President’s Message
I’d like to briefly talk about two things – passwords and passwords. And if I were to add a third thing, it would also be passwords. We have long recommended the importance of using a password manager to ensure the use of strong and randomly-generated passwords to protect your online accounts. Yet too often, our FLS team receives a support call about a problem caused by a lost password.
Sometimes, forgetting a password isn’t a big deal – just a simple matter of resetting it. But other times, like forgetting the password to the Administrator account on your computer, can be more problematic. In fact, this can often require you to wipe your hard drive, reinstall the operating system, and possibly lose all your documents and pictures, if they’re not properly backed up (yet another thing we wish everyone did more often).
Some of the best advice we can offer is to stay digitally secure. Don’t use your pet’s name as your one password for everything – use a password manager. For our best password manager recommendations, read the First Level Support article below.
Larry McJunkin, President
Technology Access Program (TAP)
As of February 28, TAP has distributed 81 computer systems in 2021. This brings the all-time total to 8,462 systems distributed, serving 12,610 youths.
We are continuing to face a critical shortage of desktop computers to refurbish, although we still have a sufficient supply of finished systems. If you are upgrading your computer, please consider donating your old one to TAP to be refurbished and given to a deserving child or family.
To contact TAP please call us at (865) 332-5313. The TAP office is located at 244 Lakeside Plaza, Loudon 37774 (on Ritchey Road below the Thai Bistro restaurant).
First Level Support (FLS)
FLS continues to help all our members with technology problems using TeamViewer, the remote-control software that lets us help you without coming to your home. You can make this a smoother process by installing TeamViewer on your computer “before” you encounter a problem. Learn about TeamViewer.
We often ask our members to do themselves a huge favor by using a Password Manager. Using your birth date coupled with your pet’s name simply isn’t a good idea – but if you still must do this, at least lie about your birth date and give your pet a fictitious name. Seriously, please consider using a Password Manager. They’re easy to use and some of the best ones are even free. We include a few we consider to be the best (for both Windows and Mac) in our Recommended Software article that you can read or download here.
Education
The Education committee has been selecting article topics by using the results of the TVCUC Survey from last year and input from the types of calls received by First Level Support. We are also populating an archive of many “how-to” articles that pertain to the beginner and intermediate computer users.
If you have a technology topic you’d like us to research and write about, send us an email. We look forward to helping you continue to learn and be more confident in the use of technology.
Margie Krafft, Education Chair
Mac Users Special Interest Group (Mac SIG)
We have now held two Zoom meetings, both available for viewing online. The January presentation on “Big Sur” is available to view or download here. February’s presentation on “Mission Control” and “Mac Basics” can be viewed or downloaded here. If you’ve never used the great features of Mission Control, be sure to watch.
Mac SIG members are asked to please respond to the meeting survey. It’s painless and I would truly appreciate your input—please!
The March meeting will be held Monday, March 22, 3:30 p.m., continuing the discussion of Mac Basics.
Karen Brown
Finance
The financial situation with the club continues on a sound footing. Year-to-date spending is favorable to budget, and revenues are on target. Membership dues are essential to continuing the activities of the club. Considering the support provided by the FLS team, membership is probably the best $20 spent in Tellico Village. Tell your friends if they are not already members.
Technology BYTES
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