When Isais knocked out power (and internet) for a million people in Connecticut, our quarantine hideout filled with the grumble of backup generators, leaving us with deep philosophical questions such as: What ELSE can go wrong in 2020? And, which do I miss most: Netflix or the dishwasher? After nearly a week, we’re FINALLY back online. *Phew!*

(Note to self: next time a storm approaches, download books and videos!). 

Share Nicely

Speaking of streaming video, Amazon Prime now lets you create profiles for different members of the household (like Netflix). And for more sharing, Dropbox will let you share a paid plan with family members, too.
 

Technology Solves Gardening!

Lately, finding ways to “spark joy” may feel like it would take a nuclear bomb, but this works for me: after years of growing lettuce on a countertop, I’m obsessed with this hydroponic “farmstand” from Zooey Deschanel’s startup, Lettuce Grow (groan, sorry). 

Flora (pictured) has now been feeding us with minimal effort for about six weeks. While these systems are pricey, they’re much easier, more reliable and faster than traditional gardening. She comes with an app and a Facebook group full of advice from similarly obsessed strangers; first time I’ve found Facebook helpful in years.  You can even grow indoors. 

Conquer those Piles

If you’re too buried in paperwork to grow cucumbers, it might be time to streamline: check out our latest videos on how to sign PDF forms on your Mac (very easy) or on your PC (fairly easy).  Nothing to buy, no printing, lots of options depending your setup. 

When is it Time
for a New Computer?

Ideally, we replace an old computer just before it dies, or trade it in right before its value drops off a cliff. The former is hard to predict, but Apple helps with the latter. They just announced which Mac models will be able to update to the new MacOS this fall; if yours doesn’t make the list, it might be time for an upgrade.

Browser Options

The Wall Street Journal’s tech guru, Joanna Stern, recently advised us all to quit Chrome, mostly because the competition (Firefox and Safari, primarily) has improved so much. We’re less convinced that you have to switch, but recommend that you always have at least two browsers available (Macs come with Safari, PC’s with Edge, so add either Chrome or Firefox) in case you encounter a problem with one.

Ever Wondered
Why WiFi is So Frustrating?

This amusing video explains why, and illustrates how much WiFi can vary, with an amazing visual map of the signal strength in a NYC apartment.

Stick with for the punch line at the end.