Time to get to grips with those tricky tech tasks

Frustrated by the lockdown? It could be a good chance to tackle a few tech projects. PHOTO: GETTY...
Frustrated by the lockdown? It could be a good chance to tackle a few tech projects. PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES
So you find yourself at home during lockdown and you're looking for a project. How about tackling a technology task that you might have been putting off?

I can think of a few things that take a bit of time and will make your life easier.

PASSWORDS

Everyone's passwords are a mess. I know I could do a better job with mine.

Take some time to organise yours.

First, make a list of your online accounts and gather your password information.

Try to log into each account and see if you can find the link on your account page to reset the password.

You can also use the Forgot your password link found on most login pages.

If the website or business offers two-factor authentication, turn it on.

Two-factor authentication will send a message to your cellphone every time you try to log in to make sure it's really you.

Work through your accounts and keep good notes of your login and new password information.

If you use a password manager like 1Password or LastPass, make sure they are updated as well.

CORD CUTTING

If you're a cord cutter and receive the local channels through an antenna, how's your reception?

If your antenna is indoors, you probably have some problem channels you'd like to improve.

This is a good time to try to find a better place for your antenna or possibly upgrade to a better one.

If your antenna is indoors, you could look into an outdoor antenna.

Remember, any time you make a significant change in your antenna placement,

you'll need to rescan for channels.

STREAMING TRIALS?

If you've been thinking about adding a streaming service or streaming channel, most of them offer a free trial. Is there a show you've been wanting to binge-watch but haven't had the time or don't subscribe to that channel?

You can get a lot of bingeing during a free week.

I've been meaning to try

Disney+, and it offers a seven-day free trial.

If you have kids at home, I'm guessing Disney+ would be mandatory.

Remember, there are no contracts for these services. Sign up for a month or two and then drop it if you want to.

SET UP A VIDEO CHAT

We need to curtail visits to our older friends and relatives for a while, but that doesn't mean we can't still keep in touch.

If you have a cellphone or laptop with a camera, you can try Apple's Facetime, Zoom or Google Duo or even Facebook Messenger to make a video link. — TNS


 

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