Tech Tips for Seniors (or anyone, really!)

This is kind of an urgent podcast - I’m doing this because of a REAL incident that occurred to a family member whose passwords were hacked and bad things happened…  Not to scare you but…this could happen to you too!   So I want to talk to you about…Using a Password Manager to manage for ALL of your passwords.To follow this podcast:Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.Apple.com/us/podcast/tech-tips-for-seniors/id1699277330YouTubehttps://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfY1hKlCpuqJK3kxAMgPWG_dlt7-3p56G&si=kM2Ssj0jlEEsWhfjSpotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/556gkqPY2gUungskPONIsa?si=b4NsPR8BQSmxaEwK1caJtQ

Hey, can you send me that?How many times have you heard these words and you freeze, not sure what to do next.  This episode will break down the task of sending a document from your iPhone, iPad or Mac computer to make it easier.  We’ll cover documents, files, pictures, and show you how to do it all from any of your Apple devices. To follow this podcast:Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.Apple.com/us/podcast/tech-tips-for-seniors/id1699277330YouTubehttps://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfY1hKlCpuqJK3kxAMgPWG_dlt7-3p56G&si=kM2Ssj0jlEEsWhfjSpotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/556gkqPY2gUungskPONIsa?si=b4NsPR8BQSmxaEwK1caJtQ

Well, if you've ever used or had an interest in using artificial intelligence to try to help you out with every tasks, things you might do around the house, or things you might do in the realm of education for yourself, or your kids, you are going to want to listen to this program. My daughter comes on, and she shares her experience with actual use of AI, particularly ChatGPT, in order to help herself with day to day tasks, as well as her nursing program. To follow this podcast:Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tech-tips-for-seniors/id1699277330YouTubehttps://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfY1hKlCpuqJK3kxAMgPWG_dlt7-3p56G&si=kM2Ssj0jlEEsWhfjSpotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/556gkqPY2gUungskPONIsa?si=b4NsPR8BQSmxaEwK1caJtQ

More and more people are sending document electronically, and we are more and more frequently using our phones to view things like bills from doctors for example. Well, did you know you can print things directly from your phone? It’s not hard, and it’s a bit hidden… In this episode I’ll tell you how to print from your iPhone.REFERENCED DURING THE SHOWDemo - Print from iPhone https://youtu.be/Hr88IRs7AUUTo follow this podcast:Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tech-tips-for-seniors/id1699277330YouTube - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfY1hKlCpuqJK3kxAMgPWG_dlt7-3p56G&si=kM2Ssj0jlEEsWhfjSpotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/556gkqPY2gUungskPONIsa?si=b4NsPR8BQSmxaEwK1caJtQ

- There’s so much being said about Artificial Intelligence these days, like how it’s going to take over the world some day (kidding, not kidding), so I thought I’d do an episode on what it is, and specifically how to use it without paying for it, at least for now. To follow this podcast:Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tech-tips-for-seniors/id1699277330YouTubehttps://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfY1hKlCpuqJK3kxAMgPWG_dlt7-3p56G&si=kM2Ssj0jlEEsWhfjSpotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/556gkqPY2gUungskPONIsa?si=b4NsPR8BQSmxaEwK1caJtQMentioned on the Show:Here are some safe, smart, and practical ways to use AI in everyday life, depending on what you want to do: (Note - this list was generated by Chat GPT(AI):💼 For work and productivity- Email and writing help: Ask AI to draft, summarize, or polish emails or reports — then review and personalize them.- Research shortcuts: Use AI to get overviews of topics, then check reliable sources for confirmation.- Meeting prep: Have it outline questions or summaries before or after a meeting.🧠 Tip: Always verify facts before sending or publishing — AI is great for speed, but not always perfect on accuracy.📚 For learning and curiosity- Ask for simple explanations: “Explain quantum physics like I’m in 8th grade.”- Language practice: Chat with AI in another language or ask it to correct your sentences.- Test yourself: Have it quiz you on something you’re studying.🧠 Tip: Use it as a teacher’s assistant, not a substitute — let it guide your understanding, not do your homework.🎨 For creativity- Brainstorm ideas: Titles, stories, gift ideas, or design concepts.- Music and art inspiration: Ask for themes, lyrics, or color palettes.- Cooking and travel: Get recipe ideas or itineraries tailored to your tastes.🧠 Tip: AI is great at sparking ideas — but your creativity gives them life.🧘 For daily organization- Reminders and schedules: Use AI-powered apps to plan your day or prioritize tasks.- Budgeting help: Some AI tools categorize your expenses and spot trends.Health tracking: AI can help analyze sleep or exercise data — though medical advice should always come from a doctor.

The topic of this show is one of the most hotly debated subjects in parenting these days. This is because of all the press regarding how mobile phones and specifically social media can be so harmful.And yet the utility of the mobile phone for a teenager can’t be denied - how often does a parent want to communicate with their youth, and vice versa, or just know they are safe. So I this show I wanted to bring on an expert (teen) to talk about When to give a teen a phone.DISCUSSED DURING THIS EPISODEThe Greenlight Card - The debit card for kids. The #1 family finance and safety app. https://greenlight.com/To follow this podcast:Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tech-tips-for-seniors/id1699277330YouTubehttps://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfY1hKlCpuqJK3kxAMgPWG_dlt7-3p56G&si=kM2Ssj0jlEEsWhfjSpotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/556gkqPY2gUungskPONIsa?si=b4NsPR8BQSmxaEwK1caJtQ

When I bring up the subject of journalling I usually get a frown. Most people either love or hate the process of writing things down, or, if they do try it, they just don’t feel the creative juices flowing. If that’s you, I want you to give this episode a listen, because I’m going to:- Talk about the benefits- Give some helpful suggestions- Describe some tools that workIn short I’m going to show you How to make journalling fun againMentioned in this show:Prompts for daily inventory:Ask yourself the below questions at the end of the day - write down your thoughts:Highlights- The day’s happening (AM/PM)- The bad - I felt unrest when...- God is showing me that...- One way I can improve tomorrow is...- How have I given glory to God...The vowel check: AEIOUY:A = Have I been Abstinent today? (Lived my own life, not intertwined with others). E = Have I Exercised today? I = What have I done for myself today? O = What have I done for Others today? U = Am I holding on to Unexpressed emotions today? Y = Yeah! What is something good that surprised me today?To follow this podcast:Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tech-tips-for-seniors/id1699277330YouTubehttps://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfY1hKlCpuqJK3kxAMgPWG_dlt7-3p56G&si=kM2Ssj0jlEEsWhfjSpotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/556gkqPY2gUungskPONIsa?si=b4NsPR8BQSmxaEwK1caJtQ

I’ve always been a person that didn’t like to keep a lot of paper documents so I create them on my computer.  So when I’m out somewhere and I don’t have the document with me what can I do?  Well…I access it from my phone or iPad. How, you may ask?  - the answer is - I store my documents in the cloud. Now I know what you’re thinking…Bruce - those puffy white things in the sky don’t hold documents do they?  And you’d be right. Of course, I’m talking about the internet cloud. If you are like me and want to learn more about the HUGE topic of storing and accessing documents in the cloud, well you just HAVE TO Make Google drive and Google docs your friends 

I have in front of me a pile of books that I’m currently reading. I imagine you have one just like this.  Or maybe larger???So what happens when you need to travel? Travel is one of those peaceful times when reading can really happen. Or what if you are out at a doctor’s appointment waiting, and you find you have the time or want to read?  You have to have your book handy right?  That’s where this episode will help you, as we talk about Reading books online.To follow this podcast:Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tech-tips-for-seniors/id1699277330YouTubehttps://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfY1hKlCpuqJK3kxAMgPWG_dlt7-3p56G&si=kM2Ssj0jlEEsWhfjSpotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/556gkqPY2gUungskPONIsa?si=b4NsPR8BQSmxaEwK1caJtQ

Do you have an idea, or a passion for a ministry, or a small business, but feel overwhelmed by all the hurdles you might have to overcome?Maybe you’ve thought about how to do something big, but don’t understand how to start with technology.If this is you, you’re going to want to watch or listen to this episode on Running a ministry using technologyPaul and Joyce Ciotta are co-founders of Communicating With Purpose Ministries. CWP is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, dedicated to serving the Lord and serving God’s people.  Find out more about the organization and the work they do at: cwp-now.comTo follow this podcast:Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tech-tips-for-seniors/id1699277330YouTubehttps://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfY1hKlCpuqJK3kxAMgPWG_dlt7-3p56G&si=kM2Ssj0jlEEsWhfjSpotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/556gkqPY2gUungskPONIsa?si=b4NsPR8BQSmxaEwK1caJtQ

Do you have a pile of these? (I”m showing a handful of cables) - Or maybe you have sorted collection of these (I’m showing handful of ziplock bags filled and labeled) - In either case, you're going to enjoy and maybe laugh or even cry a little with this episode, when I talk about the many cables and connectors for your mobile devices.To follow this podcast:Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tech-tips-for-seniors/id1699277330YouTubehttps://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfY1hKlCpuqJK3kxAMgPWG_dlt7-3p56G&si=kM2Ssj0jlEEsWhfjSpotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/556gkqPY2gUungskPONIsa?si=b4NsPR8BQSmxaEwK1caJtQ

Thank you for your support all season long. This show gives highlights from the 2024 season where my guests included family and talked about the below topics: (Each topic is covered is a full episode - be sure to check out the full episode for much more!!)2024 Highlights:- Using Google Calendar- Different ways to use the Camera on your iPhone- Sharing a location by dropping a pin- Managing YOUR email inbox- Some Creative things to do with Pinterest- Can an iPad replace a computer?To follow this podcast:Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tech-tips-for-seniors/id1699277330YouTubehttps://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfY1hKlCpuqJK3kxAMgPWG_dlt7-3p56G&si=kM2Ssj0jlEEsWhfjSpotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/556gkqPY2gUungskPONIsa?si=b4NsPR8BQSmxaEwK1caJtQ

Apple introduced the iPad in 2010, and when they were first released, many wondered what they would do with it, and would it even take off.Over a decade later these devices have become a part of the mainstream, and many people use them for everything from web browsing to smart home control.My guest is very adept at making an iPad work for him, and is on today to show the versatility of this device. We also address the question of whether an iPad can replace a computer as a primary device.To follow this podcast:Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tech-tips-for-seniors/id1699277330YouTubehttps://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfY1hKlCpuqJK3kxAMgPWG_dlt7-3p56G&si=kM2Ssj0jlEEsWhfjSpotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/556gkqPY2gUungskPONIsa?si=b4NsPR8BQSmxaEwK1caJtQ

If you are like me and the word Pinterest draws up a mental picture of a question mark, then you are going to benefit from this episode.   I really have only a brief acquaintance with Pinterest, and yet even I can see how it can be so useful for creatives and beginners alike. My guest today has  a real passion for using Pinterest in her daily life to help her in so many ways.  I’m sure you will find this show enlightening and useful too. To follow this podcast: Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tech-tips-for-seniors/id1699277330 YouTube https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfY1hKlCpuqJK3kxAMgPWG_dlt7-3p56G&si=kM2Ssj0jlEEsWhfj Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/556gkqPY2gUungskPONIsa?si=b4NsPR8BQSmxaEwK1caJtQ

How many of us have inboxes that are overflowing with everything from junk email, to messages that we haven’t responded to but need to, and every in-between. My guest is my daughter, Stephanie Braun - she has a real passion for this topic, and has some helpful tips for how to do a better job managing YOUR inbox. Jeyson and Stephanie Braun serve through missionary aviation with JAARS. You can find out more about their ministry here: https://www.cten.org/us-canada-missionaries/jeyson-and-stephanie-braun?rq=braun Links mentioned in this Episode: Demo - Create a folder in Apple Mail and Gmail https://youtu.be/dFW5x8idYCY To follow this podcast: Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tech-tips-for-seniors/id1699277330 YouTube https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfY1hKlCpuqJK3kxAMgPWG_dlt7-3p56G&si=kM2Ssj0jlEEsWhfj Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/556gkqPY2gUungskPONIsa?si=b4NsPR8BQSmxaEwK1caJtQ

Did you ever want to tell someone an EXACT where to meet you,  even if you are moving around?   Well your mobile phone has some very useful tools to do just that. It’s called -Dropping a pin, and in this episode I talk with my daughter Jamie, who is super-passionate about this topic. Links mentioned in this Episode: Demo - Dropping a Pin to share a location - https://youtu.be/kTX0fHoTFL0 Demo - Share button video - https://youtu.be/rkluLHoQD6E Demo - Receiving and using a pin location - https://youtu.be/UM5fEKh7igo Demo - Sharing a live location - https://youtu.be/ohWgSNBKbzY To follow this podcast: Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tech-tips-for-seniors/id1699277330 YouTube https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfY1hKlCpuqJK3kxAMgPWG_dlt7-3p56G&si=kM2Ssj0jlEEsWhfj Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/556gkqPY2gUungskPONIsa?si=b4NsPR8BQSmxaEwK1caJtQ

Some people use the Camera on their phone to take pictures of scenery on a trip, or for taking pictures of groups of people at a gathering, or the plate of food in front of them. - My wife Vickie uses her phone/camera in what I would describe as many non-traditional, yet very practical ways I think our audience will find helpful: Pictures of products Collecting and storing information Recreational activities So for this show Vickie and I will discuss Different ways to use the Camera on your Phone.  I hope you’ll find this discussion very useful and fun too.  Stay tuned YouTube - https://youtu.be/ugzPgE7cd_M Apple Podcasts -  Spotify - https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bruce271/episodes/33-Different-ways-to-use-the-Camera-on-your-Phone-e2h519q

My wife uses a paper planner, I use electronic (this is true about just about everything with us). How do you calendar? - Paper, Sticky notes, computer? My special guest Danielle Barger is going to discuss her experience, and the benefits of using Google calendar. I've also published a short video on how to create an event on google Calendar here - https://youtube.com/shorts/nzOldu0bs1w?feature=share YouTube - https://youtu.be/aoJEZ2zqtGY Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tech-tips-for-seniors/id1699277330

The holidays are here and this means wishing all our podcast listeners a happy, safe and blessed holiday season. A whole new season of Tech Tips are just ahead in 2024 - stay tuned as we bring new topics on many of the emerging tech subjects which are sure to keep all of us on our toes. Thanks for being a faithful listener - I hope you will join me in the coming year for a new season of Tech Tips for Seniors (or anyone really).

Here’s a Tech Tip that’s going to be routine for some people, and a never done - want to try tip for others.   Scenario - you need a ride someplace, let’s say the airport, or to the doctor, or shopping - but no one is available to take you, or you just don’t want to ask.  Maybe your car is in the shop, or as in my case, you don’t want to take a car to park it someplace for days.  What do you do?   - This Tech Tip is about Using Uber or Lyft Ride Sharing   YouTube version of this show - https://youtu.be/4ulOQdaRCJk Also on Apple Podcasts and Spotify

There are some funny squiggly square boxes showing up on signs, in magazines and well just about everywhere - these are called QR codes.  But what do they do, are they safe and how do you use them?   - The tech tip discusses How to scan a QR code.   How to scan a QR code using an Android phone - https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/9283368?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid#:~:text=On%20your%20compatible%20Android%20phone,your%20Android%20phone%20or%20tablet.   YouTube version of this show -  https://youtu.be/zSOh8EeqHJY (Also on Apple Podcasts and Spotify)

We all understand that technology can take control of our lives, and there’s no place where this is more apparent than how we use our smartphones - how they seem to use up our valuable time and attention.  But have you ever thought of taking control of your smartphone, instead of it taking control of you?     - today’s tech tip discusses Setting limits for Apps on your Phone.   This episode show how to use Screen Time App Limits on an iPhone.  The link below is for Android:   How to set up app controls on Android using Digital Wellbeing - https://support.google.com/android/answer/9346420?hl=en   YouTube version of this show - https://youtu.be/Q8u4eoarNms

In the (seems like distant) past we purchased music recordings on vinyl, magnetic tape (8-track or cassette), or via iTunes.  But today the music industry has moved to streaming music via the internet and purchasing a subscription to a service provides access to millions of songs at any time.   In this episode we describe the evolution to streaming, who the big players are.  We also describe how to create playlists using Apple Music.   A link for doing the same in Spotify is below.   Please remember to Like, Subscribe and Share this show with a friend If you got something out of it.  We’d also appreciate if you left us a rating and review.  If you’ve done that already, thank you very much!   Creating a playlist with Spotify - https://support.spotify.com/us/article/create-playlists/   YouTube version of this show - https://youtu.be/5TiLsRd0lKQ  

We’ve talked about Minecraft - but getting started with the game is a bit of a learning curve. My grandson Noah is a Minecraft pro - so I wanted to speak with him about the basics, that is if he can even remember the basics - of getting up and running. Noah has been on the show before when we were discussing the benefits of Minecraft in relationships with your kids and grandkids. This extended episode discusses getting started with Minecraft basics with my grandson and special guest Noah. We also include demos along with the discussion to show the basics. Please remember to Like, Subscribe and Share this show with a friend If you got something out of it.  We’d also appreciate if you left us a rating and review.  If you’ve done that already, thank you very much!   YouTube video version - https://youtu.be/dUemsfe0lCU?si=EfjXnk6QTjWLnj9c A special note to my audio listeners: The content in this episode is a bit technical and may be hard to listen to without the video to follow along.  So I recommend that you check out YouTube version of this  podcast.  There are visuals throughout the entire episode that will fill in what you would be missing in the audio-only version.  Thanks so much!  

Traditional shopping has always taken place in stores, where you can browse and shop for items and place them in your shopping cart to purchase.  But technology has affected the way we shop and it is more and more a mixture of shopping in-stores and also online. My guest, Vickie Ciotta (who is also my wife) shares some of her extensive experience in managing the transition to online shopping and gives tips for how to navigate in a hybrid shopping world.  She also shares her feelings regarding security and using a password manager.  Those who are somewhat uncomfortable shopping online will find this tip extremely helpful. YouTube version of this show - https://youtu.be/_H4Du5gfKPw Please remember to Like, Subscribe and Share this show with a friend If you got something out of it.  We’d also appreciate if you left us a rating and review.  If you’ve done that already, thank you very much!

Your phone has some hidden menus that will help you find apps and settings that you use frequently.    Not everyone knows they are there, so you will look like a pro when you use them.  And they will make day to day use of your phone easier for you.  Give these a try and let me know if they help you.   Below are links mentioned in the show:   Swipe gesture navigation on an Android phone - https://guidebooks.google.com/android/getstarted/gesturenavigation?hl=en-gb&sjid=7230590810534891502-NA     YouTube version of this show - https://youtu.be/599j8ZOyav0   Please remember to Like, Subscribe and Share this show with a friend If you got something out of it.  We’d also appreciate if you left us a rating and review.  If you’ve done that already, thank you very much!

Sometimes you want to show pictures or video from your phone to a group at your home or gathering.  The phone screen is too small and you (like me) need some help with doing it on a nearby TV.    It’s easy but you’ll have to have the right kind of equipment to do it.  This tech tip show you how to do screen mirroring from an iPhone or iPad.   Below are links mentioned in the show:   Screen Mirroring on an Android phone  (hint - You’ll need a ChromeCast device attached to your TV) - https://support.google.com/chromecast/answer/6059461?hl=en   AirPlay enable smart TV’s - https://www.apple.com/home-app/accessories/#section-tv   YouTube version of this show - https://youtu.be/nH60sAbGul8   Please remember to Like, Subscribe and Share this show with a friend If you got something out of it.  We’d also appreciate if you left us a rating and review.  If you’ve done that already, thank you very much!

Keeping an organized work surface is empowering, and this is true on your smartphone as well.  This tip will help you to clean up the Home Screen on your phone by creating folders to minimize clutter.   Below are links mentioned in the show:   Organizing the Home Screen on an Android phone - https://support.google.com/android/answer/9450271?hl=en   YouTube - https://youtu.be/SSxf2dhWsrQ    If you got something out of this please remember to Like, Subscribe and Share this show with a friend.  We’d also appreciate if you left us a rating and review.  If you’ve done that already, thank you very much!

You take care of your body by showering, brushing your teeth and putting on deodorant, but do you know you should take care of your devices too? This episode discusses using a password manager to store all of your passwords so that you don’t have to remember them, reuse them, or keep them stored in a way that’s not safe. YouTube version of the show: https://youtu.be/7P0j6foohgY This is the last show in a mini-series that not only discusses the need for good data hygiene.  If you got something out of this please remember to Like, Subscribe and Share this show with a friend.  We’d also appreciate if you left us a review.  Thank you very much!

You take care of your body by showering, brushing your teeth and putting on deodorant, but do you know you should take care of your devices too? This episode discusses how to organize files on your computer - it also shows how to do it on an Apple MacBook.  A link is provided below for how to do the same on a Windows computer.  Below are some links mentioned in the show: YouTube version of the show https://youtu.be/9wwAkSwFtFg How to organize files on a Windows computer  https://support.microsoft.com/en-au/office/create-a-new-folder-cbbfb6f5-59dd-4e5d-95f6-a12577952e17 This is the 4th show in a mini-series that not only discusses the need for good data hygiene, but also show you some easy solutions for how to do each of these.  If you got something out of this please remember to Like, Subscribe and Share this show with a friend.  We’d also appreciate if you left us a review.  Thank you very much!

You take care of your body by showering, brushing your teeth and putting on deodorant, but do you know you should take care of your devices too? This episode discusses the need for Keeping your software up to date, and gives the method for how to do it (Mac and iPhone). Below are some links mentioned in the show:  YouTube version of this episode - https://youtube.com/watch?v=sot6GLTQzXo Keeping Windows Software up to date - https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/keep-your-pc-up-to-date-de79813c-7919-5fed-080f-0871c7bd9bde Keeping Android software up to date - https://support.google.com/android/answer/7680439?hl=en This is the third show in a mini-series that not only discusses the need for good data hygiene, but also shows you some easy solutions for how to do each of these. If you got something out of this please remember to Like, Subscribe and Share this show with a friend. We’d also appreciate if you left us a review. Thank you very much!

You take care of your body by showering, brushing your teeth and putting on deodorant, but do you know you should take care of your devices too? This episode discusses the need for basic data practices -  - Regular Backups - Keeping Software Up to date - Cleaning up and organizing files- Having a Password Management System This is the first in a mini-series that will not only discuss the need for good data hygiene, but also show you some easy solutions for how to do each of these.

You take care of your body by showering, brushing your teeth and putting on deodorant, but do you know you should take care of your devices too? This episode discusses the need for regular computer backups, and gives the method for how to do it (MacBook).   Below are some links mentioned in the show: Create backups on a Windows computer - https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-us/000193501/how-to-backup-and-restore-in-windows-10 Create backups on an Apple MacBook using TimeMachine - https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201250 USB-Type A and USB-C Memory stick - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0842NMT7F/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1 This is the second in a mini-series that will not only discuss the need for good data hygiene, but also show you some easy solutions for how to do each of these.

Minecraft is a game your kids or grandkids may be quite passionate about playing, and you wonder what's it all about. For me the game was about finding a way to connect with my 12-year old grandson, but it has turned much more - a fun activity I enjoy with grandchildren spread out across the country. In this episode I interview my grandson Noah, as we discuss the ups and downs of getting the game from ground-zero to the point of meaningful, regular connection across generations. 

Some terms seem designed to confuse people and upload and download are good examples. Uploading and downloading are technical terms that refer to transferring information to and from your device. They come from early days in computing, and the stuck because the convey concepts that remain helpful to people today. In this episode i explain the meaning of these terms and give practical examples of when you might use them in your everyday tasks.

You may know that you can find videos on almost any topic on YouTube. But did you know that you can find podcasts there also? YouTube is a massive collection of videos posted by an assortment of creators from all over the world. But with such a large collection, how can you find what you are looking for?  This episode explains what YouTube is, and how to locate the content that YOU are looking for.

It's strange to do a podcast on how to listen to podcasts, right? There are hundreds of shows to chose from and multiple apps to use.  This episode discusses how to use Apple Podcasts to listen, subscribe, and rate and review shows like Tech Tips for Seniors.

Using Social Media for sharing pictures and videos of your grandchildren can be difficult to use with smaller groups like your family unit. This may be due to privacy concerns and app curation algorithms that tend to push posts with higher interest to the top of feeds. Family members don't see all the content intended for them. One solution is to use the basic texting app in your phone, but group text threads get buried amidst other texts, and editing the group can require you to start over. Texting apps like What'sApp and GroupMe are the perfect solution for families to share and see all the latest posts including pictures and videos. This episode - the last in our series on Connecting with your Grandchildren illustrates the use of Group text and other Texting apps such as What'sApp and GroupMe to keep up with your extended family.

We've talked about video calls with your grandchildren. After you've talked for a while you may be looking for something to do with them. That's were games come in. There are quite a few games that you can play with them that cost almost nothing but your time and effort. In this episode, the fourth in our mini-series on connecting with your grandchildren, i discuss a selection of games that we have used successfully with our own family that are either homemade, purchased inexpensively or subscription based. In addition to the games mentioned in this show I am providing a list of a couple more games I'd like to try with our family in the future: - Uno (via Apple Arcade) - Pictionary - Just Dance Now - Lego Tower

Reading to your grandchildren is an age-old pastime, but what if you don't live near them. This video, the third in our mini-series explains some tips and techniques for how to have a video story time with your grandchildren. Magsafe continuity camera mount - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B5S7X6BN/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Phone Calling out of style? Not if you use video calling. There are multiple ways to make a free video call - the easiest way is to use Apple's FaceTime. If both parties don't have iPhones, the next option is Zoom. I explain both methods in this episode. This episode is the first in our mini-series to help you to connect with your grandchildren.

Connecting with grandchildren is important, but how can you connect with them when they live far away? Phone calling is limited and sometimes boring for the kids, but there are so many other means for technology to help with this. This mini-series addresses the use of technology to help connect with your grandchildren in other places.

Cookies in your kitchen are great, but on your devices? That can be another story. These are designed to enhance your experience when using a website, but they cause privacy experts concern because of their capability of tracking users and collecting data.  This episode discusses some good and negative aspects of cookies, and what to do the next time you are prompted to accept them on you web browser.

Shopping in stores is being replaced with shopping online, saving time and trips to the store, only to find that what you are looking for is out of stock. If you've never had the opportunity to try it, Amazon.com is a good place to start. They making shopping and spending money so easy!  In this episode I discuss the advantages and cautions of shopping with Amazon as an example of online shopping.

In the old days we used maps to get around, but today our computers and smartphones have the potential to change all that. From finding a location to getting there, we can use technology to do what was never possible before. This episode explains how to find places and how to get there using Google maps on a computer and Apple or other mapping apps on a smartphone.

If you are like me, you keep getting messages from friends that have cute little pictures in them. Ever wonder what these pictures are or how to add them to your messages? They are called Emojis, and they are showing up everywhere. This episode explains where Emojis come from and how to add them to your own messages.

If you are like me you take hundreds of photos using your smartphone. But what do you do with all these pictures that build up so quickly and seem unmanageable. There are a few techniques to use to get this mess under control! This episode contains tips on how to better manage photos taken on your smartphone.

Passwords - we all have too many of these, for every service and app we have ever subscribed to. But how many of us know of safe ways to create secure passwords, and also how to store these passwords for future access by the right persons. This episode contains tips for how to better protect yourself online in a world of passwords for your accounts.

How many of us have been plagued by unnecessary SPAM and viruses on our computers and smartphones? It seems that these have become everyday occurrences. But did you realize that there are things you can do to avoid much of the nuisance?  This episode contains tips for how to avoid spam and viruses on your smartphone and computer.