Microsoft has closed all 86 of their stores due to the ongoing pandemic, but what about your one-on-one support that you paid for? So frustrating, isn't it?! Their Assure Plan may include alternatives to in-person meetings, like online chats, but certain customers expected/needed inspections from an actual store expert. Try calling and pressuring Microsoft to refund your payment. They should make good on the situation.
If you have an old iPod and there are music files that haven't been transferred from computer to computer throughout the years, it is time to back up that library as soon as you can. If you use a Mac, there's an app called Senuti (iTunes backward!) that can help with the process. For Windows users, try YamiPod. At the very least, back up the iPod onto your computer with iTunes via the "Back Up Now" function. Don't lose those years of music tracks!
Sometimes we get older and our fingers become less mobile, causing our fingertips to stay on the same key for more than a split second. If your keyboard is repeating letters against your intentions, there are ways in Windows to prevent that from happening. An accessibility feature will disable key repeats and can be accessed in the Control Panel to switch on. Or you can try this... From tollie in the chatroom: Hold "RIGHT SHIFT" for eight seconds to turn on FILTER KEYS
Wifi router setup: Change the password. Turn off WAN Administration (so bad guys can't log into your router). Turn off UPnP (an Xbox technology that is less useful on most routers). Turn On WPA2 encryption (or WPA3 if present) for a password requirement. Turn on automatic firmware updates, or check up monthly for the latest firmware. A security flaw in your router would be a big problem!
Make sure UAC is enabled to ensure the popup appears each time you're about to install something. It's a great idea to have a 2nd account on your Windows PC by going to Control Panel, Accounts, and Users, and then add a new user.
You will probably want to make one of them an "admin" account, while more actively using the standard account. In case one account gets messed up, you can use the other one.
Make sure you have iTunes on your computer first, as well as an MP3 or WAV of the song you need to convert. Import the audio or music file into iTunes on your PC/Mac, and convert the file to AAC. Rename the file extension to .m4r, followed by syncing the file to your iPhone. If you have GarageBand, there's a feature to save audio as a ringtone.
Sometimes, you and your neighbors will have intersecting and overlapping WiFi networks in the surrounding area. Normally, these impacting factors are quite hidden from sight, but the tool "inSSIDer" allows you to see the details. With the software, you can assess channel, channel width, signal strength, WiFi generation, maximum data rate, and security. You can download a Windows version or a Mac OS version for your computer, and use what you learn to improve your speed!
If you want to back up your important and sentimental text messages on your iPhone, go to the Messages app, tap/hold the text you want, and paste it into the mail app. Email the content to yourself and print away! For voice messages, try eCamm Phone View for about $30.
A tip from "droplets" in the chatroom. Local channels have been moving and changing frequencies for over-the-air television. If you are missing a channel on your TV, hit "rescan" to find it again! Chances are, the channel didn't disappear into thin air, just scooted over elsewhere! If you have a neat tech tip you want to share, hop into our chatroom at irc.twit.tv while watching The Tech Guy!
If you are shopping for a decently large TV with a good price tag, check out products from brands TCL and Hisense. They are Chinese companies that are trying to break into the United States market, so their prices are quite affordable. Plus, they often have Roku built-in, which is arguably better than creating their own smart TV software.
