New Year, same for you. that’s ok! You don’t have to change your entire life to have a good 2024 with him.
But I can tell you directly, that completely It’s worth spending a few minutes organizing your technology life. Keep reading for steps to eliminate spam, reduce clutter on your phone, and improve your cybersecurity. You got this!
I share tips like this every day in my free newsletter, The Current. Join the 500,000 smart people who are reading this book. We’re sure you’ll love it!
2-minute tech trick: Start the year with a clean inbox
1. Automate simple security steps
I forget to lock my computer when I wake up. Welcome to the club. Be smart and tell Windows or Mac to do it. You can set your computer to automatically lock after a certain period of inactivity.
For Windows:
- Open setting and go to personalizationafter that lock screen.
- click Screen saver settings Select any option (except None) from Screen saver drop-down menu.
- Sets the amount of time Windows waits before locking.check box for Display logon screen on resume.strike got it.
For Mac:
- click apple menu > System preferences > Desktop and screen saver > screen saver.use slider Select a time.
- click Show all Return to the main System Preferences window.
- click safetyafter that A password is required to wake this computer from sleep or from a screen saver.
man looks at his computer (Cyberguy.com)
you can also Set your PC to lock Based on where your phone is located. please think about it. If your phone is nearby, your computer will stay open because you are also nearby. If you leave, the door will be locked.
2. Say goodbye to over-the-wall group chats
Group chats are fun when you’re happy to be there, but terrible when you don’t care about the conversation. The adult response is to ask the person who added you to remove you…
- If you have an iPhone, choose the classic Irish exit. Tap the thread and select the group icon at the top.scroll and tap end this conversation. Save this for when you’re desperate.
- You can also mute conversations in subtle ways. (This is what I usually do.) Tap Group Text Messages, select the group icon at the top of the thread, and scroll to toggle it on. Hide alerts.
I hear about smart assistants, but will that affect the ads I see?
On Android, muting is the best option unless you plan on telling Aunt Kathy that you’re out.
- If you use Google Messages, open the group text, three point menu > Group details > notification.select tranquility. Oh, that’s even better.
- For other Android apps, check the Messaging menu options for an option to mute the conversation.
3. Fix the home security mistakes I made too
Back in the day, I turned off all my home security alerts because they bothered me. This was a bad choice. If your camera’s sensitivity is constantly turning off accidentally, you may need to adjust your camera’s sensitivity (or upgrade to a better camera).
Ring cameras are used by most people to capture footage around their homes. (CyberGuy.com)
Security system apps typically have controls for adjusting motion sensitivity. Because the systems have different names, we will discuss two steps.
Adjust camera sensitivity with SimpliSafe
- open SimpliSafe app and tap camera It’s at the bottom of the screen.
- Tap. gear icon It’s located at the top right of the screen.
- please choose camera You want to change.
- choose motion detection Adjust sensitivity.
5 Stupid Technology Security Mistakes You Make
Adjust camera sensitivity with the ring
- open Incoming call app Tap gear icon For cameras.
- Tap Motion settings > movement sensitivity. Adjust the sliders.
4. Organize cords and cables like a pro
When everything is jumbled together, you don’t know where anything is. Try this super clever trick.
- Get some stickers. these are, label you write or color coded dots. One of my readers, Tony, suggests using colored ones. foil star.
- Build a system that works for you. Write it on the label or use a color to represent the type of code (for example, red for USB-C, blue for HDMI).
- Apply the same label or color sticker to the cable and device port. When plugging in the cord, simply align the sticker on the cable with the port.
- Place the sticker in the same location on each cable. Try placing it at the top of the cord and quickly find the correct direction to insert it into the port.
5. Fewer spam emails to deal with
Is your inbox flooded with unsolicited credit card and insurance offers? Thank you to the big four credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, TransUnion, and Innovis.
Close up of two modern black and brown metal red flag posts located at a single-family home in a suburban residential area with no one and houses in the background (St. Petersburg)
Each bureau provides a list of consumers to credit and insurance companies based on specific criteria for pre-screened offers. Yes, it’s completely legal. But don’t worry. There is a solution. It’s a tool developed by a credit reporting company called Opt Out Prescreen.
- visit optoutprescreen.com. Choose to opt out for 5 years or permanently by filling out the form.
- Do you want to opt out permanently? You’ll have to use snail mail, but it’s worth it. Print, sign and mail the confirmation form.
maintain technical knowledge
My popular podcast is called “Kim Commando today.” This is 30 minutes packed with tech news, tips, and callers like you with tech questions from all over the country. Find us wherever you get your podcasts. In case you’re wondering. Click the link below for the latest episode.
Podcast recommendations: Billionaire doomsday preppers, copyright trolls, and malicious Amazon scams
I also share my 2024 technology aspirations and how I can leverage AI to make them a reality. California has banned this very strange product from Amazon. Yes, it involves donkeys. As your Peloton tablet becomes obsolete, here are five technology road trip tips.
Check out my podcast, “Kim Commando Today.” Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Or your favorite podcast player.
Listen to the podcast here Or wherever you get your podcasts. Search for my last name “Commando”.
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