NEWS & VIEWS - Brisbane Seniors Online
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N EWS & VIEWS
Brisbane Seniors Online Newsletter
FEBRUARY
2021
In this Issue
Brisbane Seniors Online Hub Coordinators
Level 1, Gabba Tower There are nine hubs within
411 Vulture Street
Editorial Woolloongabb
the Brisbane area. Unless
the matter is urgent,
07 3393 2225 please contact your hub
From the President bsolhq@bsol.asn.a coordinator via email
Management Committee Report PO Box 600
Woolloongabba QLD 4102
Central
Kevin: 0466 369 995
www.bsol.asn.a
Digital Photography Group /BrisbaneSeniorsOnline
centralhub@bsol.asn.au
North Central
Publicity President
Jane 0419 779 233
northctrlhub@bsol.asn.au
Ron Hors
Mentor Support Group president@bsol.asn.au North
Carol: 0421 192 770
Linux Group Secretary
Ethna Brow
northhub@bsol.asn.au
sec@bsol.asn.au South
Windows Tips Treasurer
Linda: 0418 459 227
southhub@bsol.asn.au
Windows 10 Professional Upgrade Jonathan Smit
tres@bsol.asn.au East
QR Code Scanning Publicity
Dick Bennet
Ben: 0419 571 517
easthub@bsol.asn.au
Member Engagement publicity@bsol.asn.au West
Rod: 3376 5956
Hub Liaison
BSOL Forum Kevin Brow
hubliaison@bsol.asn.au
westhub@bsol.asn.au
Inner North
Be Connected Resources O ce Manager Gary: 0409 277 620
Les Web northinhub@bsol.asn.au
Brainteaser bsolhq@bsol.asn.au Inner West
Mark: 0401 433 724
Techno Tidbits++ westinnerhub@bsol.asn.au
Redlands
Group Lorell: 0490 017 232
redlandshub@bsol.asn.au
COVER Dick Bennett: Bali
Brisbane Seniors On Line (BSOL) is a voluntary, not–for–pro t organisation established to help the over-50s navigate the maze of computers and the internet. Our mission is to provide seniors of the greater Brisbane
area with computer literacy while promoting social and recreational activities. BSOL does not endorse the views expressed in this newsletter. No person should act on the basis of views contained in this newsletter
without rst obtaining speci c professional advice. BSOL does not guarantee, and accepts no legal liability whatsoever arising from or connected to, the accuracy, reliability, currency or completeness of any material or
views contained in this newsletter. The BSOL newsletter may carry paid advertising. This does not constitute an automatic endorsement by BSOL of the products being advertised.
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Editorial
Over twenty pages this month with stacks of Tidbits and
Group links to follow; should keep all our members occupied
until the March edition of News & Views arrives.
There are also several tips articles about Windows 10
upgrading and QR Code scanning; also Brian’s usual
Brainteaser, though I must say this month’s is dead easy.
Interested in Smart Homes, then checkout Steve’s Be
Connected Resources article.
Care to submit an article for publishing? Then email it to the
Editor (address below). Please do not send Microsoft Word
attachments. Note: submissions may be edited, or not
published, due to space restrictions or policy.
Here are this month’s coronavirus articles:
Current COVID-19 scams
The Lab-Leak Hypothesis
COVID-19 Misinformation
Smartwatches can help detect COVID-19 days before
symptoms appear
Come With Me If You Want to Live!
SIMON
editor@bsol.asn.au
xkcd.com
From the President BSOL is slowly and cautiously returning to COVID-safe operations. Our Woolloongabba Office is now open Tuesday to Friday. Anyone ringing the Office will now speak with the friendly Kerrie, Les, Marie, or Helen, rather than an answering machine. Our meeting room currently has capacity for 10, however you will need to wear a mask in the elevators, entrance hall, and tea room. The popular East Hub clinic at Carindale Library is having its first event since Covid on Monday 8th February and a Hub Coordinators meeting is planned for Thursday 11th February. Friday 29th I had the pleasure of a morning tea get together for Southside Mentors in West End, organised by Hub Coordinator Linda Daniels. 2021 marks 20 years since BSOL began. We will feature stories about the history of BSOL in coming newsletters, but for now, some facts: - Over the 20 years, we have had a total of 9518* members; broken down into 7831 Learners, 1333 Mentors, 48 administration staff, and 66 Associate members; noting that the Associate members are likely to be former Mentors. - We currently have 613 active members. Four are from our inaugural year (#3, 16, 67, 103); two mentors and two associate members. What an effort! Mavis Brady
Long-time Inner North Hub Coordinator Brad McIntosh has
moved on. Brad joined BSOL in late 2017 and in his three years
has mentored 15 Learners, as well as being an active and
attentive hub coordinator. For now, Gary Alcorn is taking care of
the hub.
Last month I wrote that Redlands Hub Coordinator Paul Boult
has relinquished that role. I am very pleased to be able to
welcome Lorell Nelson into our organisation to now manage the
Hub.
* Unfortunately BSOL’s member information system (mis) only
has records of 9278 members.
RON HORST
president@bsol.asn.au
Helen Gibbs: In My Garden
Management Committee Report The Management Committee met in the BSOL Office Tuesday 19th January with five members present. The Treasurer reported overall expenditure is well below budget even though spending on advertising is above that which was forecast, however it doesn’t take into account donations/grants received. The organisation’s cash position has improved significantly from the beginning of the financial year. Two new members this month - one Learner, one Mentor - but overall a decrease in membership with 24 members not renewing. Publicity Officer Dick reports he contacted FM100.3 regarding advertising and is expecting to hear some exciting news regarding a grant from the Gambling Community Benefit Fund. You can read more about these items in the Publicity Report. The President reported bulk bailouts from MIS were unreliable. Also someone to take on the responsibility of managing BSOL’s Facebook page is being sort; read more about this in the President’s Member Engagement article below. BSOL is still impacted by the current coronavirus pandemic with mask wearing mandatory in the confined BSOL Office and limited (10) persons allowed in the meeting room. Hub Liaison educated three new mentors this past month and inducted the new Redlands Hub Coordinator Lorell. Inner North Hub Coordinator Brad has resigned from BSOL, with Gary temporarily stepping into to cover his vacancy. Gary’s contact details can be found in the Hub Coordinators section at the beginning of the newsletter. The AGM Minutes are available on the website. Thank you to Simon whom is now administering the website. LES WEBB bsolhq@bsol.asn.au
Digital Photography Group The first meeting of the year for BSOL’s Digital Photography Group will be held Tuesday 9th February, in our new venue of the Brisbane Square Library (in the Theatrette) at the top of Queen Street. Kicking off at 10am and running for two hours. Covid safe rules will apply, with the necessity to register, and there is plenty of space to allow for social distancing. The room seats a maximum of 25 attendees. New members are most welcome. Current members are submitting up to 5 photos, including a shot of the month, which will give you an idea of their interests and capabilities. We all feel free to honestly critique each other's work as we know it will assist in improving our techniques in the long term. The other business is to finalise our program for the year. Newcomers are encouraged to contribute. We welcome fresh ideas. Our meetings are a mix of learning new and improving old techniques from fellow members and enjoying excursions around our very photographic city. Helen Gibbs Marcelle, the library staff member who is responsible for Events and Exhibitions, will be popping by with an exciting proposal for us. What is a meeting without a cuppa and a chat? There is a reasonably priced cafe adjacent to the library entrance where we can take a break during the session. Early birds may also like to meet there beforehand. No food or drinks are allowed in the meeting room itself. Looking forward to meeting up with old and new faces February 9th. ALISON MUIRHEAD digital@bsol.asn.au
Publicity With the office closure and New Year, I have not undertaken much publicity since most potential new members may have been pre-occupied with family matters and travel. I have been in contact with Bay FM 100.3 radio which has their transmitter at Mt Cotton and transmits to the Redlands area and adjoining. I have developed a 10 second free community service announcement in consultation with the advertising manager and this has been programmed to go to air. Whilst new learners are welcome, the focus will be on recruiting more mentors for the Redlands hub which is in their broadcast range. Thank you to the Gambling Community Benefit Fund. We have been successful in round 106, which closed 31st August 2020. An amount of $1605 was approved on the 29th January 2021 for the purchase office equipment to print membership cards. In respect to the Redlands area, I have contacted the Redland City Council and three of the Redlands libraries and provided promotional material on BSOL for display and distribution. I have also requested that the ten Divisional Councillors promote Brisbane Seniors Online in their newsletters, on Facebook, and by word of mouth. I have also offered my services to speak to any seniors’ community groups in their area. This is also a reminder across all of Brisbane that I am available to talk to community groups about BSOL and how we can assist. These presentations are free. I have also canvassed the Moreton Bay Regional Council and libraries to promote Brisbane Seniors Online through newsletters, Facebook, and word of mouth. Promotional packages have been delivered to the Mayor, Customer Service Centres, 12 Divisional Councillors, and five libraries located within the Brisbane Seniors Online coverage area. Once again, I appeal to existing members across all hubs to promote Brisbane Seniors Online amongst friends, family, and neighbours. This is one of the most effective recruitment strategies and saves money on expensive advertising. So, if you know anyone who you feel would be able to provide tutoring for seniors and over 50s in the Greater Brisbane area, please encourage them to consider joining BSOL as a volunteer mentor. Whilst
new learners are also welcome, in some areas of the BSOL coverage area, there is a need for some more mentors to assist in providing this valuable service including mentors who feel confident to teach Apple devices. The 2016 Census indicated that there were 692,155 over 50s in the Greater Brisbane area. I am sure many of these would be in need of BSOL assistance and many would be suitable as volunteer mentors. I have also done a follow up for 2021 to all Brisbane City Council Councillors and State Members of Parliament for their support in promoting Brisbane Seniors Online. Brochures and a poster have been previously provided to all their offices, and has been sent to 25 Councillors, 26 State MPs, and 10 Federal MPs within the Brisbane Seniors Online coverage area. This has generated some support from several recipients including requests for more brochures. I encourage all existing members to request (or pick up) brochures and posters from BSOL HQ for distribution and display wherever an opportunity exists to promote BSOL. Please be selective of where posters are attached as some shopping centres and noticeboards are cleared weekly. DICK BENNETT publicity@bsol.asn.au
Mentor Support Group
A total of 14 members joined the Zoom call this month. Brian opened the meeting by welcoming everyone
and noting that it was hoped to hold next month’s meeting in the BSOL office, depending on restrictions. Dick
is going to check with the BSOL Management Committee and let us know.
Peter noted that a scam email had been promoted to some members using his BSOL email address and much
discussion ensued about the merits of different email platforms in filtering spam, quickly moving on to how
intrusive various social media platforms are in retaining personal information including lists of contacts. For
example, the recent acquisition of WhatsApp by Facebook has prompted many users to move away from the
platform, as their Terms & Conditions now allow Facebook to share information that you are keeping in
WhatsApp, including contacts.
Interestingly, the Australian Crime Commission induction recommends not using Facebook at all! But for
those of us who do, Brian recommended downloading and reviewing the information that Facebook holds on
your profile.
Several members have an ad blocker installed and this was recommended too. Dick uses Facebook Purity,
another option to improve privacy and block ads.
Ashok advised that we should generally consider our online profiles when estate planning. They’re easy to
build and so much harder to erase: just Google yourself to see!
Other questions in the discussion included:
• How to rotate photos and pdf documents, and make sure the settings are retained. It seems that some
programs ignore the EXIF data (which includes rotation)
• Using Google Analytics to see what information is available on website visits, page clicks and so on
• How to switch emails when changing internet service providers, and whether using an ISP-agnostic email
platform like Gmail is an option. This led to a further discussion about Gmail and its various features. It isparticularly effective at filtering out spam messages. Even if one is running multiple email accounts, ie
multiple email addresses, Gmail can collect them all and deliver them to your Inbox.
• One of the members asked about automatically moving incoming messages from a nominated sender
into a different folder. This can be done very easily by setting up a rule within Gmail. It’s a matter of
logging into one’s Gmail account via the web browser then going to Settings/Filters and Blocked
addresses.
ELAINE SILVER
msc@bsol.asn.au
Alison Muirhead: Sky over Mackerel StreetLinux Group There was no January Linux Group meeting thus nothing to report in this edition of News & Views. The next meeting will be a Zoom on Friday 5th February. Those interested in joining in contact me via email below. GARY ALCORN lig@bsol.asn.au Windows Tips * Windows users of the HP Solution Center application used to scan from their multifunction HP printer/ scanner may have found that the application no longer works. When it is launched only a large F with a question mark is displayed on screen. This is due to the recent end of life of the Adobe Flash. To restore scanning on the HP device, download the free HP Scan and Capture application. This will restore scanning functionality, however it lacks the Solution Center’s OCR function, but it works well on Windows 10. Another alternative is to use the native Windows 10 Scan application; included in recent builds of Windows 10. * If you connect your Windows 10 to the Internet via a wifi connection and have installed the May Windows 10 Feature Update, version 2004, be aware that you may encounter internet connectivity issues. However, instead of implementing the fix documented in the aforementioned linked article, it is recommended that you implement the Feature update, version 20H2, released October 2020. This release claims to correct the problem. Refer to this WindowsLatest.com article for more information. GARY ALCORN lig@bsol.asn.au
Windows 10 Professional Upgrade BSOL recommends all computer users running Windows 7 and 8 operating systems upgrade to Windows 10. These older versions of Windows are no longer supported by Microsoft and are no longer receiving security patches. Hence as time passes older versions are deemed less secure. The US software site Electronic First are presently offering a Windows 10 Pro upgrade for the bargain price of AU$9.99. Ensure you read all the notes associated with the product. Once you have placed your order you will be emailed a product key and a link with download instructions. You will need up to 6GB of internet data and three to four hours spare time to do the upgrade. A number of BSOL Hub Coordinators have purchased software from Electronic First and vouch for its legitimacy. KEVIN BROWN hubliaison@bsol.asn.au
QR Code Scanning
Android 9 & 10 smartphones, and iPhone 5S
(2013) and newer, have QR scanning integrated
into their operating systems. You point the
phone’s camera at the QR Code, the code is
scanned, and you will either be presented with a
notification to select, or switched to the phone’s
browser to open the decoded website.
If your phone is older than the aforementioned
models, you can download a free QR Code
scanner app from your phone’s App Store. I
recommend the Kaspersky app.
Once installed simply open the app, allow it to use
your camera, then point your phone camera at the
QR Code. Line up the square box to include the
QR Code inside the outlines and wait until
focused. Once it registers it will take you to the
linked site.
There are other QR scanners that work the same
way. I-nigma is a popular one. Another
particularly good one is from Avira.
QUENTIN BROWN, SOUTH HUB MENTOR
Margareta Dewilde: Curtis FallsMember Engagement One of my preoccupations as President is: how do we keep existing membership engaged? We have several initiatives which have been popular over the years. * Special interest groups – all members are welcome to join these groups, which typically run each month. See our events calendar for times, places, and contacts. - Digital Photography Group: hints on taking digital photos and with often organised field trips. Photos taken by members of this group are featured in our Newsletter. In years gone by, the Digital Photography Group has won prizes in the Australian wide competition run by ASCCA (Australian Seniors Computer Clubs Association) - Apple Group: all things Apple, by the ever knowledgeable Simon. - Mentor Support Group: focussed on helping Mentors find answers to those tricky questions their Learners may have posed. This group continued to run via Zoom through Covid, which resulted in increased overall attendance and I’m sure Julie appreciated more than one woman coming along. MSG will attempt to continue with a mix of Zoom and face-to-face. - Linux Group: for those interested in this alternative platform * The BSOL Facebook page fell away due to Covid and changing personnel. I am attempting to give it new life, now with the help of member Kim. Facebook will be our source for timely information, articles of interest to our members, and links to other Seniors’ groups. Some of this information may also appear in our Newsletter, but you can’t beat Facebook for being timely. For example, on the first day back to school the Australian Federal Police issued advice to be cautious with what you put online about your children (probably grandchildren in our case); this was repeated on our Facebook page the same day. I urge those of you on Facebook to follow “BSOL - Brisbane Seniors OnLine”.
* News & Views, BSOL’s Newsletter. Editor Simon puts a lot of effort into our newsletter; as do our various contributors. Contributions are always welcome. Our January newsletter email was read by nearly 70% of over 600 subscribed members - not all BSOL members choose to receive the newsletter - and nearly half of those downloaded January’s News & Views. This represents a small but steady increase in readership since we’ve been able to use Mailchimp to measure it. * A lesser known resource is the BSOL Forum. This is a member only area of BSOL’s website where you can post your question and engage with fellow members for some answers. It is primarily aimed at Mentors as an adjunct to the Mentor Support Group. Learners should try their Mentor first, but perhaps the Mentor is away or busy, so there is no problem with trying the Forum. * The BSOL website. Our website is the go-to place for administrative things, membership application and renewal forms, the Events Calendar, and past issues of newsletters, amongst other things. It isn't a source of technical tips and advice; as these can date far too quickly. Website Administrator Simon is doing a great job revamping the website - an ongoing project - after former President Colin did a great job resurrecting the site from a total crash in early 2020. Suggestions, advice, and contributions are always welcome. RON HORST president@bsol.asn.au
BSOL Forum Did you know that BSOL has a forum which is available to all members? Nothing complicated, it’s simply a website where groups of people, in this case all interested BSOL members, are able to hold online discussions, ask and answer questions, and generally share ideas. If you have a computer-related question, technical or non-technical, which you’d like to ask of your fellow BSOL members then this is the place to ask – and to receive answers. To participate in the BSOL Forum you’ll first have to register. Once your application has been approved, which is generally within 24 hours, you’ll be free to participate. Enjoy your visits. BRIAN KORNER msc@bsol.asn.au Marilyn Hooper: Christmas in our Neighbourhood
Be Connected Resources Be Connected have produced new courses on smart homes and cloud technology - topics many people have been asking for. You are able to watch the brief videos and progress through the tutorial material without signing on to the Be Connected learning portal, but for those who wish to keep track of their progress we recommend that you sign into the Be Connected web site. Select the “Join/Sign in” button top right, select “Join Now” at the bottom of the next page and follow the prompts. Start typing Bris… into the “Name of support centre” field and select Brisbane Seniors Online from the drop down box. Many may find these courses rather basic, but they may answer questions for those who are unfamiliar with the topics. The first course shows you how to set up smart home technology, set reminders, make appointments, get the latest news and weather updates, play music, search for recipes – and so much more – simply through the sound of your voice. With so many uses, smart home technology can help you do more around the home and help you organise your life. There is an introduction to “the cloud”, a very effective way to store your photos and important documents, which can then be accessed from a range of devices. Go straight to the Be Connected new topics here. STEVE DIXON steve.bsol@icloud.com
Brainteaser Here’s one that’s out of left field. One snowy night, Sherlock Holmes was in his house sitting by a fire. All of a sudden a snowball came crashing through his window, breaking it. Holmes got up and looked out the window just in time to see three neighbourhood kids who were brothers run around a corner. Their names were John Crimson, Mark Crimson, and Paul Crimson. The next day Holmes got a note on his door that read "? Crimson. He broke your window." Which of the three Crimson brothers should Sherlock Holmes question about the incident? How many of our members had a go at last month’s Brainteaser? I received only two correct entries plus a reply from another member who’d found it frustrating and gave up. I’d like to think we had more than three members who tried, successfully or otherwise, to solve it. You were asked to sort a list of words into five groups. Here they are: a) lien (alien), steroid (asteroid), venue (avenue) e) astern (eastern), bony (ebony), land (eland) i) con (icon), deal (ideal), slander (islander) o) pinion (opinion), range (orange), vary (ovary) u) nit (unit), pending (upending), tile (utile) In other words, each of the words can have one of the five vowels added in front to form a new word. As usual, email your answers to me at the address below. BRIAN KORNER msc@bsol.asn.au
Techno Tidbits++
Third Point urges Intel to explore deal options RIP old-school Internet: Chrome 88 lays Flash and
Nomophobia: Australians fear being without a phone FTP to rest
2000 Year Old Snack Bar Unearthed in Pompeii Safeguarding passwords in Microsoft Edge
Microsoft’s new Outlook app for Windows and Mac Apple’s iCloud Passwords extension for Chrome on
Windows is now available
Brexit breaks the web
Adobe Flash Shutdown Halts Chinese Railroad
Norway: first country where EVs outsell ICE cars
Rest of World: Reporting Global Tech Stories
Car Touch Screens More Dangerous than Drugs
Test your streaming video connection
WhatsApp Policy Mandates Facebook Data-Sharing
Facebook Is a Doomsday Machine
Every Deleted Parler Post, Many With Users'
Location Data, Has Been Archived Study finds brain-activity of people coding isn't quite
like when they use language, or do math
Lost Passwords Lead to Locked Bitcoin Fortunes
Snowflake Generator
Musk becomes world's richest person
LISTEN NOTES: The Best Podcast Search Engine
Ten ways to improve your electric car’s range
A Whiter White
How Law Enforcement Gets Around Your
Smartphone's Encryption 10-Gigapixel Scan of ‘Girl With a Pearl Earring’
Google completes Fitbit acquisition Orbit The Moon In Realtime
Malwarebytes Hacked Animals Interrupting Wildlife Photographers
Inside Story of How the Lowly PDF Played the
Longest Game in TechGroup
We’re out of the January lockdown. Restrictions have Apple Highlights Commitment to Privacy in New Ads
reverted to what they were and have been extended iTunes at 20: How an App Changed Apple’s Course
to the 31st March. Hence Group remains on hiatus.
Using your Apple Watch as an iPhone viewfinder
This month Apple released a minor software update:
watchOS 7.3, iOS 14.4, iPadOS 14.4, and tvOS 14.4 BMW announces Digital Key Plus for iPhone
and their Q1 2021 financial results. Save Messages’ Audio Attachments: iPhone/iPad
In other Apple related news: 9 tips to take control of your privacy on iPhone
How to fully remove Adobe Flash from your Mac Shot on iPhone 12: Portraits, cityscapes, night sky
‘Privacy-first’ browser Brave is native on M1 Macs Microsoft updates Word for iPad with mouse support;
Making sense of Apple’s USB-C charger oddities Excel now works with multi-window mode
Stark contrast amongst messaging apps privacy Use your Apple Watch as a viewfinder and remote for
your iPhone’s camera
Keep Low Power Mode Permanently Enabled
iOS 14.4: Setting a Category for Bluetooth Devices
iOS: Forward Text Messages to Apple Devices
How to figure out if a MacBook power adapter or
Delete Apps from iPhone iPad via App Store Gesture battery has gone bad
Two WhatsApp alternatives HUSH: Noiseless Browsing
Scan documents in Notes Magic Lasso: Block ads, trackers, and pop-ups
Apple Releases iOS 12.5.1 to Fix COVID-19 Data Privacy Day at Apple
Exposure Notifications on Older Devices
Apple Unveils Stringent Disclosure and Opt-in
SIMON
apple@bsol.asn.au
Privacy Requirements for AppsYou can also read
