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How to identify SMS scams

<p><em><strong>Lisa Du is director of <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://readytechgo.com.au/" target="_blank">ReadyTechGo</a></span>, a service that helps people gain the confidence and skills to embrace modern technology. </strong></em></p> <p>For years, scammers have been calling landline phones in attempts to scam people, or via unsolicited emails. As more and more of us move from landline numbers to using mobile phones, and the ability for mobile phones now connected to the internet, scammers are now creating SMS competitions and message scams sent directly to your mobile phone.  <br /> <br /> I've received two text message scams in the last two weeks, and without thinking, one can quite easily follow their links, and be caught out.</p> <p><strong>Identify the scam</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="264" height="" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/e785dd9ba906ed79fad48bd7e/images/ea47869b-5fdf-4147-bad2-1ead6e796e7a.png" class="mcnImage" style="max-width: 450px; line-height: 100%; outline: none; vertical-align: bottom; height: auto !important;"/></p> <p>This is a screenshot of the scam sent to my mobile:</p> <ul> <li>This "photo" message comes from a number that is not on my contact list -<em> Not sure why a stranger would send me a photo </em></li> </ul> <ul> <li>"Tap to Load Preview" – The scammer wants the recipient to tap on the "photo", which will most likely take the recipient to a website that will try to sign you up to dubious services they offer </li> </ul> <ul> <li>The link URL shows underneath the "Tap to Load Preview" area, and states yournewsms.xyz which looks dodgy to me! </li> </ul> <p>This is a common SMS scam which has been circulating:</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="264" height="" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/e785dd9ba906ed79fad48bd7e/images/1ee13ebe-24ce-42d1-9b6a-7ef77538c97d.jpg" class="mcnImage" style="max-width: 640px; line-height: 100%; outline: none; vertical-align: bottom; height: auto !important;"/></p> <ul> <li>A text message phishing scam which comes from what seems like a legitimate institution like a bank. These scammers hope you will follow their link and will try to gain your confidence by not asking for your personal information right away. Then the message will prompt you to input your bank login details, personal information or a PIN via the link they provide</li> </ul> <p>Don't be fooled! If you're ever in doubt about security linked to your online banking, please visit the website of your bank.</p> <p>Don't follow any links provided via text message or via email.</p> <p>Another scam:</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="264" height="" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/e785dd9ba906ed79fad48bd7e/images/94652982-0e7a-438d-b3ff-483be7642e0f.jpg" class="mcnImage" style="max-width: 590px; line-height: 100%; outline: none; vertical-align: bottom; height: auto !important;"/></p> <ul> <li>A text message warning the recipient that their iTunes account has been frozen.</li> </ul> <p>If you look at the link in the message "htto://ow.ly/XRbHA" is not a legitimate Apple website, so that is the first identifier of a scam.<br /> <br /> Again, when in doubt, visit the Apple website directly to log into your account.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="264" height="" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/e785dd9ba906ed79fad48bd7e/images/504a18b7-845a-459b-a6dd-3530873784c9.jpg" class="mcnImage" style="max-width: 640px; line-height: 100%; outline: none; vertical-align: bottom; height: auto !important;"/></p> <ul> <li>There is also a spelling error in this message "Claim your accridited funds"</li> </ul> <ul> <li>The link provided is "urlz.fr"  </li> </ul> <p>Similar to email scams, always have a look at the "link" address, and it sounds like goobly gook – it’s a scam!!</p> <p>Please pass this information on to friends and family so they are aware of circulating scams, too.</p>

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Rules to follow to stay safe on public wifi

<p><em><strong>Lisa Du is director of <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://readytechgo.com.au/" target="_blank">ReadyTechGo</a></span>, a service that helps people gain the confidence and skills to embrace modern technology.</strong></em> </p> <p>We live in a digitally-driven world, where access to services and essential information are all moving online. Being "connected" and having access to the internet is important.</p> <p>Many of us stay connected by connecting to public wifi available at libraries, cafes, hotels, airports and other public places.</p> <p>Is it safe?As scammers and hackers are on the rise, it's important to understand the risks of connecting to public wifi.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>The risks</strong></span></p> <ul> <li><strong>Hackers</strong></li> </ul> <p>The biggest threat to free wifi security is the ability for a hacker to position him or herself between you and the connection.</p> <p>What does this mean? Instead of information travelling between the hotspot and yourself, you're sending your information to the hacker. Through this setup, the hacker has access to every piece of information you are sending to the internet: credit card information, important emails and banking details.</p> <p>The more information a hacker has on you, the more chances he has on accessing systems portraying you.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Malware</strong></li> </ul> <p>Unsecured wifi connections are those connections which do not require a password. Hackers can use unsecure connections to distribute malware and can easily send your computer infected software.</p> <p>How do they do this? A pop up screen may appear on your computer offering a piece of popular software - If you click the window, malware will be installed.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>How to protect yourself</strong></span></p> <ul> <li><strong>Are you really connecting to a wi-fi network? Use the right one</strong></li> </ul> <p>Smartphones and tablets have the ability to "act as a modem", known as a "mobile or portable hotspot". This means a hacker may use their smartphone and turn it into a mobile hotspot.</p> <p>The hacker could call their mobile hotspot "Fed Square Free Wi-Fi". Those looking to connect to free wifi around Federation Square would see this hotspot on their available wifi list, and connect straight to a hackers device!</p> <p>Be mindful when connecting to free wifi and ask yourself, is it the wifi of a legitimate place?</p> <p>If you see wifi such as "Free Wi-Fi Here"... raise your eyebrows!</p> <p>If you're ever unsure, don't connect! Use your personal data connection where possible.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Use SSL connections</strong></li> </ul> <p>Enable the "Always use HTTPS" option on websites that you frequently visit. The extra "S" means it is "Secure", and all communications between your browser and the website are encrypted.</p> <p>If you do internet banking, you will notice that banking websites always have the https in front of the web address.</p> <p>When using free public wifi, don't log onto internet banking!</p> <ul> <li><strong>Turn off file sharing</strong></li> </ul> <p>Control your computer and devices by turning off file sharing options.</p> <p>On an Apple device, set AirDrop to "Contacts only".</p> <ul> <li><strong>Turn off wifi unless you need it</strong></li> </ul> <p>Not only will this conserve your battery, but will help you stay safe. If you don't need wifi, get into the habit of turning it off</p> <p>It's always safer to use your own internet connect or personal hotspot. We understand that this may not always be possible, so be mindful of which wifi you are connecting to and stay safe!</p>

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How to sign a document without printing it out

<p><em><strong>Lisa Du is director of <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://readytechgo.com.au/" target="_blank">ReadyTechGo</a></span>, a service that helps people gain the confidence and skills to embrace modern technology. </strong></em></p> <p>There are often times when you need to sign or fill in a PDF form that has been sent to you. You could print out the document, fill it in, sign it, scan it and then email it back but that's all such a hassle for something that should be so simple.</p> <p>Thankfully with Microsoft Edge (previously known as Internet Explorer), you can do all that without having to print the document!</p> <p>Here’s how:</p> <p>Step 1: Right click on the PDF file.</p> <p>Step 2: Go to "Open with" and then click on "Microsoft Edge"</p> <p>Step 3: Click on the pencil icon located at the top right.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="600" height="NaN" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/e785dd9ba906ed79fad48bd7e/images/04a179b2-1e01-4c08-a4e3-4cf46008b44d.png" style="width: 240px; height: 120px; margin: 0px; line-height: 100%; outline: none;"/></p> <p>Step 4: Click on the "pen" icon and choose the right colour and size for you signature.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="320" height="148" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/e785dd9ba906ed79fad48bd7e/images/11f3ba9a-4647-40e1-bced-1a137714ef37.png" style="width: 320px; height: 148px; margin: 0px; line-height: 100%; outline: none;"/></p> <p>Step 5: Draw your signature by holding down left click and dragging your mouse. If you're unhappy with the signature (or you've made a mistake) click on the "eraser" icon in the top right and 'draw' over your signature to erase it.</p> <p>Step 6: When you're satisfied with your signature, right click on the open PDF and click on "Save-As" to the document!</p> <p>Have fun signing documents in a jiffy!</p>

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5 things you didn’t know you could ask Google to do

<p><em><strong>Lisa Du is director of <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://readytechgo.com.au/" target="_blank">ReadyTechGo</a></span>, a service that helps people gain the confidence and skills to embrace modern technology. </strong></em></p> <p>Google can do so much more than just search. Here are five more ways you can get more out of the world’s most powerful search engine.</p> <p><strong>1. Percentages</strong></p> <p>A calculator that does most of the work for you!Google can act as a calculator by simply typing in the maths you want to figure out! The most use of this is figuring out percentages. Sure it's easy enough to figure out 50% of 100, but what about 28.5% of 325? Just type it into Google and it'll show you that it is 92.625.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="564" height="" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/e785dd9ba906ed79fad48bd7e/images/de4413e8-c86c-4eb5-848b-474cdda3f4fb.png" class="mcnImage" style="max-width: 790px; padding-bottom: 0px; vertical-align: bottom; line-height: 100%; outline: none; display: inline !important; height: auto !important;" align="center"/></p> <p><strong>2. Timers</strong></p> <p>Google can act as a timer for you just by asking. All you need to do is type in "Timer" and the amount of time you want to set it too. For example, we can set a timer for 4 minutes and 30 seconds. Make sure you don't close the window the timer is on or else it won't sound! The timer won't sound as well if you have your sound muted so make sure it's on if you want to use the timer.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="564" height="" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/e785dd9ba906ed79fad48bd7e/images/b6d034a8-284e-4d77-823e-01926648821d.png" class="mcnImage" style="max-width: 797px; padding-bottom: 0px; vertical-align: bottom; line-height: 100%; outline: none; display: inline !important; height: auto !important;" align="center"/></p> <p><strong>3. Word definitions</strong></p> <p>Ever come across a tricky word while browsing the internet and not sure what it means? Google can help with that! More often than not you can type that tricky word into Google and it'll show you it's definition.</p> <p>If the definition doesn't come up you can always type "Define" before the word to make sure.<br /> If for some reason google can't define the word, don't worry, as Google is still a search engine and various dictionary websites will have appeared.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>4. Convert measurements</strong></p> <p>How far is 100 meters in yards? What about how heavy is 30lbs in kg? How fast is 100mph in m/s?</p> <p>Each of these can be answered with our good friend Google by typing "Convert [X MEASUREMENT] to [Y MEASUREMENT]"</p> <p>Google can't do the impossible though, like converting a distance into weight.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="564" height="" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/e785dd9ba906ed79fad48bd7e/images/4ee7549b-844c-481e-a2ad-7b86f36ca09c.png" class="mcnImage" style="max-width: 788px; padding-bottom: 0px; vertical-align: bottom; line-height: 100%; outline: none; display: inline !important; height: auto !important;" align="center"/></p> <p><strong>5. Convert currencies</strong></p> <p>Converting between currencies can often be troublesome as exchange rates change all the time.<br /> Not with Google! Since Google can get the current exchange rate instantly, all you need to do is type in what you want to convert. For example, "Convert 50 USD to AUD"</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="564" height="" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/e785dd9ba906ed79fad48bd7e/images/befdfac1-c358-42a6-868e-feb284c5fc23.png" class="mcnImage" style="max-width: 794px; padding-bottom: 0px; vertical-align: bottom; line-height: 100%; outline: none; display: inline !important; height: auto !important;" align="center"/></p> <p>Have you ever tried any of these functions on Google?</p>

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The app that will help you make healthier choices at the supermarket

<p><em><strong>Lisa Du is director of <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://readytechgo.com.au/" target="_blank">ReadyTechGo</a></span>, a service that helps people gain the confidence and skills to embrace modern technology. </strong></em></p> <p>Grocery shopping can be an overwhelming task with so many brand choices available at supermarkets. Packaged foods are often surprisingly high in salt, saturated fat, added sugar and kilojoules.<br /> <br /> Grab your smartphone and head on over to the Play Store (Android Users) or App Store (Apple Users), and download the app Food Switch. <br /> <br /> Developed by Bupa and The George Institute, the app helps you find out what’s in the food you’re eating and can help you make simple switches to healthier choices when grocery shopping for you and your family.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/e785dd9ba906ed79fad48bd7e/images/5da9bc2c-9c6a-4ac0-85a5-386f31a4bedf.jpg" width="500" height="NaN" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/e785dd9ba906ed79fad48bd7e/images/5da9bc2c-9c6a-4ac0-85a5-386f31a4bedf.jpg" class="mcnImage" style="max-width: 640px; line-height: 100%; outline: none; vertical-align: bottom; height: auto !important;"/></p> <p><strong>How to use Food Switch</strong></p> <ol start="1"> <li>Firstly, download the app from App Store (Apple devices) or PlayStore (Android Devices)</li> <li>Tap on the app icon to open it</li> <li>Select the product (if you're not at the supermarket, grab an item from your kitchen that has a barcode) and hold the item with the barcode facing towards you. Hold your smart phone or tablet camera over the top of the barcode allowing the app to scan it</li> <li>The app will automatically detect the nutritional information for up to 90 percent of packaged products in most major Australian grocery stores</li> <li>The app will give you a list of similar foods that are healthier choices</li> </ol> <p><strong>I scanned a packet of Oreo chocolate biscuits</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/e785dd9ba906ed79fad48bd7e/images/ff3d7127-0ead-4485-8731-0e8abc112c46.jpeg" width="500" height="NaN" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/e785dd9ba906ed79fad48bd7e/images/ff3d7127-0ead-4485-8731-0e8abc112c46.jpeg" class="mcnImage" style="max-width: 393px; line-height: 100%; outline: none; vertical-align: bottom; height: auto !important;"/></p> <ul> <li>The app detected the barcode, and provided me with the nutritional contents</li> <li>Listed under the nutritional contents are "Healthier Choices" that you can try instead </li> </ul> <p>I originally scanned a Lindt bunny, but the app couldn't find it in the database. When this happens you can help "improve the app" by submitting the food (and taking photos) for them. <br /> <br /> The Foodswitch app contains other helpful tools:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Salt switch</strong> – Included in the Foodswitch app, it's great tool if you're watching your salt intake closely. This is especially handy if you've been diagnosed with or have a family history of high blood pressure.</li> <li><strong>Gluten switch</strong> – Again, included in the Foodswitch app. This great tool will tell you if packaged food products contain gluten, and help you find similar foods that are gluten-free. This can help people living with coeliac disease or gluten intolerance to make better food choices.</li> </ul> <p>Also included within the Foodswitch app are:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Fatswitch</strong></li> <li><strong>Energyswitch</strong></li> <li><strong>sugarswitch</strong></li> </ul> <p>You simply click the small 'funnel' looking icon at the top right of your screen to switch between all the options You can also access a step by step tutorial by clicking the “?” which is at the top right next to the funnel.</p>

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How to turn your smartphone into a portable scanner

<p><em><strong>Lisa Du is director of <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://readytechgo.com.au/">ReadyTechGo</a></span>, a service that helps people gain the confidence and skills to embrace modern technology. </strong></em></p> <p>Every time I show a client how to turn their device into a portable scanner, I get the same response: "Wow!” It's so much easier than using a physical scanner and saves you time.</p> <p>This app works for Android and Apple devices. For Apple users, I prefer the Scannable App, which is not available on Android. Now I’ve finally found an app that is as good for an Android device.</p> <p><strong>Adobe Scan App</strong></p> <p>Available on both Android and Apple devices, Adobe Scan is a free app which turns your device into a powerful portable scanner that recognises text automatically (OCR).</p> <p>Turn anything — receipts, notes, pictures, documents, business cards, whiteboards — into an Adobe PDF with content you can reuse.</p> <p>To get started on this app, you do need to create an Adobe ID.</p> <p>Some tips for using this app:</p> <ul> <li>Hold your device nice and steady on top of your document, receipt or card.</li> <li>The app will automatically detect the document and crop out anything surrounding it (eg. Tables or backgrounds around the document), leaving you with a nice "scan".</li> <li>There is auto enhance feature which strips out any darkness.</li> </ul> <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="264" height="" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/e785dd9ba906ed79fad48bd7e/images/37b2beea-50ed-4358-a610-48a6928dfbc0.png" class="mcnImage" style="max-width: 100%; padding-bottom: 0px; line-height: 100%; outline: none; vertical-align: bottom; height: auto !important;"/><img width="264" height="" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/e785dd9ba906ed79fad48bd7e/images/70db54f3-43a5-474a-85dc-67499cffad6d.png" class="mcnImage" style="max-width: 100%; padding-bottom: 0px; line-height: 100%; outline: none; vertical-align: bottom; height: auto !important;"/></p> <p>The "scan" that I took (image on the left) was in low light, and by clicking the "Auto Colour" function, it brightened up my "scan".</p> <p>Try it out for yourself and let me know what you think of turning your Android device into a portable scanner!</p>

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Accidentally made an in-app purchase? Here’s how to cancel it

<p><em><strong>Lisa Du is director of <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://readytechgo.com.au/" target="_blank">ReadyTechGo</a></span>, a service that helps people gain the confidence and skills to embrace modern technology. </strong></em></p> <p>Did you accidentally make an in-app purchase? Or sign yourself up to a subscription? Here’s how to cancel your subscription.</p> <p>Recently, I decided it was time to head back to the gym this week, and thought I would download a free "Workout" app. I had a Samsung smartphone before my iPhone, and used a free workout app. The app allowed me to pick parts of the body I wanted to train, and it would provide a series of exercises. I assumed I could get this same app on my iPhone. Wrong. <br /> <br /> I downloaded two apps, and both of them required me to pay to "unlock" these workouts. The third app I downloaded got me past the first screen, and stated a free trial for a week, followed by $13.99 USD a week to subscribe to the app. <br /> <br /> I just needed some handy hints on working out, so I kept clicking the prompts, and next minute, I had enabled my Apple ID to billed $13.99 USD a week, after my free trial. On my Samsung phone, I didn't connect my credit card to my Playstore account, whereas on my Apple iPhone, my App Store account is connected to a credit card. <br /> <br /> Cancelling this subscription wasn't obvious to me, and I'm sure many of you have accidentally made an in-app subscription purchase, so here are the steps to cancel your subscription:</p> <p>How to cancel your subscription to an app:</p> <p>1. Tap on <strong>Settings </strong></p> <p>2. Scroll down, and tap on <strong>iTunes &amp; App Store</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="264" height="" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/e785dd9ba906ed79fad48bd7e/images/f0fca9af-5136-4a3c-8502-13a17667d0bf.jpg" class="mcnImage" style="max-width: 1242px; line-height: 100%; outline: none; vertical-align: bottom; height: auto !important;"/></p> <p>3. Tap on your Apple ID </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="264" height="" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/e785dd9ba906ed79fad48bd7e/images/637edd8f-ca25-4c8d-8386-d9794c9007fc.jpeg" class="mcnImage" style="max-width: 1242px; line-height: 100%; outline: none; vertical-align: bottom; height: auto !important;"/></p> <p>4. Tap <strong>View Apple ID</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="264" height="" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/e785dd9ba906ed79fad48bd7e/images/75029c8b-4759-4193-9971-7ad470b377e2.png" class="mcnImage" style="max-width: 1242px; line-height: 100%; outline: none; vertical-align: bottom; height: auto !important;"/></p> <p>5. Tap on <strong>Subscriptions</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="264" height="" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/e785dd9ba906ed79fad48bd7e/images/9e659b82-87d0-40b7-9bbb-ca8a6ebd899f.png" class="mcnImage" style="max-width: 1242px; line-height: 100%; outline: none; vertical-align: bottom; height: auto !important;"/></p> <p>6. Tap on <strong>Cancel Trial</strong></p> <p>Hope you found those steps handy, so that you cancel any trials before you get billed!</p>

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3 telltale signs of a scam email

<p><em><strong>Lisa Du is director of <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://readytechgo.com.au/" target="_blank">ReadyTechGo</a></span>, a service that helps people gain the confidence and skills to embrace modern technology. </strong></em></p> <p>There seems to be a new scam every day. In the last week, we have had calls from clients receiving emails from "PayPal", "Apple", "eBay" etc, usually to do with "suspicious account activity", and they have all been scams. <br /> <br /> These email scams will use the same logo and branding as these big companies. The email you receive will usually ask you to "validate" or "confirm" your personal details by clicking on a link or opening an attachment. <br /> <br /> For example, one client received an email from "PayPal" with a receipt from an Uber ride she did not make, and to "check account activity" by clicking the link. If you click the link, there are un-expected pop-ups on your computer or mobile device asking for certain software to run.<br /> <br /> So how do you detect a scam email?</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="564" height="" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/e785dd9ba906ed79fad48bd7e/images/53e371d4-0443-4117-8d34-e14cfe2942b2.png" class="mcnImage" style="max-width: 801px; line-height: 100%; outline: none; vertical-align: bottom; height: auto !important;"/></p> <p><strong>SIGN 1</strong></p> <p>If you look at the "From:" email address, it tries to imitate "Apple", but the end of the email says "@modifmoto.business"</p> <p>That's not Apple!</p> <p><strong>SIGN 2</strong></p> <p>Dear: [email address] of recipient</p> <p>Companies like Apple and PayPal will always address the email to you in your Full Name</p> <p><strong>SIGN 3</strong></p> <p>Poor English and grammar!</p> <p>"You receipt invoice Billing update's to re-active continue on February" and "If you not update within 24 hours."</p> <p>Life is hectic, and when we receive emails like this, sometimes we just click along... please be aware of these 3 telltale signs!</p> <p>If you're unsure about your account activity, it is best to open your internet browser, and visit the site directly (not via the email).</p> <p>Please forward this scam alert to friends and family and help them stay safe online!</p> <p>Have you ever fallen foul of a scam email?</p>

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How to stop Facebook’s auto-play video feature

<p><em><strong>Lisa Du is director of <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://readytechgo.com.au/" target="_blank">ReadyTechGo</a></span>, a service that helps people gain the confidence and skills to embrace modern technology. </strong></em></p> <p>Sitting in the quiet waiting room at the physio, I decide to have a peek at Facebook... suddenly sounds blast from my phone unexpectedly! I quickly scroll past the culprit video, and then another sound blasts from my phone! What is going on?</p> <p>This video auto play function on Facebook can be annoying. If you're annoyed by the sound blasting from your phone unexpectedly due to the video auto play feature, here's how to turn it off:</p> <p><strong>1. Open the Facebook app on your device.</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="264" height="" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/e785dd9ba906ed79fad48bd7e/images/a5a72986-2c68-479f-bc6f-6a7b7ebed5fc.png" class="mcnImage" style="max-width: 281px; line-height: 100%; outline: none; vertical-align: bottom; height: auto !important;"/></p> <p>Tap on the 3 lines in the top right corner to reveal the Settings menu.</p> <p><strong>2. Scroll down until you see App Settings. Tap this to open App Settings.</strong></p> <p><strong>3. Tap on the cog next to “Videos in News Feed Start With Sound.”</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="264" height="" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/e785dd9ba906ed79fad48bd7e/images/df1f9ac9-e976-48ec-ad42-3c041dc7a22f.png" class="mcnImage" style="max-width: 337px; line-height: 100%; outline: none; vertical-align: bottom; height: auto !important;"/></p> <p>This will now turn off Sound when Videos auto play on Facebook.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="264" height="" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/e785dd9ba906ed79fad48bd7e/images/d42e8298-6651-4f9e-8fba-97cab118fbdd.png" class="mcnImage" style="max-width: 1080px; line-height: 100%; outline: none; vertical-align: bottom; height: auto !important;"/></p> <p><strong>Tip: If you want to turn off AutoPlay completely, tap on Autoplay, and choose Never Autoplay Videos</strong></p> <p>Do you have any handy tech advice to share? </p>

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How to use Google Assistant on Android smartphones

<p><em><strong>Lisa Du is director of <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://readytechgo.com.au/" target="_blank">ReadyTechGo</a></span>, a service that helps people gain the confidence and skills to embrace modern technology.</strong></em></p> <p>We speak about <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/technology/2016/12/how-to-use-siri-on-your-iphone-and-ipad/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Siri a lot – the virtual assistant available on Apple devices.</span></strong></a></p> <p>Now meet Google Assistant, available on Android. <br /> <br /> If you have used Android devices previously, you may have come across Google Now, a feature which pulls out relevant information to you (such as where you work, where you live, what time to leave home to arrive at your next location on time).</p> <p>Google assistant is available on Android devices running software versions Marshmallow or Nougat (If you're wondering why Google's operating systems are always named after candy/sweets, their spokesperson said: "Since these devices make our lives so sweet, each Android version is named after a dessert: Cupcake, Donut, Eclair, Froyo, Gingerbread, Honeycomb, Ice Cream Sandwich, and Jelly Bean."). </p> <p><strong>How do I know if my phone has Google Assistant?</strong></p> <p>To check if your phone has Google Assistant, say <strong>"Ok Google", "Hey, Google"</strong>, or press-and-hold the home button.</p> <p>On Marshmallow or Nougat devices that have had the update, that long press will launch Google Assistant, popping up with a page asking how it can help, as pictured below (picture courtesy of pocket-lint.com)</p> <p><strong>What can Google Assistant do?</strong></p> <p>I'm a huge fan of Virtual Assistants.</p> <p>Google Assistant is designed to be conversational. Ask Google Assistant a question, and she will determine the context and audibly respond with the right information.</p> <p><strong>You can ask her things like:</strong></p> <p><strong>Questions:</strong></p> <ul> <li>What's the weather tomorrow?</li> <li>Who sings this song?</li> <li>What is the phone number for Myer, Melbourne?</li> <li>How do I say "how are you?" in French?</li> </ul> <p><strong>Ask her to do things for you:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Send a message to Matt, and tell him I am running 15 minutes late</li> <li>Play my "Gym" Playlist on Spotify</li> <li>Call Grandma on speakerphone</li> <li>Give me directions to home</li> <li>Show me photos of Japan</li> </ul> <p><strong>Reminders:</strong></p> <p>I love this function!</p> <ul> <li>I say things like "Remind me to check the PO Box at 5pm"</li> <li>Remind me to check the oven in 20 minutes</li> </ul> <p>Check out Google Assistant, and let us know what you think of your new virtual assistant! </p>

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This is why your mobile data is running out

<p><em><strong>Lisa Du is director of <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://readytechgo.com.au/" target="_blank">ReadyTechGo</a></span>, a service that helps people gain the confidence and skills to embrace modern technology.</strong></em></p> <p>Data... Something we are becoming heavily reliant on.</p> <p>Recently we had a client who simply couldn't understand why their prepaid credit was running out!</p> <p>This client has an iPhone, and uses it at home on Wi-Fi to view YouTube videos, check emails and use other apps. When he leaves his home (and Wi), he is very careful not to use any apps whilst out and about, so he doesn't use data and chew up his prepaid credit.</p> <p>But credit was mysteriously disappearing!</p> <p>After some detective work, we found the reason why, and this could be happening to you too.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="264" height="" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/e785dd9ba906ed79fad48bd7e/images/7f917340-0638-49b8-99eb-e67d792bc28a.jpeg" class="mcnImage" style="max-width: 993px; line-height: 100%; outline: none; vertical-align: bottom; height: auto !important;"/></p> <p><strong>Wi-fi assist on iPhone</strong></p> <p>If you are using an iPhone, there is a feature called Wi-Fi Assist. This will automatically allow your iPhone to use cellular data when Wi-Fi connectivity is poor.</p> <p>Every time this client walked too far from his modem, he had a weak Wi-Fi signal. His iPhone would automatically use his cellular data for browsing the internet and watching YouTube.</p> <p>We suggest turning Wi-Fi Assist OFF, to ensure that you don't use your cellular data when wi-fi is poor. You can manually switch to cellular data, but you can control this.</p> <p><strong>Apps quietly killing your data plan</strong></p> <p>This is one of the biggest culprits! Data hungry apps that run in the background, chewing up your data plan.</p> <p>Data hungry apps include apps like: Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, Twitter and YouTube.</p> <p>Even though you are not actively using those apps, these apps use data - called background data.</p> <p>Background data allows these apps to receive the latest information and "sync", updating you with the latest forecast, location, new messages and more.</p> <p>We suggest restricting background data for apps on your devices. Here's how:</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="264" height="" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/e785dd9ba906ed79fad48bd7e/images/b3bac884-f471-4e47-a000-1ff328000f05.png" class="mcnImage" style="max-width: 1080px; line-height: 100%; outline: none; vertical-align: bottom; height: auto !important;"/></p> <p><strong>Android</strong></p> <ol> <li>Open Settings on your phone</li> <li>Tap Connections</li> <li>Select Data Usage</li> <li>Tap Mobile Data Usage</li> <li>Tap on the App that you which to restrict Data on eg. Facebook</li> <li>Tap Allow background data usage to switch it OFF</li> </ol> <p>TIP: If you have a small data plan, we suggest switching Cellular Data off completely if you want to have confidence that apps are not secretly chewing up your cellular data!</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="264" height="" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/e785dd9ba906ed79fad48bd7e/images/8c2ccfbe-7643-459e-bafd-0b11ee8585b0.jpeg" class="mcnImage" style="max-width: 1536px; line-height: 100%; outline: none; vertical-align: bottom; height: auto !important;"/></p> <p><strong>Apple</strong></p> <ol> <li>Open Settings on your phone</li> <li>Tap General</li> <li>Tap Background App Refresh</li> <li>Tap the switch to turn this function OFF</li> </ol> <p>TIP: You do have the choice to switch off Background App Refresh for certain apps only.</p>

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How to outsmart your salesperson when laptop shopping

<p><em><strong>Lisa Du is director of <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://readytechgo.com.au/" target="_blank">ReadyTechGo</a></span>, a service that helps people gain the confidence and skills to embrace modern technology. </strong></em></p> <p>Muddled by the tech terms used by the salesperson?</p> <p>Not sure what Ram, SD, Intel means?</p> <p>From time to time, we hear of clients being sold laptops that are not appropriate, because the sales person used tech terms to glorify a particular laptop, or sell something that is not required.</p> <p>We're here to help you understand these terms, so that you can choose the most suitable laptop to suit your needs.</p> <p><strong>What will you be using the laptop for?</strong></p> <p>We always ask this question, because if you use your laptop to do basic functions such as:</p> <ul> <li>Browse the internet</li> <li>Viewing photos</li> <li>Emails</li> </ul> <p>This is very different to someone who is using their laptop for Video Editing or Work. Based on what you use your laptop for, these are the important features you need to consider:</p> <ul> <li>Choose a PROCESSOR</li> <li>Choose RAM Amount</li> <li>Check HARD DRIVE storage space</li> <li>Find one that you like the look and feel of If</li> <li>Have a budget and pick a computer which matches your budget</li> </ul> <p><strong>Processor</strong></p> <p>Processor is the brains behind your computer.</p> <p>Choose a processor from: Intel Core i3, i5 or i7.</p> <p>The processors have different capabilities which you should match to your own usage needs. The numbers refer to their processing power. Core i7s are better than Core i5s, which in turn are better than Core i3s.</p> <p>AMD Processors are generally cheaper processors, and Intel processors are more powerful.</p> <p>If you see Intel Dual Core - this is like having two brains!</p> <p><strong>RAM</strong></p> <p>RAM stands for Random Access Memory, and is like your brains short term memory.</p> <p>Your short term memory can only hold so much information, and your computer is the same!</p> <p>The more RAM in your computer, the more functions your computer can perform. If you find yourself frustrated at how slow your computer is working once you having multiple applications open (such as email, internet and photos), it generally means you don't have much RAM</p> <p>If you love to multitask (like me! I have over 30 internet tabs opened at once), you definitely need at least 8GB RAM. </p> <p><strong>Hard Drive</strong></p> <p>Hard Drive is your computers long term memory. This is where all your computer information is stored.</p> <p>Think of the hard drive like your stomach. How much food can you fit in?</p> <p>The larger the hard drive, the more information it stores! (The bigger your stomach, the more food you can fit in!)</p> <p>If you are someone who loves photos and storing photos... you definitely need a bigger hard drive.</p> <p>You can buy computers with SSD (solid state) or HDD (hard disk drive).</p> <p>Both types do the same job. Generally speaking, SSD drives are faster than HDD and more expensive in terms of dollar per gigabyte.</p> <p>Example: A computer with SSD drive will boot up in less than one minute (often in seconds), whereas a computer with HDD drive will require time to speed up to operate and be slower than SSD during normal use.</p> <p><strong>The look and feel</strong></p> <p>Lastly, you need to enjoy using your computer or laptop so aesthetics can be important.</p> <p>Choose a device that you like the look/size of!</p> <p>Hope you found this tip helpful when choosing your next computer!</p>

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How to extend the “ring time” on your smartphone

<p><em><strong>Lisa Du is director of <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a rel="noopener" href="https://readytechgo.com.au/" target="_blank">ReadyTechGo</a></span>, a service that helps people gain the confidence and skills to embrace modern technology.</strong></em></p> <p>Mobile phone ring times... sometimes you just can't get to your phone quick enough! By default, your phone rings for 15 seconds before it diverts the call to voicemail (if you have voicemail feature switched on). You can change the length of your ring time by increments of five seconds, up to 30 seconds. The steps will be slightly different, depending on your mobile phone carrier. In this guide, we show you step by step how to extend the ring time on your mobile phone!</p> <p><strong>How to extend the ring time on TELSTRA mobile:</strong></p> <p>1. On your mobile phone, tap on the Call function (like making a new call).</p> <p>2.Using the keypad on your mobile phone, dial the following sequence: **61*101** (number of seconds: 15, 20, 25 or 30).</p> <p>Example: To extend the ring time to 30 seconds, dial: **61*101**30.</p> <p>3. Tap on the call / send button.</p> <p>A message will pop up to let you know that the code is successful.</p> <p><strong>How to extend the ring time on OPTUS mobile:</strong></p> <p>1. On your mobile phone, tap on the Call function (like making a new call)</p> <p>2. Using the keypad on your mobile phone, dial the following sequence: **61*321** (number of seconds, (15, 20, 25 or 30) and then the hash key (#).</p> <p>Example: To extend the ring time to 30 seconds, dial: **61*321**30#</p> <p>3. Tap on the call / send button.</p> <p>A message will pop up to let you know that the code is successful.</p> <p>Thank you to our Alert Reader Catherine for providing the OverSixty team with the updated code for Optus users!</p> <p><strong>How to extend the ring time on VODAFONE mobile:</strong></p> <p>1. On your mobile phone, tap on the Call function (like making a new call)</p> <p>2. Using the keypad on your mobile phone, dial the following sequence: **61*121**11* (number of seconds: 15,20,25 or 30).</p> <p>Example: To extend the ring time to 30 seconds, dial: **61*121**11*30.</p> <p>3. Tap on the call / send button.</p> <p>A message will pop up to let you know that the code is successful. </p>

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How to reopen a browser tab you accidentally closed

<p><em><strong>Lisa Du is director of <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://readytechgo.com.au/" target="_blank">ReadyTechGo</a></span>, a service that helps people gain the confidence and skills to embrace modern technology.</strong></em> </p> <p><strong>What's a browser?</strong></p> <p>Browser is short for Web Browser, and is your way of browsing the internet and exploring websites.</p> <p><strong>Leading Internet Browsers include:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Google Chrome</li> <li>Microsoft Internet Explorer</li> <li>Mozilla Firefox</li> <li>Apple Safari</li> <li>Microsoft Edge</li> </ul> <p><strong>What's a "tab"?</strong></p> <p>In your browser, you can use tabs. Tabs allow you to open multiple web pages in your single browser window.</p> <p><strong>Why would you do this?</strong></p> <p>For example, if you are looking up movie sessions for the weekend, and you would like to find tickets at different cinemas and would like to compare the times. You can use multiple tabs in your browser!</p> <p><strong>Tabs:</strong></p> <p>I love tabs! I usually have 20 tabs opened at once when I work (probably not very efficient).</p> <p>As I make my way around the internet, I've had instances when I'm in the middle of something - either reading a page on the internet or searching for information, and I accidentally close the tab.</p> <p>It's incredibly frustrating, and I'm sure you can all relate.</p> <p>Instead of spending time trying to get back to where you were... TRY THIS:</p> <p><strong>Apple Mac Users:</strong> Press command + shift + T</p> <p><strong>Windows Users:</strong> Press ctrl + shift + T</p> <p>This will reopen the last closed tab. </p>

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How to screenshot part of your computer screen

<p><em><strong>Lisa Du is director of <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://readytechgo.com.au/" target="_blank">ReadyTechGo</a></span>, a service that helps people gain the confidence and skills to embrace modern technology.</strong></em> </p> <p>Screenshot is the term used to describe the action of capturing an image of what is on the screen of your device. You can screenshot on smartphones, tablets and computers</p> <p><strong>Why would you want to screenshot?</strong></p> <p>Screenshots are a great way to capture part of your screen for:</p> <ul> <li>Future reference, and saving part of your screen</li> <li>Capturing part of your screen so you can show/demonstrate something which is hard to explain in words</li> </ul> <p>For example, let’s say you have an error message pop up on your computer screen. You may decide to call us for advice, but it may be difficult to explain what this error is.</p> <p>You could take a screenshot of this error, and email it through to us. A picture is worth 1,000 words right?</p> <p>Now, you might have lots of items opened on your computer, and only want to capture the error message.</p> <p>Here's how to capture part of the screen:</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="500" height="304" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/40435/screen-shot-in-text-one_500x304.jpg" alt="Screen Shot In Text One"/></p> <p>This is a screenshot of the entire screen. However, I only want to capture the "Getting to know your iPad" section.</p> <p><strong>How to screen shot part of your screen</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">For Mac: </span></p> <ol> <li>On your keyboard, press "Command," plus "Shift," plus "4"</li> <li>This will bring up the tool - Then you drag the cursor to cover the area you want (Tip: I usually draw a square or rectangle, starting at the top left corner, then drag to cover the area of the screen I want to capture)</li> </ol> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">For Windows:</span></p> <ol> <li>Go to "Start" and then "Snipping Tool."</li> </ol> <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="500" height="353" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/40436/screen-shot-in-text-two_500x353.jpg" alt="Screen Shot In Text Two"/></p> <p>By capturing part of the screen, I can now email this image off to a friend!</p> <p><strong>What can I take a screenshot of?</strong></p> <ul> <li>After I have paid for something online, I take a screen shot of the confirmation screen (until I receive the email confirmation)</li> <li>Error messages that appear</li> <li>Pictures of webpages</li> </ul> <p>Were you aware of this trick?</p>

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How to turn your smartphone into a flashlight

<p><em><strong>Lisa Du is director of <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://readytechgo.com.au/" target="_blank">ReadyTechGo</a></span>, a service that helps people gain the confidence and skills to embrace modern technology.</strong></em></p> <p>Sick of fumbling around for your keys in the dark? This happens to me all the time, sspecially when you have many things in your bag – it feels like I can never find anything!</p> <p>Your smartphone can come to the rescue. Most people download the Flashlight app from the Apple App Store, or Google Play Store.</p> <p><strong>How to quickly turn on flashlight</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Apple iPhones</span></p> <ol> <li>Swipe up from the bottom of the iPhone screen to access Control Centre.</li> <li>Tap the Flashlight icon (left icon) to enable the flashlight (tap this icon again to turn off the flashlight).</li> </ol> <p>Just note that using the flashlight is very handy, but it will consume your iPhone battery. Remember to turn off the flashlight when you're not using it!</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="496" height="260" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/38419/in-text-one_496x260.jpg" alt="In Text One (6)"/></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Android devices </span></p> <p>Swipe down from the top of your smartphone screen to access Quick Settings menu.</p> <ol> <li>You may need to pull down on this menu, to reveal more than 1 row of settings.</li> <li>Tap the Torch icon (second row, right icon, but this may vary on your device) to enable the torch (tap this icon again to turn off the torch).</li> </ol> <p>There are many hidden features in your smartphones, so if you want to find out more, come along to our workshop on Wednesday 19 April. We reveal all the tips and tricks for Apple iPads and iPhones!</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="499" height="880" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/38420/in-text-two_499x880.jpg" alt="In Text Two (7)"/></p> <p>Do you use your smartphone flashlight much?</p>

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