Wednesday, March 4, from 2:00 -3:00 pm
In-person open lab sessions are available. Whether you’re struggling with using a device, software, or need some basic tech tips, librarians are here to help you. No appointment necessary, stop by during library open hours!
For more information about this and other events at our local libraries, click here.
–Tidelines Editors
Ever wondered what to do with all those photos and videos that you can’t bear to delete but are using too much valuable storage space on your phone?
Join Julian Gooding, Charleston County Public Library’s Digital Studio & Multimedia Production Coordinator to learn more about organizing, storing, and backing up your photos/videos.
Location: John’s Island Branch Library
Date: Wednesday, March 18
Time: 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Registration is required.
You can register in person at the branch, by calling (843) 559-1945 x 6504 or emailing hammesm@ccpl.org.
-Tidelines Editors
Wednesday, September 3 from 2:00 -3:00 pm
In-Person open lab sessions. Whether you’re struggling with using a device, software, or need some basic tech tips, our librarians are here to help. No appointment necessary, stop by during our open hours!
For more information about this and other events at our local library, click here.
–Tidelines Editors
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.
Continue reading “Tech Tips with Chad: Ready to Replace your Cables?”
Tech Check-Up Part 1
It’s been a while since I’ve been in touch, in fact the last time I contributed a piece on Tidelines was two years ago in April 2022. In that post I provided tips on how to avoid being a victim of an online scam. In this new series of posts I will emphasize the importance of protecting your online identity, challenge you to assess whether your online presence is secure, and suggest ways to back up your documents and data.
Continue reading “Tech Tips with Chad”
Rise in QR Code Scams
QR (Quick Response) codes have grown in use since 2020, when businesses incorporated them during COVID-19 for contactless transactions. And since then there’s been an increase in QR code security threats and scams.
Scanning a QR code could open a URL and identity criminals can embed malicious software into the digital barcode. Scammers hide harmful links in fake QR codes to steal personal information. Scammers send QR codes by text asking you to confirm account information or contact them about a delivery by clicking through the harmful link.
Be a QR Code Skeptic:
–Tidelines Editors
(Content credit: Equifax)
(Image credit: ED Times)
National Slam the Scam Day
March 7, 2024
On National Slam the Scam Day and throughout the year, there are tools to recognize Social Security-related scams and stop scammers from stealing your money and personal information.
Help protect your loved ones and people in your community this Slam the Scam Day by:
To report Social Security-related scams to the Social Security Office of the Inspector General (OIG), click here.
Visit www.ssa.gov/scam for more information and follow SSA OIG on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
–Tidelines Editors
Tidelines is experiencing issues with delivery of our email subscriptions. We are working on a solution and hope to have it resolved quickly. In the meantime, remember that posts publish on the Tidelines website at the same time that they are emailed to subscribers. You can always check the website if you don’t receive your email subscription. When using the website, scroll down to see what’s been published since our email outage.
–Tidelines Editors
(Image credit: Freepik)
The Charleston Amateur Radio Society is presenting a two-day class to obtain an FCC license to operate the HAM radios that the Seabrook Island CERT Team and the Town of Seabrook Island use for emergency communications.
The class will be given on March 25 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and March 26 from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Seabrook Island Oyster Catcher Community Center. Once you pass a 35-question test given a 1:00 pm on March 26, the FCC will issue a 10-year Technician License for a fee of $35.
The class is open to the public.
There is no charge for the course or test.
Registration is required.
Deadline: Tuesday, March 21, 1 1:59 pm
Click here for more information and to register online.
-Submitted by Max Willis
(Image credit: favpng.com)
From the Social Security Administration:
On National Slam the Scam Day and throughout the year, we give you the tools to recognize Social Security-related scams and stop scammers from stealing your money and personal information. Share scam information with your loved ones. Slam the Scam!
Recognize the four basic signs of a scam:
Ignore scammers and report criminal behavior. Report Social Security-related scams to the SSA Office of the Inspector General (OIG).
Visit www.ssa.gov/scam for more information and follow SSA OIG on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn to stay up to date on the latest scam tactics. Repost #SlamtheScam information on social media to keep your friends and family safe.
–Tidelines Editors for Social Security Administration
(Image credit SSA)
On Monday, January 30, 2023, Tidelines editors learned that some of our subscribers have not received emailed Tidelines posts since Friday, January 27. We contacted WordPress, our website host, and they are working to correct the problem. Although two posts went out as scheduled Tuesday, January 31, we are still experiencing some email issues. We apologize for the inconvenience.
This could be a good time for subscribers to explore our website, Tidelinesblog.com, for access to our posts. Each post appears there as it is published, most appearing at 6:00 am. The posts that we publish relating to special traffic, weather, or emergency alerts appear there as well.
On the website, you will find the most current posts are at the top and you can scroll down to see the other posts in the order they were originally published. The Search feature allows you to search for Tidelines articles by title or topic.
We look forward to resolving the email issues soon. Thank you for understanding and for your support.
–Tidelines Editors