More OnZoom Classes Coming in January
As promised: we will be running the Mac Basics class, a Windows Basics class, and How to Clean Out Your Gmail (and make it useful again!) starting in January. Schedule TBA.
In our trials, many people had trouble with the signon process (not like a regular Zoom call, it was confusing), so if you sign up we’ll send our own instructions to help clarify what Zoom sends. Or just let us know if you have questions.
But They’re So Convincing!
Another smart and savvy client just got scammed out of real money, to our dismay. “Amazon” called with an “urgent account issue” and persuaded her to send money–this is the key–via Zelle.
Why?
Because if you send a payment by Zelle, you are not protected against fraud in the same way that you are with a credit card. Ditto gift cards, which is how they got our previous victim.
Your personal technology Grinch would like to remind you of a few things so that we can all have a peaceful holiday:
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It’s not your fault. These are professionals and they’re damn good at manipulating us (especially this year, we’re all so emotionally exhausted).
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Large institutions ALMOST NEVER have a human call you; it’s too expensive. If you get a call from Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, your bank, the IRS, the power company, how do you know it’s for real? Hang up and contact them yourself, using the contact information on their website (NOT a phone number from a google search–be careful–lots of fakes there). It’s a small inconvenience vs. a big risk.
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NEVER, EVER pay a demand call using a gift card or Zelle or any other unrecoverable means.
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NEVER, EVER allow someone who calls claiming to be from an institution to access your computer remotely (except, obviously, if you have made a support appointment).
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NEVER, EVER give them any personal information, even to “confirm” your account, unless YOU have called THEM (or it’s a scheduled call).
Is it Time Yet?
Yes! Yesterday, Apple released the latest update to MacOS 11 (Big Sur), which means it’s finally safe for most people to install it (instructions here), with the following cautions:
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No software is perfect, and there have been a few serious issues with older macs (2013 and 2014 Macbook Pros in particular). Plan for disaster, and be pleasantly surprised when it goes smoothly. (Don’t start the install under time pressure).
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BACK. UP. FIRST. No excuses. iCloud backup is fair, Time Machine is better.
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This is a BIG download. You’ll need enough disk space available. (How to check here).
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Lastly, I really, REALLY hate the new Big Sur desktop image. What was Apple thinking?! If you also find it obnoxious, or you would just rather look at a photo of your own, here’s how to change your desktop background.
Yes, We Have No Flash Player
The venerable Adobe Flash software is being “deprecated” (that’s retired in tech language). You don’t need it anymore, and if you see it on your computer, it should be uninstalled (directions here).
Google is Doing What to My Account?
Heads up: Google is changing the storage limits on the various products (Gmail, Google Photos, Google Drive) associated with your Google/Gmail account. You have until next June, don’t panic, but here’s what you need to know. And here’s how to tell if you are running out of space more urgently: Help! My Gmail is full.
Just for Fun
This missive is too long already, but I wanted to close this unloved year by sharing a quote that made me smile (emphasis mine):
“. . .there’s such an unbelievable amount that we’re all supposed to be able to cope with these days. You’re supposed to have a job, and somewhere to live, and a family, and
you’re supposed to pay taxes and have clean underwear and
remember the password to your damn Wi-Fi.”
—from Anxious People by Fredrik Backman
Wishing you and your loved ones a safe and happy holiday season.