🏈 What’s the score? In the Alexa app, open Settings > Sports Update. Add your teams (you’ll find all major American sports leagues). Now, say, “Alexa, give me my sports update” for scores and schedule info.
5 cool ways to use your home network (beyond getting online)
When you connect your gadgets to the same Wi-Fi network, you’re not just getting them online; you’re building a system so they can communicate with each other. You don’t need to be a tech wizard — just follow the steps below:
1. Share printers. Tired of running back and forth or emailing between devices just to print? Save yourself the hassle.
- In Windows, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners. Select your printer, then click Printer properties. On the Sharing tab, check Change Sharing Options.
- On a Mac, open System Settings > General > Sharing, then click the info button next to Printer Sharing. Turn on printer sharing, select the printer to share, and click Done.
Your selected printer should show up when you try to print from other computers on your network. Just make sure you leave the printer and the computer it’s connected to both switched on.
2. Create a DIY streaming service. Tools like Plex and Jellyfin make movies, TV shows, songs and anything else you’ve downloaded streamable from any device on your network. The best part? They’re free to use. It’s like having your own private Netflix or Spotify, just for your family. Neat!
3. Share screens. This one’s for you if you’ve ever thought the person sharing photos from a laptop or phone to the TV was a genius.
- Use AirPlay if you’re on a MacBook, plus a TV or streaming gadget that supports AirPlay (check the specs if you’re not sure). On macOS, click the Control Center button in the toolbar (the two toggle switches), then Screen Mirroring.
- For TVs or streaming dongles that support Google Chromecast, connect from Windows or macOS using the Chrome browser. Click the three dots (top left) in any browser tab, then Cast, save and share > Cast. Once you’re connected to the TV or dongle, click Sources > Cast screen.
4. Swap files between devices. My nerds know about network-attached storage (NAS). It’s a storage drive that connects directly to your router so any device on your network can access it. Something like the $250 Synology DS223 is perfect.
NAS units come with setup instructions, and you can access any computer, tablet or phone on your network. It’s a great place to store documents, photos and music.
5. Game together or from different rooms. If you have a Steam gaming library on one PC, you can access those games from other computers on your network.
- In the Steam desktop app, choose Settings from the Steam menu, then Family > Authorize Library Sharing on this device. You need to install Steam (but not the games) on any computer you want to connect from.
Even better, all these tricks work even if your main internet goes down, so you can keep gaming, watching movies and … printing, I guess!
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
5 ways to connect when you’re apart for the holidays
Christmas Eve is here. It’s a time for joy, laughter and cherished moments with loved ones. I know how busy this day can get, but a little bit of tech-savvy can help make it even more special.
Here are five quick and simple ways to use technology to connect with family and create memories without taking up too much time.
You’ve got mail: Psychologists say those who aim for “Inbox Zero,” aka no unread email, might be perfectionists craving control. If you let unread emails pile up, you might be more laid-back and focused on priorities over organization. Some people even get more stressed trying to keep a clear inbox. Try as I might, I’m not an “Inbox Zero” gal.
8 years
How much you can lower your biological age by lifting weights three times a week. A study found just one hour of strength training can fight obesity, boost metabolism and improve cardiovascular health. No time? Try a home gym.
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
The morning habits of CEOs (including me!)
I ran across this story (paywall link) about the morning routines of tech billionaire CEOs. It was interesting but not that thorough, so I did additional research. Here’s what I found, and even though I’m far from a billionaire, I’ll share my morning recipe for success, too.
Nifty YouTube shortcuts: Press M to mute or unmute a video, K to pause or play a video, and F to enter or exit full-screen mode. While you’re there, follow my channel so you never miss a vid.
➗ The math helper you’ve always wanted: AI is smart enough to teach you if you know how to ask. In Google Search, ask, “How do I solve,” followed by your equation (e.g., “How do I solve 52% of 1,399?”). The answer will walk you through the steps, too. Handy.
📚 Useful site: WorldCat.org is the world’s largest library search engine. It connects you to libraries around the world — a catalog of 405 million books, 440 million articles, 10 million musical scores and lots more. How does a librarian organize their music collection? The Dewey Decibel System! (I couldn’t resist.)
⌛ Quick TV tip: You might be tempted to change your TV’s picture mode to Game for football, but that mode is for video games. The best setting for sports is Cinema or Movie. Sports mode is generally too bright, so the game may look washed out.
Listen up: Tell Alexa to turn the volume up or down on your Echo without tapping the buttons. Say, “Alexa, volume up” for a gradual increase or “Alexa, turn the volume to five” for precise control. Choose a number from one to 10. Warning: 10 is really, really loud.
Word on the tip of your tongue? Type a description into OneLook’s Reverse Dictionary — say, for instance, “Something that makes you feel entertained and informed” — then hit Search. My name didn’t pop up, so I guess it isn’t perfect.
🪟 A little fun: Window Swap lets you view the world from another person’s window. I saw a tree swaying in the wind in Warsaw, Poland, and a dreamy ocean view in Honolulu. It’s a lot of fun!
No-tech zone: A friend did this with her kids and it’s so smart. She made a couple of special areas around their house “tech-free spots.” The family room couches and kitchen table are both no-tech zones. Beware: It only works if adults follow the rules, too.
Ho-ho-hope your packages arrive on time: Gmail’s package tracking now includes real-time updates. On your phone, tap Menu > Settings. Look for General settings (Android) or Data privacy (Apple) and toggle on Package tracking at the bottom.
💃 Spotify Wrapped and Apple Music Replay are here: Show off (or shake your head in embarrassment at) your most-listened tunes of the year. For Wrapped, open Spotify on your phone or computer, then click the Wrapped tab at the top of the home page. For Replay, open the Apple Music app, and a slideshow will automatically pop up. On desktop, go to replay.music.apple.com.
🌤️ Rise and shine: Have an Echo? Say, “Alexa, good morning.” Your speaker will provide a personalized briefing — weather, news and the day’s events on your calendar.
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
Up to 11 years
Added to your life with a daily walk. The correlation between physical activity and mortality for folks over 40 is about twice as strong as we once thought. OK, time to go get my steps.
📼 Need a weekend movie rec? Hit up MovieWiser.com. Type in the mood you’re going for and it’ll spit out a list of movies that fit the bill. I typed in “festive comedy for the family.” Options included “Elf,” “Home Alone,” “A Christmas Story,” “Polar Express” and “Jingle All the Way.” Nailed it.
No. 2 most-prescribed drug
For older adults is linked to bone loss. A whopping 23 million Americans take Levothyroxine. A Johns Hopkins Medicine study found it may lead to osteoporosis. Chat with your doc if you take this medication and ask what you can do.