How to Clear the Cache on Your iPhone

How often have you thought your iPhone seemed sluggish, or even downright slow? If you’ve had your iPhone for more than six months and use it often, there’s a good chance that its cache needs to be cleared. Having the browser cache filled with months, or even years’ worth of data is the single biggest contributor to a slow iPhone.

Cache is all the data your phone acquires and stores as you visit various websites and use your phone apps. Your phone saves these things just in case you need them again, making it a little faster to log into a website or open an app. In theory, though all this data collection will speed up future visits, over time, cache can build up to the point where it slows down (and sometimes overheats) your phone.  Clearing the cache in your phone’s browser and offloading unused apps improves its performance. These are simple tasks that you should perform once every few months to keep your iPhone functioning well.

Step 1 – Clear Safari Cache

Let’s start with the Safari browser on your phone. After you’ve closed all those tabs that you’ve lost track of (don’t worry, everyone does it), you’re going to delve into the data they’ve stored. Go to Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data. Here, you can choose whether to clear the last hour, today, today and yesterday, or all history, and I recommend selecting “all history”. (There’s also the option to close all your tabs from this menu.)

Step 2 – Offload Unused Apps

You can’t clear individual app cache on an iPhone but if you offload an app, it will achieve the same thing. Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage. You’ll be able to see what apps you use the least. Tap any apps you don’t need on your phone right now and select Offload App. The app will remain on your home screen, but you’ll need to tap to re-download to get back in.

That’s it! A few minutes of maintenance and your sluggish iPhone will likely run a lot faster. If you have an idea for a computing tip or would like to see a topic addressed in a future newsletter, click here to send an email.

Larry McJunkin, President
Tellico Village Computer Users Club

Smart Home Special Interest Group (SIG) Survey

One of the things the TVCUC board of directors struggles with is finding new ways to provide our members with interesting and informative content. But as technology moves forward in so many ways, one area of interest seems to stand out, and we receive many questions about it – smart home technology.

According to every reliable source I can find, leading interests among the 50-plus crowd include learning how to manage smart-home technology (23%), and streaming entertainment (including live TV) (22%). This, coupled with some straw polls we’ve conducted with subsets of our members, indicates that here in Tellico Village we have an even higher percentage of folks who would like to know more about cutting the cord, streaming, and automating various aspects of their home (40%).

We have created an online survey (link below) to help us better determine how many of our members would like to learn more about smart home technology, and ultimately participate in a Smart Home Special Interest Group (SIG). We envision this group to meet on a regular basis, have focused presentations, Q&A sessions, and in general, provide a nurturing environment where you can learn more about smart home technology and at the same time, meet other members of our club.

Popular Areas of Smart Home Technology

• Smart TVs
• Smart lighting systems
• Smart thermostats
• Smart door locks & garage door openers
• Smart pet and lawn care
• Smart kitchen appliances
• Smart Alarm systems and household monitors
• Smart plugs for wall outlets
• Streaming live TV (such as YouTube TV or Hulu TV)
• Streaming other entertainment series (Netflix, Peacock, etc.)
• Enhanced Wi-Fi systems (mesh routers)

Already Using Smart Home Technology?

Do you already use smart home devices, stream media content, and consider yourself an enthusiast in this area? If so, we would love for you to be a part of administering this group or giving presentations. There is a place for you to respond about this on the survey.

Take the Brief Survey

If you have an interest in learning more about smart home technology, cutting the cord, or any of the above-listed smart home technology topics, please fill out our brief online survey by clicking the link below.

** Click Here to Take the Smart Home SIG Survey **

Larry McJunkin, President
Tellico Village Computer Users Club

Staying Safe Online (Take #2)

In May 2023, I used this same title for the monthly newsletter, but from the increasing number of FLS support calls we’ve had recently from our members about fraud, it’s time to revisit this topic. Staying safe online is not an easy task because the bad actors are devising new ways every day to skirt the safeguards built into our computing devices. Increasing our diligence and being able to recognize a fake email or phone call is our best defense against getting into trouble while online. In 2022, the online fraud industry was over $20 BILLION! And most of this was from individuals, just like you and me. Here are some tips to help you stay safe while online.

At the end of the day, staying safe online is all about common sense. I say this because regardless of what you do to prevent bad things from happening, what ultimately gets us in trouble is a bad decision…even if in our heart of hearts…we know it’s a bad decision, we often do it anyway. So, if you take away anything from this newsletter, I hope it’s a little visual sign in your mind’s eye that flashes and says, “Should I really do this?”. If you’ll ask yourself this a few times before making a questionable online decision, you’ll be fine, because your smarter self won’t let you make that bad decision.

The #1 bad decision that gets folks into trouble is allowing someone on the other end of the phone to take control of your computer. Above anything else…do not ever, EVER let anyone take control of your computer unless you know who it is. A friend, a relative, one of us in First Level Support at the computer club – that’s fine. If you use a Mac, then someone from Apple Care (as long as you know you’re actually speaking to an Apple employee), but if you use Windows, understand there is NO ONE at Microsoft who will EVER remotely take control of your computer to help you. So, if someone is on that phone and telling you they’re from Microsoft…just hang up!

The #2 reason folks get into trouble is believing what’s in that pop-up window you may someday see on Windows display. This is typically in the form of “Your computer has been infected by a virus (or malware)…call Microsoft support at the following number. Do not turn off your computer.” DO NOT call the number, and by all means, DO turn off your computer! This is called a Browser Hijack and it’s 1000% bogus. If you see something like this on your display, after you’ve turned off your computer, call our First Level Support team at (865) 408-8223. They can usually fix this over the phone or in just a few minutes with an on-site visit.

I know you’re thinking “Hmm…I’d never do that” but we assist several members every month who’ve inadvertently gotten into trouble by letting someone take control of their computer. So don’t say this won’t happen to you…just promise yourself you’ll do everything possible to stay diligent and not make a bad online decision.

The most common way we get into these situations is while searching for help. Help with a software app, help with your computer, help with your TV, help with anything. You bring up Google Search and start looking for support for something, and out of the search results that populate your screen…I’ll bet over 80% of them are bogus. The first indication they’re bogus is they offer a toll-free number. That’s just not going to happen. The second indication is that someone is actually offering to help you…for free. That’s rare today, even with legitimate support. Companies go to great lengths to make it nearly impossible to contact them by phone. You have to figure out how to separate the wheat from the chaff, because when you dial that number for free support, and you hear someone with a strange accent promising to help with your problem…that’s when you need to visualize that mental sign. “Should I really do this?” And the answer is NO!

Here are some other simple pieces of advice regarding online safety.

Keep your internet browser updated.

The latest versions have a lot of built-in protection against fake websites and web-based viruses.

Get a Password Manager.

If you use a Windows PC, I recommend Bitwarden or RoboForm. If you use a Mac, I recommend 1Password or Bitwarden. Create a memorable passphrase to open your password manager. An example of a passphrase is several words separated by special characters, including capital letters and numbers – such as: Sporty-Crown-Tarmac-Imaginary7 (this example passphrase would take approximately 87 years to crack). Whatever you use for your passphrase, it must be memorable to you.

Shred all your sensitive paper documents.

Bad actors can use information on paper statements to steal someone’s identity. Yes, there are lots of people sifting through landfills looking for valuable information.

Learn to spot fake emails and websites.

Criminals use these to con people into giving away passwords and bank details – the technical word is ‘phishing’.

One last reminder to help you stay safe online – whenever your sixth sense presents you with a question mark regarding something you’re about to do online – remember that little sign in your mind’s eye…”Should I really do this?”

Larry McJunkin, President
Tellico Village Computer Users Club 

Beginning the New Year

Typically, in each month’s newsletter we offer tips and information on technology-related articles that can help you get more mileage out of your computer or other technology devices. But as the new year begins, we need to ask for your help. The TVCUC is sourced by volunteers, and these individuals are not just geeks or computer enthusiasts, but volunteers who help us manage and staff our standing committees and board of directors.

While the pandemic is either behind us (or depending on your perspective, our new normal) everything has changed. This holds in life, in business, and in how the TVCUC has morphed into more of a support organization you can call when one of your technology devices isn’t working properly. In that regard, our First Level Support (FLS) team is doing an amazing job. We field up to a hundred technology support calls a month from our members and we are extremely fortunate to have a group of technology experts who provide almost immediate response when a member experiences a problem.

Where the TVCUC needs help is in several areas that might align with your expertise or be something you might enjoy learning to do. These are very meaningful volunteer positions, and they will not take a lot of your time. If you’d like to learn more about any of these positions, please send an email to admin@tvcuc.org.

Membership Chairperson

• The Membership Committee Chairperson (a.k.a. Membership Director) is trained by the Club Admin as a TellicoLife Admin.
•  Monitors new member registration via TellicoLife (this is an automated process that requires no intervention).
• Provides member count for the current month and year.
• Provides updated count of household and individual members.
• Provides updated count of Windows and Mac users.

Communications Chairperson

• Coordinates the activities of the other Communications Committee members.
• Presents ideas and actions of the committee to the Board.
• Monitors the existing TVCUC presence on primary social media networks, such as Nextdoor, and assists in recruiting volunteers to maintain current content on social media networks.
• Coordinates with the Board of Directors regarding content in the TVCUC trifold marketing brochure, describing the benefits of membership in the TVCUC. Recommends when this brochure needs to be updated.

Help & Resources Chairperson

• Research existing educational programs that may be offered to members.
• Helps create or identify existing How-To training videos and articles on identified topics and links to them from the TVCUC website.
• Coordinates with TVCUC webmaster to display and link to training videos and articles for easy access by members.
• Explores partnering with external agencies, such as Tellico University and Tellico Village Library to develop and promote technology education training.

Help & Resources Committee Members

• Assists in researching educational programs for members.
• Helps identify existing How-to training videos (via YouTube) and articles on various technology topics.
• Assists committee chairperson to fulfill other committee tasks.

We hope one of these volunteer positions interests you and if so, we would love to have you on our team. To learn more about any of these positions and how you can help us further the mission of the TVCUC, send us an email at admin@tvcuc.org.

Larry McJunkin, President

Tellico Village Computer Users Club

Thanksgiving Gratitude for Technology’s Bounty

As Thanksgiving approaches, a time-honored tradition of reflection and gratitude, it’s only fitting to extend our appreciation beyond the dinner table and into the realm of technology. In the 21st century, our lives are intricately woven with digital threads that make the fabric of our existence more convenient, interconnected, and enjoyable. This Thanksgiving let’s take a moment to express gratitude for the many ways in which technology enriches our lives.

One of the most profound ways that technology has transformed our lives is by bringing loved ones closer, even when miles apart. Video calls and messaging apps Like Zoom and Meet have become our digital bridges, connecting us with family and friends across states and even continents. As we gather around this virtual table, sharing laughter and stories, we’re reminded that distance is no longer a barrier to the warmth of togetherness. This Thanksgiving, the computer screen we’re staring at can become a window into the hearts of those we hold dear, thanks to the marvels of communication technology.

And for those of us who love to cook, technology has not only simplified our cooking endeavors but also expanded our gastronomic horizons. From smart ovens that ensure the perfect roast to recipe apps (my personal favorite) that inspire culinary creativity, technology has become the sous chef in our kitchens. As we sit down to the Thanksgiving feast this year, let’s be thankful for all the digital tools that make cooking an art that’s accessible to all.

Lastly, as we gather with loved ones over the coming holidays, whether in person or through digital means, let’s pause to acknowledge and celebrate the ways in which technology has enriched our lives. From enhancing communication and culinary experiences to expanding our knowledge and promoting well-being, technology has become an integral part of the modern-day Thanksgiving. This year, let gratitude extend to all the electronic and digital tools that contribute to the abundance of joy, connection, and progress in our lives.

There will not be a newsletter in December, so on behalf of the TVCUC Board of Directors and the many volunteers who comprise our First Level Support team, TAP endeavors, and other areas of our club – Happy Thanksgiving to each of you and your families! We also wish you a Joyous Holiday Season & Happy New Year!

Larry McJunkin, President
Tellico Village Computer Users Club