There are times you need more control over what you are grabbing off your screen in macOS or Windows 11, both have built-in tools. In Windows 11, there is Screen Snipping, most easily found by searching for it with the Search box in the Start menu. There are four boxes at the top that control what your snipping action will be, hover over each to learn more. If you use it a lot, the keyboard shortcut is Windows key + Shift + S. Microsoft has more info at https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/use-snipping-tool-to-capture-screenshots-00246869-1843-655f-f220-97299b865f6b On a Mac, the included app is called Screenshot, in the Utilities folder within Applications. Once it is open, the controls are at the bottom of your screen, again hover over each choice to learn more. These captured images will likely be saved to your Desktop. More info at https://support.apple.com/en-us/102646
Alexa, from Amazon, may become one more service Amazon will charge for, as they already started charging extra for their Ad-free Prime Video. As Amazon explores enhancing Alexa with AI capabilities, they are also looking at how to recoup its climbing costs. The era of getting everything and the kitchen sink with Amazon is coming to an end.
The FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is no longer accepting new applications for people seeking up to $30/mo. help with their internet connection cost. For currently enrolled participants this subsidy runs out in April, unless Congress changes its mind. The Buncombe County Public Library does provide free Wi-Fi, and also has cellular hotspots you can check out with your library card.
This year is shaping up to be the year for dropping video streaming services. As Hulu and Disney+ follow Netflix in cracking down on password sharing (sharing the cost of their respective services) many people are finding the cost of three or more streaming services becoming as expensive as the cable provider they had ditched.
To quick test if your computer camera is working use built-in apps to make sure that your camera is working and that the lighting is OK. On a PC, open the Camera app, easiest way to find it is click in the Search box down by the Windows logo button and then type Camera to find and open it. This is a great way to make sure that you have undone the tape or slid open the camera cover. On a Mac, you can use the Photo Booth or FaceTime app, both in the Applications folder, to see if your camera is working and what the lighting levels are like. Most video calling apps have their own settings or preferences to also see what your camera and sound are like, find them before you need them!
Apple’s Stolen Device Protection, introduced in iOS 17.3, can help thwart thieves from taking control of your phone if it is stolen. Once activated, it forces more frequent use of Face ID or Touch ID. Certain actions, like changing your phone’s passcode or trying to turn off SDP, will force a one-hour delay. Look through https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212510 to learn more.
Finally, there has to be a silly place to check out, this one https://www.tiktok.com/tag/lawntok, where I can feel good about chaos being transformed into order without having to do the actual work.