Author: Bill Scobie

  • Secure your Wi-Fi

    If you think someone is poaching on your Wi-Fi, there are some ways to get them off. The simplest is to change your Wi-Fi’s password, although that entails teaching all your devices the new password. Many routers have a way to show you what devices are connected, which may allow you to block those MAC…

  • Opt out of data collection

    Counterintuitive as it may seem, using multiple email addresses could simplify your email life. Use a different address for each of your streaming subscriptions to make it easier to reset that part of your life. Use a different address for newsletters. Donations should use another address. If you join a local group to help out…

  • Tech Tips

    Showcasing the amazing information that can be shown in real time is this 3D site for the Tokyo subway, https://minitokyo3d.com/ It is a really big subway system and you can monitor car arrival times and the occasional live feed camera. Like many of these data visualization sites, you just have to poke, click, and drag…

  • Importing Chrome Extensions, New StoryCorp App

    If you use the Firefox browser but have been frustrated by not being able to import extensions from Chrome or Chrome-based browsers like Brave, you now have an option. Version 117 of Firefox allows users to turn on that functionality. Unfortunately, this doesn’t let you import or install all Chrome extensions, so your best bet…

  • Keeping your phone cool

    Lessen the heat load on your phone or table when you travel to hot places or even if you leave your device in the car or other hot places. First, keep it outof the sun; second, don’t leave it charging; third, don’t immediately try using it or at least close down all apps—or better—turn it…

  • Data, Check Fraud, Email times

    Despite knowing that many private companies buy all sorts of data from the thousands of data brokers in the US, it is amazing to learn that the largest purchaser of private data is actually the United States government. Many of the agencies involved in this purchasing of data are part of the intelligence community but…