Newsletter Archive

LWCTC's Tech Talk

Newsletter Archive

Each issue of the Club newsletter will be archived by date below.

2021-2022 Season

12/15/2021 Vol.2 Issue 7: This week's newsletter includes information about our holiday party and lists the dates that we will not have our regularly scheduled programs. This week's Tip from Chris Winter has keystroke shortcuts for Windows. A 'best of" section includes links for various lists that might be helpful for your holiday shopping. One of these includes non-tech-related information. Information about the Log4j vulerability is also included. Other info includes resolution the dispute between Google & Rokul, Chrome extensions, Air Tags, tips for using Google Maps, and tips for using Apple Car Play.

12/08/2021 Vol.2 Issue 6: This week's Tip from Chris Winter has information about scams and how you can avoid becoming a victim to them. Chris's tip is longer than the others and is packed with good information. Other information this week includes links to the recorded video of Bob Gostischa's program on cybersecurity from 12/6. A link to his document with instructions and links to numerous programs that can keep you safe online is also included. The club update section has information about our programs for the week of December 13th.

12/01/2021 Vol.2 Issue 5: This week's Tip from Chris Winter is about internet connections and internet service providers. A cord cutting update is included this week with information on December programming, information about a problem some Roku users could be having, and information about Amazon's Fire Stick. Other topics include information about updates in Chrome OS 96 that include improvements to the camera app and a link to the video from the 11/29 program about the equipment and resources available at the Mesa Library's Red Mountain Campus.

11/24/2021 Vol.2 Issue 4: This week's issue includes a new feature called "A Tip from Chris Winter". A new tip will appear each week. Other information includes a link to the video from the 11/22 program about holiday e-cards and email templates; Black Friday technology deals and info; safety tips for online shopping; an update from our program about podcasts for iOS users; free streaming services available with some phone plans, and productivity tips for Chromebooks.

11/17/2021 Vol.2 Issue 3: This week's is really a news bulletin with updates about the Club. The Monday program this week was about podcasts. Links to the recorded video of the meeting and to the printed info from the meeting are in the newsletter. The newsletters will be sent on Wednesday beginning next week so we can combine it with the Thursday meeting info.

11/09/2021 Vol.2 Issue 2: This week's issue includes information about the 2021/2022 season for the LWCTC. Topics include followup information from the 11/8 program on streaming with reviews of streaming devices and some of the free services available. Other topics include digital emergency kits, Android apps to delete for security reasons, info about an ad blocker that is really an ad installer, a review of Audible Plus, and some holiday shopping tips.

11/01/2021 Vol.2 Issue 1: This week's issue includes information about the 2021/2022 season for the LWCTC which begins on November 8, 2021. The meeting begins at 9:00 a.m. and will be hybrid with in-person meeting in the Classroom and online via Zoom. Topics this week include cybersecurity and important updates for a variety of devices, a Cord cutting/ streaming update, A comparison of the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, free sites to check your internet speed, and information about the APCUG virtual technology conference on 11/6/2021.

2020-2021 Season

10/25/2021 Vol.1 Issue 22: This week's issue includes information about the 2021/2022 season for the LWCTC beginning on November 8, 2021. Topics this week include reviews of the Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, reviews of the MacBook Pro 2021 and Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 2021, updates for Windows 11 and webinar information, and more.

10/18/2021 Vol.1 Issue 21: This week's issue includes information about smartphone photography devices including camera phone reviews & photography tips. Additional cord cutting updates with reviews for live streaming options and advice for streaming NBA, NHL, and NFL games. Other topics include info about Apple's 10/18/2021 product launch, a Starlink update, how to check the CPU and RAM on a PC, and keyboard shortcuts for PCs and Macs.

10/11/2021 Vol.1 Issue 20: This week's issue includes information about security for mobile devices including iPhones and Android phones plus all devices connected online. Warning signs that can indicate your device is infected with a virus or malware and ways to remove these threats if a device is compromised. Other topics include a review of the best cloud backup services, an update about Starlink, and information about the new Roku app.

10/04/2021 Vol.1 Issue 19: This week's issue includes more Fall product releases from Amazon and Google. Microsoft's launch of Windows 11 was on 10/4/2021. This week's Tech Talk has info about Windows 11 compatibility, how to check if your PC is compatible, and Windows 11 features. Other topics include Gmail tips and tricks, how to create a new Gmail account, tips for finding photos on a smartphone, and 11 useful Google Drive features

09/27/2021 Vol.1 Issue 18: This week's issue includes additional reviews for the Apple's new iPhone 13 and iPad. Microsoft's new Surface and Amazon's new Kindle Paperwhite e-readers are also reviewed. The ECG function on smartwatches is explained. Dr. Ron Brown provides a video explaining how to use and interpret ECG results from a smartwatch. the new Fitbit Charge 5, which also has an ECG function is reviewed. Other information includes watching TV on a PC, Roku's new streaming stick, and do-it-yourself info about how to upgrade a laptop.

09/20/2021 Vol.1 Issue 17: This week's issue includes information about cord-cutting including the best streaming services for sports. Apple's Fall event was last week, so there is information about the new Apple products including iPhone 13, iPad options, and their Smart Watch Series 7. An article with 50 free apps for Apple and Android phones is also included. A section called "Bits and Bytes" has links to information about privacy settings for devices, free software "copycat" programs, and tips for organizing computer files.

09/13/2021 Vol.1 Issue 16: This week's issue includes information about safety with information about setting up fall detection on smart watches and smart phones. Reviews of other types of fall detection products are also included. Other topics include boosting WiFi signals when using WiFi at hotels and similar locations, boosting home WiFi, and a review of the Ray-Ban Stories smart sunglasses. A tip at the end explains how to dial and store a phone number with extensions or a phone tree as a single item to avoid listening to long recorded messages.

09/06/2021 Vol.1 Issue 15: This week's issue includes information about smart TVs including a video overview, smart TV reviews, and an inexpensive alternative; comparison of the new Samsung Watch 4 with other Samsung watches, a comparison of 3 different Apple watches, and a comparison of the Samsung Watch 4 with Apple's upcoming Series 7; and a video and information describing mobile internet while on the road for RVers and other travelers.

08/30/2021 Vol.1 Issue 14: This week's issue includes a cord cutting update and new programming in September for some of the major streaming apps, Macs and macOS tips including tips for using Safari and a preview of the Montery macOS coming out this fall. The last section describes technology to assist people who have hearing or visual impairments and various useful apps designed to help. Check out the tip for stopping pop-up ads on smartphones.

08/23/2021 Vol.1 Issue 13: This week's issue includes apps that can help improve smartphone photography and some tips for taking better pictures with smartphones. Other topics include useful Google Chrome extensions, Chrome features and tips, browser comparisons, and eReader reviews and information.

08/16/2021 Vol.1 Issue 12: This week's issue includes options for online photo storage with Google Photos, Amazon Photos, and others; smart watch health monitoring features and watch reviews including the new Samsung Galaxy watch 4 out soon; and information about VPNs including reviews.

08/09/2021 Vol.1 Issue 11: This week's issue includes smart phone tips for Android and iPhone; laptop batteries, laptop storage, and laptop reviews; and updates about Windows 11.

08/02/2021 Vol.1 Issue 10: This week's issue includes how to safely use payment apps (PayPal, Apple Pay, others) and protect yourself and your money from scams plus comparisons of five of the most common payment apps. Other topics include important updates for iOS devices and free streaming services including new programming for August.

07/26/2021 Vol.1 Issue 9: This week's issue begins with the important topic of the important topic of health and describes apps for a healthy lifestyle and the best fitness trackers for seniors. Other topics include how-to guides for setting up a smart home and features of Chromebooks, Chromebook accessories, and the best Chromebooks of 2021.

07/19/2021 Vol.1 Issue 8: This week's issue begins with on-line safety with a public Wi-Fi guide and cyber safety tips. A VPN review and guide is also included. Other topics include how to stream the Olympics, streaming services that have free trials, and information about Starlink.

07/12/2021 Vol.1 Issue 7: This week's issue has reviews of multiple smart gadgets (lights, plugs, and more), an interesting article from the University of Michigan about less nosy speakers, reviews of smart tags, tips & reviews for headphones, and reviews of streaming services available.

07/05/2021 Vol.1 Issue 6: This week's issue has information about storing information in the cloud including safety, security, and privacy concerns; preventing identity theft and reviews of protection services; and a section on wearable technology devices. New this week is a section with upcoming webinar opportunities.

06/28/2021 Vol.1 Issue 5: This week's issue explains how to turn off tracking for your phone apps and shopping with Amazon; a review of video game consoles and subscription services; a preview of the new Windows 11 operating system and how to check if your devices are compatible.

06/21/2021 Vol.1 Issue 4: This week's edition includes an update on Google Photos and upcoming changes to Google Photos and Google Drive; a "how-to" guide for using Amazon Photos; the best streaming devices for 2021 and tips for using Roku; and reviews of password managers.

06/14/2021 Vol.1 Issue 3: The theme of this issue is connections: Connecting to others through mobile devices with reviews of new iOS and android features, connecting smart plugs to Alexa, and connecting safely with the help of antivirus programs.

06/07/2021 Vol.1 Issue 2: This week's edition of the LWCTC newsletter focuses on the Technology aspect of LWCTC with information about cord cutting, smart watches, and Amazon Sidewalk. Amazon Sidewalk goes live on June 8th.

05/28/2021 Vol.1 Issue 1: The theme of this issue is safety and security with links to information about home security systems, spyware and how to remove it, and technology to help you sleep.