Category: Tech

We live in a world where staying connected to family, friends, and the news is easier than ever. Unfortunately, that same technology also gives scammers a direct line into our living rooms and pockets. It is completely normal to feel overwhelmed by the constant barrage of strange phone calls, urgent text messages, and tricky emails. The good news is that by learning just a few common behavioral patterns, you can confidently protect yourself from robocalls, fake text alerts, and deceptive emails.

Do you have a love-hate relationship with updates for your devices? You know you should do them, but find it’s annoying to keep up with the changes and updates they make on your devices or apps?

It is critical to keep up with updates. The main reason is that the updates can protect against the latest security threats. Hackers are always finding ways around current security vulnerabilities, and updates can fix any known weaknesses. It helps deal with viruses, ransomware, and spyware.

Another reason to do updates is that some apps and websites require the latest version of your software or firmware to run well.

The key is also to update all your devices. If you update only one device, it might not share information with your other devices.

Make sure your update is from a legitimate source. Don’t update from a notification or pop-up you received.  Always go to Settings, then Updates, and update from there.

The easiest way to update is to enable automatic updates. They will typically let you know when the update will occur, so you can change the time/date if it is not convenient.

You’re not alone – most of us dread the idea of updates, but it really is important to do them! Again, the main reason is that the updates can protect against the latest security threats.

–Tidelines Editors

(Image credit: dreamstime.com)

The Importance of Establishing a Legacy Contact

Just recently, we here at Compu-Experts had to assist a customer who unexpectedly lost their spouse in a sudden manner. After the initial shock of that spouse’s death, dealing with children, grandchildren, and family and friends in the weeks and months to come, and the energy and effort it takes into planning a memorial service, sometimes the toughest road ahead is dealing with the mundane but necessary things about our daily lives, especially if the deceased spouse is the one who handled the household finances and monthly bills.

Of course, it’s important for each spouse to know certain things about the other’s digital life. Things such as passcodes to enter a phone or tablet, or important passwords for banking, investments, and utility companies that provide electric, water, cable, and internet, etc., are important things for both spouses to know at any given time. However, I want to discuss a peculiar situation and share a solution that I hope readers will make a priority after reading this newsletter.

It can be annoying to log into an account on your device and have to change the password on a moment’s notice. It is almost as bad when you have to set up an account, and they have different restrictions than you are used to. Hackers have become more adept at getting through the normal passwords, so it may be time to think about how you are going to change a password.

The College of Charleston Technology Team recommends the following:

• Use the first letters of a phrase that you can remember, such as Illatb (I love living at the beach).
• Use a special character instead of a letter, such as @ for a or  ! for i.
• Embed the special character within the phrase, such as Ill@tb (I love living at the beach).
• Embed numerical characters, such as Ilp22g (use your handicap – I love playing 22 golf).

AARP recommends using spaces between words, such as Hello Lovie Dovie.

Western Michigan University has compiled a great list of password suggestions.

Be creative, but be careful. The key is to make something that feels personal to you but wouldn’t make sense to anyone else.

–Tidelines Editors

(Chart:dataisbeautiful by Debai Hann)

Hello Seabrookers,

On October 14, 2025, Microsoft will stop support for Windows 10. What does this mean, you ask?

If you have not upgraded to Windows 11 by October 14, your computer may be at risk. Microsoft will no longer be providing security updates, bug fixes, and technical support for the operating system.

To find your Windows version and edition, you can use one of the following methods:
• In the Settings app on your Windows device, select System -> About
• Right-click on Start and select Settings.

If your system does not meet the requirements to move to Windows 11, there may be options on how to proceed. This may be as simple as doing a RAM and Storage Hardware upgrade, or it may be time to replace the unit altogether.

If you are unsure about any of this, consult a qualified computer technician for assistance.

-Submitted by Chad Droze, chad@compu-experts.com

Happy March, Seabrookers!

I was recently approached by a long-time customer on the island who had just purchased a new Apple device and was surprised by the new type of connector on her device. She wasn’t totally shocked, and none of us really should be. As digital devices have evolved, the connectors and cables that accommodate these devices usually change as well.

Back in 2022, the European Union (EU) approved the regulation known as the “Common Charger Directive”, which officially went into effect at the end of last year. It states that new devices (mainly small and medium-sized portable electronics) must have a common charging and power standard. These devices include phones, tablets, e-readers, video game controllers, digital cameras, and other small, handheld gadgets. The type of standard port that was agreed upon was USB Type-C. You have probably heard of this acronym, but it’s not yet required here in our country. This mandate reduces e-waste and minimizes consumer confusion by attempting to have one main standard cable that works with all of the gadgets you may own.

Click on Continue reading for more information as well as dos and don’ts about buying charging cables.