News & Information Archives

Check Out This New Phone Scam

I spent an enjoyable weekend with family celebrating the marriage of my nephew and his lovely bride in Michigan. When I returned home, there were two identical messages waiting for me on my answering machine. In a way, I always appreciate …

Quick Tip: Give It a Minute

Here’s one of the most valuable pieces of advice I’ve ever gotten when dealing with technology: “You’ve got to give it a minute.” Our first reaction when we don’t see an immediate response to our mouse click or our touch …

Windows Updates Part II: Windows 10

Windows 10 has a different process for updates. For one thing, updates in Windows 10 are automatic; you can’t shut that off. Here’s how to check if you’ve received updates and how to customize how they install. Type Check for updates into …

Windows Updates Part I: Windows 7

Let’s get basic. What are Windows updates? They are security patches and bug fixes issued by Microsoft to correct holes in security that could allow hackers to damage your PC or steal your information and to correct issues with programs. …

Windows Updates: Urgent!

If your Windows PC hasn’t already automatically installed the latest security updates, you’ll want to manually run them. Microsoft has issued fixes for some major vulnerabilities, including a flaw in which malware is hidden in the form of a text …

Getting the Most Out of Siri on Your iPad or iPhone

Last month I wrote about various settings you can choose for Siri on iPads and iPhones. This month let’s talk about some ways to use Siri to get the most out of this delightful program. To use Siri for any …

Have Adobe Read PDFs Aloud

Here’s a great accessibility feature you may not have known about. Did you know that Adobe Reader will read PDFs to you on your Windows PC? Here’s how to do it: Open Acrobat Reader, then open the PDF you wish …

Help! I Can’t Change My Windows Password!

Bev is having an issue signing in to her Microsoft account. She writes: I have a problem for you. I can get to only the second password page when changing my Win10 sign-on account. It will not accept the password …

The New Password Rules: Everything You Thought You Knew Is Wrong

It turns out that everything you thought you knew about creating a secure password is wrong. You know the rules: mix letters and numbers, use special characters such as pound signs and exclamation points, use both capital and lowercase characters, …

Important: Customer Update on CrashPlan Backup System

A product called CrashPlan provides awesome data protection so you don’t need to worry if your computer crashes or your hard drive fails. For the last four years or so Dr. Networking has been using CrashPlan for our customers who …

Apple Bytes: Sometimes Siri Drives Me Crazy!

My 85-year-old mom loves her iPad, which she calls her “Apple.” I was visiting her recently, and she told me how Siri drives her crazy because sometimes she turns Siri on by accident and then doesn’t know how to turn …

Wireless Networks – Residential and Commercial

Dr. Networking has skilled field technicians on hand who can assist in setting up wireless routers, Wi-Fi networks, and access points. Our technicians can get all of your computers, phones, tablets, and printers connected to a secured network and can …

Don’t Overlook Your Phone’s Flashlight Feature

Is that a flashlight in your pocket? Well, if you’ve got a smartphone, yes it is. One of the coolest features of your phone is its built-in flashlight. That’s right, it’s built in! No flashlight apps required! If you have an …

Mac Keyboard Shortcuts

Mac keyboards have a lot of built-in shortcuts. Where Windows shortcuts utilize the Ctrl key, Mac requires the Command key. Let’s check them out:

Desktops 101: Windows 7

I’m heading back to basics in this article and going over some common terms that folks sometimes aren’t familiar with. You’ll often read directions involving the taskbar, system tray, or Start menu. If you aren’t sure what these terms mean, …

Computer Virus Removal and Tune-Up

Viruses are one of the top reasons people have downtime on their computers. This is especially bad for businesses that rely on their networks and computers to run their businesses, but getting a virus is a pain for anyone. Besides …

Got A Minute? Clean Up Your PC

Got a minute or two? How about we do a quick trick that can save a ton of space on your PC? Type disk cleanup into the search box of your Windows PC’s start menu. Then click on the result. …

Back to Basics: Browser Versus Operating System

I’ve had some conversations this week during which I was trying to figure out what operating system that folks with a problem were using. When I asked, they responded with answers such as Internet Explorer, Safari, and Chrome. (This was …

What Does Google Have On You?

If you use Google for searching, use the Chrome browser, have Gmail, or view videos on YouTube, Google has a whole lot of information about you. But just how much do they have? And more importantly, how can you see …

Mac Spotlight 101

As a new Mac owner, I’m just learning about Mac’s search function called Spotlight. Since I know there are a lot of readers out there who are new to Mac computers as well, I thought I’d share what I’m learning …

Public Wi-Fi: How to Stay Safe and Secure Your Data

Public Wi-Fi is very convenient and can be a great alternative if you’re on a tight budget. But there are security risks. [Ed. note: The following information is adapted from an infographic created by thebestvpn.]

Four Ways to Back Up Your Data

You know the old adage: it’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when. Computers crash out of the blue sometimes, and they can suffer many other kinds of catastrophes that cause the loss of data. Even a …

Conserve a Low Smartphone Battery

We’ve all been in the situation of needing to use our smartphones while they are on very low battery mode. To avoid such unpleasant situations, here are some ways to decrease battery usage and help your smartphone survive on a …

Can I Still Use Vista?

Since security and bug support for Windows Vista ended in April, I’ve been bombarded with questions about the system. There aren’t a lot of Vista users still out there, but I’ve heard from a few. I am one of the …

Why Your Apple ID Is Much More than a Password

Many Mac, iPad, and iPhone users, whether newcomers or long-time users, think their Apple ID is just a password that lets them access the iTunes Store. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Your Apple ID is your passport to …

Install an Ad Blocker for Google Chrome

A reader wants to know how to find and install an ad-blocker: I would like to add an ad blocker to my computer. I have a Dell All-in-One running Windows 10, and my browser is Google Chrome. Can you recommend …

7 Signs Your Business Technology Is Outdated

Using outdated equipment can cause unwanted delays, an increased number of cyber-attacks, and lead to increased energy bills. If you are experiencing any of these issues, it’s time to take a good long look at your tech. [Ed. note: Dr. …

Before You Travel with Tech: 3 Tips You Must Know

Tech items, such as tablets and GPS units, can make great travel companions, but first you have to know how to make the most of them. This question came from a reader: My mini iPad was a gift but came …

Anatomy of a Fake Friend Request

I received a friend request today, one that I pretty quickly determined was fake. Aside from the fact that I’d never heard of the dude, here’s what tipped me off: this is Captain Faker’s Facebook account. My, he certainly looks …

Find the Best Security Tech for Your Business

[Editor’s note: Dr. Networking specializes in keeping your business data safe. We can help with all of the suggestions in this article. Don’t wait another minute to upgrade your security! Call us at 541.488.8765.] Keeping a business safe can be …

How to Make a Gmail Folder

If you’re new to Gmail, it might not be immediately obvious to you how to create a new folder to keep selected emails in, but once you figure it out, it’s a simple process. First, find an email you want …

Pin and Share A Maps Location on Your iPad or iPhone

The Maps app on the iPad and iPhone makes sharing your location with a friend or family member fast and easy. It doesn’t even have to be associated with where you currently are when you share. You can simply pin …

Treasures of the McDonald Collection

We’ve added a bonus article in this month’s issue because we were so excited to learn about the online Mary McDonald collection from Oregon State University. Enjoy! Welcome to the online exhibit of the Mary McDonald Rare Book and Manuscript …

Is Your Website Mobile Friendly?

Are you a business owner with a website? Have you looked at it on a mobile device such as a phone or tablet recently to see whether or not it is easy to use? A lot of business owners haven’t …

7 Cybersecurity Tips for Your Home Network

In a world that increasingly relies on technology to get things done, cybersecurity has never been more important. Your home network is likely to be vulnerable to attacks, but you can take steps to safeguard it and keep your information …

Apple Bytes: How to Access and Manage Files on Your iPad

If you have been using a computer for any length of time, you are accustomed to accessing your files with a traditional folder management system in Windows or OSX. You create or download files and then store them on your …

Help! My Passwords Don’t Work

A reader is having a big password problem: Please advise me what to do when my password is not accepted. I do know my passwords! Also, when I change a password, it still not accepted. My Apple password was not …

Insert an Image into a Gmail Message

Here is a quick way to add an image to a Gmail message, and it doesn’t require adding an attachment. Open your Gmail inbox and click on compose. A new email will open. When your message opens, look in the …

Apple Bytes – Why Won’t Apple Support Older Devices?

Karen has a question about Apple: I would like to inquire if you could do an article on why Apple is not updating or supporting the operating systems (OS) in the older versions of, for example, the iPad Gen 3, …

Switching Internet Service Providers? Remember to Do This

At some point you will probably be faced with changing your Internet Service Provider (ISP). Whether you are moving or you have just found a better deal with a different ISP, there is an important factor to take into consideration: …

Eight Security Tips to Know in 2017

It is now 2017, and I thought it would be appropriate to run down an almost cliché list of security tips to make sure you stay safe online. Extra Tip: Media companies such as Time Warner and Comcast have been …

Plex – Taking the Media World by Storm

Have you heard of Plex, the latest and greatest media technology company? It will soon be impossible to avoid, as it is taking the media world by storm. Like most people, you probably have your media scattered all over: on …

Why Do People Fall for Scams?

A reader wrote in with the following question about scams: I just came across a new (to me) scam. I received an automated message that my Windows key had expired and that my computer would no longer work! They gave …

Apple Bytes – iPad Mail: Where Is the Trash?

A reader wrote in with a question about the Apple Mail app: Please help! I just received an iPad Air 2 as a gift. There is no trash icon in the email app. Did the technician program it wrong? Can …

Customer Corner – Morical House Garden Inn

Clif was able to solve our connectivity issues in one service call. This was after three Internet providers and three computer “experts” were unable to solve the problem. Now our guests can use any device anywhere, any time, across the …

Apple Bytes: The Complete Guide to Apple Notes Part IV

In parts I, II, and III of this special series we learned how to create and improve your Apple Notes. Today we tackle a couple of important things about the finished product: how to sync your work across Apple devices …

Part I: Fight Malware – Download and Install Malwarebytes

Malware and spyware continue to be big problems for PC users, with new iterations surfacing every day. Fortunately, programs such as Spybot Search & Destroy, ComboFix, and Malwarebytes are constantly updating their cloud-based software to rid PCs of whatever that …

Part II: Remove Malware with Malwarebytes

In Part I of this article, above, we looked at how to fight a malware infection by downloading and installing Malwarebytes. In Part II, we will look at how to run Malwarebytes to rescue your PC from malware. Once the …

Microsoft Changes Win. 7 & 8.1 Updates

Microsoft is making a big change in the way it does updates in Windows 7 and 8.1, and this means you can expect to see larger updates and no choice in what updates you apply. The company has switched to …

Encrypt Your Facebook Messages

The Facebook Messenger app now makes it easy to encrypt messages you send. Note that it works on only one device at a time, and you have to let Facebook know that you want the message to be encrypted, which …

Wireless versus Bluetooth Mouse

I had a question recently about the differences between a wireless and a Bluetooth mouse. While neither of them uses wires, they work completely differently in communicating with your computer. There are actually three kinds of wireless mouse available. They …