I shall soon be posting information about various search engines one at a time. As this is a non-techie loop, I shall not be explaining any technical terms. If you wish to investigate them, I have put them in inverted commas, so that you can google them!
Please do not comment about other search engines in the posts, otherwise, they will be hidden in another search engine's post; you can do so when I post about that search engine.

If you use services such as Amazon/Paypal/Google, you will have met up with 2FA. This involves receiving a text message or email containing a code that you must enter in order to complete whatever you are doing.
If you currently receive this code by phone, then it is important to set up an alternative method* to receive it, in case your phone is not available, working, or receiving a signal. You can sometimes tick a box to say 'Trust this browser', but if you are in the habit of 'cleaning' your device, then that may not work.

*Look at the settings of your account.

You can read all about the subject here: https://bit.ly/3PBm4Pp

I've been doing the CovidenceUK survey for nearly two years with no problems but some use more difficult formats.
Those using Qualtrics - which seems to be much favoured by major academic institutional research studies - remained stubbornly impenetrable for months. Then someone to whom I'd rehearsed the whole problem suggested changing browsers and lo! that finally gave me access to the latest survey I wanted to take.
I had looked online in case this system were notorious for incompatibility problems but didn't spot anything this basic.

So, if anyone has a Qualtrics-based survey to do, then don't try to tackle it via Microsoft Edge. Google Chrome works - at least for me.

Deceptive design patterns (also known as "dark patterns") are tricks used in websites and apps that make you do things that you didn't mean to, like buying or signing up for something. The purpose of the following site is to spread awareness and to shame companies that use these practices: https://bit.ly/3Pk8nUW

* This 30 min BBC podcast gives examples of what to avoid: https://bbc.in/39qeQgG

I've seen it before but asked someone this morning why her comments kept being littered with tiny dotted boxes containing the letters OBJ. She has no idea - they're not a substitute for any emoticon that she intended to include, for instance - and she can't see them when she looks at the same conversation.
Does anyone know what might be causing this - and how to stop it happening?

I'm very happy not to have had to pay Microsoft a huge subscription for their Office suite when I don't need half of it, just simple word-processing and spreadsheet software, but this Word-substitute has a few tiresome aspects.
Even if I've created a new document in LibreOffice Writer, I can't then open it again directly by single-clicking on it. That triggers Word, which I (obviously) don't have, trying to force me to start a subscription in order to use my document. I can only open it from a file manager, using the "open with" option, which is tedious.
And Writer persistently displays every long document in a two-page wide format, which is much harder to use than a simple, single-page one that scrolls down (not across and then down).
Can these issues be prevented at all, please?

If you ever need to use accented letters, there is a much easier method than using the character map:
1. Right-click a blank area of the taskbar.
2. Click 'Show touch keyboard button'
3. The keyboard button will appear at the right-hand of the taskbar.

To add an accented letter, click the keyboard button. Then, on the on-screen keyboard that appears, click and hold the required letter. You will then see the different accents available at the top of the keyboard. Click the cross top right to close the keyboard.

If you are unfamiliar with the Character Map, which does far more, see here: https://bit.ly/3kYiDEl

Used to be that when I clicked on the shortcut for Outlook it went straight to the site, now since clearing the cache it goes to the Google search and I have to click on outlook login first.

I've been invited to become a guest on an institution's Microsoft Teams account but run into problems getting to use that. I don't think that I can ever have used this before.
Downloading MT onto this Dell laptop initially produced a different setup from the one which downloaded when I tried to use the guest account, so I deleted the first one in case they were incompatible.
But I couldn't log into the institution's account when invited to do so, because Microsoft identifies me by an ancient Outlook e-address which isn't, of course, the e-mail address by which the institution knows me. The institution's administrator must have put my everyday e-mail address into the invitation to join as a guest.
There's a long error message, quoting the ancient Outlook e-address, which I've sent to the administrator when asking her for help to get this guest status to work. Does she simply have to use that ancient e-address to issue me with a workable invitation? What role does one's e-address have in Microsoft Teams, other than for signing in to use the system?

How can I stop things I've Googled going to the clipboard ?
The only option I can see is to disable it completely but there is one thing I need it for

I've had this for a few years and always been OK with it. Now, after two weeks of many sites being blocked and 'greyed out' I have deleted it and things seem back to normal. It just seemed to start blocking everything, admittedly probably down to something I shouldn't have done - I don't know how as I have never really clicked on it in the past.
Should I look for an alternative, not bother with anything or re-install in a couple of days.
Thank you.

Keep getting these coming up across the screen - why and how to stop it ?

An elderly friend has been receiving calls from irritated strangers accusing her of having called them, which she hasn't done.
It sounds as if some nefarious person could have cloned her number and be making the nuisance calls, leaving her number to show up on the recipients' call logs. Is that possible?
I've advised her to register her telephone numbers with the Telephone Preference Service and shown her how to report nuisance calls, if she also gets those - but this is a different problem, which I can't think how to help her solve. Any brilliant ideas, you clever techie people?

I'm trying to find something on Bromley Council website, no problem in getting there but when I click where I want to be it turns grey even after reloading. It's normal for a second then immediately turns grey again. Went onto tablet and have no problems on there.

Have I inadvertently put a block on the site on this desktop, please. Thanks.

We all know what WiFi is, but do you know what it stands for? Answer attached.

https://www.jottacloud.com/s/095e278eb5c8da24319a99f6e23c4732991

BT had planned to turn off its landline phone service by December 2025, but due to customers that rely on their landline not understanding the reason, and what they had to do, they have decided to delay their plans.
When this happens, you will no longer be plugging your phone into the wall socket, you will have to purchase a phone* that plugs into your router. Those that do not have the Internet, will have to use a mobile phone.

* An adaptor can be used, but this is far too technical, see the video in the comment below.
.
https://bit.ly/3ulpxci

If you are still using Internet Explorer, note that soon after 15th June, it will no longer work.

I've often had long periods when my wi-fi didn't work reliably and I had constantly to click to re-connect to it, to get rid of that annoying non-connection icon.
My supplier recently suggested doing a factory reset of the router, which they can apparently see has not been reset for some time. I
Their instructions are as follows:
"There is a small hole on the back of the router and next to this hole it says Reset. The hole is the size of a paper clip or the back of an earring.
If you can insert the paper clip into the hole until you hear it click or until all the lights come off.
Remove the paper clip.
Await all the lights to come on, this will reset the router."
This sounds very odd; should this a normal maintenance chore?

I periodically get so cross at the wi-fi that I just turn the router off completely, wait a while and then turn it back on again. Does that have a very different and less substantive effect than doing this factory reset?

It has been discovered that part of the program that runs Chrome, can be made use of by hackers. When such problems are found in programs, an update called a 'patch' is issued. Chrome, as well as other browsers*, updates when you open the program, so there is no special action required on the part of the user. Edge, which also updates automatically, may also have the same problem as Chrome,

*You may be able to turn off, or not accept updates in some browsers and programs, but this is not possible in Chrome without knowledgeable intervention.

The latest version of Chrome starts with 100. Similar to the Millenium bug, this can cause problems with websites that haven't changed to work with the new version. If you experience this, just change to using another browser.

My rarely used mobile is showing the time as before the clocks were changed even though it is set at automatic timing.
If i go into settings it shows the correct time but on returning to main screen still shows an hour earlier.

If I clear the cache will I lose all my saved passwords ?

Rewind to the beginning if needed.

https://bit.ly/3i4PCp1

Interesting and amusing information: https://bit.ly/3hGFMcV

Deleting your cookies can cause you to have to log in to a site every time you use it. When using cleaners, make sure you understand what is being deleted, and the consequences of doing so.

Vodafone will start switching off its 3G phone network next year. Popular phones such as the iPhone 5 and Samsung Galaxy S4 and earlier models will be affected. Details here: https://bit.ly/3v6KWXy

An investigation by Microsoft to discover why some computers are running out of date versions of Windows, concluded that half of them had not spent enough time connected to the Internet. The minimum amount of time to get an update is a total of 8 hours as follows: 2 hours to receive the update, the 6 hours to "reliably update". Their advice is to leave a computer connected to the Internet overnight.

https://bit.ly/3LNmdgS

https://www.scooploop.com/thread/are-you-still-using-physical-media-dvd-bluray-to-watch-movies

Just tried for the first time to scan something - total failure, any tips where I am going wrong ?

If you have or use CDs or DVDs for the storage of important photos/documents etc., be aware that due to the composition of the surface, their expected life is 2 - 5 years. Therefore, always rerecord them if you prefer to use CDs or DVDs, before this happens. As well as storing files on your PC, you can also backup files to the 'Cloud', i.e. Microsoft OneDrive or Google Drive. You can also back up to USB key drives* or external hard drives*. Never have important files in one place only. If something is really important, then have copies at another location (in case of fire/theft) for instant access, without having to download them from the cloud, which can take a long time.
*Both of these devices can fail.

The next edition of LibreOffice 7.3 will have the addition of Klingon. It will also have Interslavic, which was created in 2006 as a way for citizens of Slavic countries to communicate with each other.
Here's some Klingon that will get you in the party mood: https://bit.ly/3AF0S49

Users in South Korea are being tricked in to installing ransomware*, by installing fake Edge updates, in response to a warning that Edge is not up to date. You will never see a genuine update warning, as Edge updates automatically. Security experts expect it to spread globally.

* https://bit.ly/3rbYkHw

A photo I had changed has disappeared from my folder - where could it have gone ?

I've been reading the digital version of our local independent newspaper for years but they've suddenly begun putting MailChimp Trackers onto use of all their "Continue reading" links, which upsets Ghostery and isn't as easy to get around as the warning page suggests.
Apparently I can't just stick in a screenprint but this link may show what I've been getting after clicking on such a link: extension://fclbdkbhjlgkbpfldjodgjncejkkjcme/app/templates/blocked_redirect.html

I don't care for my reading habits being tracked, let alone by MailChimp; on the other hand, I do like being able to read local news from this excellent source. What (if anything) can I do to achieve the latter without being stuck with the former? I've written to the publishers, in case they don't realise what's happening, but I hoped that someone here might have other ideas before they reply - if they ever reply!

I was automatically upgraded to "superfast fibre" broadband last February, which I hoped would improve the unreliable daytime internet connection that had been plaguing me worse than usual for months by then. It's been even worse recently but the supplier insists that these problems are due to wi-fi failures inside the house, not with their connections outside it. (Their connection records show only one 'drop' yesterday afternoon, but I spent the morning wrestling to get - and stay - online.) There's no problem in the evening but trying to stay connected in daytime (including weekends) is simply maddening.

They've checked and apparently I'm the only user of this internet channel; all my Sky and TalkTalk-using neighbours are on a different one, so it's not due to congestion. And their speed test unexpectedly showed a current speed of 40Mbps, even though I can't seem to watch more than a couple of minutes' recorded drama without it freezing.

The supplier has recommended that I install a powerline adapter (or booster) but the standard advice warns that that device has to be on the same electrical circuit. Since the router is downstairs and I work upstairs (where it's warmest), and I know that each floor of this small house has a separate power circuit, that sounds as if no such device would help me.
If only people living in single-floor flats (or bungalows) can benefit from using this device, hasn't anyone worked out a solution for those of us living on two or more floors? What about all those family houses with teenagers online in their bedrooms as well as adults downstairs?

I'm only using a Dell laptop PC, which is usually plugged in at my desk upstairs.

Any brilliant ideas for how to fix this maddening problem would be very gratefully received....

Any update on Windows 11? I am now getting the annoying window when l start my laptop telling me to update from 10 to 11. Lots of blah blah blah on what there isn't anymore and quite confusing. It took a lot of toing and froing to dismiss the screen,
l don't know if declining means more processes lost or not Could you explain if the update is worth it or not.thanks.

Gioacchino Gammino, a member of the Italian mafia who escaped from prison in 2002, was found by Google Street View. Italian police, who had already traced him to spain, suspected they had found their man when they spotted a grey-haired man outside a grocery shop near Madrid. The store was named El Huerto de Manu (Manu's Garden), and nearby they found a restaurant called La Cocina de Manu (Manu's Kitchen). One of the specialities was Cena Siciliana (Sicilian Supper). The restaurant had been closed for some time, but a photo on its Facebook page showed him working as a chef. The police recognised him from a distinctive scar on his chin. He was baffled how he was found; he had not even phoned his family for ten years. He is now serving a life sentence.

https://bit.ly/3KroQEe

Depending on the web browser and search engine you use, and the way the browser is set up, It may record every site you visit, and even your passwords. To be completely anonymous when surfing the web, you can use a browser that doesn't track you, or reveal your location.
A search engine that does not track you is DuckDuckGo, and a browser that does not reveal your location is Epic Privacy Browser.
The Epic browser can be installed here: https://bit.ly/3rnEk3x
You can install DuckDuckGo here: https://bit.ly/3KezxtY

Never post your photograph on a publically viewable website, as this may enable someone to find out personal information about you. It can also be used by someone as their photograph, for malevolent purposes*. If you need to give your phone number/address, only give this in a PM, but even this could be misused.

* https://bit.ly/336eiKe

For various reasons, you may want to conceal your phone number. For a single call, on a mobile or landline, dial 141 before the number. If you wish to hide your number on all calls on an Android phone, in the phone app, go to the three-dot menu, then settings/call settings (maybe called calls/supplementary services/call accounts), then select Additional settings (on some phones you may need to select your network) and choose 'Hide number'. On an iPhone, open settings, choose phone, then untick 'Show my caller ID.

When registering on a website, you will have to provide an email address, which they may use to send you an activation email. If you do not want to reveal your email address, which may result in receiving unwanted messages/spam, and you do not have a spare address for that purpose, there are many services providing temporary email services. One of the simplest is Guerilla Mail. This will give you an instant free fake email address, which you can use to receive and send messages. Click the WTF? button for operating instructions. Practice using it by sending yourself an email.
https://bit.ly/3HLp5bj

A website may need a mobile phone number to send you a verification code by text message. To avoid giving your mobile number, you can obtain a temporary mobile number from the site below. The opening page explains how to use it: https://bit.ly/3f4sB4p

When signing up on a website, completion of the phone number field may be compulsory. There are valid reasons to request this, for a delivery etc., but if you do not wish to give your number, then you can use a UK phone number generator. This uses Ofcom's database of telephone numbers for use in TV and radio drama programmes: https://bit.ly/3mReX91

Part 2 will be free phone numbers to receive activation texts.

There is no need for the average user to resort to downloading programs to clean or repair their computer. Here are links to Windows built-in tools:
https://www.scooploop.com/thread/windows-10-links-to-built-in-tools-posts

I am not a member but the email says missed voice call - should i click it ?

I've had problems with broadband going before Christmas, visits from Open Reach and EE, new master socket and router. Always had problems getting internet to smart TV but finally succeeded when upgraded to fibre last year when it became available. Now have another router but just cannot get internet to TV. Panasonic Tv said connected after putting code in but everything came up with - please connect to internet when I tried iPlayer/Netflix. Have now disposed of Panasonic (Gumtree, wasn't happy with it anyway) so need to buy a new smart TV. I'm wary of the same thing happening with any new one I purchase. I did try a booster but couldn't work it out and returned. Only about 12ft. distance between them. I appreciate I'm pretty useless technical-wise but I do know how to set up so don't think it's me. At this rate, will be moving the Tv into hall next to router to watch. Or moving. Any thoughts gratefully received.

Find it also very annoying there is nothing between a 32" and 43"+ screen size - far too big for my little room (I know it's something to do with tube as I've looked it up).

I'm having to consider switching suppliers again, because the supposedly fibre service that I've had this year has been no better (recently worse) than the standard broadband I had before. The landline connections have been hopelessly unreliable, even though the handsets are properly fitted.
Switching services advise that my area already has both BT Openreach (non-exclusive, fibre to the cabinet) and Virgin Media (fibre to the property) networks and G.Network have just laid another exclusive network in our streets. So there should be options available....
Since the exclusive networks only provide fibre broadband, however - not landline service - that's another wrinkle that I'm trying to manage. I do need to keep that facility, if it can be made sufficiently reliable, as I don't carry a mobile everywhere.
The only useful, if too sales-oriented, advice I've found online is this article: https://www.premitel.uk/consultancy/expert-advice/what-type-of-phones-for-fibre-broadband/

Has anyone else done this successfully, or found more objective advice on how to manage it? Switching providers is bad enough but changing services and possibly losing the landline number that I've had for nearly 30 years are really unnerving me.

thanks John for invite will use most weeks taken yesterday in Hoo

I've been using Microsoft Edge since the summer but have recently had such constantly failing internet connections at most times of day that I tried Chrome instead and found that it usually worked when Edge wouldn't. Is Edge misbehaving at present, does anyone know?
The problem with Chrome is that it's so user-unfriendly and cumbersome. I can't search for anything (even Gmail login, to get into my webmail) using that without having to go through the process of customising cookies, and it seems incapable of memorising any passwords for websites, so I have to keep resetting those (and then remembering to transfer the new ones to Edge, when that's working).
What am I getting wrong, please?
I'm using a Dell laptop PC.

13 apps containing Joker malware were discovered in the Google Play Store. They have been removed from the store, but you should check to see if you have installed them. Follow the link to Twitter below (you don't have to have an account at Twitter), scroll down to look for each #Joker.

https://bit.ly/3pMovml