Quick Tips

Alexa Routines Show Promise and Limitations

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Add new routine

It shouldn’t be any surprise that I’m an Amazon Alexa fan. Naturally, I was intrigued when Alexa added a new feature called “Routines”. As the name suggests, it allows you to standardize certain actions for consistency. In theory, this works well, but it didn’t give me the flexibility I expected. I was hoping that anything I could speak, I could use in a routine. However, it’s still something worth exploring as it can make things easier.

Be Vigilant Online: How to Avoid Falling for Suspicious URLs

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Cloudflare Radar scan showing expanded URL and no risks.

This article delves into the common scenarios of encountering potentially harmful URLs. Learn to investigate sender behaviors, recognize red flags, and uncover the characteristics of suspicious URLs. Discover tips for checking short URL addresses and utilizing multiple tools to enhance your online security. Stay informed, ask questions, and be prepared for the unexpected while teaching your kids about the dangers of unknown links.

Essential Gmail Keyboard Shortcuts & Customization

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Toggle for Gmail keyboard shortcuts.

Keyboard shortcuts are a great way to enhance your productivity. The benefits are compounded the more you use a program like Gmail. The problem is learning them and committing them to memory. In the case of Gmail, there are quite a few and some don’t seem intuitive to me.

Stop Being Lazy and Get a Password Manager

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Bitwarden generator panel.

Are you tired of remembering countless passwords? A password manager is your solution. It securely stores your passwords, generates strong ones, and fills them in for you. It’s more than just a password tool; it can handle license numbers, notes, and more. With minimal cost and maximum benefits, it’s time to stop being lazy and get a password manager.

See Which Apps Access Your Google Account

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connected apps to your Google account

We’re living in an interconnected world which offers a lot of conveniences. We can use Google, Facebook, OAuth to connect us to online services and apps. The downside is that there are more “bad actors” trying to trick us and gain access to our info.

Can Your Eyes Spot this Security Problem?

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Example of IDN code in address bar.

This is a time when people like to hunt for Easter eggs. Either the traditional ones or the clever ones that are hidden by software vendors. Both of these are fun. However, this one is more a rotten egg and it could cost us dearly if we don’t pay attention. And it all starts with punycodes and fake domains. The good news is there are several workarounds.

How to Reduce Image File Size & Keep Quality

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Squoosh app and controls.

Have you ever had one of those photos that you wanted to share or upload only to find out there was a file size restriction? Professional photographers and designers know how to make a picture smaller. Fortunately, some easy and free online picture optimization services can reduce image file size without sacrificing quality. See which one was our winner.

Pair Authenticator Apps & 2FA Sites to Secure Your Accounts

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2FA Directory with callouts.

Ever wondered about the safety of your online accounts? Learn about 2FA, a digital guardian for your data and authenticator apps. While hackers are becoming smarter, 2FA offers a reliable barrier. It’s not just about passwords anymore; it’s about having that extra layer of security. See how easy it is to set up.

How to Handle Fake Security Warnings

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Fake virus alerts that appear in your web browser appear to be on the rise. The objective of these alerts is to have you buy a service you don’t need. There are ways you can spot these annoyances and get rid of them.

How to Change Chrome Notifications

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Push notification example in Chrome

Do you find you’re seeing more browser push notifications? Some of these are quite useful, but others are a result of me clicking to allow something in my haste. This week, I hit the tipping point. Each time the little box would push out from the right side of Chrome, I’d want to smack it. While that might make me feel good, the better solution was to change my browser settings.

Windows Metered Connection: The Money-Saving Tool to Know

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metered connection toggle

Discover the power of a metered connection in Windows. This tutorial guides you through the process of setting it up, helping you avoid unexpected data charges. Learn how to control your data usage effectively and save money. Don’t let automatic updates consume your data.

Keeping it Simple with Momentum

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momentum dashboard in Chrome

If you’ve ever been overwhelmed by task managers or to do applications, you should check out the Momentum extension that works with Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge or Firefox. It provides a simple dashboard with changing images and quotes. Includes a short video that highlights the key features.

Mirror Print Text or Images in Word

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Mirror image shows after applying X rotation.

Ever found yourself needing to print text in reverse for a t-shirt transfer or a mirror-readable message? This tutorial addresses this exact challenge. While Microsoft Word doesn’t have a built-in “reverse text” feature, it offers a clever workaround using WordArt. Includes steps for creating mirror images by flipping horizontally.

The Value of Saying No

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Last night, I attended an event where several speakers stressed commitment. While many in the audience nodded in agreement, I cringed. The reaction had nothing to do with the speakers, but how I think the word has lost value. The problem is we often say we’ll do something, but fail in the execution.

Copy File Path and Name in Windows 10 or 11

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Copy as Path menu option Windows 11.

Ever been stumped trying to copy a file path on Windows 10 or Windows 11? This tutorial is your solution. It introduces several simple methods that eliminate the need for opening the File Properties dialog. You’ll learn how to copy a file path quickly and efficiently, making your work process smoother.