The Tech Guy Blog

Assign a Recovery Email or Phone Number for Your Account

For important email addresses, make sure you have a recovery email or phone number set up. Email access is important, and if you forget your password, the service is going to need to contact you somehow. Treat email with respect, because losing the ability to log in can be devastating in many ways. Phone numbers can be used to get texts with an emergency 6-digit number (or something like that), which can help begin the new password process. If you don't have multiple email accounts, set one up with Gmail or another known service.

Wait About 4 Years Before Upgrading Your Phone

While it is easy to get caught up in the hype for a new smartphone, you don't need to upgrade with each new model. Especially as these devices can get expensive. The latest iPhone announcement is a great example of updates many won't find necessary. It's probably appropriate to wait about 3-4 years before upgrading your phone. It's also better for the environment to not throw out all those old electronic parts so frequently, though there's at least a decent market for used phones these days.

Use This Site if You Forgot Your Apple ID

An Apple ID helps unify your personal use across multiple Apple devices, such as iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks. If you have forgotten the password to your Apple ID and need to reset it, head to iforgot.apple.com and enter your ID name. The website will ask you some questions to verify ownership, but soon afterward you will be given the opportunity to change your password.

When Troubleshooting, Test or Replace the Cheap Parts First

When troubleshooting connected hardware tech, you should test out which component is causing the problem before hastily buying a whole new system. Try replacing parts like the cables before moving on to monitors, receivers, computers, etc. If the problem can be identified as the cable/wires, it will be a relief to your wallet. As a rule of thumb: Start with the cheap stuff, then work your way on up to the more expensive items if necessary.

Understand That Companies Can Monitor Traffic Under Their Wi-Fi

When you're working for a company and using their internet, be mindful that the company is generally allowed to monitor your online activity. This includes your desktops, laptops, and cell phones that use their resources. If you are using a VPN, they'll be unable to monitor the sites but can still see that you're using a virtual private network. There may be a policy in the employee handbook regarding internet usage, but the safest thing is to just not surf sketchy websites or NSFW content on the job.

Back Up Your BitLocker Recovery Key

BitLocker is an encryption tool for Windows users that helps protect data from unauthorized people. It requires Windows Pro, Enterprise, or Education, but is not available for the Home edition. If you have turned on BitLocker from the Control Panel, you should save a copy of the recovery key to your Microsoft Account (or somewhere else secure). If you do not have a way to access this recovery key and cannot authorize another way, you will be forced to format your computer.

Wait for the iPhone 13 Reveal Before Purchasing a New iPhone!

If you are itching to get an iPhone, you may want to wait just a bit for Apple to announce and/or show off their iPhone 13. There will probably be minor improvements, but exactly which enhancements are uncertain. Even if you don't want the newest model, prices will drop on the iPhone 12 versions. The reveal will likely occur on the 8th or 14th of September 2021, so keep an eye out for rumors from Mark Gurman and other Apple-related sources.

Keep Your iPhone 12 Away From Your Medical Devices

The iPhone 12 uses magnetic technology for MagSafe connection, but that may also interfere with medical devices like pacemakers. If you use a pacemaker and tend to keep your iPhone in your shirt pocket (around the chest), it may be a good idea to place it in your pants from now on. Apple recommends keeping their product at least 6 inches away from your medical device, and consulting with your physician for more accurate guidelines. This also goes for other magnetic Apple items like AirPods and iPads.

Get an SSD for Your New Chromebook

If you are getting a new Chromebook device and have a choice of storage type, go for an SSD (Solid State Drive). SSD's are faster, efficient, and more trustworthy than most other technologies. It may be a bit more expensive as an option, but it will be worth it in the long run as you boot things up.

Apple’s MagSafe Battery Pack Is Not Worth $99

Apple recently released their $99 MagSafe Battery Pack for iPhones. If you have an iPhone 12, you can place the battery pack on the back of your phone and it will magnetize/charge. If you're the kind of person to run out of battery while on the road and away from wall outlets, you may want to consider something like this product....but possibly from another company (Anker). The Apple MagSafe Battery Pack is just too overpriced.