Meetings

 

 

 

Tuesday, December 9th, 2025 – 7:30 pm
This will be our Year End meeting, replacing the usual 4th Tuesdays in November and December since those dates fall very close to the Holidays. Details to follow.

Tuesday, October 28th, 2025 – 7:30 pm

Tuesday, September 30th, 2025 – 7:30 pm
(This month’s meeting was postponed from 9/23)

  • Europe forces Microsoft into free extended support for Windows 10 – Could the US be next? ExtremeTech; PC World
  • Copilot App will install automatically on Windows for many users, but there are exceptions – gHacks Tech News
  • Google Search App for Windows – As Microsoft continues to force Copilot on Windows users, Google is offering an experimental Google app. “Built for Windows, made by Google. Quickly access this app with a keyboard shortcut (Alt + Space) to find what you need—information from the web, Google Drive files, installed apps, and files saved on your computer. With Google Lens built into the app, you can select and search anything on your screen at any time, making it easy to translate images or text, get help from AI Mode to solve homework problems, and more.”
  • Disney+ Price Hike – CNBC reports that “New higher-cost streaming economics are here to stay. The consumer TV landscape was once giddy with the prospect of cutting the cable cord, freeing viewers from increasingly high prices. For many consumers, however, that glow has long faded.” When Cablevision first came to Connecticut, the basic channel package was $3.50/mo! Is cord-cutting now on the same path?
  • iPhone 17 vs. Pixel 10 – In the latest generation of these phones, Pixel wins, at least in the photo department, according to Phone Arena and Tom’s Guide.
  • Amazon to pay historic $2.5 billion settlement for allegedly tricking customers into signing up for Prime – We’ve talked before about the difficulty of cancelling subscriptions. This time Amazon Prime is in the spotlight. These articles from CNN Business and Fox Business describe the problem and how to get a settlement refund.
  • NYC Cyber Threat –  The Secret Service says it dismantled extensive telecom threat in NYC area after discovering more than 300 servers and 100,000 SIM cards spread across multiple sites within 35 miles of New York. This type of “SIM card farm” is typically used by criminals to anonymously send Spam calls and texts. More info from USA Today, BBC, Reuters and CyberScoop.
  • T-Mobile offering existing customers a free line – “T-Mobile has recently been criticized for increasing prices, annoying some loyal customers. The promotion has appeared in the T-Life application and by way of email notifications to certain subscribers.” Tech Times
  • There is still no shortage of tech annoyances! Perhaps you’ve encountered some lately? Let’s continue to discuss.

Tuesday, August 26th, 2025 – 7:30 pm

– You click on the same search button you’ve used every day for years — it no longer works.
– You tap the Enter key in Word and it skips two spaces instead of one.
– Your phone’s lock screen is showing wrong information.
– Your fingerprint and/or facial recognition stopped working on some/all apps.
– You put a destination into Google Maps to use later. When you open the app again it’s not there!

  • Those are a few examples of changes to every-day routines that cause users to say, “LEAVE ME ALONE!” Sometimes there are work-arounds or you can get used to the new routines, but it can be annoying. We’ll discuss. If you have examples please bring them up.

Some other topics we might discuss:

  • Recall is Back Again! Here’s How to (Hopefully) Permanently Banish It – HowToGeek. The Brave Browser blocks it by default.
  • T-Mobile’s Starlink satellite service is out of beta and available to basically everyone – Android Police.
  • Here are two interesting videos from SAMTIME about Apple’s strategies and pricing: Tiny Ways Apple Screws With You, and Apple Explains How They Calculate Prices.
  • Robots have made impressive strides—from acrobatic feats and dance performances to practical tasks like folding laundry and clearing tables. Yet, one challenge remains paramount: generalization. Can robots adapt and perform even simple tasks in unfamiliar environments? Here’s an interesting video.
  • Now that most people use Google Maps, or the equivalent, the CT DOT has decided to re-number highway exit signs to “help” people determine the distance between exits – The Norwalk Hour.

Tuesday, July 22nd, 2025 – 7:30 pm 

Tech has changed a lot since most of us have been using it.

  • For this meeting we’d like to discuss, “What tech do you remember but not miss at all — and what tech do you miss because it was altered or discontinued?” 

This could be an interesting discussion and we look forward to hearing your thoughts.

Tuesday, July 1st, 2025 – 7:30 pm 

  • Amazon Prime Day(s) – This year it’s 4 days – July 8th through 11th. In fact, Engaget reports that there are some “deals” available before those dates. We’d like to devote much of this month’s meeting to the question, “What tech have you been thinking about that you might buy if the price was right?” 

And here are some additional topics for consideration:

  • Video Scams – they look incredible. Here’s a YouTube video you might want to show to your not-so-tech-savvy friends.
  • Is the Internet of Things (IOT) becoming a bit creepy? – “Samsung’s wearables and ACs are teaming up to offer you the best night’s sleep ever,” according to this article by Android Police. What do you think?
  • Is your email provider giving you an AI “summary” of your emails? – When we sent out the invite for this month’s meeting, a Yahoo Mail user found a “summary” stating the time of the meeting as 3:30 pm, not 7:30 pm. (That’s not even Pacific Time!) A Gmail recipient saw, “A Quick Survey” added to the email, probably because AI “summarized” the main topic of this month’s meeting. This stuff can be turned off, but why is it enabled by default?
  • Is T-Mobile secretly recording your phone’s screen?!! – A new feature has customers worried, but T-Mobile says it’s meant to be helpful. Either way, you can disable it. This ZDNET article shows you how.
  • Woman Catches Husband Cheating with the Help of Electric Toothbrush! – Talk about tracking!! This OddityCentral article explains.

As always, your topics or questions are welcome. Please join us if you can.

Tuesday, May 27th, 2025 – 7:30 pm

Tuesday, April 22nd, 2025 – 7:30 pm

This month we’d like to get your take on tech. Here are a few questions to consider:

  • What is your newest tech? What is your oldest?
  • With tariffs in the offing should you upgrade your devices now?
  • What social media do you use: Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, X, Bluesky, Reddit, LinkedIn, TikTok, Snapchat, Pinterest, email, other?
  • Have you recently received a pop-up on your PC or phone and have no idea where it came from or if it’s legit?
  • Do you use handwriting anymore or just type on your laptop or dictate into your phone? The former may be beneficial to your brain! The Epoch Times.
  • Any other topics are welcome.

Tuesday, March 25th, 2025 – 7:30 pm

Some topics for discussion:

  • Additional thoughts about last month’s topic – Last month we talked about a number of ways to find out if any of your passwords are floating around on the Dark Web. But something we didn’t consider is whether the password in question also has a link to your account. For instance, if one of your passwords is “Password,” and if the app you ask to check the Dark Web for your passwords finds “Password,” is that because it leaked from your account or simply because it’s a frequently used password?
  • What Happens at Windows 10 End of Support? – Leo Notenboom, a former Microsoft engineer, explains what happens in this YouTube episode of Ask Leo. It’s not as scary as you might think.
  • 23andMe files for bankruptcy – DNA testing firm 23andMe has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection to help the company sell itself after years of financial difficulties. It settled a lawsuit for $30 million in September that alleged the firm had failed to protect the data of almost seven million customers during a data breach in 2023. The Internet was supposed to make things better and it has in some ways, but it has eviscerated privacy as companies have used it and laws related to IP to further change the “contract” between a company and real people. TheVerge
  • Bye Bye Skype! –After more than 21 years, on May 5, Microsoft’s Skype will shut down for good.  ARSTechnica
  • T-Mobile – Their CEO implies that last year’s price hikes were just the beginning – Android Police. And, in another Android Police article, the author says: “I don’t know how anyone could trust T-Mobile again. The best indicator of future behavior is past behavior, and T-Mobile has proven it’s willing to lie and break promises to increase revenue.”
  • “Smishing” – It quite likely that you received a text recently demanding immediate payment to your EZPass account. Unite Press International points out that it’s an SMS phishing technique known as “smishing.
  • Brother Printer Ink Lockout – Tom’s Hardware reported that Brother, in an attempt to force users to use “genuine” Brother ink cartridges, made users’ machines unusable. However,  TechRadar says it may have been unintentional.
  • Oops! Google accidentally bricked older Chromecasts – An issue stemming from Google’s decision to lock down its proprietary casting protocol, Google Cast, has made all 2nd-generation Chromecasts and Chromecast Audio devices unusable. AFTVNews
  • Alexa, cover your ears! – ARSTechnica reports that everything you say to your Echo will be sent to Amazon starting on March 28.
  • A new Windows 11 update introduces the best bug the OS has ever had! XDA

Tuesday, February 25th, 2025 – 7:30 pm

This month we’ll focus on Personal Cybersecurity.

There are many ways your personal data can be leaked, not just through your PC and smartphone, but through the vast “Internet of Things” (IoT): your refrigerator, light switches, door locks, etc.

There are many different actions you can take in an attempt to protect yourself. Some are more-or-less free (they come bundled with other software,) while others require a separate subscription. Some will alert you if they find your private information on the “Dark Web,” others also claim to remove the info, while others try to clean up your identity after you’ve been hacked. Some possible questions to discuss:

  • What is Dark Web Monitoring? This article from the Consumer Federation of America explains.
  • Since Google and Microsoft offer dark web searching, is it necessary to add a second paid service?
  • How much information is it safe to provide them? A Google search does not provide an answer.
  • Some services also claim to remove the compromised info from the dark web. Does that really work?
  • What is the best service? Kim Komando has an eye-opening article about all the risks, especially IoT, with some safety suggestions. The third-party app she recommends is Incogni (I believe they’re a sponsor of hers.)
  • What is the best stand-alone paid service? Here’s an article about “The 7 Most Reliable Dark Web Monitoring Services of 2024.” It’s from a service called, “Identity Guard.” Guess which one is #1!
  • Are you concerned about the security of your texts? If so, a free texting app called Signal encrypts messages and gets high ratings from PC Magazine and Ask Leo. BUT … both the sender and the receiver must use the app which is a severe limitation for many people.
  • Card locks: debit and credit cards can easily be locked and unlocked using your bank’s mobile app. As this Bankrate article points out, recurring transactions will still go through while a credit card is locked.
  • What is a credit freeze? This article from usa.gov explains: “A credit freeze restricts access to your credit report. If you suspect your personal information or identity was stolen, placing a credit freeze can help protect you from fraud.”
  • What about identity theft services such as LifeLock? They don’t necessarily search the dark web but they claim to stop identity theft if it occurs.
  • How much is too much? For example, Home Title Lock claims to prevent home title theft but that’s extremely rare. The FTC says, “Stop. Take a breath. It’s just a ploy to scare you.”

Tuesday, January 28th, 2025 – 7:30 pm

  1. If your home router is more than 3 years old should you replace it? * – Kim Komando says so. But some of the features she mentions (WPA-3 for example) have been around longer than that. Let’s discuss.
  2. Should you always leave your laptop computer plugged in or unplug it periodically? * – A web search turns up conflicting information. What’s your experience?
  3. Microsoft is focusing on the AI initiative, integrating Copilot into the base plan – Windows 11 and Microsoft 365 users are being “encouraged,” — you might say “forced” — into using CoPilot.  XDA Developers reports that, “Microsoft 365 Office” has been renamed (again) to “Microsoft 365 Copilot.”  Not everyone is happy with this AI feature and Tom’s Guide explains that there are ways to disable it completely in Windows 11.  For Microsoft 365 users, MakeUseOf  has step by step instructions on how to switch back to the “classic” plan and save $30 per year.  What exactly does CoPilot do in Microsoft 365 and is it worth $30/yr?  Ed Bott on ZDNet says the Microsoft 365 CoPilot launch was, “…a total disaster!” If you’ve tried CoPilot please let us know your thoughts.
  4. What Is China’s DeepSeek and Why Is It Freaking Out the AI World? (and the Stock Market) – DeepSeek’s emergence may offer a counterpoint to the widespread belief that the future of AI will require ever-increasing amounts of power and energy to develop. This Bloomberg article explains. Here’s more info from CBS News.
  5. Passkeys – Have you begun using a passkey to log into some of your apps and sites? Many of us find that using a passkey linked to fingerprint and/or facial recognition is a big improvement over using passwords and 2-factor authentication. This YouTube video from Microsoft explains how passkeys work and makes a strong case for them. However this arsTECHNICA article says that passkey technology is elegant, but it’s most definitely not usable security. Much of that has to do with using passkeys across multiple devices. Let’s discuss and please let us know your opinion.
  6. Have you tried to use Android Auto in your car? – Does it work? If not, there’s a permission you might need to enable, but the setting is pretty well hidden. We’ll let you in on the secret.
  7. 5 reasons why setting up a new Android phone can be painful – This article from Android Police make the case. But is setting up a new Android device really more challenging than setting up any other device? Many of you have been through this recently — please share your experience.
  8. T‑Mobile Opens Registration for Direct‑to‑Cell Satellite Service Beta Test with Starlink – On December 17th, 2024, T-Mobile has opened registration for a beta program for T-Mobile Starlink, a direct-to-cell satellite service that will help eliminate dead zones by providing coverage for the 500,000 square miles of land in the United States not covered by earth-bound cell towers. And as fires ravaged the Los Angeles area, CNET reports that T-Mobile and SpaceX announced that they have turned on Starlink coverage for those who need it.

* Member submitted question or topic

Tuesday, January 28th, 2020 – 7:30 pm

Tuesday, December 17th, 2019

Richard Frisch delivered an excellent and timely presentation about “Streaming TV Choices.”  Deciding to cut the cord is one thing, but the question we should really ask ourselves is, “What do I want to watch?”

Did you know that there are over 100 services available to stream on your TV, computer or mobile device? Richard has surveyed many of these choices, reviewing plans and prices from major services and what devices they play on.  He gave us a look at some new services that will premiere in 2020 and provided some tools for navigating this rapidly shifting media landscape.

If you missed the meeting, he has made available a .pdf file of his graphics and notes that you can download by clicking here: Streaming Media Choices.

Tuesday, July 23rd, 2019 … and beyond

We’re going virtual!  The monthly emails will contain a link to a video conference that you can join with a desktop, laptop, iPhone, Android phone – even a plain old landline!  But any device with a screen, a camera, a microphone and a speaker is ideal.  The login is simple and straightforward.  We’re getting good participation and are reconnecing with members who have moved away over the years. 

Tuesday, June 18th, 2019 – 6:30 pm

Informal dinner meeting (no program)

Tuesday, May 21st, 2019 – 6:30 pm

Informal dinner meeting (no program)

Tuesday, April 23rd, 2019 – 6:30 pm

There are no suggested topics this month.  We’d like to hear from you! 

What do you like about today’s immersive technology?  What’s bugging you? Many of the things we’ve discussed at meetings for the past several years have become mainstream – privacy, ransomware, phishing and other computer threats, and disruptive technology such as robots and online commerce.

What’s next?  What should be next?  All topics are fair game, as well as your tech questions we might collectively be able to answer.  We hope to see you there.

WEDNESDAY, March 27th, 2019 – 6:30 pm – PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGE OF DATE!

Some topics for discussion: 

  • Travel Tech:  smart phones, tablets, laptops, 2-in-ones – what are the best devices to take with you on vacation so you can travel light but stay connected?
  • Chromebooks:  they’re cheap and plentiful but is Chrome OS really the best OS?  Could Linux Ubuntu be better?  Come see. 
  • Windows 7:  this OS is as comfortable as an old shoe but it reaches EOL (end of life) in just a few months – what does that mean for you?

As always, there will be time for Q&A or to discuss other timely tech topics.  We hope to see you there!

Tuesday, February 26th, 2019 – 6:30 pm – CANCELLED

Due to some conflicts there is no meeting this month.  Hope to see you in March.

Tuesday, January 22nd, 2019 – 6:30 pm

This month we’d like to focus on the somewhat schizophrenic nature of today’s tech.

On one hand we have information and services at our fingertips that we could never have imagined a relatively few years ago. On the other hand when things go wrong we’re powerless to fix it. Some examples:

  • Norwalk Public Schools would like parents and students to be aware of the current school schedule.  It’s on their website but a Google search produces an old version of the calendar.
  • Automobile thefts are on the rise due to the convenience of keyless entry. For convenience, people are leaving their key fobs in the car!
  • A homeowner related this story: his neighbor who is usually quiet and considerate was blasting loud music from some outdoor speakers last summer. The next day he apologized profusely. Turns out he wasn’t even home – he was at a party and somehow his Alexa-enabled phone app thought he said, “Play my music!” And she did.

Do you have some good stories?  We’d like to hear them.  We look forward to seeing you there.

Tuesday, December 4th, 2018 – 6:00 pm

Annual Holiday Gathering:

Details will be provided by email. There is no November meeting.

Tuesday, October 23, 2018 – 6:30 pm

This month’s meeting features a special presentation:

The invention and use of tools define Homo sapiens. No other species, living or extinct, comes close. The most remarkable tool in our deep and expanding toolkit is language, the primary tool we use for communication.

Have you ever wondered how and why speech arose? Why are we the only species to develop language? How much do you know about written language and more modern forms of communication? CTPC member Richard Frisch will present From Grunts to Tweets and attempt to answer these questions, and look at the science, speculation and myths that surround language.

The talk will focus on four topics:

  • The development of spoken language
  • The development of written language
  • Electric / electronic communication
  • Neural communication in the present and future

As always, there will be time for Q&A or to discuss timely tech topics.  We hope to see you there!

Tuesday, September 25, 2018 – 6:30 pm (cancelled due to flash flood warnings)

Here are some of the topics we’d like to cover:

We may to get to everything but have a look at the links above and feel free to come share your thoughts.

Tuesday, July 24, 2018 – 6:30 pm

A recent AARP bulletin outlined some ideas about how technology might shape our future. Let’s discuss how likely these are to become reality and, if so, how soon:

  •  Home
    • Your home will guard itself while you’re away
    • Your bed will be smarter
    • A smart kitchen will make it easier to cook
    • We’ll be rooming with robots
    • Household objects will multitask
  • Health
    • A microhospital will be just minutes away
    • Your voice will diagnose your heath
    • Patches will deliver injections painlessly
    • Printers will make body parts from your stem cells
    • Surgeons will operate using holograms of you
    • Stem cell patches will replace damaged heart tissue
    • Clothes that heal
    • Medicine will help regrown brain cells
    • A blood test will screen you for Alzheimer’s
    • AI will monitor your memory
  • Transportation
    • Electric bikes will fill cities
    • We may walk more and it will be safe
    • Cars may still be gas or they may be electric
    • You won’t hear planes overhead
    • Ultrasonic tunnel transportation will be available
  • AARP Long View
    • Patientless hospitals
    • Smart hearing aids
    • Housing memberships
    • Personal food companies
    • Ride-sharing companions
  • Privacy
    • Social media will be for members only
    • An eye scan will access all sorts of information about you
    • We’ll be watched more than ever
    • Passwords will be in the past
  • Money
    • We’ll repeat our past mistakes
    • Doing your taxes will be easy
    • No wallet needed, pay with your face or your car

Agree? Disagree? Maybe these will bring to mind some ideas of your own. Please let us know. We look forward to seeing you then!

Tuesday, June 26, 2018 – 6:30 pm

Here are a few topics to discuss: 

Internet Trends 2018 – Mary Meeker, a former Morgan Stanley internet analyst and now partner at venture-capital fund Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, delivered her annual internet trends report recently. I covers everything from mobile to commerce to the competition between tech giants. Richard Frisch has selected 78 slides from the deck of 294 to show us, and some of the statistics are startling. Come share your reactions.

Taxing the Internet – The Supreme Court ruled last week that all online sales are subject to the same state and local sales taxes that are collected on purchases at brick-and-mortar retailers.  In that regard it levels the field. But while very small online sellers may still be exempt, and giants like Amazon and Walmart have the resources to collect and distribute the tax money, it will pose a real burden for medium-scale web merchants who will have to keep track of and remit sales taxes for 50 states and thousands of jurisdictions. What’s your reaction?

Fiber? – Optimum announced a couple of years ago that they will be deploying fiber optic cable in our area about now. Bucket trucks accompanied by brightly colored Optimum vans accompanied by police officers directing traffic around the trucks have been spotted in Norwalk. Have you seen them in your area?

Other topics and questions are always welcome.  We hope to see you there.

Tuesday, May 29, 2018 – 6:30 pm

There’s a lot of tech in the news lately.  Here are some timely suggestions for discussion:

  1. Cloud Storage – Top consumer choices include Google Drive (soon to be Google One,) Microsoft’s OneDrive (not to be confused with Google One,) and Dropbox.  Using these cloud drives used to be pretty simple but, as with lots of computer stuff these days, it’s getting more confusing and more annoying.  We’ll try to sort it out although it’s a moving target.   Let us know if you have a favorite.
  2. Privacy and security –
    • Who’s calling the shots?  According to an article in the NY Times, Researchers can now send secret audio instructions undetectable to the human ear to Apple’s Siri, Amazon’s Alexa and Google’s Assistant. Are we sitting ducks?
    • The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a regulation in EU law on data protection and privacy for all individuals within the European Union. It also affects us because it addresses the export of personal data outside the EU.
  3. Google Duplex – This interesting combination of AI and voice synthesis can make phone calls to schedule a haircut or a table reservation for you.  The synthesized voice sounds creepily real.
  4. Windows 10 version 1803 – Have you upgraded?  What was your experience? Did you have a choice of if or when to install?
  5. Modernity – Richard calls our attention to a 1909 short story by EM Forster which he says is incredibly prescient about modernity. Here are links to the Wikipedia page, a PDF and an MP3 version:
  6. Laurel or Yanny? – The whole world is talking about this – why not us?  It’s quite baffling and probably shows us that we know less about our brains than we think.

Other topics and questions are always welcome.  Don’t forget the revised date and we hope to see you there.

Tuesday, April 24, 2018 – 6:30 pm

The April meeting features a very timely presentation from Richard Frisch of RHFtech, “How Big Data, Neuroscience, and Psychology Are Used to Manipulate Us.”

NEW:  For those who missed the presentation, a video can be found HERE. 

  • The first part of Richard’s talk explores data, information and how data mining is used to extract knowledge about us.
  • The second part reviews some neuroscience and psychology to demonstrate we are not as in control of ourselves as we may believe.
  • He then attempts to put together how we are manipulated through the use of neuroscience, psychology and data mining. “It ain’t a pretty picture when the curtain is pulled back,” he concludes.

Additional topics for discussion may include:

    1. Bricks & Mortar stores – Do they understand their role with shoppers?  For example, if you’re shopping for a lawn mower at Home Depot or Lowes you’ll find all the mowers displayed on a slanted rack 5 feet off the floor with the fronts of the mowers facing you.  Several years ago they were on the floor so you could get a sense of the weight, the balance, the size of the bag, ease of wheel adjustment, etc.  So now there’s essentially no reason to visit one of these stores. They’ve removed a major advantage over buying one online, perhaps from Amazon.  Are there other examples?
  1. Survey Mania! – Almost every purchase of a product or service these days ends with a survey.  Whether it’s a car dealer, a big box store, an online retailer, a restaurant, an insurance company or your doctor, they all want to know, “How are we doing?”  But these surveys are conducted by third parties, so does your input actually help the first party or are you just making yourself a target for more promotion?  Have you ever spent 10 minutes or more answering a survey only to find that there’s no place to enter your specific complaint or compliment. Would businesses be better served by simply listening to their customers?

Other topics and questions are always welcome.  We hope to see you there.

Tuesday, March 27, 2018 – 6:30 pm

The March 27th meeting is a round-table discussion.  Here are some suggested topics.  The first two are things we’ve been talking about for quite some time but suddenly they’ve caught the attention of the world!

  1. Privacy: Facebook is taking a beating from both users and investors for doing what it’s been doing all along – mining data. It’s a concept that’s come into focus after a whistle-blower at Cambridge Analytica, a third party company working with Facebook, disclosed how the data were used to target political ads to receptive Facebook users during the 2016 campaign.  This kind of tech-enabled micro-marketing should come as no surprise but apparently not everyone realizes how social media makes its money.
  2. Autonomous Cars: The unfortunate death of a pedestrian in Arizona who was hit by a self-driving Uber car (with a human backup) brings up a lot of questions. Could an attentive human driver have avoided the accident?  The pedestrian was crossing outside a crosswalk.  The backup driver who has a checkered past may not have been engaged enough to take action.  Was Uber negligent in hiring this person?  Will autonomous technology ever be good enough?  How big a setback will this be for the future of self-driving vehicles?
  3. Alexa, what’s so funny?: Recently Alexa users complained that Alexa would suddenly laugh randomly for no apparent reason, describing the laugh as “creepy,” “evil,” “bone-chilling” and “freaky.”  It took a few days but Amazon got to the bottom of it and has fixed the issue.
  4. Reminders: How do you remember to do little things during the day – make a phone call, pay a bill, take medications, fill the birdfeeder?   These are not meetings, appointments or other blocks of time.  They are things that take just a moment and often recur daily, weekly or monthly, or even multiple times during one day.  Do you use sticky notes or clutter up your electronic calendar with these tasks?  The solution might be to use a separate “reminder” app.  There  are many out there but we’ll talk about one as an example.  Maybe you have a favorite – please let us know.
  5. ctpc.org: How do you like our newly redesigned website.  The previous site served us well for many years but much of the information had become outdated or irrelevant.  The new site has only three pages but we can add more.  What would you like to see that could make it more useful.

And who knows what might happen in technology by next Tuesday!  Bring your computer questions and other topics to discuss.  Hope to see you there.

Tuesday, February 27, 2018 – 6:30 pm

This meeting will be a round-table discussion.  Here are some topic suggestions – also please feel free to bring your own:
– Voice controlled devices. The ability to navigate the virtual and even the physical world is a godsend for people with disabilities. But is it necessarily a good thing for the rest of us?  Should we all use wheelchairs whether they need to or not? Is it better to type a Google search and spare everyone around you the joy of know what you’re doing?  How about getting up off the couch to adjust the thermostat or turn off a light?  Let’s discuss the pros and cons. 
– Can technology help to reduce crime? As the debate rages over how to prevent mass shootings there’s not much mention of technological solutions but some do exist. Biometric (fingerprint sensor) gun locks and safes are readily available to the public. Breathalyzer interlocks for cars are not only available but mandated in some cases to help reduce drunk driving. Legal, privacy and other issues aside, could technology be used to track and prevent threats to society?  What have you heard?
– Robocalls – they’re getting worse it seems. Some tricks robocallers are using include Persistent dialing – re-dialing up to three times after a hang-up, Caller ID spoofing – the Caller ID looks like your neighbor or a local business, and, “Can You Hear Me?” – the robovoice tricking the caller into saying, “Yes” so they can later present “evidence” of a caller saying yes to an offer. How can we fight back?
– What’s new?  Nothing!  Richard Frisch cites the following to prove it: 

… the rules determining when codes could and could not be used were becoming increasingly complicated as national networks, often with different sets of rules, were interconnected. Most European countries, for example, forbade the use of codes except by governments, and in Prussia there was even a rule that copies of all messages had to be kept by the telegraph company. There were also various rules about which languages telegrams could be sent in; any unapproved language was regarded as a code.

The Victorian Internet: The Remarkable Story of the Telegraph and the Nineteenth Century’s On-line Pioneers (pp. 110-111) by Tom Standage. Bloomsbury Publishing..

Tuesday, January 23, 2018 – 6:30 pm

This meeting will be a round-table discussion. Here are some topic suggestions but please feel free to bring your own:

– Apple – how do you feel about their admission that they slowed down older iPhones, supposedly to preserve battery life?  Is their battery discount enough to make amends?  What about complaints that iPhone users are becoming addicted to these devices?  Is this Apple’s fault or does the blame lie with app developers, social media platforms and online merchants?
– Long standing security flaw discovered in almost all computer chips – this is also making news – how serious is it?
– Android Easter Eggs – there are some not-so-obvious ways to customize Android phones but you may not know they’re there.
– Google Text-To-Speech commands – Google Text-To-Speech is pretty accurate but it doesn’t always know the nuances of what you want to convey. You can go back later and clean up your text with a keyboard, or you can learn how to add punctuation, symbols, new lines, paragraphs, even emojis as you speak.
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