Good news first

Remote support is extra appealing right now, and we have FINALLY found a safe way to see your iPhone or iPad screen remotely so we can assist you more effectively. (Yay!). Just install the Zoom app (free) and make a date if you need a little help.

And the less good news–

In our ultraconnected world, the speed and breadth of Coronavirus effects have been astonishing: disrupted supply chains, canceled events, and above all, anxiety. 

We’re all anxious, and anxiety impairs our judgment. Naturally, scammers smell an opportunity. In recent months, Coronavirus scam websites, products, emails and other misinformation have been springing up like mushrooms after the rain. Read up to protect yourself: Harvard Health has a good piece on avoiding “fake news,” and both Snopes  and Newsguard are debunking stories as fast as they can.

Even before this crisis, there have been lots of warnings about phony, misleading and dangerous products on Amazon. Please educate yourself on how to avoid being a victim.

Other notable effects in the tech world

The Ghost iPhone

Many of you want a new iPhone that’s more like your old iPhone: smaller and cheaper than the recent ones, and with a Home button. We’ve told clients to wait because Apple was rumored to be announcing a new, smaller, cheaper iPhone in March–but they seem to have dropped plans for that event for the time being.  Stay tuned!

Hunting Aliens -> Hunting Viruses

On the bright side, YOU CAN HELP virus researchers by donating your unused computer power (how cool is that?), just as people used to do for the SETI project.

Windows users: check this setting! 

A recent Windows 10 update added a feature (Macs have long had) which prevents you from installing new programs unless they come from the Microsoft Store. It’s a great way to prevent malware, but annoying when you need to install a legitimate program. Here’s how to see and change the options.