Shelton Senior Center Computer & Photo Club
Upcoming Meeting
Friday, April 29nd, 9:30AM | Onsite and via Zoom at this link (click to join)
Greetings Cyber Friends,
This week our April 29th meeting at the Senior Center is a good moment to review security problems that affect us all. I will start with the list recently published in AARP. We can also look at the steps that Apple, Google and Microsoft follow in the effort to keep everyone safe.
I am sorry to say that Don’s son was exposed to COVID so he has been isolating. That means that the new PCs did not arrive this week. They will be arriving instead next Monday, May 2nd. Good things shall come to those who wait!
Bring your ideas, problems, photos and suggestions and let’s have a good meeting! How about we plan some sort of outing for May? It could be technical, social or both. Have a thought about that too! Some possible places might include: The Connecticut Air and Space Museum in Stratford, The Shoreline Trolley Museum in East Haven, Vintage Radio and Communications Museum in Windsor, and the SONO Switch Tower Museum in Norwalk. I am sure that there must be decent pubs near each of them 😊
John G
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Past Meetings
Many of our meetings include PowerPoint presentations, useful links, and answers to questions.
You can find copies of past meetings at this Google Drive link (click to visit)
FAQ Contents - see also the notes with past meetings!
Click on a topic below to jump to the full entry
Apple Filevault2 Disk Encryption
Backup and Restore Points for Macs using Time Machine
Backup for PCs: See below "Copy your system disk...", and "PC System Restore Points"
Bitlocker Windows Disk Encryption
Copy your PC system disk (C) to a new hard drive
Freeing up space on small main drives
Light-Emitting Diodes, A bit of History
Music plays when my phone is in the car!
Old Tech --- What to Keep and What to Toss?
Photo collections available online from Smithsonian and UC Berkeley
Recovering deleted files from drives
Recovering the Windows Administrator Password
Reserving Bandwidth - Windows can degrade your Internet experience
Security Breaches - a searchable list
Tripod for travel, collapsible
Viewmaster - where were those pictures taken?
Wi-Fi coverage "drop out areas"
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Apple Filevault2 Disk Encryption
Encrypting on your Apple storage drive is a good idea.
If someone steals your Mac or iPad, you don't want your files to be readable.
Before you start, make absolutely sure that you know your current:
* Boot ID and password
* Apple ID and password
* iCloud ID and password
Instructions are here on the Apple Support Site
Backup and Restore Points for Macs using Time Machine
I may modify my thoughts on this but for now, I think it is best for you to configure the Mac utility
"Time Machine" to perform incremental backups. It's really the easiest solution.
Time Machine gives you access to past files of course, but it also provides a full system backup and restore point manager.
Unlike Windows, you must use Time Machine with an external drive in order to set up as well as return to restore points.
It would be more accurate to say that Apple doesn't really differentiate a lightweight restore point versus a system image backup.
If you are not familiar with Time Machine, see the article at this link.
This will walk you through the process with pictures and steps to explain the setup.
Start by looking at two sections:
How to Back Up Files on macOS Using Time Machine
and
How to Automatically Back Up Your Mac With Time Machine
The next thing to do is to purchase a 1 or 2 terabyte (TB) USB-type external hard drive.
It doesn't need to be the Apple Time Capsule, but you certainly can buy that if you wish.
Once you have Time Machine set up you can use it several ways.
- You will need to plug that drive in at intervals in order to make incremental backups.
Time Machine will nag you to do this. - You can open Time Machine as an app (it will present itself on the top line of your screen)
and look at files that have been saved, and copy them if needed. - You can execute the recovery option to restore your system to an earlier date.
To perform the third option, you will need to read about OSX Recovery. The quick story is as follows.
By the way, don't do the next steps out of curiosity. Wait until there is a need.
OSX Recovery in brief: Press both the "Command" key and the letter "R" at the same time to enter OS X Recovery.
Hold these buttons down until you see the Apple logo.
A recovery menu will display that includes the option to restore your computer from a Time Machine backup.
Choose this option and choose the point in time to which you want your computer to go back.
It is also possible with your Mac built-in software to clone your hard drive, which makes a complete and bootable copy.
Be aware that if your drive is damaged, this might just make a damaged copy.
Also it probably won't work well unless the clone drive is the exact same capacity as your current system drive.
There are links to explain ths process at the end of the article under the subheading "Create a Bootable Copy Of Your Mac Drive"
Here is another article that may be useful.
NOTE that Time Machine does not support the iPhone, nor the iPad. Backups of your files, installed apps and settings are done through iTunes.
You cannot perform an image backup of these devices, nor execute restore points in the manner offered by Time Machine.
ost people let iTunes send backups to the iCloud servers, but you can also direct the backups to a PC or Mac.
Bitlocker Windows Disk Encryption
Encrypting on your Windows storage drive is a good idea, do it as soon as you buy a new PC!
If you are an Apple Mac user, then you can activate FileVault2 to protect your stoarage drive.
If someone steals your PC, laptop or tablet, you don't want your files to be readable.
Before you start, check that your Windows device supports Bitlocker and TPM
* If you are not running Windows 10 Pro on your home PC, you can upgrade by purchasing a new key.
make absolutely sure that you know your current:
* Authorized Windows account information, Onedrive ID and password, and Boot User ID, PIN and password
* Make a recovery drive on a USB flash drive
* Write down your BitLocker recovery key and put it in a safe place!
Instructions are here on the Windows Central Support Site
Cloud Security Breaches
Every company is leaping to the cloud, moving their operations from data centers.
This does not make them, nor you any safer. Lots of problems were ignored.
* Internal systems never exposed to the Internet are now in the cloud.
* Weak internal security practices are now exposed on the Internet.
* Data gets stored and accessed in other countries with different laws.
* Old authentication methods fall prey to online attacks.
* Users like us are being pushed to use badly designed apps and websites.
* Programmers in a rush, or just poorly trained, repeat mistakes known for decades.
* Databases and pages are often left unprotected, and are found by hackers.
Here are some interesting reads.
Amazon S3 buckets expose NetFlix, TD Bank
https://threatpost.com/leaky-amazon-s3-buckets-expose-data-of-netflix-td-bank/146084/
Major Pentagon Leak through Amazon S3 Servers
https://www.alertlogic.com/resources/threat-reports/major-pentagon-data-leak-through-downloadable-amazon-s3-servers/
Reddit Security Authentication Failure
https://www.cpomagazine.com/cyber-security/reddit-hack-exposes-two-factor-authentication-weakness/
Copy your PC system disk (C) to a new hard drive
Purpose: Making a clean new system disk to replace your old one.
Microsoft aggressively enforces the Windows license, so be sure that you know your license key.
Our member John from Trumbull is correct: if you have a registered Windows Live account,
Microsoft will reinstate your Windows 10 license from the cloud after a clean
system install on a new drive. However, we should always have backup copies
of all of our keys in the event that the process fails.
To obtain your windows 10 system key:
If you have a new system, it's stored in the motherboard firmware.
Press Windows key + X
Click Command Prompt (Admin)
At the command prompt, type:
wmic path SoftwareLicensingService get OA3xOriginalProductKey
If you have an older system or for any reason that the above does not work:
Install showkeyplus from the Windows Store. It's at this link:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/p/showkeyplus/9pkvzcprx9nv
To copy an old drive to a new drive
There are several ways to do it. The typical way is an image transfer called a bit-for-bit copy.
This can cause problems if the drives are not identical, and that is no good if
your intention was to upgrade to a larger drive. However if the drives are similar, cloning is fast
and if you wish to try it, there is a free tool called Clonezilla. Both Johns recommended
a file copy first. Macrium Reflect, free and paid versions, are popular on PCs and a preferred method.
Proprietary backups like Acronis can do also this as well as software bundled with
external hard drives.
Freeing up space on small storage drives
The example is a Dell Inspiron which has only a 32GB main drive mostly used up.
A 64GB SDCard has been added externally.
1. Run Disk Cleanup on the C: drive
Press the Windows Key and type disk cleanup in the box [enter]
Follow directions to remove unneeded files.
2. Run Storage Sense on the C: drive
Press the Windows Key and type storage sense in the box [enter]
Turn on automatic cleanup.
Review categories of storage. Click on a category to learn more.
3. Copy out (back up) and remove files that you don't need to be on the C: drive.
External drives are cheap now. You can use one to store those files.
4. Keep the small flash drive inserted, and put working files (documents, photos, etc.) on it.
This drive will stay with your computer as a secondary storage, instead of saving to the C: drive.
256 GB flash drives now cost less than $50. Get a speed rating of at least 10X on that drive.
5. Turn on default file system compression for the C: drive.
This will take time to set itself up.
Leave your system turned on and plugged in for a couple of hours to let it work.
Instructions are here:
https://www.windowscentral.com/how-use-ntfs-compression-windows-10
Compression may slightly slow down the saving of files, less so the opening of them.
The space savings can be very good and worth the trade. I recommend doing this!!
Google Earth
Google Earth gives you a global integration of maps, street photos and satellite views.
This is the best interface for exploring the globe.
Point your browser to https://www.google.com/earth/
Once it is loaded the controls are mostly explanatory.
Tutorials can be found if you wish, such as:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=klK27l3unng
Did you know you can literally fly inside Google Earth? Try it out at a VR Arcade!
Light-Emitting Diodes, a bit of History
LEDs have taken over not just for simple indicators, but also for major lighting.
They are efficient, versatile and can be made very small. They have been changing
the world since the 1960s. But would you believe that they were discovered in the 1800s?
There is a bit of a story at these links.
Wikipedia article
Music plays when my phone is in the car!
When a phone pairs with a car music system, the car sends a ready signal.
This triggers the default, or last-used music player on the phone.
Most people experience this with bluetooth but it can happen with a cable too.
There is a solution for iPhone users at this link>
https://www.imore.com/how-stop-music-app-auto-playing-your-car#page1
The 3-part article is riddled with ads. If you can't find the next page button use these:
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3
I also recommend that for traveling, you carry a cord with no data, power only.
This will save you from being hacked if you plug your phone into an unknown system.
Advice is here: Use data-only cables
Old Tech --- What to Keep, What to Toss?
My 2021 New Year's Resolution is to recycle the items I really no longer need.
At this link is a presentation I prepared for the computer club!
http://cyberimbiber.com/library/sscc_recycle_old_tech.pdf
PC System Restore Points
Windows has this feature which is not exactly a backup. It allows you to save the settings of your PC at a particular time and date.
This "snapshot" lets you take your PC back to an earlier time, if you have installed, changed or altered things that are causing failures.
Your personal files, e.g. photos, documents, spreadsheets and so on will not be altered or removed.
You can find the restore point control panel by typing "restore" in your task bar query box and then clicking on the link.
Instructions for using system restore are here at this link.
Photo Collections Available Online from Smithsonian and UC Berkeley
The Smithsonian recently announced the public release of 2.8 million images, with more to come.
And now, there is an announcement from UC Berkeley!
These are great opportunities to look back into our history.
Smithsonian: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/smithsonian-releases-28-million-images-public-domain-180974263/
UC Berkeley: https://digital.lib.berkeley.edu/
Plaintain Paper
One of our members showed us printing samples that were made on Plaintain Paper.
In both French and English, plaintain means banana. Here's one of several Youtube
videos that show the process. It's fascinating! This is the basic process.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZ8Zx2cqBJo
Printer Wi-Fi problems, Epson
The error message is:
*A router/access point channel conflict has been detected.
This is mostly likely interference from a neighbor's Wi-Fi.
A Wi-Fi scan should reveal that the neighbor is using the same Wi-Fi channel.
Your Wi-Fi access point should be changed to a channel that is not in conflict.
The official explanation of the message is in this document:
http://support.epson.net/nwcheck/EN/index.htm
This website has a very good explanation of Wi-Fi interference
https://www.netspotapp.com/wifi-channel-scanner.html
Here is a free Wi-Fi analyzer in the Windows store:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/p/wifi-analyzer/9nblggh33n0n
The exact positioning of the printer, PC and Wi-Fi access point also affect results.
Perhaps the printer should be plugged directly into the PC, that's easy.
Recovering deleted files from drives
So long as a file has not been overwritten, it may be recoverable.
Microsoft and Apple file systems can also help recover files after a system crash.
There are many tools on the market, some free, some paid. Examples include
Recuva, found here: https://www.ccleaner.com/recuva
And a larger list which includes the above:
https://www.techradar.com/best/best-free-file-recovery-software
Recovering the Windows Administrator Password
There are several ways to recover. Back up your important files before trying!
No method is guaranteed.
Here is an article with six methods
https://www.top-password.com/knowledge/reset-windows-10-password.html
If nothing works, back up ALL files, make a copy of your Windows Key and rebuild the PC.
Based on the conversation, Methods 1, 2, and 6 probably will not work.
Method 5 might work but requires technical expertise.
Method 3 should work IF you remember your Windows Live account.
Method 4 would work IF you know someone at a corporation that has a DART disk.
NOTE Windows now has a TrustManager that blocks most attempts to tinker with system files.
Security Breaches, a searchable list
For anyone who would like to take a more detailed look at security breaches, look
at Privacy Rights Clearinghouse. Here is an introductory article:
https://www.journalofaccountancy.com/issues/2019/sep/data-breaches-privacy-rights-clearinghouse.html
The service site is doing a refit. However, you can download a list of recent breaches. Look here:
https://privacyrights.org/data-breaches
Spam Phone Calls
IMO, answering the phone itself is not dangerous. The three biggest risks are:
You say something that gives the caller more information about you
You may be recorded, so if say "Hello", "yes", "I agree" etc., voice transactions can be faked
If you call back to a number that's spam, you could be charged high toll fees.
(You won't be charged for answering).
Here is a nicely written article about the risks of phone SPAM.
Bear in mind that it actually a sales piece for "Robokiller" so don't assume that their claims are valid.
https://www.robokiller.com/blog/spam-calls/
Personally, I use NomoRobo, which is free on home phones, and Hiya for my mobile phone.
Tripod for Travel, Collapsible
The one I bought is no longer available. However I did find a seller on eBay, for $30
Limited supplies as of Feb 23, 2020! If you want one, visit this link:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Nifty-Zip-Pod-Z15-Aluminum-Collapsible-48-Inch-Tripod-Black/183352220560
Virtual Apps for Newbies
These are free games with ads. Before you close the headset, make sure to back out of the ads.
Also and important, put your phone in "do not disturb" mode so that your VR will not be interrupted.
Relax River VR - a slow gentle trip down a river, many things to see. Look into the water, up, down behind.
It is a long trip with relaxing music, fishes, turtles, waterfalls, Grecian ruins, and more.
Publisher: Polyraw Development, download from Google Play of iPhone App Store
Real Dinosaur Roller Coaster VR - Please be seated while watching this.
You could fall down. Publisher: DroidGamingTV, download from Google Play of iPhone App Store
Virtual Reality Headsets
I shared an ONN basic headset that can be bought for about $5 if you hunt around.
VR phone headsets are no longer widely avaialble but can be found for cheap on eBay and in thrift stores.
You will see negative reviews because it does not have a screen touch button. I found an easy solution.
I drilled a hole that allows me to tap the screen for those times that it's necessary to confirm an action.
I also cut about 1/8" off the inside foam pad that holds the phone from slipping.
It was pushing hard on the door, and I was worried that my phone would pop out.
I would be happy to drill the hole for anyone who gets one of these.
There are of course much better and more expensive headsets. But this is comfortable and adjustable.
If you only find pink, it doesn't matter, it has no effect on the product itself.
Viewmaster - where were those pictures taken?
The vacation pictures I showed were taken by my father.
The disk is titled, Canada Trip, Pumice Desert, Sunset, Crater Lake, May 1964
VPNs - do I need one?
I have written a longer piece for this topic in the blog area. You can read it here.
We also revisited the topic in a full presentation at a previous meeting.
Wi-Fi coverage "drop out" areas
If you have spots in your home where Wi-Fi coverage is poor:
1. Try moving the position of the Wireless Access Point (typically, it's in your router)
If you can't really move it elsewhere or that does not help, try:
2. Install a Wireless Range Extender (best performance and stability)
Run an Ethernet cable from the router to the area with poor or missing signal
Plug the cable into the router and into a new access point set up as an extender.
The new access point must have its own identity. You will get full speed and performance.
3. Install a Wireless Repeater (easy, but poor results)
Find the halfway spot between your Wireless Access point and the dead zone.
Install the repeater at this location, following instructions.
The repeater must have its own identity. Speeds will be slower and latency will be higher.
Here is an article that explains extenders versus repeaters:
https://www.techwalla.com/articles/how-to-setup-a-wi-fi-repeater