Computer Help for Seniors

Macintosh Notes 1/21/20 Upgrading your computer "If it isn't broken don't fix it" – Upgrading to the most recent system on an old computer can often slow down your system. You can ignore the red dots and numbers indicating you have an upgrade to complete.   Check which Operating System (OS) you are using 1.    Click the apple menu (top left) 2.    Choose About This Mac 3.    Your system will be displayed   I get a spinning pinwheel how can I improve performance? *Check that all open applications your aren't using are closed – On the Dock look for the dot below the icon Click hold on the icon to reveal a menu and choose Quit *Open the Activity Monitor to see which applications are draining your CPU and Memory resources Open the Activity Monitor by clicking on spotlight the magnifying glass (on the top right) Type in Activi… and the Activity Monitor will appear Double Click on the Activity Monitor Watch and look at applications/processes draining resources Log the n

Windows 7 support is ending Mid-January 2020 Your computer will continue to work if you don't upgrade but you must upgrade to Windows 10 to avoid security alert messages that will repeatedly appear. To check if you are using Windows 10. 1. Open any folder 2. On the left side find My Computer/This PC 3. Right Click on the icon 4. From the menu that appears choose "properties" (look also if you are using a 32-Bit or 64-Bit system for your own knowledge) Can I upgrade to Windows 10 from Windows 7? Yes, BUT upgrading is about 80% successful. Especially if you have a computer that is 4 or more years old. So what can I do? If you try to upgrade...BACKUP! Then visit https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10?ranMID=24542&ranEAID=IokOf8qagZo&ranSiteID=IokOf8qagZo-pTcBjC8w1DfFiVOtBWvolg&epi=IokOf8qagZo-pTcBjC8w1DfFiVOtBWvolg&irgwc=1&OCID=AID2000142_aff_7593_1243925&tduid=(ir

Macintosh Notes 11/19/19 Get cash back Shopping on your regular retailers starting first on Rakuten Using a browser add-on/extension In Safari Click Safari (top left) Choose Safari Extensions Type in Rakuten in the search Firefox Click Tools Choose Add-ons Type in Rakuten in the search Chrome Click the three dots on the right side Choose More Tools Choose Extensions Type in Rakuten in the search Jason Dare Computer Trainer 415/240.4843 learn@sfct.net 3145 Geary Blvd, Suite 457 San Francisco, CA 94118 www.sfct.net

Shopping Online Part 1 - 11/5/19 notes Shop on Amazon the largest retail Marketplace (varying retailers represented by Amazon) -Or- Search Google for the product you want to discover other specialty retailers Be adventurous and buy from eBay Find products from Japan, https://global.rakuten.com Find bulk items from China, https://www.alibaba.com Find quality Manufacturers, Suppliers, Exporters, Importers, Buyers, Who... Find quality Manufacturers, Suppliers, Exporters, Importers, Buyers, Wholesalers, Products and Trade Leads from ... Find crafty/artsy items, www.etsy.com How can I trust who I am buying from and how do I know I will get my product? You can trust your credit card company will refund you for any problems you have with a retailer. (Chargeback) You can also look at the retailer and their ratings and reviews to see how reliable they are online. Erase Content on my IOS device 1. Tap Settings 2. Tap General 3. Choose Reset

Macintosh Class 10-15-19 OS = Operating System (Apple software that is essential to make the computer work, underlying software that makes the hardware, software and system come together) Check which OS version you are using: 1)Click the Apple Menu (top left) 2)Choose "About This Mac" 3)A window appears showing you the name of your OS and the version number (ex. 10.12.8) What is the difference between update and upgrade? Update improves security and fixes flaws WITHOUT changing the OS version. Example version 10.12.6 will update to 10.12.8 Upgrade will change the OS version to a new version and may change the code that the software was written with affecting the software you have installed in your computer. Example version 10.12.8 (Sierra) will upgrade to 10.13.1 (High Sierra) changing the code and forcing you to buy or update other software like Office. CAUTION jumping from Sierra (10.12) to any of the newer OS, High Sierra (10.13), Mojave (10.14), Catali

Avoid Damage to Your Electronic Devices in a Power Outage or Power Surge For Desktop Computers: Get a UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supply) a battery that gives you enough time to save any open documents and shut down the computer properly to prevent a loss of data or data corruption. UPS devices cost about $100 and some are about the same size as a surge protector. https://www.amazon.com/CyberPower-EC850LCD-Ecologic-Outlets-Compact/dp/B00DBAA696/ref=sr_1_6?crid=34JZN9PFTTK8Z&keywords=ups+battery+backup+%26+surge+protector&qid=1569948159&sprefix=ups%2Caps%2C260&sr=8-6 Make sure your electronic devices are connected to the power via a Surge Protector NOT a Power Strip Surge Protectors vs. Power Strips: Which Option is Right for You? Surge Protectors vs. Power Strips: Which Option is Right for You? If you need extra electrical outlets for appliances or electronic devices, you can choose a power strip or a sur... Sleep vs Hibernate

Macintosh Notes 9-17-19 Turn on or off notifications from websites that appear on the top right of my computer *Look at the notification to identify the source (website) AND the browser (Safari/Chrome/Etc.) Open the browser that is displaying the notification. Safari Click "Safari" Choose "Preferences" Click "Websites" Click "Notifications" Find the website that is displaying notifications and choose "Deny" **You can remove a website but if you visit the website again, you will be prompted to allow or deny notifications.** Chrome Click "Chrome" Choose "Preferences" Click "advanced" on the left Scroll to "site settings" Click "notifications" Click the three dots to deny/allow/remove System Notifications Click the "Apple Menu" Choose "System Preferences" Click "Notifications" Use "Do Not Disturb"