Category: Tech

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.

Continue reading “Tech Tips with Chad: Legacy Contact”

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.

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: 

• Only scan codes from a trusted source that you’re familiar with.
• Don’t scan a QR code that looks like it was physically pasted on top of another one.
• Look for things that might seem unusual – like asking for logins, passwords or payment information. 
• Do not scan from an email or text you were not expecting until you confirm it’s legitimate. 

–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: 

• Educating them about government imposter scams. Let them know they shouldn’t be embarrassed to report if they shared personal information or suffered a financial loss. It is important to report the scam as quickly as possible 
• Sharing the  Scam Alert  fact sheet and helping educate others about how to protect themselves. 

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