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A selection of articles from recent newsletters is reproduced below.

[October 2017]

Twenty Tips to use Google Search Efficiently   by Joseph Hindy

Millions of people use Google search every day for a variety of reasons. Students use it for school, business people use it for research, and millions more use it for entertainment. Did you know that you may not be using Google search to its full potential? Here are twenty tips and tricks to maximize your search efficiency.

1. Use the tabs

The first tip is to use the tabs in Google search. On the top of every search are a number of tabs. Usually you'll see Web, Image, News, and More. Using these tabs, you can help define what kind of search you need to do. If you need images, use the Image tab. If you are looking for a recent news article, use the News tab. It's rudimentary and most people use the tabs already. If you are not, then it's highly recommended to get associated with them. They can cut search times dramatically if utilised properly.

2. Use quotes

When searching for something specific, try using quotes to minimise the guesswork for Google search. When you put your search parameters in quotes, it tells the search engine to search for the whole phrase. For instance, if you search for Puppy Dog Sweaters, the engine will search for content that contains those three words in any order. However, if you search “Puppy Dog Sweaters”, it will search for that phrase exactly as you typed it. This can help locate specific information that may be buried under other content if not sorted out correctly.

3. Use a hyphen to exclude words

Sometimes you may find yourself searching for a word with an ambiguous meaning. An example is Mustang. When you Google search for Mustang, you may get results for both the car made by Ford or the horse. If you want to cut one out, use the hyphen to tell the engine to ignore content with one of the other. For example  Mustang -car  tells the search engine to search for mustangs but to remove any results that have the word "car" in it. It can be wildly helpful when finding information about something without getting information about something else.

4. Use a colon to search specific sites

There may be an instance where you need to search for articles or content on a certain website. The syntax is very simple as we see here:  Sidney Crosby site:nhl.com  will search for all content about famous hockey player Sidney Crosby, but only on NHL.com. All other search results will be removed. If you need to find specific content on a particular site, this is the shortcut you can use.

5. Find a page that links to another page

This Google search tip is a little obscure. Instead of searching for a specific page, you're searching for a page that links to a specific page. Think about it this way. If you want to see who cited a New York Times article on their site, you would use this trick to find all the sites that link to it. The syntax is   link:nytimes.com.  That will return all pages that link to the New York Times official website. The URL on the right side can be practically anything. Be aware, though, that the more specific it is, the fewer results you'll get. We know not a lot of people will likely use this Google search trick, but it could be very useful for some.

6. Use the asterisk wildcard

The asterisk wildcard is one of the most useful ones on the list. Here's how it works. When you use an asterisk in a search term on Google search, it will leave a placeholder that may be automatically filled by the search engine later. This is a brilliant way to find song lyrics if you don't know all the words. You could type:  Come * right now * me.  To you or me, that may look like nonsense. However Google will search for that phrase knowing that the asterisks can be any word. More often than not, you'll find they are lyrics to The Beatles song "Come Together" and that's what the search will tell you.

7. Find sites that are similar to other sites

This is a unique one that could be used by practically everyone if they knew it existed. Let's say you have a favorite website; it can be anything. However that website is getting a little bit boring and you want to find other websites like it. If you entered:  related:amazon.com  you won't find a link to Amazon; instead, you'll find links to online stores like Amazon. Sites like Barnes & Noble, Best Buy, and others that sell physical items online. It's a powerful tool that can help you find new sites to browse.

8. Use Google search to do math

As a college student, I can attest that I use this one rather frequently. Google search can actually do math for you. This is a rather complex one to describe because it can be used in so many ways. You can ask it basic questions or some more difficult ones. It is important to note that it won't solve all math problems, but it will solve a good number of them. Here are a couple of examples of the syntax:

   8 * 5 + 5   will return 45. It will also show a calculator that you can use to find answers to more questions. This is handy if you need to do some quick math but don't want to do it in your head.

   Planck's Consant  will return 6.62607004 × 10^-34 m² kg / s

So it can do math, but it can also help you solve math problems by showing values for known mathematical terms.

9. Search for multiple words at once

Google search is flexible. It knows you may not find what you want by searching only a single word or phrase. Thus it lets you search for multiples. By using this trick, you can search for one word or phrase along with a second word or phrase. This can help narrow down your search to help you find exactly what you're looking for. Here is the syntax. “Best ways to prepare for a job interview” OR “How to prepare for a job interview” By searching that, you will search both phrases. Remember the quotes tip above? It’s being used here as well. In this instance, these two exact phrases will be searched. It can be .done by word too, like this:   chocolate OR white chocolate  This will search for pages that have either chocolate or white chocolate!

10. Search a range of numbers

Searching for a range of numbers is another tip we don't anticipate a lot of people using. The people that do use it, though, will probably use it quite a bit. People interested 'n money or statistics will find this tip particularly useful. Essentially, you use two dots and a number to let Google search know you’re looking for a specific range of numbers. Like this:

   What teams have won the Stanley Cup ..2004

   41..43

In the first instance, the search will return the team that won the Stanley Cup in 2004. The two dots with only one number will tell the search that you don't need anything before or after 2004. This can help narrow down searches to a specific number to improve search results. In the second, Google will search for the numbers 41, 42, and 43. It is obscure, but wildly useful if you happen to need to search for numbers like this.

11. Keep it simple

Now we are getting into the general tips. Google search knows how to search for a lot of things. What this means is you don't need to be too specific. If you need a pizza place nearby, use   Pizza places nearby.  Google search will grab your location and deliver a variety of results about pizza places that are near you.

12. Gradually add search terms

There will come a time when Google search doesn't shovel out the results you expect. In this instance, keeping it simple may not be the best option. The best method is to start with something simple then gradually get more complicated. For example:

  First try: job interviews
  Second try: prepare for job interviews
  Third try: how to prepare for a job interview

This will gradually refine the search to bring you fewer, more targeted terms. The reason you don't go straight from the first try to the third try is because you may miss what you're looking for by skipping the second step. Millions of websites phrase the same information in a number of different ways; using this technique lets you search as many of them as possible to find the best information.

13. Use words that websites would use

This is a very important one. When people use Google search to hunt the web, they generally search for things using the same language that they would use for speaking. Unfortunately, websites don't say things the way people do; instead, they try to use language that sounds professional. Let's look at some examples.

  I have a flat tire  could be replaced by  repair a flat tire.
  My head hurts  could be replaced by  headache relief.

14. Use important words only

The way Google search works is to take what you search for and match it with keywords in online content. When you search for too many words, it may limit your results. That means it may actually take you longer to find what you're looking for. So it is better to use only the important words when searching for something. For example:

  Don't use:  Where can I find a Chinese restaurant that delivers  rather try:  Chinese restaurants nearby  or   Chinese restaurants near me.

Doing this can help Google find what you need without all the clutter. So remember, keep it simple and use important words only.

15. Google search has shortcuts

A number of commands can be entered to give you instantaneous results. Like the math example above, Google can immediately give you the information you need that is displayed right at the top of the search results. This can save time and effort so you don't have to click a bunch of bothersome links. Here are a few examples of some commands you can enter into Google:

  Weather *zip code*   - this will show you the weather in the given zip code. You can also use town and city names instead of area codes, but it may not be as accurate if there are multiple area codes in the city.

  What is *celebrity name* Bacon Number   - this is a fun little one that will tell you how many connections any given celebrity has to famed actor Kevin Bacon. The popular joke, Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon, is that no actor is more than 6 connections away from Kevin Bacon. Mark Zuckerberg has a Bacon Number of 3.

  The math example posted above is another one.

  What is the definition of *word*  or  Define: *word*  - this will display the definition of a word.

  Time *place*  - this will display the time in whatever place you type in.

  You can check any stock by typing its ticker name into Google. If you search for GOOG, it will check the stock prices for Google.

These quick commands can take a web search that is usually multiple clicks and condense it into a single search. This is very helpful for information you need repeatedly.

16. Spelling doesn't necessarily matter

Google search has gotten a lot smarter over the years. These days, you don't even need to spell words correctly. As long as it's pretty close, Google can usually figure out what it means. For example if you search  Nver Gna Gve Yo Up  Google will automatically assume you mean to search for “Never Gonna Give You Up.” If by chance your misspelling was intentional, Google gives you the option to search for the misspelled term instead. This trick is great if you happen to forget how to spell something or are not altogether sure how something is spelled. It can also be helpful when searching for obscure words. This applies to capitalization and grammar as well.

17. Use descriptive words

Pretty much everything can be described in multiple ways. Take our namesake, the "life hack". The terminology "hack" refers to a computer programmer breaking security on a network or system. However, when used in conjunction with the word "life", it alters the meaning to tips and tricks people can use to improve their lives. If you have trouble finding what you're searching for, keep in mind that people may search or define what you need in a different way than you do. For example you may search  How to install drivers in Ubunut?  when you really mean  Troubleshoot driver problems Ubuntu.  There really isn't a good specific example for this one. If you search for something and you can't find an answer, try asking the same question using different words and see if that helps the results.

18. Find a specific file

An often forgotten feature of Google search is the ability to search for a specific file or file type. This can be infinitely useful if you need a specific PDF or PowerPoint file that you previously viewed or need to use for another project. The syntax is quite simple:

  *Search term here* filetype:pdf

In the above example, you simply replace the search term with whatever you're searching for. Then use the filetype command and enter the extension of any file type you can think of. This can mostly be useful for scholarly purposes, but business presentations and other assorted presentations can benefit from this kind of search as well.

19. Money and unit conversions

Google search can quickly and accurately convert both measurement units and currency value. There are a variety of uses for this, like checking to see the conversion rate between two currencies. If you happen to be a math student, you can use it to convert from feet to meters or from ounces to liters. Here's how to do it:

  miles to km  - this will show the conversion factor for miles to kilometers. You can put numbers in front to convert a certain number.  10 miles to km   will show you how many kilometers are in ten miles.

  USD to British Pound Sterling  will convert a US dollar to British pounds. Like the measurements above, you can add numbers to find exact conversions for a certain amount of money. It's true that this tip is geared toward math students and international business people. However, you'd be surprised how often this feature is used by regular people.

20. Track your packages

Our last trick is to use Google search to find out where your packages are. You can enter any UPS, USPS, or Fedex tracking number directly into the Google search bar, and it will show you the tracking information about your package. This is much easier than going to the specific sites, waiting for them to load, then searching for your packages there. No examples are really needed for this one. Just type your tracking number in and see where your package is.

Google search is a very powerful search tool. Using the tips outlined above, you can find anything and everything you could ever need on the World Wide Web. Whether it's avoiding Wikipedia for a school essay project, finding the latest stock prices, or even finding song lyrics, there is a way to make Google search work for you.

[June 2017]

Tennis Balls

Even if you don’t play tennis, you might want to grab a can of tennis balls next time you are at Target. Tennis balls can be awesome off the court and around your house. Check out these fun uses. I'm a little skpetical of #7 but excited to try #3 and #8.

1. Use for Fabric Softener - Want fluffy towels? A green alternative to fabric softener is to toss a tennis ball or two into the dryer. Warning: this is a noisy alternative.

2. Save your Water Bill - Save money on your water bill and help the Earth while you're at it! Place a tennis ball in the water tank of your toilet to reduce the amount of water used with each flush.

3. Remove Scuff Marks - Use a knife to cut a hole into the outside of a tennis ball. Place the opened ball over the handle end of a broom or mop. You can now use that end to remove scuffmarks from the floor.

4. Remove Broken Light Bulbs - When a light bulb breaks in the socket, use an old tennis ball to remove it. Remove the excess glass and then press the ball up into the socket to safely twist out the remainder.

5. Mark Garage Positions - Here’s one you’ve probably seen before but it works. Park your car in the garage where you like it. Hang a tennis ball from the ceiling so that the tennis ball touches eye level on your windshield. You can then pull the car in each day with confidence.

6. Improve your Stroke - Want to have a better breaststroke in the pool? Tuck one under your chin while you swim your laps. If you can keep the ball in place, you'll have great form. This will be great practice for swim team kids this summer.

7. Sleep Positioner - Tired of your spouse's snoring? Or are they tired of yours? Put a tennis ball down your shirt when you lie down. Tuck in your shirt to keep it in place. Every time you roll on your back, it will remind you to sleep on your side.

8. Keep the Change - Tennis balls make great change holders. Cut a slit big enough to reach in. Throw extra change inside the ball to keep it. It is a great place to keep money for tolls. Place the ball in a cup holder to have it handy.

9. Keep Your Pool Cleaner - Here's a new one to me! Throw a ball or two into your swimming pool. The material helps absorb the natural oils that deposit from swimmers. Note: this does not replace the use of chemicals; it simply helps keep the pool cleaner.

10. Open Jars - Cut a tennis ball in half. Use the shell as a great grip to open jars and bottles.

[April 2017]

Some of us might remember the promise decades ago of the paperless office when we first started using computers. Well this new one just might get us there, if and when it becomes available - it is designed to save paper but will also save you from hours of shredding old documents you no longer need to keep. A shame if the information you need to keep disappears though by accident!

New Paper is Printed Using Light and then Erased with Heat

By Matthew Humphries, 8 February 2017

Each sheet of paper can be erased and reused at least 80 times.

Printer manufacturers will happily sell us very cheap printers because they profit many times over from also selling us very expensive ink cartridges. But what if your printer no longer required ink and in return the paper it used was a little more expensive? More expensive paper may sound like a negative, but what if each sheet of paper could be erased and reused 80 times?

That's what a team of researchers at the University of California at Riverside managed to create: a printer that replaces ink with light, and paper that contains the dye it needs to form print, but which can also be erased and reused many times over.

The research is led by Yadong Yin, a Professor of Chemistry at UC Riverside. The key to the process of printing without ink is the construction of the paper. It's a mix of nanoparticles formed from Prussian blue dye and titanium oxide applied to a sheet of standard paper.

The titanium oxide and blue dye are separate in each nanparticle. However, with exposure to ultraviolet light the oxide in each particle moves to the dye and it turns white. So, for example, exposing the paper to a set pattern of ultraviolet light can form a character of the alphabet, making it appear printed on the page. The colour print can be flipped so it's white on blue or blue on white.

The printing system is accurate to a resolution of five microns, meaning it should be more than capable of competing with inkjet printers.

One limitation is the fact anything printed on this paper isn't permanent. It remains legible for at least five days, but then starts to fade and ultimately disappears. That process can be sped up by applying heat (121 degrees Celsius for ten minutes), and a sheet of paper can be reprinted at least 80 times. So it has the potential to save a considerable amount of money on ink and paper purchases, but is not suitable for any document that needs to form a permanent record.

Yin's invention is not a commercial product yet, but could certainly find a market in the business sector where document printing is still a common task. How successful it can be depends on the price of the printers and just how much of a cost premium the paper carries.

[March 2016]

How to transfer iPhone or iPad pictures to a Windows 10 computer using File Explorer

The easiest way to go about this process is to set up an automatic sync between your iPhone or iPad and your Windows computer. This will make sure your photos transfer to your computer without you having to do anything other than open the folder they're supposed to go into. This can also make sure your Windows pictures show up on your iPhone or iPad. Take a look at our guide on setting up an iTunes sync for Windows to see how this works. If you would rather have manual control over how photos move from your iOS device to your computer, we'll show you how here.

Install iTunes, If you haven't already. This will ensure your computer can communicate with your iPhone or iPad.

Plug in your iPhone or iPad with your Lightning to USB or 30-pin Dock to USB cable.

Open Windows File Explorer. It's the little yellow folder icon on the bottom taskbar. You can also press the Start key on your keyboard and "E" at the same time to open File Explorer.

On the left pane, look under Desktop. If there's nothing below it, the file tree may be collapsed. Click the right-pointing arrow next to the Desktop icon to see everything contained inside.

Under This PC, you should see your iPhone as a drive. Again, This PC may need to be expanded to see everything inside.

Double-click the icon for your iPhone here. You will also need to open Internal Storage, then DCIM, then another folder inside to get access to your photos. Photos and videos take on your iPhone or iPad should now be visible.

Select the items you want to copy to your computer. Hold down the Ctrl key on your keyboard and left-click each item you want to include. Previously selected items can be unselected in this way as well. You can also select multiple items by left-clicking and dragging your mouse to form a box over photos, or hit Ctrl and "A" on your keyboard to select everything.

The top bar in the window should have a menu that says Copy To. Click it, and click the destination where you want your selected files to be copied to. The Desktop is a nice, easily accessible spot, provided you aren't copying too many photos. If your preferred location isn't listed, click Choose Location, at the end of the list. Try not to use the Move To option unless your iPhone or iPad is running out of storage space and you want the photos removed altogether from the device.

How to transfer photos from your iPhone or iPad using the Windows 10 Photos app

If you're feeling adventurous, there's also the new Windows Photos app. It isn't quite as precise as manually picking your pictures to copy over, but it does a fine job of doing it in bulk, and the app is very nice for looking at your pictures.

Plug your iPhone or iPad into your computer over the Lightning cable.

Open Photos. Again, this can be found by typing "Photos" into the search bar at the bottom of the screen in Windows 10. Click the button at the top-right of the Photos app to import. It's just to the left of the three dots. Select your iPhone from the options that appear.

www.imore.com/how-transfer-your-iphone-and-ipad-photos-windows-10

Printing from your Android tablet or phone using the PrinterShare App

Print directly from your Android phone or tablet via WiFi, Bluetooth, USB or Internet. Print documents (including PDF, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and other files), photos, emails, bills, invoices, messages, web pages and more to a printer right next to you or across the world!

*** Some of the features are NOT FREE! To unlock them you'll be prompted to purchase PrinterShare Premium Key.

PrinterShare provides native printing support on Android 4.4+ devices (don't forget to activate PrinterShare Print Service Plugin in Android system settings). On these devices you can easily print using Android Printing System from the built-in Print menu of applications that support Android Printing. With PrinterShare Print Service you can easily print images and photos (JPG, PNG, GIF), emails and attachments (PDF, DOC, XSL, PPT, TXT), contacts, agenda, sms/mms, call log, web pages (HTML) and other digital content from device memory, cloud storage providers such as Google Drive, One Drive, Box, Dropbox and other applications via Share action. You can configure many printing options such as paper size, page orientation, number of copies, page range, one or two-sided printing (duplex mode), print quality (resolution), colour or monochrome, input tray and more.

With the free version of the app you can:
* Print with certain restrictions on nearby wireless (WiFi, Bluetooth) and direct USB-OTG connected printers;
* Print on Windows shared (SMB/CIFS) or Mac shared printers;
* Print via Google Cloud Print (including save as PDF);
* Print 20 pages in remote mode over the Internet.

For unlimited printing you need to purchase PrinterShare Premium Key, a separate small application that simply needs to be on the device to unlock Premium Features of the free app. Prior to buying the key we highly recommend printing the test page to ensure compatibility with your printer.

Premium Features:
* Unlimited Nearby direct printing (PDFs, documents, photos and more) via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth without a computer;
* Unlimited Remote printing. The receiving end (Windows or Mac) would not have to buy pages or subscribe.
* No advertisements

PrinterShare supports a wide variety of HP (Officejet, LaserJet, Photosmart, Deskjet and other models including HP Officejet 100 Mobile and HP Officejet H470), Epson (Artisan, WorkForce, Stylus and other series), Canon (PIXMA MP/MX/MG and other series), Brother, Kodak, Samsung, Lexmark, Kyocera, OKI and other printers including legacy networkable. A full list of supported printers available at printershare.com/help-mobile-supported.sdf. You can also print to unsupported and legacy printers with the free computer software for Mac and Windows available at http://printershare.com.

Please note:
1) Requested permissions are needed to print content and are not used to collect your personal data. For a more detailed explanation see the FAQ at www.printershare.com/help-mobile-faq.sdf
2) Google Cloud Print requires latest version of Chrome browser on your computer or Google Cloud Print capable printer. For more setup instructions please read www.google.com/support/cloudprint/ 3) If something isn't working as expected, send an email to support@printershare.com

*** For direct nearby printing to selected printer models PrinterShare downloads and uses drivers provided by HPLIP (hplipopensource.com) and GutenPrint (gimp-print.sourceforge.net). These drivers are distributed under GNU General Public License, version 2.

[February 2016]

Just for something different, the crossword (#22 by Bob Kershaw) [in a new window]

[June 2015]

Things to remember when installing NBN

1. This is a two stage installation. Outside and inside.
2. Outside by the NBN contractor
3. Inside by your provider. Telstra, IInet, Westnet, Dodo or whoever with 40 metres of cabling free of charge.
4. Once installed in your street you have 18 months to transfer over to NBN. After the expiry period the copper wire will be disconnected.
5. Remember at the moment if the power goes off your phone still works as it is powered by Telstra. With the new system it is "fibre optic", with no copper wires.
6. This new system is supported by normal household 240 volt electricity to make it work and not Telstra's power.
7. Select the best spot for your computer to be connected to it.
8. Make a choice if you need a power backup battery before installation. It gives you several hours of talk time on the telephone only when power is out. Remember: No Power equals no VOIP or netphone or internet.
9. A power point is needed about three meters from the newly installed NBN unit.
10. Don't forget it always emits a light so don't install in or near a bedroom.
11. Yes, you keep your own phone number.
12. All your old phones installed now will be useless.
13. Look at the internet plans that are on offer from various companies and change. It will save you money.
14. Look seriously at the VOIP or netphone services that network provider's offer. They will save you money. But remember VOIP and netphone services are landline calls only, not satellite or overseas calls. To call mobiles or overseas use your mobile.
15. You can purchase Panasonic and other brand phones (cordless) to provide your needs for multiple phones in the house. Make sure they are VOIP/netphone compatable.
16. They are also your answering service too.
17. Don't forget to contact the manufactures of your existing phone connected appliances, like house alarms, aged care alerts, surveillance cameras. Make sure they are NBN compatible. If not what do I do?
18. Yes, there is a lot of work needed to be done if changing network providers but you will benefit from it in the long run financially.
19. Another thing is if you have had your modem/router for a long time it may not be capable of handling the new NBN network. A new modem may be required and you will get this with a new plan from your selected provider.
20. Remember you are in the driver's seat when installing the new system. You decide where you want it and don't let them install where they want it because it is the easiest for them.
21. Do not sign the installation papers if you are not satisfied with their work. Signing means they get paid and now you have the trouble in getting it right at your cost.
    
    Thanks to Colin

    [September 2014]

    In the news: metadata at what price?

    Promoted as a fight against terrorism, the government wants to bring in laws requiring internet and telecom providers to store customers metadata for up to two years in order that it shall be available to law enforcement agencies. Some providers already hold this information for longer periods of time but some for less. Law enforcement agencies can already access this customer information without warrant if they fill in the proper forms and pay for the work.

    There has been some discussion about what exactly metadata is - as distinct from 'content' of phone calls and emails. It is information that laptops, smartphones, tablets and games consoles create when accessing the internet - and includes...

    • the device's IP address
    • location detail
    • dates and times
    • device details such as browser and operating system
    • and may include the content of Tweets and Facebook posts
    At the moment details of the proposed laws are not certain but already there are claims that such provisions will add significant costs for telecom and internet providers.

    What ever the law it is very clear that these costs, will in the end, be passed on to us the 'consumer' through higher plan costs.

    Ruth Ruane

    [July 2014]

    How to capture Memories from Old Negatives

    Do you have a shoebox full of old family negatives and wonder how to view them? Well if you have a flat bed scanner, a PC and a desk or bed lamp it can be a very rewarding exercise. Here is what you do.

    Open the scanner and place the plate negative glossy side down on the platen. Cover the negative or group of negatives with one sheet of A4 copy paper. Illuminate the whole sheet with the desk lamp. Use curly fluorescent not incandescent lamps for more diffuse and even lighting.

    Vary the light source to get the best preview and then scan and import the image(s) at a good resolution into your photo editing software. I use Paint Shop Pro but you can use any software which has a negative image function.

    Select the negative image function from the menu and VOILA you have a positive image which you can rotate, crop, mirror or enhance as required. Name and save your cherished image as a jpg at the required aspect ratio (3 by 2 for postcards) and dash off to the nearest photo lab to make enough copies to pass around the family.

    Happy scanning customers.

    Charles Burking

    [June 2014]

    Security Scare Warning

    A Dunsborough computer security researcher has called on all internet users to change their passwords in the wake of a major security flaw last week. Security researcher Alex Dolan said the flaw, dubbed Heartbleed, impacted about two thirds of the internet.

    Accounts such as Google, Facebook, Twitter and Yahoo are just a few that were vulnerable to the flaw. "The nature of Heartbleed involves an attacker sending specially crafted input to a web server (email login, for example) and being able to retrieve parts of the private code that make it secure," Mr Dolan said. "With the code that the attacker retrieves from these servers, they can read all the private data, including passwords and any other information sent over the internet." Not only was a large part of the internet subject to this flaw but information dating back two years was vulnerable.

    "Every provider running this version of software from May 2012 to April 8 2014 is potentially insecure." Mr Dolan said. The top 1000 most popular websites were deemed vulnerable and as a result the big providers were onto it straight away. "Big providers already fixed it only hours after they were notified, some companies will never fix it. Because people cannot tell whether or not they have been hacked from attackers using the flaw or from future risks, the key is to change your passwords" Mr Dolan said.

    "People should always play on the safe side with their information" he said. "You should never use the same password twice and keep an eye out for suspicious emails in the coming weeks. Scammers will use this Heartbleed event to try to leverage password reset emails from users, so be careful".

    Mr Dolan recommended people change their passwords every three months and never recycle them. There are safe ways for people to have different passwords and remember them through password manager sites. Mr Dolan recommended two: 1password and LastPass. These sites store your passwords and allow you to access them with a master password to keep out hackers.
    

    by Jamillah Bickerton [submitted by Jean Bilsborrow]

    Geoffrey Fowler has written a good password manager review in an article called "The best way to manage your passwords" - just type 'The best way to manage your passwords by Geoffrey A Fowler' into your browser and read. Most helpful and explains how these managers work and what they cost! Cheap if you consider the alternatives perhaps.
    

    Ruth Ruane

    Beginner's Corner

    There is a lot of help on the Web if you know where and how to look for it. The Open Culture site says "Get free online courses from the world's leading universities – Stanford, Yale, MIT, Harvard, Berkeley, Oxford and more. You can download these audio and video courses (often from iTunes, YouTube, or university web sites) straight to your computer or mp3 player. Over 30,000 hours of free audio and video lectures, await you now."

    The only trouble is finding just the one you want. For basic computer courses it is hard to beat the tutorials offered by GCF Learn Free Org. Type 'Free Online Learning at GCF Learn Free' or http://www.gcflearnfree.org' into your browser and be offered a large range of subjects absolutely free. You can download excellent notes for a thousand tutorials on email, maths, Microsoft programs, etc...

    For a reasonable fee you can subscribe to programmes such as Lynda.com. Lynda offers a wide range of subjects by way of video tutorials. You need to have the programme - Photoshop or Microsoft Office for example - on your computer and an internet connection; then you can watch the videos and work along with the teachers. These videos are good but, if you are like me, you may need watch them over and over again as most of them are packed with instruction that is delivered at a cracking pace.

    Finally, for Microsoft Office training, type 'office.microsoft.com/en-us/training' into your browser to get lots of free Office training.
    

    Ruth Ruane

    [May 2014]

    Classic Shell - Windows 8.1 Start Menu

    When Windows 8 first came on the market I must admit to feeling annoyed at all the complainers who clamoured for the return of the Start Menu from Windows 7. Well, all of you out there, I am now able to tell you that there is a Start Menu for Windows 8.1 that works and is useful and stable.

    It is called Classic Shell version 4.0.4 and is a free download. Type www.classicshell.net into Google search and click Downloads - Click Classic Shell 4.0.4 English and click run to download. Follow the prompts to install.

    When installed, right click the Start button and click Settings, tick Show all settings; then click the Windows 8.1 option to make your choices. Don't tick the box to Skip metro screen; tick Start Screen under Disable active corners. If you make a mistake you can right click the setting and reset default. You can get back to the Start Screen with the Shift + Win Logo Key.

    The settings customize option allows you to put the short cuts on the Start Menu that you want by finding in the All Programs Menu - right clicking and Pinning to Start Menu [Classic Shell]. Here is my Start Menu on my Desktop in Windows 8.1! You can uninstall Classic Shell from the Control Panel > Programs and Features. If you installed skins for the start menu you will need to uninstall them manually.
    

    Ruth Ruane