By Jarren Ringle
This article may be a little longer than some of mine. It contains little tidbits of information collected from many of the discussions I’ve had with you.
- Your computer, smartphone, and/or tablet can make reading web content more like reading a book. If your web browser app (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge, etc.) has a “reader” option, you can use it to remove a lot of the clutter from the web content. On Microsoft Edge, it is called “Immersive Reader”. On Mozilla Firefox, it is called “Reader View”. Apple Safari calls it “Reader”. Google Chrome calls it “Reading Mode”. Sometimes the reader option is shown as a little icon on the right side of the browser window, but sometimes it is hidden (like in Google Chrome). It doesn’t help with apps like Amazon or Facebook, but is more likely to work with news or web search pages.
- Google Maps and Bing Maps can show you the traffic before you leave the house. These map websites can display different layers. As an example, they can show satellite images that include buildings, terrain, roads, etc., as you would see them from high above. One of the layers will show traffic. The roads will be green for no traffic delays, yellow for some slow spots, and red for high traffic congestion or closures. Just move through the map following the route you intend to take and see what traffic issues you may face.
- You can look up when your smartphone will be out of support. The most important date is when it will no longer receive security updates. The website called “endoflife-date” (https://endoflife.date/) lists the key dates for all kinds of tech. It shows when the device is no longer receiving operating system (OS) updates, security updates, the last OS version it can run, and other dates. Another place to check key dates is the manufacturer’s web pages. Apple, Samsung, Amazon Kindle, Google, and most major manufacturers will list support dates on their websites.
- The USPS can tell you what is coming in your mail. This online service lets you know when mail was delivered, saving you a trip to the mailbox if there’s nothing there to collect. The app is called Informed Delivery and is available on the USPS website. The address for the website is: https://www.usps.com/manage/informed-delivery.htm. To enroll, go to the website (you can click the link above) and complete the form. You will be sent emails showing you a scan of the mail to be delivered and an email when it is delivered. You can also receive emails regarding packages arriving in the USPS mail.
- You can check out eBooks, audiobooks, movies, etc. from the library using your tablet or smartphone. Libby is an app that allows you to check out library eBooks, audiobooks, etc. for 21 days. You will need a library card from one of the libraries available, and you can usually do that online at the web address of the library. Libby is an app you can install on your Apple or Android devices. You can also use it on a Windows or Apple PC. Amazon Kindle readers will also work with Libby. It will help you find the book you want by title, genre, and/or author.
Jarren Ringle is a member of SourcePoint and a volunteer instructor. SourcePointers come to Jarren for tutelage on their tablets, laptops, and the most popular of all devices – cell phones. He teaches various technology classes throughout the year including one-on-one sessions and group classes. Jarren also volunteers at the Delaware County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. With many years of project management experience in various technology fields, he enjoys helping others with technology.
Technology 1:1 Assistance: Jarren Ringle provides guidance on technology in a 45-minute time slot. Do you have questions regarding a cell phone, PC, laptop or tablet? Share what the device is and what your question is upon registration so that Jarren can be better prepared to help. >> Schedule your 1:1