ce magazine december issue

Michigan City Indiana
December 2017 Vol. 4
The Allure of Free
Software Downloads
The Do’s and Don’ts of
Passwords
Landlines vs. Cell phones
The must have FREE apps for families
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Thanks to all who contributed to CE
Magazine. Have an article you would like
contribute? You can mail it to:
CE, P.O. Box 8619
Michigan City In 46360
Or E-Mail it to
computerease@juno.com
CE Magazine is part of OtherSide Ministries ©
all rights reserved
Founder & Chief Editor
Peter Nadal
Editor
Pamela Kennoy
Art & Design
Peter Nadal
Our Writers
Rodrigo Esperanza
Nomar Shaw
Diane G
In our December Issue Vol. 4
6 Hey Pete! The Do’s and Don’ts of
Passwords
10 The Allure of Free Software
Downloads
12 Biz Cards board!! Hey its free
13 Secret Scroll Tip
14 Keeping Your Bank Account
Safe on the Internet by NewsUSA
16 Landlines vs. Cell phones
by NewsUSA
19 Must have FREE apps for families
by Diane G
20 Cheap vs. Frugal by Nomar Shaw
25 Come a Long Way Baby!
Outside Sources On This Month issue
encyclopedia.jrank.org
NewsUSA
Front Cover
Christmas red felt & gold fonts with comet stars overlay with
glowing star. Gold ornament with Christmas logo reflection
Additional artwork and fonts by Peter Nadal
Original Computer-Ease logo ©
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As American and Veteran I will never forget all those who served
and perished. For those who are still here you’re not alone, enjoy
your grandchildren and great grandchildren. At 11:48 am central
times (7:48 am Hawaii) give a toast to their memory and all the
brothers and sisters, I will.
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.
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Peter Nadal, Pam Kennoy, Rodrigo Esperanza, Nomar Shaw and Diane G
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How do you do that!
The Do’s and Don’ts of Passwords
Here is a list of do’s and don’ts for passwords, the
following 3 pages has the list and simple password
keeper you can print. See ya in January 2018, it gives
me some time to come up with new stuff!!
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Password Do's
DO pick a password you will remember
DO change your password regularly (I recommend once every quarter)
DO use a mix of uppercase and lowercase characters.
DO use punctuation marks and special characters such as #, $, %.
DO choose a line or two from a song or poem and use the first letter of each word,
preceded or followed by a digit. (e.g "Do you know the way to San Jose?" becomes the
password DYKtwTSJ?).
DO use a password that you can type quickly without having to look at your keyboard.
This makes it harder for someone to notice your password if they happen to be watching
over your shoulder.
DO use a password with 8 or more characters. More is better.
DO create different passwords for different accounts and applications. Especially Banks
and financial institutions.
Password Don'ts
DON'T write your password down and save it in your computer. Keep a book or use our
“Booklet Of Secrets” and keep in a safe place
DON'T make obvious choices like your last name, first name, nickname, birthdate,
spouse name, pet name, make/model of car, or favorite expression.
DON'T choose your username as your password.
DON'T share your password with anyone. Once it is out of your control, so is your
security.
DON'T use a word contained in English or foreign language dictionaries, spelling lists or
commonly digitized texts such as the Bible or an encyclopedia.
DON'T use an alphabet sequence (lmnopqrst), a number sequence (12345678) or a
keyboard sequence (qwertyuop).
DON'T use a password shorter than six (6) characters.
DON'T use a word spelled backwards.
DON'T use a password of all digits, or all the same letter.
DON'T use the same password for more than one system or web site.
DON’T Re-use any of your last 10 passwords.
DON’T Provide your password—or any of your sensitive or confidential information—
over e-mail or instant message. Think of an e-mail message or IM like a postcard. The
information can be seen while it’s traversing the Internet. Also, once you send an e-mail,
you no longer control the information in it. It can be forwarded to other people without
your knowledge or consent.
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My Important
Passwords & Key's
Operating System
Wifi Key
Misc Passwords
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computerease@juno.com

Free Computer Downloads
The Allure of Free
Software Downloads
encyclopedia.jrank.org
The most exciting thing about
downloading software onto a computer, is
that it is free. Most people love the word
free, and they will download as much
software on to their computer as it can take. Multimedia downloads are some of the
more popular downloads for a computer. People who want to listen to music on
their computers, or watch videos can download many types of audio, video, and
image software. The most common free computer downloads are multimedia
software, games, and chat programs. Most people spend hours of their free time
playing computer games, listening to music, or watching videos. Free computer
downloads are becoming so popular that there is a program for most anything.
People who love to chat with others while at home, or at work can download Instant
Messaging programs. Yahoo Messenger, Skype, and Windows Live Messenger are
some of the most popular chat programs that people use to communicate with each
other. People from all over the world can get onto the Internet and download free
software that allow them to be in touch with someone else within a matter of
minutes. Businesses are using chat programs to talk to employees, instead of
walking to their cubicles. The Internet has created a much smaller world that lives
inside a computer screen.
Just clicking on a small window that says download can bring many new adventures
for people to embark on. With computer games revolutionizing the Internet, people
can be playing against other players in a matter of seconds. A persons time is
becoming much more monopolized by hundreds of different software downloads. A
computer that is experiencing performance problems due to malware, can download
a free spyware program that will take care of the problem within a matter of
minutes. Free computer downloads are also helping people to find creative talents in
writing, editing, and art through free software downloads. People can spend hours
creating their own worlds through computer software programs, such as creative
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writing, video editing, and graphics paint programs. Reality and computers can
become blended together when software programs mimic real life situations
through simulation software.
Simulation games are becoming some of the most popular downloads across the
world. Games that simulate real life situations are intriguing and addictive for most
people. People can also create their own avatars through free software programs
from IMVU. People can create a fantasy world of perfect homes with furniture,
designs, and décor. Their characters can be dressed up in all styles of different
fashions and clothing, and people can put their characters into many different
simulated situations that mimic real life events. Free computer downloads that can
help a person enhance their computer is another popular pasttime. People spend
hours searching for the perfect desk top themes to make their computers look
fascinating. Desk top themes have everything from cursors, wallpapers, and skins
that can enhance the look of a computer. For people who do their taxes online, they
can download free tax software programs that will calculate everything for them.
The only activity a person has to perform is inputting the correct information. With
free computer downloads, people are finding ways to create a whole new world by
manipulating their environments.
Note from Rodrigo Esperanza;
Always be careful when downloading anything from the
internet, when in doubt get hold of your computer tech for
advice or send us an E-mail to: computerease@juno.com
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Send your biz card in pdf to computerease@juno.com or mail to Computer-Ease,
Po BOX 8619 Michigan City In 46360
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Secret Tip Scroll
Windows 7 God Mode
Create a new folder on your desktop and name it
GodMode {ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-
99712043E01C} and get instant access to all 270
configurable options in Windows 7 right at your
fingertips.
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Keeping Your Bank Account Safe on the Internet
Share |
(NewsUSA) - Banking has never been easier -; you're now able to check balances
and transfer money directly from a computer, or even a smartphone. However,
despite precautions taken by your financial institution, online banking can be very
dangerous. Cybercriminals create very sophisticated and threatening malware to
target banking information for one simple reason: It's a cash cow.
"It's pretty shocking how many ways cybercriminals can jeopardize or access your
financial records," says Ann Biddlecom, Product Marketing Director for Kaspersky
Lab, a leading developer of Internet security solutions. "For instance, if your
computer or programs are infected, you could be led to a fake website posing as a
legitimate site, but it hijacks your passwords and account numbers without you
knowing. Or they can install a program that records the information you enter on
your bank's website."
More than 5,000 new malicious websites turn up every day, some of which are
cleverly designed to mimic legitimate financial services websites. In fact, over a
three-month period in 2012, Kaspersky Lab experts found more than 23,000 new
malicious programs created to spy on your money. Studies show that 60 percent
of all consumers shop and bank online, and one-third of those online shoppers
store their banking details on their computers, so the risk of their financial data
being intercepted has never been higher.
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Software like Kaspersky Internet Security has technology that can protect you,
such as its Safe Money feature. This feature is designed to protect all of your
financial transactions by verifying websites before launching them and restricts
how other programs access your data.
In addition to using software such as Kaspersky Internet Security, follow these
steps to ensure you are the only person with access to your banking information:
* Always decline automatic log-in for online banking sites. It's also important to
never save the password for your bank on your browser.
* Always remember to log out and close your browser window on your
smartphone or laptop when finished with your online session.
* If you receive an email from your bank asking for your account information, do
not follow the link in the email. Type the URL of your bank as you normally would,
or call your bank to verify the request.
* Visit www.kaspersky.com to learn more about Safe Money and protecting your
personal information.
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Landlines vs. Cell phones:
It's No Longer a Case of
'Either-Or'
Share |
(NewsUSA) - You know we've become a nation that insists on being "connected" at
all times when even your grandmother is texting. Phones ... email ... the Internet.
We want it all, and we want it now.
But with consumers jittery about spending on anything but the basics, the
question naturally arises: Do you really need a landline phone if you also own a cell
phone?
Here are four reasons against pulling the plug:
* Better 9-1-1 location tracking. Dispatch centers can find the exact address where
landline calls originated. However, with wireless phones, emergency responders
can only pinpoint an approximate latitude and longitude of wireless phones -- not
exactly comforting if, say, you're having a heart attack in an apartment building.
"Even
if we nail your [cell phone] location, we don't know what floor you are on," says
Steve Marzolf, president of the National Association of State 911 Administrators in
a recent MSNBC.com (now NBCNews.com) article.
* Higher reliability. "Frustrating" may be the nicest word to describe the feeling of
having an important cell phone call dropped, mid-sentence, due to a poor wireless
signal.
* No need to constantly recharge. In what may be the strangest example of the
perils of forgetting to recharge a mobile phone, the Washington Post recently
reported that police in Silver Spring, Md., tracked down a serial burglar after he
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left his cell phone plugged in at the scene of his last crime. His own home, it turned
out, had lost power in a storm. (See "Higher reliability.")
* Sweetheart deals. The cost of maintaining a landline is actually plummeting in
places where cable companies are offering great deals on phone, TV and Internet.
In fact, price may be spurring many to rethink cutting the cord. But thanks to the
convergence of landlines and cell phones, consumers don't have to answer the
"either-or" question. For example, the new VTech DS6521-2 phone with "Connect
to Cell" technology is the answer for anyone who wants the best of both worlds
(www.vtechphones.com).
You can make and receive both cell and landline calls on this stylish, two-handset
cordless phone system. Its one-button pairing feature makes set-up easy.
For those cell phone users who opted for frugality and are now suffering from
"Cord Cutters Remorse Syndrome," you're in luck. You don't even need a landline
to use it, and outbound calls can be made using cellular minutes while at home --
even if your cellular phone is charging.
So, if you're someone who is entertaining the idea of going solely mobile, just
remember that it may not be time to cut the landline cord just yet.
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The must-have FREE apps for families
Being a parent nowadays is easy, right?! You just need to be a
gourmet chef, a scheduling wizard, organizational guru, and an
unlicensed nurse . . . No problem. Fortunately, moms & dads (or
anyone, for that matter) with smartphones can pack a lot of help into
those tiny devices with some of the great FREE apps developed for our
busy lives. (Available for iPhone, Windows Phone & Android)
By Diane G is one of our
writers/reporters at large
Shopping:
Ibotta is the app you'll want to have on-hand before you step into the grocery
store, as it's designed to get you cash back on the items you purchase wherever
you go. The app works with leading brands and retailers to help users take
advantage of easy savings without having to worry about carrying around clipped
coupons or remembering promo codes. Simply browse rebates on the app before
you go shopping, find and add relevant cash back rebates, and shop away! The
user-friendly technology makes redeeming rebates quicker and easier than ever
before.
Do you have a growing stack of bulky reward and loyalty cards taking up space in
your wallet? Download KeyRing and Store their bar codes in your phone and lose
the plastic. When you want to use your card at a particular retailer, simply pull up
the bar code on your smartphone screen and allow the cashier to scan it.
Meal Planning and Groceries:
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MealBoard combines recipe management, meal planning, groceries and pantry
management into a single app. It is fully customizable. You can manage your
recipes, ingredients, food categories, meal types, stores, store aisles, grocery items
and many more with its clean, uncluttered interface. Cut your time spent planning
your meals and groceries. With MealBoard, a few taps is all it takes!
BigOven: With a database of more than 350,000 recipes, there’s no shortage of
inspiration in this app. Seasonal collections featured on the home screen ensure
you’re using the freshest in-season ingredients. Our favorite feature is the “Use Up
Leftovers,” which suggests a recipe you can make with the three ingredients you
enter.
Scheduling and Organization:
Cozi: This all-in-one family management tool includes a shared family calendar
(color-coded by family member), meal planning, shopping lists, to-do lists and a
family journal for recording memories quickly and simply. And it’s all accessible
through either your computer or your mobile device.
Home Routines You will love how this app organizes those little daily and weekly
tasks, and allows you to check them off as they’re accomplished. You can even
access tips and tricks from other housekeeping gurus to make the work easier. A
great way to keep track of chores the kids can help with, too
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By Nomar Shaw, contributing writer/CE Magazine
Part 1!
VR Virtual Reality Headset
In the 60’s the view master was introduced and as kids we went bonkers over it,
we would sit down in front of our home and swap film rolls and just burn up the
day.
No batteries, cables, fairly cheap to buy, just drop the roll in and click away, oh, by
the way you can still find them. Now 21 st century enters VR head sets down load
some VR Apps and woo, ahhh’s followed with “You Paid How Much!?!” There is a
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store in Michigan City called Five Below (fivebelow.com) and gives a new meaning
to frugal and cheap. Enter VR virtual reality headset by XXVibe (see pictures below)
Now this gem don’t need batteries, cables, fairly cheap to buy, just drop your cell
phone in and enjoy, $5 and they have other electronics too, sounds like the 60’s
pricing in 21 st century economy. I played with it, I put the rollercoaster app in and
all I could say was wwwwoooooooowwwww with 360 degree viewing. On top just
in front of the face cushion are the left and right adjustments and forward and
backwards. Over all for five bucks you won’t go wrong especially if the little ones
break it.
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Part 2!
Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard
Here is one from the Five Below store, a wireless Bluetooth keyboard that you can
hook up with computers, tablets and cell phones for five bucks!
Two double AA’s batteries (+ is the black label on the AA’s to the right) required
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Go to settings on your cell phone and select Bluetooth
On the back side of the keyboard slide the switch to the right and press the black
button. Flip the keyboard over and type in the 6 digit pairing number that your
phone will give on the keyboard and you’re hooked up!
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Works great and it makes it easy for you if you’re on the road and want to travel
light!
From Nomar Shaw Have A
Merry Christmas
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Come a Long Way Baby!
Despite its name, the
Kaypro II was the first
Kaypro model. The name
was KAYPRO II, because
the Apple II was the most
popular system (besides the
IBM PC) around back then,
and Kaypro decided to
follow in the image.
It was conceived by Non
Linear Systems inc., a
company with over 30
years' experience of
producing small portable aerospace electronic equipment, which would later
become Kaypro.
The Kaypro systems were known to be square-built ! All the hardware is packed
into a solid aluminum case. These computers can resist to a lot of trouble as they
proved when ten of them (Kaypro IV & 10) were used by doctors for the Paris-
Dakar 84's edition. Non of them failed despite extreme conditions.
One asset of the Kaypro, over the Osborne 1 which was available at about the same
time, is the 9" built-in monitor, easily twice the size of the Osborne's. Though the
Kaypro 2 has no graphic features, it can display 80 x 24 characters. There are two
single-sided / double-density full-heigth 5.25'' disk-drives (190k each). One can be
used to boot CP/M and the other to run the software.
The Kaypro II is a real "luggable" system. Even if it weights more than 10kg, it can
be easily moved with the handle found at the back.
At the rear of the system, one can find a serial port, a parallel port, a keyboard
connector, a brightness control knob and reset button.
Perfect Writer, Perfect Calc, Perfect Filer, Perfect Speller, S-Basic, CP/M and
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Profitplan were bundled with the system. Later WordStar was also available.
As usual with Kaypro, the model names logic is quite dramatic to resolve. Several
Kaypro "2" were marketed :
- In 1984 a new Kaypro 2 (refered as Kaypro 2'84) is introduced. It has two SS/DD
half-height floppy drives, a Z-80A running at 4.0 MHz, 2 serial ports and
rudimentary graphics (through graphic characters).
- The same year, the Kaypro 2X is released. Very similar to a Kaypro 2'84 but with
DS/DD half-height drives.
- Still in 1984, in order to be compatible with IBM software, a special version was
marketed with an Intel 8088 CPU instead of the Z80A. It was called the Kaypro II
Plus 88!
- In 1985 another Kaypro 2 refered as "New 2" is sold. It is basically an old 2X
motherboard, with one or two DS/DD floppy drives, but no 300 baud modem
previously found on the 2X. It comes with just CP/M and Wordstar for software.
- And to spice up a bit things, Kaypro decides to rename its Kaypro 4'84 as Kaypro
2X (sometimes also known as 2X MTC), thus dropping the previous 2X model!
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Computer Magazine From The Past!
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Model: PET 2001
Introduced: January 1977
Released: June 1977
Price: US $795
CPU: MOS 6502, 1MHz
RAM: 4K, later 8K
Display: 40 X 25 text built-in 9" screen
Ports: IEEE-488, cassette, parallel, system bus
Storage: Built-in cassette
OS: BASIC in ROM
Yep the boss had one of these too, salvage from school disposal in the mid 80’s
eventually it went to that big puter in the sky!
Thank for reading CE Magazine Chow For Now
Nanomites!
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