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Data Doctors: Bypass your printer when filling out forms 09/08/2023 05:20pm • Q: We live full-time in our RV and need to print forms so we can fill them out and scan them to send back. We won’t use it much, so what do you recommend? A: One of the challenges of living full-time in an RV is space, so you’ll want to choose one of the many portable options that are much sm Data Doctors: Are phones really listening to our conversations? 09/01/2023 05:41pm • Q: If my phone isn't listening to my conversations, how are ads appearing around things I was just talking about? A: I've written about the impracticality of bulk storage and secrecy requirements of recording everything you say and why Big Tech doesn't need to use such an archaic method to target Data Doctors: Hard drive maintenance tips everyone should know 08/25/2023 08:17pm • Q: What should I be doing to monitor my hard drive? A: Of all the components that make up your computer, the hard drive should be considered the most important to maintain and monitor because it stores your valuable data. Recognizing signs that it may be faltering can help you avoid a catastro Data Doctors: Why your smartphone seems to lose juice so quickly 08/18/2023 08:38pm • Q: Why do I have occasional days where my iPhone battery is suddenly low on power by midday when I’m not doing anything unusual? A: The single biggest issue for every smartphone user is battery life, and no matter what type of device you have, it’s going to diminish over time. How Old Is It? Data Doctors: 4 critical laptop security tips 08/11/2023 05:53pm • Q: What security steps are specific to laptops over desktop computers? A: Whether you’re a first-year college student or a veteran road warrior, getting a new laptop secured and protected as soon as possible is important. There are very significant threats you should protect against, and kno Data Doctors: How to schedule text messages 08/03/2023 08:23pm • Q: Is there an easy way to schedule text messages on my smartphone? A: Text messaging has become one of the most efficient communication tools, and sending them at the most opportune time can dramatically improve their effectiveness, especially if you’re in different time zones. Beyond the p Data Doctors: The simplicity of the new Outlook for Windows app 07/28/2023 05:47pm • Q: Why is Microsoft trying to get me to switch to the new Outlook in my Mail program? A: In its usual confusing way, Microsoft is signaling an upcoming major change for those currently using Mail and Calendar apps in Windows 10 and 11. The suggestion to 'Try the new Outlook' in the upper right Data Doctors: Understanding the new initiative meant to make our devices more secure 07/21/2023 05:45pm • Q: What will the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark mean for nontechnical people? A: Our appetite for smart gadgets in our homes has opened an attack vector for a variety of bad actors. Smart devices, such as TVs, thermostats, baby monitors, health monitors and security cameras can be vulnerable because they Data Doctors: Tips for cleaning a sticky keyboard 07/15/2023 05:37pm • Q: The keys on my keyboard are getting harder to press. Can silicone spray be safely used to loosen them? A: The longer you’ve had your keyboard, the more likely you’ll experience issues with sticky keys. The most common cause of sticky keys is the buildup of dust, dirt and debris over tim Data Doctors: Big benefits to using 'dark mode' 07/07/2023 04:08pm • Q: Are there any reasons not to use dark mode on my smartphone all the time? A: The default display theme for smartphones and computers is generally a white background with black text, but it hasn’t always been that way. In early computer days, all displays had a black background with either Data Doctors: Apple's My Photo Stream is shutting down — here's what to do 06/29/2023 06:43pm • Q: I got a notice from Apple saying My Photo Stream is shutting down, but I don’t know what I’m supposed to do about it. A: Storing and managing photos is one of the most important tasks anyone with a smartphone needs to understand. Apple's feature My Photo Stream stopped automatically upl Data Doctors: 4 free alternatives to Microsoft Office 06/23/2023 01:57pm • Q: I just purchased a new computer that did not include Microsoft Office. Are there any free alternatives or am I stuck paying $100 a year from now on? A: A common misconception for new computer buyers is that Microsoft Office is part of W Need help finding important emails in your inbox? Data Doctors has some tips 06/17/2023 01:56am • Q: Why can’t I get an important email message containing a link that I need but other messages from the same company come through just fine? A: Few things in the tech world are as frustrating as waiting for an important email message that never comes. One of the common scenarios is when youâ Data Doctors: Tips for trying ChatGPT 06/09/2023 06:58pm • Q: I keep hearing about how incredible ChatGPT is, but what can it do for nontechnical people? A: The world of artificial intelligence is exploding and one of the first generally accessible AI tools, ChatGPT, is open for public use. Getting Started You’ll start by signing up for a free accou Data Doctors: Can home 5G replace cable internet? 06/03/2023 06:14am • Q: Are the home 5G options fast enough for me to get rid of my expensive cable internet service? A: In the past, most households were limited to one or two wired internet service options (DSL or Cable) based on where you lived. As 5G coverage continues to grow, switching to a fixed wireless se