BT Line Rental Saver Discount will no longer be available after the 21st July. Your existing deal will continue until your contract expires. Thereafter you will have to pay the full price:
https://bit.ly/3Oi5SnO

I.T. Non-Techie help, information and tips
No advertising please. For the non-techie among us who may need a helping hand at times.
Open Loop 110
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AI (Edited)
You may not be aware that there is an AI loop. If you are interested in AI, I have posted there how you can detect AI text and images. Click below to join the loop.
https://bit.ly/41gM4Wd -
Several months ago I had trouble with my Gmail account on my laptop, it still doesn't work properly and says no new mail but, it works okay on my tablet.
Had new mail come through today on tablet but not on laptop.
Anyone understand what could be the problem ?
I have already cleared the cache. -
Even with the phone speaker switched on and at full volume, my husband is having difficulty hearing what quietly spoken people are saying.
I've got a bluetooth speaker which we use to play music from the phone and I hoped it would work with phone calls but it doesn't.
Is it possible or not to use it in that way and if I can then what am I doing wrong?
Any info would be appreciated. -
Google's Album Archive closes on 19th July 2023
If you have any photos or videos stored in a Google Album Archive, you must download them before 19th July. The Album Archive was created to store photos and videos that were previously saved in defunct services such as Picasa and Google Hangouts.
To download your content, go to the link below, deselect everything, then tick Album Archive.
https://bit.ly/44jJEar -
A portable router is a small device that enables you and others to connect to the Internet wherever you are by WiFi, provided you have a phone signal.
At home, this will enable you to use your laptop or tablet during a power cut.
https://bit.ly/43iVWPe -
Copper cut-off - emergency power supply (Edited)
When your copper cable landline is removed/disconnected, if there is a power cut, you will be unable to use your landline to make phone calls*. This is because your phone will be connected to your router, and your router requires power to work. 2025 is when the process will be completed, not when it will happen. Many people have already had their landline switched to their router. To overcome the problem, you will need a battery backup. Google your provider for information. If you are BT user, they may supply you with a backup supply.
Having a backup power supply will enable you to use a laptop.
*A mobile phone will overcome this problem (if you can get a signal!), so make sure you keep it charged.
https://bit.ly/3PG0cVE -
Android phones - Disable Emergency SOS
A recent update on some Android phones is causing them to call 999. This has resulted in many silent calls. A silent call can tie-up a line for up to 20 minutes. If your phone makes a call, you should stay on the line to explain.
Google is advising users to disable the feature until they fix it. Disable the feature as follows:
1. Go to Settings.
2. Go to Safety & Emergency.
3. Slide Emergency SOS button to off. -
iPhone - Ending calls by mistake with Lock button
A common annoyance with iPhones is ending a call by mistake by touching the Lock button. You can prevent this by doing the following:
1. Open Settings app.
2. Select Accessibility and tap Touch.
3. Switch on the option 'Prevent Lock to End Call'. -
If you are looking to buy a new or your first Android Smartphone, then the Motorola Moto G13 is all you need. It has been tested by a tech magazine, and was given 5*. It is currently available at John Lewis with a 2 year guarantee for 139.99. It has a 50MP camera, 128GB of storage, and a microSD card slot to add more memory.
It is Android 13, and can be updated to Android 14 when available. It will get 3 years of security updates from January 2023.
If video quality is important, then you need to spend more. -
In August, Google Drive will stop working on all 32bit Windows 10 computers. If you have Windows 8 or 8.1, it will also stop working on 64bit PCs.
To find out if you have 32bit or 64bit, do the following:
1. Press Windows key+i to open Settings.
2. Click 'System'.
3. Click 'About' bottom left.
4. Then on the right, look next to 'System type'.
You will still be able to use Google Drive through your browser. -
Stop cooking your laptop in the hot weather
You may have noticed your fan going constantly in this hot weather. The more you have running, the louder it will get and the hotter your laptop and room will get. So don't leave it on if not necessary.
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Google Chrome Browser warning - No need to worry (Edited)
There is no need to worry, as Google Chrome updates automatically:
'Does the browser update automatically?
By default, Google Chrome automatically performs system and security updates. This happens when the browser is closed and an update is available for you. It never takes long, and chances are you’ll never notice when the browser updates in the background unless something huge changes.'
https://www.scooploop.com/thread/google-chrome-browser-51402 -
Internet speed - Is it worth paying for a higher speed?
The average user has no need of high broadband speeds, so, unless you are given the opportunity of a higher speed for no extra charge, then it is a waste of money. You may even be able to change to a lower speed and save money.
If you are the sole user of the Internet, then a high speed is of no benefit to you. Downloading emails, viewing webpages etc., does not require a high speed. Having a high speed will not make a website such as Scooploop work faster, as it will only show it to you after Scooploop's system has completed all the necessary operations to be able to show you what you want to see.
Even viewing iPlayer does not require not much speed. What do you think the requirement is? Netflix is the same. The answer is here: https://bit.ly/45Tl6X9 -
The copper cut-off - Reminders
The copper-off was announced as long ago as 2017, but it still needs publicity. The subject has been covered in this loop; see the link below. A summary of important points is below.
1. If your landline phone is connected by the old copper cables it will be disconnected.
2. If you have a router, you may be able to plug your phone in to a socket on the back. You may need an adapter. If your router does not have a phone socket, you will have to get a new one.
3. If you do not have broadband, you will have to get it so that you can continue to use your phone. You may be able to get a special broadband device for this purpose, but you cannot use it to connect to the Internet.
4. If there is a power cut you will be unable to use your phone. If your circumstances warrant it, you may be able to get a free backup battery which will last an hour.
5. In the event of a power cut, if you are a vulnerable person, you must have a charged mobile phone.
6. If you, or someone you know, have a telecare alarm or sensor, you should check that it will continue to work.
7. If your burglar alarm uses your landline you need to contact the provider.
https://bit.ly/3i92u1d -
You can now only share your password with people in the same house. If you wish to share your password with people outside your house, you will have to pay 4.99.
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Do you have a dormant Google account?
If you have a dormant Google account, which you may use for storage of photos etc., or for some other purpose, then unless you log in and use it in one of the ways below, it will be deleted on or after 1st December 2023:
1. Reading or sending an email.
2. Using Google Drive.
3. Watching a YouTube video.
4. Sharing a photo.
5. Downloading an app.
6. Using Google search.
7. Using 'Sign in with Google' to sign in to a third-party app or service. -
The BBC has started to close down its SD (Standard Definition) channels. To continue to view BBC channels you will need to have an HD (High Definition) box. Visit channel 799 to find out if you need a new box.
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WhatsApp - You can now edit messages - 15 min. deadline
Here is an example of why you might need this feature.
https://bit.ly/3oHLRwL -
Apparently the last successful update was on 17/6/22. All later ones are saying failed. I have just broadened the timing span from 9.00 to 17.00 to 9.00 to 19.00 but that's as far as my abilities go and I don't think it will make any difference. Is there any simple way to correct this, please, or did I inadvertently press a wrong button nearly a year ago. Reason I looked is because I received a message about updates.
This discussion is now closed.
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Please take the time to read the posting guidelines; you are more likely to get help if you follow them: https://www.scooploop.com/thread/posting-guidelines-please-read-before-posting
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I need to pick your brains agsin. My husband has a new laptop. Hus old one has Photoshop and Word etc. How can he transfer the programmes to his new laptop?
I would like to do it myself or get someone trusted to do it while l'm there, not leave them with just any high street shop.
Any advice would be most appreciated.
Thanks. -
Do you have a spam folder you don't know about?
Depending on your email provider, you may have two spam folders. The one you may have in your email program, and one on the email provider's website. Its contents may be automatically deleted after so many days, so it may be responsible for the emails that you said you never got!
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Using a browser's Back and Forward arrows (Edited)
To go back to a previously viewed page, you do not have to continuously click until you get there. All you need to do is right-click the arrow, you will then see a list of all the pages you have visited, you can then click the one you want to take you straight there.
To avoid having to navigate to a previously viewed page to compare an item when shopping for example, instead of clicking a link, if you right-click, you can choose to open the link in a new tab; you can then click to instantly go to the page.
By intentional, or bad design, clicking the back arrow does not always work. -
Scooploop Android app (Edited)
The Scooploop Android app is now available on Google Play:
https://bit.ly/3MvcjBP -
Have you secured your email account?
Dear Subscriber,
Why are email accounts so important?
Your emails contain a lot of information about you, so it’s crucial you make your email password strong. If criminals get into your email account, they could access personal information that could be used to scam you or others. To make it harder for them, always use an email password that you haven’t used elsewhere.
Your email inbox can also act as a ‘gateway’ to your other accounts. Once they can access it, a criminal could use the ‘forgot password’ option to request emails enabling them to get into other accounts, such as your social media.
How to secure your email account
Your email password.
Using a combination of 3 random words creates passwords that are long enough and strong enough. Avoid words that can be guessed, like your pet’s name or birth month. Adding numbers and symbols is a good way to make your password even harder to guess.
Turn on 2-Step Verification (2SV) for your email.
2-Step Verification (2SV) gives you twice the protection so even if cyber criminals have your password, they can't access your email.
2SV works by asking for more information to prove your identity. For example, getting a code sent to your phone when you sign in using a new device or change settings such as your password.
You won't be asked for this every time you check your email.
Hot to turn on 2-Step Verification (2SV)
· Turn on 2SV for Outlook
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/account-billing/how-to-use-two-step-verification-with-your-microsoft-account-c7910146-672f-01e9-50a0-93b4585e7eb4
· Turn on 2SV for Gmail
https://myaccount.google.com/signinoptions/two-step-verification/enroll-welcome?pli=1
· Turn on 2SV for iCloud
https://support.apple.com/en-il/HT204915
If you are using an email service that does not offer 2SV, please consider switching to an email provider that does.
How to check if one of your online accounts may have been compromised
Services such as www.haveibeenpwned.com can tell you if your personal information or any of your account passwords have been made public in a major data breach.
If you have been affected by a data breach, you can find some useful information here from the National Cyber Security Centre on how to how to protect yourself from the impact of data breaches.
For more advice on how to stay secure online, please visit www.cyberaware.gov.uk
(If you have found this information useful, please forward it to friends, family members and colleagues)
Message Sent By
Action Fraud
(Action Fraud, Administrator, National) -
Please keep an eye on your members, especially as some loops are admitting anyone. We currently have someone displaying an obscene image, and there is no one on duty to deal with it.
This discussion is now closed.
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(Carriage)Return/Enter key (Edited)
Every key on the keyboard has a code; this is known as an ASCII code. There are 255 of them. The code for (Carriage)Return/Enter key is 13, and is named Carriage return. The key may be marked enter, return or have the carriage return symbol on it i.e. move down one line and go to the beginning of the next line down. When typing text on Scooploop, its function is carriage return. This is the symbol you may have on your key. However, when you are typing a PM on Scooploop, if you tick the box at the bottom of a PM, you can turn it into an enter key, which will send the PM when pressed.
The function of the key on a computer depends on the program using it. -
Windows 10 upgrade advert (Edited)
When you switch on, you may see a full-screen notification that says that Windows 11 has been unlocked, and that you are eligible to upgrade to Windows 11. If you do not want Win 11, click 'Keep Windows 10' in the bottom left-hand corner.
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Protecting Your Digital Footprint
Dear Resident,
Every time you use visit a website, send or receive a message or email, buy or book anything online, comment on a post, upload a photo or find directions on your phone, you’re adding to your digital footprint.
The internet provides many positive experiences, but we could probably all benefit from thinking more about the trail we leave online.
Your digital footprint is part of your online history and can potentially be seen by other people, or tracked and held in multiple databases, however careful you are with your privacy settings.
This month the Get Safe Online campaign considers what might happen as a result of your digital footprint, and provides tips and advice on what you can do to protect your digital trail. Please visit the following link for further information:
https://www.getsafeonline.org/digitalfootprint/?utm_source=nwemail&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=nwmay23
And attached is a leaflet for use and to share as helpful.
With kind regards,
the Get Safe Online team -
Geoffrey Hinton sold his company DNN Research to Google, and led research there into artificial Intelligence. He has been called The Godfather of AI. He recently resigned due to concerns about the damage that AI could cause through misuse.
He believed that AI would become smarter than people in 30 to 50 years, but warns that this could happen much sooner. He left Google to give him the freedom to talk about the perils of AI. -
It's okay here on my laptop and on my mobile phone but cannot get it on my tablet
Anyone got any ideas ? -
Logging in (originally posted in SL community)
Since SL has come back online this afternoon, I can't log in Edge/Windows10. I can get in using Firefox but that is not my preferred browser. I've shut the browser and re-booted the pc but to no avail.
I just see the message on screen that you are working on the website. -
Suddenly my phone is not recognising numbers on the contacts list.
I have tried the usuals, turning off and on, unplugging from browser etc but still the same.
Every contact I press says ' the number you have dialled has not been recognised'
Any ideas ? -
Taking a screenshot of a webpage
There are many ways to take a screenshot. Here is a simple way to take one of part or the whole of a webpage:
1. Use Firefox.
2. Right-click the page, then click 'Take Screenshot'.
3. You can now select the area to copy, 'save'(copy) the visible area, or, impressively, copy the whole page.
4. Click the 'Download' button.
5. The image will be saved to your 'Downloads' folder. -
Only got part of screen on laptop again
Happened once before and John or someone told me how to fix it but I can't remember what it was.
Can someone help please. -
I can watch videos in news reports on my tablet/phone but not always in Edge using Windows 10. One newspaper is the Express. Any idea what I can do to get them to play?
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Check to see if your email address has been sold (Edited)
Police forces in 17 countries have been involved in the taking down of the Genisis Market website. The site had about 80 million passwords for sale for as little as 56p a batch. Another information available enabled scammers to log in to Facebook, Amazon, PayPal and Netflix. Dutch police have launched a website which enables you to check if your data has been sold. Click the link below, then click the blue 'Check your hack' button then type your email address. You will receive an email notification only if your address is in the database.
https://bit.ly/41Bcfqf -
Check the security of your passwords
The Have I been Pwned website enables you to check if your password has been involved in a data breach.
https://bit.ly/41zYGYi -
Check to see if your email is ever involved in a security breach of a website
The Have I been Pwned website has a 'Notify me' service which will inform you if your email address appears in any future website breach. They will also inform you if it was available on the Genesis Market website.
https://bit.ly/3Lofmwe -
New phone coming tomorrow, Idecided it was time I got a bit more upto date techi wise 😂 not an easy task for a Luddite.
With help from Google and Samsung online I have managed to get all contacts saved to the SIM .
My Sim is micro but I can see it can be modified to become nano ready for the new phone,
My question now is .....
How do I transfer photos from old to new - easiest way please. -
Dangers of having Bluetooth turned on when out and about in public places:
There are three different ways that a device that has Bluetooth enabled can be hacked. They are:
1. Bluejacking
2. Bluesmarfing
3. Bluebugging
Bluejacking enables a stranger nearby to send you an unsolicited message.
Bluesnarfing enables data such as passwords, contacts and images to be downloaded by a hacker. This is hard to detect if you even manage to do so.
Bluebugging is the most dangerous, because it can install malware (a malicious program) which enables a hacker to have access to your device whenever and wherever they are. They can listen to your calls, and even reply to your text messages.
To avoid all of the above dangers, simply turn off Bluetooth. If, for some reason, you must have it enabled, then google the settings you must make for your device to make it as safe as possible. -
The dreaded Scooploop ampersand
Understandably, some members are not aware of the problem of using the & character on Scooploop. If you do not leave a space after it, then it, and any following letters will not show. This is a known problem in the programming used. The & is an instruction that says: if there is a letter(s) immediately after me, then ignore me and any following letter(s). Strangely, this does not happen in a post's title.
Until 1878, & was the 27th letter of the alphabet. -
Never post any personal information on a public website: name/address/phone number/email address/personal photo. On Facebook, never post your holiday photos while you are on holiday, or that you are going on holiday.