Data Doctors Tech Tips

With all the time we typically spend on the Internet these days, hackers and cybertheives are always creating new ways to exploit us. Because your web browser is how you see most of everything on the Internet, most of the hacker exploits focus on exploting all browsers. It's also not so unusual to have various issues with your browser either, so this tip is a specific troubleshooting process when they do pop up. Making sure you have at least two different browsers on all your devices will allow you to track down Internet related issues more successfully. Whenever you are experiencing an Internet access problem, immediately switch to your other browser to see if the problem stays or goes away. If it goes away, you will know to focus on your primary browser, like clearing the cache or running a complete malware and virus scan. If changing browsers doesn't help then your problem is much more likely to be with either your computer, modem or router, which you should reset together. Trying to fix the wrong side of the equation can be bypassed when you use this simple troubleshooting procedure first.

Google has provided any user with a boost in the battle to protect your information online. It's very likely you have a Google account of some sort so seeing when and how your accounts have been accessed is a great way to check for suspicious activity. "Google's Dashboard for Devices and Activity" now makes it easy to see a complete list of any and all devices that have gained access to your accounts in the past 28 days, including those devices that are still logged in. When possible, they will also include generalized location info to help you determine authorized devices from suspicious ones. If you see any unusual devices or access, there is a link to take steps to secure your account with a password change. Even when you don't see anything unusual, taking the extra step of following the 'Secure your account' link at the top is wise. This option reviews 5 ways to better secure your accounts including a display of all those apps, websites and any devices that currently have access to your accounts. I've posted the direct link to the Security Dashboard at DataDoctors.com/radio https://goo.gl/F1IEeJ

Anyone in any line of work that requires the logging of their location and time for billing or reporting purposes can use a smartphone to make the tracking a lot easier with an app called Instant. Instant presents itself as a "life-logging" app that gathers a detailed overview of all your daily activities, including device usage, locations and the duration you stayed as well as basic fitness tracking and your daily travel times. If you need help reducing your urge to constantly look at your phone, you can use the app to set limits of usage along with reminders that cab help change your constant urge to look at your phone. It can also help anyone in the "quantified self" movement because it allows you to see your daily life through data allowing you to make measurable changes. The Instant app can help in tracking fitness, wellness, time and mindfulness as well as location reporting. It's free and available for both Android or iPhone users at http://instantapp.today

It's midweek once again, so anyone needing an amusing distraction to help them through the rest of the week should checkout the Chatterpix app. The Chatterpix app can make anything in your pictures appear to talk! - people, pets, buildings, landscapes or just about anything in your images. Just bring up your picture in the app, draw a simple line where you want the mouth and then make a quick voice recording to finish it off...their are endless possibilities! The app also allows you to add stickers, photo filters and frames to step up the fun, which can then be shared via Facebook, Youtube and email or you can just save it to your phone. A child friendly version is available that won't include the sharing option called ChatterPix Kids that is safe fun for any digital native. Both of these apps are free but are only available for iPhone and iPad devices. The parent company also offers numerous other kid friendly apps available at http://www.duckduckmoose.com

Any child of the 70' and 80's likely grew up on a steady diet of the Pacman game in arcades and bars. I actually had a friend that purchased a machine for his house so he could master every level. If Pacman brings back those memories, check out a new "endless" version of the game called "Pac-Man 256". The 256 is a reference to a well known glitch in level 256 of the original game, which they've taken to another level in this updated game. In the original game, you could win by completing all the levels, but this game has no end. The controls use swipe motions on your screen, so you will have to get used to no joystick, but it doesn't take that long. There are a number of new "power capabilities" you can acquire as you chomp up those famous pellets, so if you're ready for a little bit of nostalgia, I've posted the download links at DataDoctors.com/radio Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=eu.bandainamcoent.pacman256andhl=en iOS: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pac-man-256-endless-arcade/id1002340615?mt=8

Anyone that's just beginning the exploration of the wonderful but often confusing world of wine, now has a new wine club that may be just the answer. It is aptly named the "Tasting Room" and it is almost what can be referred to as the "Netflix of wine". Their process starts by helping you set up a 'wine profile' through a six bottle tasting kit they send you after you sign up for their service. When you get the kit, you simply go online for their guided tasting challenge which helps them learn the various flavors you prefer. Based on your initial profile, you will start to get shipments of wine or for those with a sense of what they like, order whatever you'd like to try. Each bottle is guaranteed, so if anything you don't care for can be replaced or credited towards another bottle. As you continue to update your ratings as you taste the wines, the system can refine its recommendations to find more favorable wines. Learn more at https://www.tastingroom.com

The wonderful world of comics has grown in popularity because it lets anyone re-live their childhood by pretending to be a superhero. If you arn't quite the 'get dressed up and go to Comic-Con' type, you can still fulfill your dreams of becoming a comic book hero with a simple app. Comic Studio from Seedling is a powerful iPhone app that lets anyone create their very own comic story starring themselves, thier co-workers or their kids. You can use any picture you have, quickly cut out the background and add various props and costumes to become a superhero. You then add speech bubbles, thought bubbles or captions and can even top it off with the classic "KAPOW, BAM and ZAAP" word bubbles. Add in a background theme and suddenly your story comes to life. Even if you aren't a big comic fan, this clever app is an excellent way to communicate just about anything you might want to say in a very entertaining way. Download the app at https://www.seedling.com/comic

Amazon has always been a great place to find just about any item you need, but many avid customers still don't know that they can trade-in their old stuff to pay for their new stuff! The Trade-in program at Amazon can buy old smartphones, tablet, cameras, laptops and lots of other electronics as well as movies, books and even video games. You start the process by clicking on the category of the item you want to trade-in and then use the filters to find it or simply search by name for the item. Once you locate the item, you will see a yellow Trade In button with an "up to" price that will get the process started. Signing-in to your Amazon account will get you a price based on the general condition it is in -acceptable, good or like new. If you do decide to trade it in, you will have to send it in for inspection, but Amazon will cover the shipping. Any Amazon regular can start making use of the trade-in offers which will declutter your life and save some money, so it's worth taking a look. I've posted the direct link at DataDoctors.com/radio http://www.amazon.com/Trade-In/b/ref=topnav_storetab_trdrt?ie=UTF8andnode=9187220011

Who amongst us doesn't have many devices that need to get charged via a USB cable, requiring adapters for standard power outlets in order to get it charged up? The result is having to gather all the devices in one place instead of simply plugging them in wherever an outlet exists. Anyone looking for a solution to make charging USB devices anywhere around the house or office convenient should look into the Snap Power Chargers. Snap Power offers replacement power outlets that include a USB port on the side for charging most mobile devices. The prices start at $20 with various discounts if you buy packs of 2 to 10 wallplates. The install takes jut a few minutes as there are no wires or batteries requried for these specially designed plates that have built in power prongs. So by simply replacing a wallplate anywhere in your house, you can add a charging station. Learn more at https://www.snappower.com

We've all been taught the importance of performing CPR when someone near you is in trouble, but frankly, most people still have no idea what they should do. A few critical minutes can be the difference between life and death, so having knowledge on what can be done can have a life changing impact. There are also many other first-aid scenarios that you could encounter, but again many of us just aren't prepared to deal with those either. Anyone looking to be a bit more prepared when on of life's many unexpected situations arises should look into installing the "Red Cross First Aid" app on their smartphone. The Red Cross has created a resource with lots of critical advice for many common medical situations so that you can have it in the palm of your hand whenever you are in a critical situation. The content is sotred within the app itself, so you won't need a cellular signal to look things up for many common medical situations. This, hopefully, isn't going to be an apps you will use every day, but when the time comes, it's a pretty good app to have on your phone. I posted the link to download the free apps at DataDoctors.com/radio http://www.redcross.org/mobile-apps/first-aid-app