Courtesy Tip – Etiquette When Forwarding Emails

Do you ever receive an email with a bunch of names, a message and a bunch more names? Very often, those of us using email regularly, do receive an interesting story, joke or even important information.  It seems to be a natural tendency to want to share what we’ve received with others.

I’ve occasionally done this myself, making certain I abide by the following rule. From my perspective,  common courtesy and respect for privacy of others dictates DELETING  all the names and addresses  that show within the body of the email.

Keep in mind also, by passing on others people’s names in group emails, you are subjecting their email addresses to the possibility of being picked up by spammers.

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Preparing a Virtual Passover Seder on Zoom

People connecting, communicating and creating are the three things that are the foundation of what my work is all about. Today in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic the above have become even more critical and challenging, as we all know, with “stay at home”/ “sheltering in place” mandates throughout our country and the world. 

AND now, the upcoming holidays of Passover and Easter, usually celebrated with family and friends, is upon us.

Fortunately in today’s world of technology we have countless opportunities for virtual connecting through various based web programs. More than likely in recent days/weeks you’ve heard about Zoom Video Conferencing service, a program I’ve been using for several years. And, as many of you know, I’ve been encouraging others to use it to connect with family members and friends during holidays and other celebratory (as well as sad) occasions.

Thus, when I heard that cousins of mine were doing a virtual First Seder**, Wednesday evening, April 8th, using Zoom, I asked my cousin Dena Lake, the hostess, if I could interview her. She graciously agreed. You can hear how she and my cousin Ed decided on doing the Seder in in this way by tapping/clicking on https://youtu.be/kam5YAW0Sj0 or on the image above.

Briefly, in our interview, as you’ll hear in the video, Dena shared that she and Ed have been hosting Seders with 12 to 28 people for over 45 years and that they loved it. With “sheltering in place” due to the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), she knew that they would not be able to do that this year.

Dena sent out an email to their guest list, writing that somehow they would do it virtually this year. Serendipitously, shortly thereafter, their Rabbi sent out a notice that he was going to do a Zoom workshop on how to do a Seder on Zoom.

She said that a good portion of the Rabbi’s presentation was reassuring them of what was important in these extraordinary times, not to be concerned with being unable to manage some of the usual Passover preparations during normal times. “Do the best you can”.

He said that the only two things needed for the Seder are matzo and wine. He then shared slides that showed the 14 steps of the Seder and what they mean. Click here to see the list and how participant parts were assigned

Dena, said that before they start the Seder they will go around and each guest will share what’s been going on with them. The most important part of this time on Zoom is their connecting and being together.

Traditionally the ceremony, follows descriptions and prayers in a Haggadah, with “tastings” of items (with their meanings discussed) on the Seder plate. See the 14 steps below. Then there is ordinarily a festive dinner, followed by prayers after dinner.. For this Seder on Zoom individuals may follow, if they wish, Haggadahs they may have at home.

Dena also sent out a PDF download to an interesting Haggadah that thoroughly and easily explains the holiday, history and all the parts of the service. Even if you are not Jewish you might find it interesting.

Cover of Passover Haggadah offered by Jewbelong.com

You can get the free download by clicking/tapping on the cover image, or go to https://www.jewbelong.com/holidays/passover/

You’ll find when you are on the site that Jewbelong will doing a free Virtual Seder on Thursday night, April 9th at 7:00 PM. There is a no charge registration link on the site if you wish to attend.

In the video Dena mentions a “super-easy guide” to using Zoom. I don’t have permission to share that here. If you need help with Using Zoom see my post (in the process of being updated) Use the Internet to Easily Talk to Friends, Family, Business Associates.

The 14 parts of the Service as listed by the Rabbi. Where I have “Designated Person” the names of the individuals were included in what was emailed to the guests.Tap/click on the image or on this link to see it enlarged.

14 Points of the Passover Seder

** The Seder is a ceremonial dinner that commemorates the Exodus from Egypt and includes the reading of the Haggadah and the eating of symbolic foods. It is generally held on the first night of Passover by Reform Jews and Jews in Israel and on both the first and second nights by Orthodox and Conservative Jews outside of Israel.

How to Record Audio on iPhone using Voice Memos App

Recorded with the Voice Memos App on an iPhone

How to Audio Record Memories on your iPhone Using the Voice Memos app that comes already installed on your iPhone and Upload the Recording to DropBox


To watch video full screen on a computer, put your mouse in the video window. Then click on the icon, or YouTube, in lower right corner. To get out of full screen use “escape” in upper left of your keyboard.

Write to Sheila at sheila.youruntoldstories@gmail.com to learn more about recording memories, preserving your legacy, sharing with your loved ones.  Do it yourself, or get support.
or
Book a complementary exploratory session by emailing
sheila.youruntoldstories [at] gmail.com

Cameras – Photos with Mirrored and Non-Mirrored Text

A recent video showing how to adjust settings for Facebook live so that text was visible from left to right the way we read it brought up further questions on what “mirroring” is.

Default settings on our mobile devices and video programs on our computer are usually set for “mirror view” as the default… the way we see ourselves in the mirror.  If you’ve ever bothered to hold up anything that has text on it when you are looking in the mirror, you likely noticed that the words we see are “backwards.”

Following are how-to’s for managing this on 3 different devices.

iPhone
Screen Shot - iPhone Selfie with Mirrored TextPhone Selfie photo with Text not as Mirror Image

 

 

 

 

 

On the iPhone when you take a “selfie,” and possibly on an Android, the image that you see is in the camera screen is “reversed” by default, showing it as you would see it in the mirror. (Image on the left.)

Once you capture the photo, the iPhone and some Androids, if not all, automatically reverse/flip it to what we would expect to see. (Photo above on the right.) There are photo apps that will do the reversing if your phone does not do it automatically.

When doing Facebook Live videos, the mirror image stays, with text reversed, unless you make an adjustment using the tool bar. To get to the tool bar tap on the “Wand” on the lower left. This brings up the tool bar with the “Tools” icon in the lower right.  

Tap on the “Tool” icon on the right, then on the “Flip” icon on the lower right (see below). Once set tap on “Start Live Video” and you’re ready to go.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

on iMac and Photo Booth
By default, images are automatically shown in Mirror view.

 

 

 

In order to reverse image, set the Edit dropdown menu to “Auto Flip New Items” before you start, or “Flip Photo” when you are ready to use it.

On Zoom Conference Video Recording 
go to Settings and select the Video icon.

If “Enable mirror effect” is checked you will see text “backwards”.  Uncheck it and the text will read “normally” from left to right.

The book shown in the video is my Real Seniors Using iPads: 0ver 100 Easy Ways to Learn Connect Communicate. It’s a compilation of interviews with 31 seniors 65 and over, their brief stories on how they use their devices along with their favorites apps. You’ll note within the 26 five-star reviews that this book can apply to any mobile devices, Androids as well as iPads and iPhones. Tap or click on Real Seniors Using iPads to purchase and learn more.

I am one of the featured authors in “SO, WHAT DO YOU DO? – VOL 2: Discovering the GENIUS Next Door with One Simple Question” compiled by best-selling author, Joel Comm. For more information and to purchase, tap or click on So, What Do You Do?

For information on support services offered here, tap or click on Coaching/Tutoring.

 

How to Read Web Articles without Ads and Sidebars

Have you ever been as frustrated as I when, in the middle of reading an article on the Internet, suddenly you land up on another page… sometimes a different article, or more often… an ad? 

This happens to me often, especially when I’m on my iPhone or iPad.  During a house call from my Apple computer tech guru, I discovered that on a large number of sites we can get text, photos and links only, without automatic redirection. And, it’s SO SIMPLE!!!

NOTE: If you are a Windows and/or Android user stick with me. What follows applies to you also. Usually I am on Safari when I’m on one of my Apple devices, but I also use Chrome and Firefox on my computer.

The “magic” that disappears them is the “Reader View” option in the URL space on many pages in Safari, the default web browser on iDevices [computer, iPhone, iPad]. I had seen it and for some unknown reason, I had never clicked or tapped on it. You’ll know on which pages Reader View is available when you see 4 parallel lines on the far left in the URL space. Sometimes you’ll even see the message, “Reader View Available.”

It’s “Reader View” also in Chrome [see further down this page] and simply “Reader” in Firefox. I have experienced pages where it has been available in Safari and not in Chrome.

screen shot - Treasure Your Life Now post - Reader View available

When you click, or tap (on mobile devices), the 4 parallel line image, the page alters to article and photos only as shown below. The space behind the lines becomes black. To get back to the original page, simply tap/click on that 4-line icon again.

Screen shot - Treasure Your Life Now post - Reader View enabled

CHROME – Adding Reader View 
Rather than it automatically being on your web pages, Chrome and Firefox offer Reader View as add-ons. To add in Chrome Extensions on your computer, click here on Reader View and you get the option to add Reader View.  

Once added the letter R will be added to the extensions bar.

Not all pages have Reader the View option. If the web page you are on does not have it enabled (seemingly not the Browser decision) clicking on it will simply bring up a window which shows a lot of information about Reader View. Clicking on it will show a pop-up window, with the green box that says it has been ADDED TO CHROME.Screen shot icon - Reader View Added to Chrome Extensions

If the page does have Reader View option, you will see the same 4 parallel lines that we saw above in Safari.

Again, when you click on it, the article only will appear, as shown in the sample earlier in this post.

FIREFOX – Adding Reader
In Firefox, the Add-On is called “Reader”. To add it to your Firefox add-ons bar click on Add-Ons – Reader.  Once you select “Add to Firefox” an orange letter will appear in the row of icons… top right.

Screenshot - Add Reader to Firefox

Clicking on the orange R at the top brings up the article in the format you see in the screen shot below. Note, even the reading time is estimated.

Enable Reader View in Chrome on Androids
In the absence of my having an Android device, I’m simply giving you a link which details how to enable Chrome on Android devices.

Simply tap or click on Reader View on Mobile Devices.  This will bring up the information I show below. I cropped it from the screen shot I took of a portion of the page. Be sure to click on the link above, or the image, to get full details on what to do.
Screen Shot - How to Enable Reader for Android

Again, be sure to click on the image or text link above to get the full set of instructions.

If you found this post helpful and would like to learn more or  get support and clarity with using technology, particularly on your mobile devices, please check out Technology for Seniors Made Easy coaching page on this site. Click on TECH COACHING or contact me, Sheila Finkelstein, directly at easyseniortechnology [at] gmail.com

How to Read Articles on the Web Without Seeing the Ads

Do you ever wish that you could quickly read an article on the Internet without the ads that often appear in the middle of the article?… the ads which at times you may inadvertently click, or tap, landing you on an advertiser’s page? 

This has happened to me often, especially when I’m on my iPhone or iPad.  Imagine my excitement when my Tech Guru who came to fix something on my iMac pointed out how I/we can get articles only on many of the sites.  It is SO SIMPLE!!!

In the URL space in Safari, on any of the iDevices [computer, iPhone, iPad] many pages, particularly news, there is a “Reader View” option which I never bothered exploring. When Reader View is available, you will see 4 parallel lines on the far left in that space.

Full page article on web with ads and sidebars

To demonstrate, I randomly selected the New York Post article page that came across my computer desktop, or iPad, yesterday. As you can see in the screen shot above, the page is quite busy and challenging for a quick read.

Conversely, when I clicked (or tapped on my mobile devices) the 4 parallel line image, the page altered to what you see below.

reader view of article in New York Post
CHROME – Adding Reader View 
Although this option seems to be an integral part of Safari, and very easy to use, Chrome and Firefox offer Reader View also as add-ons. To add in Chrome Extensions on your computer, click on Reader View and you get the option to add Reader View.  

Once added the letter R will be added to the extensions bar.

Not all pages have Reader the View option. If the web page you are on does not have it enabled (independent of Chrome, I think) clicking on it will simply bring up a window which shows a lot of information about Reader View. It will show at the top that it has been ADDED TO CHROME.Screen shot icon - Reader View Added to Chrome Extensions

When you are on a page which does have Reader View as an option, you will see the same 4 parallel lines as in Safari.

Clicking on it, will bring up a window with the article only as seen in the sample shown earlier in this post.

FIREFOX – Adding Reader
In Firefox the Add-On is called “Reader”. To add it go to
Add-Ons – Reader.  Click on “Add to Firefox” and an orange letter will appear in Add-ons bar at the top right of the page.

Screenshot - Add Reader to Firefox

Simply clicking on the orange R at the top will bring up the article as shown below. It even gives the estimated reading time.

I hope that you find this as enlightening as I did when I first learned about it on Safari and then went on to explore Chrome and Firefox for readers who use those browsers.

If you would like to learn more and get support or clarity with using technology, particularly on your mobile devices, please check out Technology for Seniors Made Easy coaching page on this site. Click on TECH COACHING.

 

 

 

How to Find Your iPhone or iPad in Your Own Home

ss-iphone-find-my-phone-iconI wonder how many of you are completely unaware, as I had been, that you can use the Find my iPhone feature on your iPhone and iPad to find it in your own home.

I always viewed it as an “insurance policy”, so-to-speak, should I ever lose either one in the big outside world. It never occurred to me that I could be using the App to find my iPhone or iPad that I had mislaid someplace in my home.

Surprisingly, as large and bulky as it is, in its heavy leather case with keyboard, I often have a challenge remembering where I last used it in my home.  And, I can’t telephone it, as I usually can when I can’t find my iPhone.

Recently I spent a half-hour or more looking for my iPhone at 1:30 AM. I had put it on vibrate early in the day and never changed it back to sound, so calling it from my landline didn’t work.  I needed it for a client appointment for which I had to leave my house early so I couldn’t leave the search until I woke up in the morning.

I had the vague thought, “I wonder if ‘Find my iPhone’ would work“, but it never occurred to me to stop my going down the same tunnel, repeating my steps from room-to-room, to check Google.

Then, a couple of days later, I asked a friend if she had ever found her Android phone. She had and said that in the future she would leave her bluetooth on and use a Tile App on her computer.  That set me checking to see what I could do for my iPhone AND I discovered how incredibly EASY it is.

One does need to:
1 – be set up with iCloud for which you need your Apple ID and Password.
2 – have enabled “Find My iPhone” or “Find My iPad” within the iCloud options in Settings for the appropriate device.

Then to locate the device, simply go to http://iCloud.com and log in.  One of the options once there is Find iPhone. The same icon serves for the iPad.

ss-icloud-icons

When you open the Find iPhone you’ll first be asked to enter your password. Then you’ll get to a page which maps out your location and shows your device(s). Click on iPhone at the top center to bring up All Devices pop-up window.

ss1-find-phone-computer-locationClick on your lost/misplaced device in the center.

ss2-find-phone-computer-all-devices

Another pop-up window will open on the right with your selected device in the center and three choices at the bottom –
Play Sound – Lost Mode – Erase iPhone

ss3-find-phone-computer-play-sounds

Select Play Sound. Walk around your house, if that’s where you are. As you get near your iPhone or iPad, you will hear a repeated binging sound which will continue for up to 10 minutes.

You can now Breathe a sigh of relief.

When you pick up your phone or iPad you’ll see a Message “Find My iPhone Alert” or “Find My iPad Alert”. That’s it. Log back into your iPhone of iPad and you’re back in business.

Locating your iPhone of iPad from a Mobile device.

There procedure is that same as from the computer. The action locations are slightly different.

Again, go to http://iCloud.com and log in.
1 – Select Find My iPhone.

ss-1-find-iphone-ipad-all-devices 2 -Tap on Actions in small print bottom center of the page that comes up

ss-2c-iphone-ipad-actions-final

3 – Select Play Sound from the bottom of the page that opens.

ss-3-find-iphone-ipad-play-sounds

And, as described above in instructions with the computer, simply walk around until you hear the binging sound.

Note – In order for these steps to work, your device needs to be connected to the Internet.  My iPhone will always be connected via Wi-Fi or data.

My iPad is dependent on being connected in a WiFi establishment. It is almost always connected automatically in my home AND unbeknownst to me, somehow it had gotten knocked off of Wi-Fi. Thus when I was testing this out later in the day, it could not be located using iCloud to Find My iPad.

Need Help? – If you want help or support in discovering new ways you can be using your iPhone or iPad, tap or click on Coaching for options or Contact Us for more information. I can work with you on Zoom and answer your questions, showing you my iPhone or iPad.

Last Note – for Android Users – Before finishing this article I checked Google to see how one can find his/her Android phone. I found that Google has a device tracker. Since I am not familiar with it, this is not a recommendation. I simply wanted to cover all base bases.

Disclaimer – The Kensington Case and Keyboard are what I purchased along with my iPad when I first got it. There now are less costly combinations. I do highly recommend the Kensington keyboard,  which can be bought separately.  I’ve had occasion to call the company a couple of times and they are great. Though simple to set up, I called and they walked me through the initial installation and answered a question another time.

The Purple Otter Box case is the one I have on my iPhone. Both products are on Amazon.com from which I derive a small commission when purchases are made on my affiliate link.

Keyboard Shortcuts on iPad and iPhone – Android too

Do you find yourself regularly typing certain addresses, phrases and the like? on your computer or any of the other mobile devices?

Recently when working with an 81 year old client on her iPad I remembered the possibility of using Keyboard Shortcuts. Shirley, my client, had never learned to type. How much easier it would be if she could simply type in few letters that, when you type, will instantly type in the whole statement, email address, anything you choose.

For instance typing “sas” now brings up her email address! After setting her up, I went back to my own devices and made easier-to-remember shortcuts for myself to replace those I had not been using.

The following instructions demo the iPad/iPhone shortcuts.  Click or tap on Android Shortcuts for other devices.

Back to iPad/iPhone Settings.  As an example, by default Apple includes “omw” which will bring up “On my Way!”

To create your own, go to: Settings > General > Keyboard

Image

> Text Replacement 

ImageTap + [plus sign – upper right]
ss-mail-shortcuts-no-email

Then enter the PHRASE you want [I use this mainly for my various email addresses and URLs to which I refer] and

then type in a SHORTCUT – the easy-to-remember letters and/or symbols you choose. Note “hb” in the image above. It has the full birthday message I commonly use on Facebook and in emails and messages.
ImageKeep the shortcuts simple so you can easily remember what you chose. It’s not the same “secrecy” as needed for passwords which you don’t want other people to have. This is simply between you and your phone or iPad.

The shortcuts/letters and symbols will be picked up in any program in which you type on your iPhone or iPad. Simply type in your shortcut and the full phrase will appear. Tap “Return” for it to enter the space you wish.

NOTE:
I was also reminded that a couple of years ago this feature/benefit was pointed out as possible for computers too.  I never got into the practice and will soon Google for instructions and start implementing that also.

Please add your comments in the REPLY section below.  Are you using shortcuts? If so how… for what most commonly used activities?

How Mobile Devices Strengthen Relationships between Grandparents and Relatives

[Editor’s Note:  The following is a guest post, journalist and mother of a young child, which is what appealed to me when the writer approached me with the wish to share with you.]
Ryan Shows Apartment on Zoom Visit

With the many useful features SmartPhones now possess, even technophobes, most notably seniors citizens, are now joining the craze with many buying their own mobile devices. In Older Adults and Technology Use, a report presented by the Pew Research Center, it revealed that 77 percent of seniors were willing to adopt the technology so long as someone would help walk through the various processes. Although SmartPhones are sold today as a great tool in tracking health with their built-in sensors, new cellphones are also a great tool in strengthening the relationship between grandparents and grandchildren.

Here are some of the fun activities you can try with your loved ones via SmartPhones even when they live many miles away:

Stay connected
Sheila on FaceTimeFor those grandparents living far away from their grandchildren, mobile devices provide them with a way to connect with their loved ones.

There are SmartPhones that are pre-built with their own propriety video calling services, like iPhones and the FaceTime feature that allows Apple devices to make and receive calls, messages, and files easily. In addition, the iPhone 6 comes with a bigger screen for easy viewing and a clear front facing camera for seamless video calling.

There are also various apps that you can install on your mobile device, whether Android or iOS. Here are some of our top suggestions:

Skype – One of the most popular apps for video calling, Skype is widely used by more than 700 million people worldwide. It works on almost all platforms – desktop PCs, laptops, tablets, smartphones, and even Internet TVs. It even allows the user to make calls to unregistered users for a small fee.

ooVoo – Free to install, this application is a great for those who will be on a call (voice or video) with more than one person. The ooVoo app (click or tap on ooVoo) allows users the ability to chat with up to 12 people at the same time, and even add your Facebook contact list to your contacts.

Zoom – For high quality virtual conferencing, Zoom Cloud Meetings is a trusted video conferencing app that allows up to 100 people in a single call. Its best feature is its HD screen sharing where you can view each others display like you are not far from each other. Tap/Click on Zoom to sign up for free.

[Ed. note: You can learn more about how Technology for Seniors uses Zoom in the Zoom Playlist on our YouTube channel. Top photo is one example.]

For a comprehensive list of apps that you can install on your mobile device, click here to view an Apps list by Digital Trends.

Play and have fun
Distant relatives can also maximize mobile devices and make connecting more attainable. Some apps allow you to play games while on a video call, allowing users the capability to enjoy mobile games in real-time – this is an ideal feature for grandparents who want to bond with their grandchildren.

If you are dealing with children ages 2-8, then consider the USTYME app for the iPad as an ideal application for seniors, as it allows you to share books and games while in a real-time video call. It creates a video chat box at the upper-left corner, while you get to play online game. Another app that may interest you is the Kindoma Storytime that allows the grandparent to read virtual storybooks along with their relative while on a video call.

Afternoons can also be filled with creative activities with the help of Drawing Together! Where family members are able to draw on a single digital page while on a live call. You can either draw, paint, or even play usual paper games, such as Tic-Tac-Toe.

How do you think grandparents and grandchildren can maximize their quality time, even when they are miles apart? Share your thoughts and stories with us in the “Reply” section below.

For more tech tips for seniors, bookmark our page.

IMAGES:
Top Photo is a Screen Shot of Sheila Finkelstein with her grandson and granddaughter visiting on Mother’s Day.

Insert Photo is Screen Shot of photo of editor on the FaceTime Screen.

Written by AC Techie Sapphire
Exclusive for Technology for Seniors Made Easy

How to Search for a Word or Phrase on a Web Page on the iPad and iPhone –

In the past I’ve done several posts here on various keyboard shortcuts. You can find them by doing a search or click on  SHORTCUTS here to get a page with links to posts on this blog.

One of the most useful shortcuts is one I rarely remembered until recently.  That is “Find” – Control>f (on Windows); Command>f on the Mac the easy way to search for a word or phrase on a web page, in a Word document and/or even in an email post.

Since so many people are using iPads, I went on a search to see if individual web pages could also be searched for specific words or phrases when using the iPad. I was excited to learn that, in fact, Safari web pages do have a search function within them. Continue reading