How to get your memories off VHS tapes and on your computer or DVDs
I cleaned out a cabinet a few years ago and found a stack of old Super 8 tapes. I’ll never forget the way Mom’s face lit up after I digitized videos of her late brother Harold Jr.’s wedding. Tragically, he died in a car accident not long after his wedding day.
Smart TVs: More loaded with ads than ever
Feeling bombarded with ads every time you turn on the tube? Well, you are. TV manufacturers figured out they could make more money from ad sales and tracking than actually selling TVs.
It used to just be commercials, but now we’ve got pop-ups, home screen ads, interactive ads — you name it. I’ve got the scoop on what’s next, plus some actionable tips to survive the ad avalanche.
Have an iPhone? You can store secret pics in the Notes app. Open the pic in the Photos app, tap the share icon and select Notes. Open the note you want to protect, tap the three-dot icon in the upper right and then choose Lock.
👁️📢 Your eyes only: If you have sensitive pics like your driver’s license on your phone, set up a locked folder in Google Photos. Open the Google Photos app > Utilities > Set up Locked Folder. Follow the on-screen directions to finish up.
Copy that: On your computer, double-click with your mouse or trackpad to highlight a word, or triple-click to highlight an entire paragraph. Simple little life-changer!
📢 Definitely, totally, sort of paying attention: Ever been in a Google Meet and wanted to get other work done, but you still need to look like you’re paying attention? Try picture-in-picture mode. Just move everyone’s faces right next to that email or doc. I did this during a video call with Barry, but don’t tell him.
Turn off Bluetooth when you’re not using it: Keeping it active all the time makes your device more vulnerable. Plus, you’ll get more battery life by turning it off from time to time. On an iPhone, go to Settings > Bluetooth and switch it off. On an Android, go to Settings > Connected Devices > Connection Preferences > Bluetooth and switch it off. (Note: Steps may vary based on your phone model.)
Germ buster for cold season: Grab a sanitizing wipe and give your computer mouse, remote controls and car key fob a cleanup. Bonus points if you also wipe down your front doorknob.
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📚 When the e-book is … complicated: Activate Word Wise on your Kindle to get brief definitions above tricky words. Open your book, then tap the Aa menu. Select More, then Word Wise. Toggle it on.
No one reads the terms and conditions: There’s a free resource that does it for you. Terms of Service; Didn’t Read is a website and a browser add-on that summarizes the key points before you hit “Agree.”