Google Voice

Some time ago, I stated that Google Voice (GV) would cease its' present operation as it pertains to services like Obihai.  I've demonstrated a few times how easy it is to have free phone service with the Obi100, GV, and a normal telephone.  This has been a great service, but by the end of May, Google is making changes to the service.  These changes will (may?) impact the great Obitalk service.  Consequently, Obihai has been working with other Internet Telephone Service Providers in order to make the transition easily from the free GV service to some other provider.

The transition is discussed on this web site -  http://goo.gl/PYZnZw.  It appears the cost will be only $3.33 per month.  Not a bad deal.  If the fact that Mediacom has sold your new number to telemarketers is bothersome, why not give this service some consideration?

Important or Interesting Sites

Happy New Year!

News!  Don Widrig will present "The History of the PC" on January 15.  This is a followup to his talk a few weeks ago on "The History of the Internet".  I'm looking forward to it.  On January 10th, Activities will host an "Activities Expo" after the Buzz.  The Computer User Group will have half of an 8' table on which to display our Activity.  If you wish to participate, by either manning the table or providing a visual item, please give me a call.

Now, on the some web sites I've found recently that might interest the Group.

From my favorite site, Lifehacker, comes "Most Popular Chrome Extensions and Posts of 2013".

Next is "How to Stop Your Smartphone from Constantly Tracking Your Location"

Nine Windows 8.1 Features You Might Have Overlooked

How To: Password Protect Your Android (Only) When Away From Home

I'm sure you find sites that provide interesting information that others would find useful.  Let me know about them and I'll post links on this site.

See you on Wednesday in the Prickly Pear Room.

Meeting Resume on January 8

The GCRV Computer User Group meeting will not be held next week (New Year's Day), but will resume on January 8.  Please note the meeting location on January 22nd will be held in the Saguaro Room for that week only.

Windows 8 Tips

Here are more tips for Windows 8.  I know it says it's for IT Professionals, but I think you should read through it anyway.  Who knows?  You might find something of value.  http://goo.gl/uiPcC2

Windows 8

Another "help" video for Windows 8.  Pretty good.

Windows 8 Shortcuts and Tips for Google Chromebook

As more of you secure Windows 8 machines, I thought this Windows 8 Cheat Sheet would be of benefit.

More commercials are being shown by Microsoft depicting the unsuitability of the Chromebook.  I think it's a nifty alternative to the troublesome Windows behemoth.  Here are some tips for the Chromebook that might answer some lingering questions.

See you Wednesday.

Yesterday's Browsing

Yesterday's browsing resulted in several web sites you should see.  The first is an amazing photo of Saturn; I've made it my desktop background.  Very impressive.  http://goo.gl/QB4mEa

Next, is some aerial photography by Claytonius F.  Here's the link to You Tube - http://goo.gl/cLmgiF.  Cool.

Next are some sites regarding computer issues.  The first is from Gizmodo, "How To Fix Your PC, The Right Way".  Some pretty detailed suggestions on fixing slow and/or dead computers.

My favorite site, Lifehacker, is next with "Superior Alternatives to Crappy Windows Software".  I, also, subscribe to many of these alternatives and have tried/used many of them.  Try them out for yourself.

The last site describes some tinkering with a Raspberry Pi and an LED TV.  Looks like a little bit of work, but if you have an older tv and some soldering skills, it might be a fun project.  If anyone is up to it, let me know and we can document your progress on this blog.

Time ....

Here's a site that provides a great perspective on when we are.  Yes, when.  Take a look - http://hereistoday.com/

StartMail

During the last meeting (or maybe it was the one before), I talked about a web search engine that keeps no tracking data - startpage.com.  That same company is developing a secure email program called StartMail.  A few days ago I received the following from them -

We know you've been waiting patiently to receive private email through your StartMail beta test account. Now, after nearly three years of hard work, we're excited to announce that StartMail Beta is about to launch!

Within the next week or so, you'll receive a link to a confidential email usage survey. You need to complete the survey before we can launch your free three-month StartMail account, so please check your inbox for the link.

We realize it has taken longer than we originally anticipated to develop StartMail, and we truly appreciate your patience. The revelations this summer of NSA spying through the PRISM program prompted us to add even more features to our already rock-solid privacy. Those tighter security features added to our development time, but when you see them, we believe you'll agree they were worth the wait.

All StartMail users will now have access to a fully-encrypted user vault, the protection of perfect forward secrecy and transport layer security, state-of-the-art SSL encryption, and the confidence of knowing their email provider is based in the Netherlands, outside of US jurisdiction.

Thank you for joining more than 50,000 people worldwide who are helping us make email privacy a reality. We can't wait to get started!

On behalf of the StartMail team,

Alex van Eesteren
Vice President, StartMail Product Innovation
support@startmail.com


p.s. If you have friends who missed the opportunity to be beta testers, don't worry -- they can reserve their own paid StartMail accounts by going towww.StartMail.com and checking the box at the bottom of the page. By reserving an invitation, they will be given the option to purchase an account, but will be under no obligation to do so.

I'd suggest you take advantage of their offer and reserve an account.  Don't know what the price will be, but the reservation will cost you nothing.  It could be a very worthwhile product.

GCRV Computer User Group Meeting

Last week's discussion pretty much covered the problems associated with cellular service.  Especially for those who are visiting from Canada.  Well, yesterday my favorite web site (Lifehacker!) published an article about the "Five Best Pre-Paid Cellphone Carriers".  I thought some of you might be interested - here's the link - http://goo.gl/w94glF.

See you at Wednesday's meeting.

Brix

If you'd like a really small, but powerful pc, how about a Brix?  http://goo.gl/wv5dsS

I'm trying a G-Box Midnight MX2 from Matricom.  It works great for my XBMC-based media center.  I've tried several, but this little box works the best for XBMC.  Still prefer the Roku for most of the internet TV and music.

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Windows 8.1 Update

Disregard the previous blog about the Windows 8.1 "train wreck".  Turns out that an app called "Bins" does not play well with the update.  Uninstalling it solved the problem.

Lost Your Password

Can't remember your computer's password.  Try the programs mentioned in the site for a possible fix.
http://goo.gl/r2QI