime Museum Camp
Wonder Space Camp
TIC Camp
Fairfax County Camps (PWC residents can attend for an additional $15 fee)
FunBotLab
George Mason Camps
Northern Virginia Geocaching
Air & Space Museum
Monday, February 24, 2014
Family Tech: That video you purchased you may not own
Did you know you can buy a video, and later it will be deleted from your library, and you do not receive a refund?
It's all legal. Disney did it at Christmas.
Family Tech column online today.
It's all legal. Disney did it at Christmas.
Family Tech column online today.
Friday, February 21, 2014
Links for Getting the Most of Steaming TV
- Sherlock Jr. (1924)
- The Battleship Potemkin (1925)
- The General (1926)
- Nosferatu (1929)
- Duck Soup (1933)
- The Grapes of Wrath (1940)
- His Girl Friday (1940)
- Double Indemnity (1944)
- All About Eve (1950)
- High Noon (1952)
- Witness for the Prosecution (1957)
- Some Like It Hot (1959)
- The Apartment (1960)
- The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962)
- Once Upon a Time in the West (1968)
- Rosemary's Baby (1968)
- Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)
- Apocalypse Now (1979)
- Manhattan (1979)
- Raging Bull (1980)
- The Untouchables (1987)
- Cinema Paradiso (1988)
- Reservoir Dogs (1992)
- The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
- Forrest Gump (1994)
- Pulp Fiction (1994)
- Fargo (1996)
- Trainspotting (1996)
- Life is Beautiful (1997)
- The Truman Show (1998)
- Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels (1998)
- Memento (2000)
- Amelie (2001)
- Donnie Darko (2001)
- The Pianist (2002)
- Oldboy (2003)
- Downfall (2004)
- Into the Wild (2007)
- There Will Be Blood (2007)
- IP Man (2008)
- Let the Right One In (2008)
- Hachi: A Dog's Tale (2009)
- Mary and Max (2009)
- The King's Speech (2010)
- The Artist (2011)
- Warrior (2011)
- The Avengers (2012)
American Film Institute's Top Films currently on Netflix :
- Intolerance (1916)
- The General (1926)
- Duck Soup (1933)
- The Grapes of Wrath (1940)
- Double Indemnity (1944)
- All About Eve (1950)
- The African Queen (1951)
- High Noon (1952)
- Some Like It Hot (1959)
- The Apartment (1960)
- West Side Story (1961)
- Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)
- Apocalypse Now (1979) Redux (2001)
- Raging Bull (1980)
- Forrest Gump (1994)
- Pulp Fiction (1994)
Source for the above two lists is here.
RSS Feed
- New Watch Instantly from Netflix via InstantWatcher.com
AllCast Android App
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Family Tech: Simplify your life by using phone & PC together
Saturday, February 8, 2014
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Links for Home Automation
Home Automation Portal at Amazon.com
Phillips Hue Lighting at Amazon
Belkin Wemo at Amazon
AT&T Home Automation
Verizon Home Automation
Comcast Home Automation
Amazon links are affiliate links. I receive a tiny commission on any sales made when these items are purchased.
Phillips Hue Lighting at Amazon
Belkin Wemo at Amazon
AT&T Home Automation
Verizon Home Automation
Comcast Home Automation
Amazon links are affiliate links. I receive a tiny commission on any sales made when these items are purchased.
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Links for PWC Library
Prince William County Library
Boopsie app for Android and IOS
Chicago Library Maker Space
- Video on getting started with borrowing ebooks and audio books
- Audio Books and ebooks
- OverDrive app for Various devices
- Book Club Resources
- Literati by Credo
- Magazines
- Calendar of Events
- Donate a book to the library from the library's Amazon Wish List
- Book Sales
Boopsie app for Android and IOS
Chicago Library Maker Space
Thursday, January 9, 2014
Links for Set for New Year
Avast
AVG (free trial only)
Dropbox +
Box
Google Drive
ZeroLemon at Amazon *
Anker at Amazon *
Apple Store online
* Indicates an Amazon Affiliate Link. If you purchase from this link, I receive a tiny commission.
+ If you create a Dropbox account from this link, you and I both receive a little extra free space.
AVG (free trial only)
Dropbox +
Box
Google Drive
ZeroLemon at Amazon *
Anker at Amazon *
Apple Store online
* Indicates an Amazon Affiliate Link. If you purchase from this link, I receive a tiny commission.
+ If you create a Dropbox account from this link, you and I both receive a little extra free space.
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
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