Eliminate Embarrassing Autocomplete Email Address Mishaps With Apple

Some programs that were developed to make your life simpler can actually make it more embarrassing. Autocorrect in text messaging probably pops into your head. But there is also the autocomplete function in Apple’s mail app. When you begin typing an address in the “to” line of an email, the app checks your address book and will autocomplete it for you if it begins with the first letters of a name that is already there. This can be good, but it can also cause problems.


Autocomplete embarrassments


Before sending your email, the simplest thing to do is to check the “to” field. Be sure it is addressed to the person you wish. The problem is that you probably have a lot more people in your address book than you realize. Because of this, the autocomplete may pull up people you rarely talk to. This is an issue Brian Sawyer discusses in the O'Reilly Answers website. This can cause you to send important work emails to the wrong person. You might not even realize this since the person probably won’t respond.


Removing autocomplete email addresses


Fortunately, removing autocomplete email addresses from Apple's Mail app is a reasonably simple task. To do this, from inside Mail, click the "Window" tab. Then click on "Previous Recipients." Search for the email address that you'd like to remove. Once you've found it, highlight it and press the "Remove From List" button. That's simple, and fast. And it will prevent any future email address embarrassments.


Monitoring is key


Removing an address does not guarantee that it won’t return to your address book. Even collaborating with a person on a Google Doc may add the address to your address book. So, the best way to ensure that these confusions don’t happen in the future is to make sure you check your address book, and double check the “to” field before clicking “Send.”

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Getting The Most Out Of Windows 8

Windows 8 only recently hit the market and the tech press has already given it a test drive. Some of them have published their findings online. This is great for the general public, as it gives them an opportunity to learn the ins and outs of the new operating system. InfoWorld writer J. Peter Bruzzese recently wrote about numerous cool features of Windows 8. Below we cover a few of the things he found.


The charms bar


Windows 8 has a side navigation bar called the charms bar. It will become visible on the right side of the screen when users click or swipe there. Once it's visible, the bar allows users to take advantage of an array of shortcuts. Users can click or tap the "Settings" option and then click on "Power" to put their computer to sleep. The charms bar has settings for searching, sharing, and switching to the Windows 7 desktop.


Retrieving lost files


One of the worst things that can occur during the workday is loosing a file. But one of the greatest things about Windows 8 is that it has a couple of new ways of saving copies of your files so you can retrieve previous versions. It works very similar as the OS X's Time Machine utility if you are accustomed to that.


Windows on the go


If you are on-the-go a lot, you will like this great feature. Using the Enterprise Edition of Windows 8 users can capture their whole Windows environment and store it on a USB drive. This enables them to take it with them and pull it up on a PC that uses Windows 7 or 8.

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Travel Smarter With Your Smartphone

If you travel a lot internationally you more than likely wouldn’t dream of leaving your smartphone behind. It is a handy tool as you can quickly get directions in a foreign city, or alter your plane reservations. The only problem is, using your smartphone internationally can get extremely expensive.


The pain of international texting


The New York Times' Frugal Traveler blog recently covered the excessive costs that smartphone users might encounter when traveling abroad. Among them? How about 50 cents for every text message you send out or receive? Then there are international roaming rates that could soar to $2, $3, or $5 a minute. It could set you back $15 to retrieve a megabyte of data through your smartphone, according to the blog post. Thankfully, there are ways travelers can save when traveling. And the Frugal Traveler blog was kind enough to list a few of them.


Stay disconnected


Of course, the easiest way is to stay disconnected to your cell phone throughout your trip overseas. The issue is, that's easier said than done. As the blog indicates, many international hotels no longer have in-room phones. And pay phones have become scarce across the globe. A more sensible solution might be to rely on your hotel's free Internet connections or on Wi-Fi networks to check emails and send messages. Obviously, even if your web browsing and email activity is free of charge, phone calls can still be a problem. A solution? Set up an account with an app such as Skype or Google Voice to help you make your calls. This won't be free, but as the Frugal Traveler blog says, it's far more affordable than making standard roaming calls on your cell phone. Generally, expect to pay one-tenth the price of a standard cellphone plan when you're relying on services such as Skype and Google Voice.


International SIM Cards


If your cell phone company allows you to use other providers, you could always buy a SIM card. The Frugal Traveler tried two out, Telestial's Passport card which costs $19 and OneSimCard's Standard card costing $30. They reported that both of these work effectively and give you a main phone number that is not from your home country.

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It's Time to Disable Java on Your Computer

Want to shield your computer from hackers? Slate technology writer Will Oremus has one suggestion: disable Java. If you do not know, Java is software that runs interactive functions on some webpages. The software has been roundly criticized for being an open door of sorts to hackers. In a recent story, for example, Business Insider pointed to the 700,000 Apple computers infected earlier this year with the Flashback Trojan malware. All of these computers were running out-of-date versions of add-ons that let their web browsers run Java. The simplest way, then, to protect your computer? Oremus says it's all about disabling Java.


Security flaw


There is a flaw in Oracle's Java software that hackers have taken advantage of. This permits them to install malware. Almost immediately after the vulnerability was discovered, Oracle introduced a new version of Java that fixed it. However, if an individual has not updated their version of Java they may not be aware that their computer is prone to hackers. Furthermore, there may be other weaknesses in Java that Oracle has not found, so the best way to make sure you are protected is to disable it. Most websites don't require Java any way.


Turning off Java


Turning off Java requires different steps depending upon what web browser you use. In Firefox users must first select "tools" from their browser's main menu. They should then click "add-ons" and the disable buttons next to any Java plug-ins.


Safari users must first click "Safari" in the main menu bar and then "Preferences." Once they've done this, they can select the "security" tab and make sure that the button next to "enable Java" is not checked.


Google Chrome users need to type "Chrome://Plugins" in their browser's address bar. They can then click the "disable" button listed below any Java plug-ins.


Don't touch JavaScript


Keep in mind that Java and Javascript are not that same thing. Turning off Javascript won’t protect you from hackers. Since many websites use Javascript, disabling it may ensure some sites don’t run properly.

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Chrome Extensions to Improve Productivity

When you sit in front of a computer all day long is can be tempting to visit sites like The Chive frequently. If you find yourself doing this more then once or twice a day it may be damaging your productivity. Luckily, if you use Chrome, there are several extensions you can add that were created to help you stay away from these distractions. The Huffington Post wrote a story fairly recently that highlights a great number of, but below we focus on 4 that stood out to us.


Stay Focused


This neat add-on sets a timer for particular sites. As you visit the sites during the day the time counts down. Once it expires the add-on will block the site for the remainder of the day.


Cool Clock


If your lack of focus makes you miss too many meetings or lunch dates, add Cool Clock to your Chrome browser. This add-on comes with a clock, calendar, alarm, timer and hourly desktop time notifications. It's created to make sure that you no longer miss any critical appointments. You can also set Cool Clock so that it informs you of the most important tasks you should complete during the day.


Last Pass


How much time do you waste endeavoring to remember your password to Gmail or to your online banking website? Last Pass, another nifty Chrome add-on, may change all this. This extension permits you to easily manage and monitor the many online passwords you have to cope with. You'll be astonished at how much more time you'll have once you eradicate those pesky attempts to remember which passwords have numbers and which ones have capital letters.


Turn off the Lights


Sometimes we have to watch videos for work, and quite often they are dull. This can mean that we can become easily distracted by other projects you are working on. If you find this is the case and you need to commit more of your attention to a video, you can utilize the Chrome add-on Turn off the Lights. It will dim everything on your screen with the exception of your media play so that you are visually forced to observe the video.

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Chrome Extensions to Improve Productivity

When you sit in front of a computer all day long is can be tempting to visit sites like The Chive frequently. If you find yourself doing this more then once or twice a day it may be damaging your productivity. Luckily, if you use Chrome, there are several extensions you can add that were created to help you stay away from these distractions. The Huffington Post wrote a story fairly recently that highlights a great number of, but below we focus on 4 that stood out to us.


Stay Focused


This neat add-on sets a timer for particular sites. As you visit the sites during the day the time counts down. Once it expires the add-on will block the site for the remainder of the day.


Cool Clock


If your lack of focus makes you miss too many meetings or lunch dates, add Cool Clock to your Chrome browser. This add-on comes with a clock, calendar, alarm, timer and hourly desktop time notifications. It's created to make sure that you no longer miss any critical appointments. You can also set Cool Clock so that it informs you of the most important tasks you should complete during the day.


Last Pass


How much time do you waste endeavoring to remember your password to Gmail or to your online banking website? Last Pass, another nifty Chrome add-on, may change all this. This extension permits you to easily manage and monitor the many online passwords you have to cope with. You'll be astonished at how much more time you'll have once you eradicate those pesky attempts to remember which passwords have numbers and which ones have capital letters.


Turn off the Lights


Sometimes we have to watch videos for work, and quite often they are dull. This can mean that we can become easily distracted by other projects you are working on. If you find this is the case and you need to commit more of your attention to a video, you can utilize the Chrome add-on Turn off the Lights. It will dim everything on your screen with the exception of your media play so that you are visually forced to observe the video.

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Make Your Computing Life Easier: Two Tricks

Most of us use computers everyday whether it is a desktop, laptop, and/or tablet. And we could use all the help we can get. Here are a couple tricks that will make life easier for you, and hopefully alleviate some stress.


Forcing Android to check for system updates


The makers of tablets, laptops, and smartphones are constantly upgrading their operating systems. And these updates seldom come in on a standard schedule. Consequently you could be missing out on new features or fixes while you're waiting for an update to hit your computing device. If you have an Android device, checking for updates can be a bit of a hassle. That's because update releases vary according to your manufacturer and carrier. You may know that Android has updated its system, yet you don't see any updates to your particular device. Of course, you could just wait for the update to come over, but if you want that update now – there maybe a especially juicy new service coming with this particular update - you can force Android to check for that update. Here is a suggestion from website Ghack: Go to your device's "Settings" menu. Click "Apps" and select "Show All." Then locate "Google Services Framework" and click on the "Clear Data" option. Finally, click the "Force Stop" button. If there is an update, your device should now retrieve it.


Protecting your eyes


Computer screens are bad for your eyes and over time they can do long term damage if you stare at them daily. This is where these tricks from the Atlantic can come in handy. The simplest of which is to make sure your computer screen is clean, as well as the brightest thing around. One other good habit to get into is to take “20-20-20” breaks. Focus your eyes on a spot 20 feet in front of you for 20 seconds every 20 minutes. And lastly, don’t sit too close. If you can high-five your computer screen, you are too close.

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Make Your Computing Life Easier: Two Tricks

Most of us use computers everyday whether it is a desktop, laptop, and/or tablet. And we could use all the help we can get. Here are a couple tricks that will make life easier for you, and hopefully alleviate some stress.


Forcing Android to check for system updates


The makers of tablets, laptops, and smartphones are constantly upgrading their operating systems. And these updates seldom come in on a standard schedule. Consequently you could be missing out on new features or fixes while you're waiting for an update to hit your computing device. If you have an Android device, checking for updates can be a bit of a hassle. That's because update releases vary according to your manufacturer and carrier. You may know that Android has updated its system, yet you don't see any updates to your particular device. Of course, you could just wait for the update to come over, but if you want that update now – there maybe a especially juicy new service coming with this particular update - you can force Android to check for that update. Here is a suggestion from website Ghack: Go to your device's "Settings" menu. Click "Apps" and select "Show All." Then locate "Google Services Framework" and click on the "Clear Data" option. Finally, click the "Force Stop" button. If there is an update, your device should now retrieve it.


Protecting your eyes


Computer screens are bad for your eyes and over time they can do long term damage if you stare at them daily. This is where these tricks from the Atlantic can come in handy. The simplest of which is to make sure your computer screen is clean, as well as the brightest thing around. One other good habit to get into is to take “20-20-20” breaks. Focus your eyes on a spot 20 feet in front of you for 20 seconds every 20 minutes. And lastly, don’t sit too close. If you can high-five your computer screen, you are too close.

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Which Technology is Best for You

Technology is moving fast today. Tablets, for example, let us slip much of the power of desktop computers into our backpacks. Smartphones let us check the weather, find the highest-rated Thai restaurants in any neighborhood, and send and receive email messages. But as technology continues to progress, a certain kind of stress grows at the same speed. You could feel like you're being left behind if you don't purchase the latest smartphone or the newest version of the iPad.


Diff’rent folks, diff’rent tech


Truth is, though, everyone is different. Some need the latest and greatest technology. Others can get by completely fine without making the jump to the highest of the high-tech. What kind of technology suits you? It may be beneficial to take a long look at your real requirements before deciding to invest in new technology.


Tablets


Tablets can be fun little gadgets, and they are very handy. But are they required for every consumer? If you check your mail, work on excel sheets, or write mostly from home or work, you may not need a tablet. Maybe you want to avoid working on your commute so you can get some much needed alone time, then you may not want to get a tablet. If you are an individual who works mostly on the go, at coffee shops or from your car between meetings with clients, a tablet can make your life a lot easier.


The Smartphone revolution


Smartphones are handy devices that let us send and receive email and surf the web. Many people in the business world have them these days. But do we all need them? Some people might just need a normal phone. This, again, concerns what you need access to while on the go. If you receive many emails that are time sensitive you'll need a device, like a smartphone, that alerts you when you get an email. In contrast if you only check your email while in the office, then it might be beneficial to only have a normal phone so you aren’t reminded of work during your off hours.


So next time you read about the must-have smartphone or the ultimate tablet, look at your own lifestyle. You might not need to invest in the latest cool tech toy of the month.

How To Protect Yourself From Ransomware

Seeing as how it's fall, and today is Halloween, we thought we would look at something a bit scary. Ransomware is a scary, and effective, new form of malware that is on the rise. Slate recently published a story about it, and explains how it works. In essence, after you click on a link in an email message or a webpage and your screen will turn gray. Then a window pops up that is seemingly from the FBI, complete with a logo, and a live webcam feed of you.


That's shocking. What happens next is a whole lot worse. You'll see a message on your screen accusing you of downloading files illegally in violation of federal copyright laws. The message states that you need to either pay a fine or face up to three years in prison. You're then given 48 to 72 hours to pay this fine—often, as Slate reports, by purchasing a prepaid cash card—to avoid facing criminal charges. The message also states that you'll be locked out of your machine forever if you don't pay.


A real threat


Obviously, the criminal charges bit of this scam is fake, but the threat of coping with a permanently locked computer is real, at least according to a senior security advisor quoted by Slate. That begs the question, should you simply pay the fine—usually in the $100 range—and hope that the hackers behind this scam unlock your computer? Maybe not, according to the Slate story. After all, once these criminals have your money, what motivation do they have to actually unlock your computer? And how do you know that they won't target your computer again in the future even after you pay up?


True protection


So how do you protect yourself and your computer against this new type of malware? The same way you have been, keep your antivirus software up-to-date, and don’t click on any distrustful links.


However, if you do become a victim of ransomware you will probably need to talk to a security expert to unlock your computer. Another option is to contact the real FBI here www.ic3.gov and file a complaint.

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