Have You Had This Happen To You Recently? | | |
So, you’re surfing the web, minding your own business, and suddenly a scary warning (like those to the left) takes over your entire screen. WTF? You start asking questions like:
• “How did this happen?”
• “Is this legitimate?”
• “Do I have a virus?”
• “How do I get rid of this?”
• “Should I call the number on the screen?”
• Etc.
The worst part – there doesn’t seem to be any way to force this thing to go away, all while it’s blurting its hideous warning.
So – do you want to know how your stumbled upon this farce? How to avoid it happening again? And most importantly, if it DOES happen to you, what should you do to get out of it? Find out those answers and more here!
| | Skype: Time to Say Goodbye | | |
It’s not “new” news, but by now you might’ve heard of Skype closing shop next month. Skype, a video telecommunications application originally created by a bunch Euros (Scandinavians and Estonians) over twenty years ago, has gone through a bunch of owners, including eBay, before settling into a division of Microsoft in 2011. For several years, it was the dominant video conferencing software worldwide.
In the tech world, new names always come into the mix, replacing the leaders in their space: Apple’s FaceTime was a hit within the Apple ecosystem, and Zoom was in the right place at the right time when COVID-19 hit in 2020 and it became the default application for videotelephony. Of course, there are additional options, including WhatsApp, Google Meet, and WebEx, among others.
But enough with the history lesson! Fact of the matter is that Microsoft will close Skype on Cinco de Mayo 🌮 - Wednesday May 5, 2025, which will affect users, both on the free and paid tiers. (But not Skype for business, it seems.) It advises users to migrate over to Microsoft Teams (the free version), using their existing credentials. Of course, you might consider ditching Microsoft altogether, and hooking your wagon to Zoom, the most popular video conference platform today.
| | April's Quick Tip: Say It, Don't Type It! | | |
Are you a one-finger typist? Or perhaps you can find your voice better speaking it than trying to key it into a word processing document or email message?
Back in the old days (10+ years ago), if you wanted your computer to type what you spoke, you had to buy clunky, third-party software (Dragon comes to mind) that allowed you say what’s on your mind into a document without that pesky task of hitting the keys with your fingers. Times change, and just like Garmin GPSs, some tech items find themselves obsolete.
If you own a Mac, you have the option to dictate into a document via a built-in function on your computer. (This is really nothing all that new, but most users are still blissfully unaware that this exists.) By default, it’s the F5 key*, which is on the top row of your keyboard. (The icon on the key is a microphone.) Simply open a document (or email), tap on the F5 key and then start talking into the computer. The internal microphone will pick it up. Tap it again when you wish to stop dictating.
Important note: Proofread! You no doubt will have to clean up your text, adding commas, etc., into the appropriate spots.
Important note #2: The computer's microphone can pick up sounds from TVs, radios, and websites. Keep these things muted. Same answer for anybody else lurking about!
*These keys are programmable – meaning you can override the default functionality of all of the Function Keys in System Settings.
| The top row of keys are called the "Function Keys." Each key has its own name; F1, F2, etc. They all have a specific, well, function. All of them provide a helpful function. Learn how they work, it'll make your work life easier! | | |
Happenings in the Apple and tech world that will no doubt impact you!
Apple's annual WWDC (Worldwide Developer Conference) is set for Monday June 9, 2025. Look for updates to current Apple products (OS and iOS, plus updates for the new versions of its hardware. (I applied to attend the in-person event in Cupertino, but was politely declined...)
⚾️ Caught looking: Cord-cutting New York baseball fans have found out that last season's streaming apps have changed on the Apple TV (and other streaming media players). For Mets fans, SNY has now been folded into MLB app, while YES, the former streaming home of The Yankees is now being served by The Gotham Sports app. All behind a paywall, of course.
🐁 Don't like the current Apple Magic Mouse? Looks like there's a massive redesign in the works. A long-awaited fix is reportedly in the works, according to MacRumors. I'm certain it will have a USB-C connector, so there's a new wire in your life!
🤘🏻 If you own a Vision Pro (and I don't know anybody who does!), you can watch Metallica in its latest immusive video. I have no plans on buying a Vision Pro, but I DO plan on going to a Metallica concert later this month to see the real deal in person. Read about it here.
| | For anybody who wants to know the most common Excel formulas. | | Nine (hopefully) interesting, fun and/or useful links for April 2025! | | Revisiting Yesterday: Links to My Past Six Newsletters! | | This month's background picture: Bamboo, Next to Whole Foods, Westport CT March 20, 2025 | | | | |
Like what you're seeing here? (Or not?) Learning something new, or simply being entertained? Want to see more (or less) things here? Then send me your thoughts - the good, bad, and the ugly.
Also - I'm looking to expand my newsletter to new users - so, if you have any friends, family members, business associates, or anybody who might benefit from this gem delivered in your inbox on the first of every month, let me know.
| | |
Chris Capelle
Macintosh Computer &
Apple Products Expert
P.O. Box 7512
Wilton, CT 06897
203.451.1377 (cell/text)
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