Data Doctors Tech Tips

Using secure passwords continue to be the weakest link for most users online and I've stressed over and over how important it is to use different passwords for all of your online accounts.and#160; If my previous suggestions of password management programs have been a bit overwhelming, there's a low tech method that I highly recommend for those struggling to keep track of all their passwords; just write them down.and#160; I don't mean the old use a sticky note on your monitor method, I mean jot them down for storage in a safe place, like somewhere random in your smartphone.and#160; Be sure to avoid using the word "password" in the description or in the file and create your own form of protection in case someone does run across the document.and#160; For example, you can add 4 totally random characters, symbols or numbers at the beginning of the real password and only you will know to ignore them. My point is, that if the choice is using the same password on all your accounts or writing them down so you can different passwords everywhere, then write them down!and#8232; This will keep you from being totally exposed by a single data breach.and#160;

We all hate having to search everywhere for a special remote for our streaming devices, an especially common problem when children are involved. Yesterday, I gave users of the Apple TV a tip for an alternative remote control and today's tip is for Roku owners. There are a couple of alternatives for controlling your Roku device using your smartphone or computer.and#160; Using either, simply go toand#160;http://remoku.tv, to generate a virtual remote right on your screen.and#160; Start by tapping or clicking 'Settings' which will scan of your wifi network and automatically find your Roku device.and#160; Once it's found, you can use the virtual remote on the screen to control everything.and#160; If you're a multi-talker, checkout an add-on for the Chrome browser on your computer, which allows you to bring up the remote anytime while you are surfing around.and#160; Chrome Add-on:and#160; https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/remoku/kmbcoebcjaiiejopnadjlknjhifadnlg

Apple TV is a very popular way to stream video content, but I have a complaint for the engineers at Apple. That remote control is too darn tiny so I'm constantly losing it.and#160; Whether it hides under magazines on my coffee table or gets wedged between my couch cushions, it always creates the same retort: "has anyone seen the Apple TV remote?" I found an excellent cure for anyone household full of users with the same problem; add the controls for the Apple TV to your regular TV remote! You may not know about an option in the 'Settings' of the device which allows you to configure an extra input on your regular TV or cable remote that will control it too. The most obvious option is answered with the question: when was that last time you used a VCR? It takes but a few minutes to quickly setup this solution and it will change your world for the better.and#160; The link to the instructions: https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.imore.com/how-use-universal-remote-apple-tv%3famp Tomorrow, I will provide a similar tip for owners of a Roku Box.

There may be a computing technology that has been around for many years that may be a reasonable option for many this year.and#160; and#8232;and#8232;It's called a 'Google Chromebook', which actually looks and performs like a standard laptop, but at a cost of only a couple hundred dollars.and#160;and#8232;and#8232; It's based on Google's Chrome OS as well as their various apps, like Google Docs which can be used offline.and#160;and#8232;and#8232; These value-based computers won't run Windows programs, so they aren't for power users, but those that spend most the majority of their time on the Net may find it a viable alternative. and#8232;Children and elders users may especially find value in this device as it is inexpensive and easy to use and best of all, its not exposed to the malware that infects Windows and Mac computers.and#160; and#8232;and#8232;Anyone that finds most of what they care about is online will find that a Chromebook may be worth looking at.and#160;and#8232;and#8232; Discover more atand#160;http://google.com/chromebooks

Today, let's talk about something you probably already have, but may not be using. If you're a user of one of the many Google tools such as Gmail or Google+ you're getting at least 15 Gbs of free online storage better known as 'Google Drive' for your docs, spreadsheets, images, video or any type of file that you'd like to store online.and#160; An excellent way to use this free cloud storage is for your most important archived files and pictures which can be done easily with the use of the Google Drive utility for either a Mac or Windows PC.and#160; Once you have installed the tool, 'Google Drive' becomes a folder on your computer which means that files that you save within it will get auto synced to your free space. Changes made in your computer's Google Drive folder will be mirrored in the 'My Drive' section online. This means that any files you share, move, modify, or send to the trash will be reflected in your online synced account.and#160; It's just another way to protect your most valuable files while giving you access to them from any desktop or mobile device you own.and#160; https://support.google.com/drive/answer/2375078?hl=enand#160;

Hyper Text Markup Language or HTML is the basic language of all things on the Internet.and#160; Anyone interested in learning how to create a website will need to understand this basic language that is the basic structure for everything you see online.and#160; Those services pitching easy to build websites using their pre-made sites are limited and won't teach you anything about the actual building of websites.and#160; Although HTML looks like a foreign language at first, learning the basic language will quickly lead to de-mystifying it all.and#160; A solid way to start learning is from Mozilla's 'Webmaker' tools that allow you to take sample sites and play with them to see what will happen.and#160; Experimenting with code is a really good way to start learning web skills and Webmaker allows you to tinker with websites without any consequences.and#160; Getting a handle on HTML has become a vital skill for everyone, especially our kids and Mozilla wants to help millions move from simply using the Internet to helping to creating it.and#160; The Webmaker project located at https://thimble.mozilla.org is an excellent place for anyone with the desire to learn more about how the Internet really works to get started.

Most of us are paying more attention to improving our health on a regular basis primarily through diet and exercise. Knowing exactly what you are eating is an important step in achieving health and fitness goals which is where a site called Two Foods can help you make good decisions. This simple web tool allows you to get a comparison between any 2 different items with a breakdown of calories, carbs, fat and protein. For instance, you can check the difference between apples and oranges when you are looking for a healthy snack. It's also helpful when trying to decide where you'd like to eat lunch, because you can also compare various restaurant menu items against one another. Or, simply type the name of two popular restaurants in which will pull up the info on several popular menu items. This tool is a real eye-opener for those that don't normally pay attention to what they're putting in their stomachs! http://www.twofoods.com

Most of us use our smartphones as a flashlight on a pretty regular basis because we always have them on us. The bright LEDs are great for pointing light in one specific direction, but on occasion you really need to spread the light around like a lantern. Today's tip is a life hack that turns your smartphone into a light spreading lantern instead of just a flashlight. All that's required is a rubberband and any type of plastic water bottle that is full. Start by attaching your smartphone to the plastic bottle using the rubber band, but be sure to point the smartphone's flashlight towards the bottle. Don't point it at the label; it's actually best to remove the label altogether for the better dispersion of light. This life hack is great when you're camping or forced to work in the dark on something or when you are trying to lead a group around at night. This little life hack elevates anyone into a real life 'MacGyver'!

Yesterday's tip discussed the dangers of 'Juice-Jacking' which would allow a malicious USB-based charging device to gain access your private files without you ever knowing. Those that travel extensively, especially to foreign countries might want to look into a device called a "Juice Jack Defender". At $15, this simple adapter allows you to safely connect to any USB-based charging system with confidence because it will block any attempted access to your mobile devices while they are charging. USB ports by design allow both a charge and the ability to communicate with your mobile device. This communication is desired when you're connecting to your own computer, but not with everything else. If you connect to any unknown charging system using the Juice Jack Defender, it converts the connection into a one way street. The dangers of juice-jacking isn't likely to be a problem at most public charging stations, there is simply no way to know if a USB charger is safe or not. Using an AC outlet and your own chargers always the safest round, but that's not an option, then a simple blocking device like this will provide peace of mind. More at: http://ChargeDefense.com

Keeping all your tech devices charged while you're out and about is a lot easier then it used to be because of all the public charging stations that have been installed. Those of you that travel around regularly should know about something referred to as 'Juice-Jacking'. Juice-Jacking is possible if a charging station attempts to access your smartphone or tablet's data while charging your device. When you plug most smartphones or tablets into a computer via a USB port, often times, it provides instant access to your private data. This same holds true for any public charging station you might use, if it's setup maliciously and you will have no idea that it's happening. While it isn't very likely you will have to worry about this danger in US-based airports, international travelers should be on the alert for this scam. To protect yourself from Juice-Jacking, try to stick to your own A/C charger plugged directly into a electrical socket, but if that's not an option, I'll give you a tip tomorrow on a blocking device that provides peace of mind when you are forced to plug into any USB port.