Category: Uncategorized

Technology Tips – published December 2015 in the Guide and Digest

by Don Trauger – Kennett

 

Personalize Windows 10

 

When you have purchased a new Windows 10 computer or you have chosen to upgrade your Windows 7 or 8 computer you may want to Personalize it . This something to consider after you have configured more important things like your email and home page of your browser.

 

Personalizing your computer is easy. Click the white icon in the lower left corner of the screen then click Settings just above it. When the Settings window opens click Personalization. When it opens you can select a background picture from either Microsoft’s selections or a picture of yours from the Pictures folder. Below, under Choose a fit, “Fill” is probably your best choice.

 

Next, click Colors. I suggest that you turn off “Show color on Start, Taskbar, and Action Center”. The other 2 selections should be turned on.

 

The Lock screen can display either Windows Spotlight, a Picture, or a Slide Show. It’s a screen that will pop up before the login screen. Windows Spotlight allows you to provide feedback about the screen. I saw no effect with the Windows Spotlight setting. Click “on” for fun facts, tips, and tricks although I have seen little if any notifications. Under “Choose an app for detailed status” and “Choose Apps to show quick status” you will supposedly place icons for your selected apps on the Lock screen when you boot. I found that this did not work. It looks like Microsoft has some work to do in the above areas. Scrolling down you will see “Screen timeout settings” and “Screen saver settings”. Click “Screen timeout settings” and choose 5 minutes for battery operation and 10 minutes plugged in. A screen saver setting should not be used for modern computers. I see no purpose to the Lock screen. You can turn it off by going into the Control Panel, click Power Options, click “Choose what the power button does”, then click “Change settings that are currently unavailable”. Scroll down and uncheck Lock and click Save changes.

 

Click Themes then Theme settings and choose one of the Windows default themes or stay with the existing theme in the My Themes space. Avoid the High Contrast Themes.

 

Click Start and I recommend the following to be turned on. “Occasionally show suggestions in Start”, “Show most used apps”, Show recently added apps”, “Show recently opened items in jump lists on Start or the Taskbar”. “Use Start full screen” should be turned off.

 

The last item to personalize is to click on “Choose which folders appear on Start”. These are folders you may frequently use and can be made accessible in the Start Menu. Recommendations are File Explorer (file manager program), Settings, Documents, Downloads, Pictures, Music, and possibly others of your choice.

 

One last tweak or Personalization is to bypass the need to log in to your computer. You created a login when you created a Microsoft account. It serves no security purpose other than to keep other family members from using your computer without your knowledge.

To bypass the need to log in, right click the white icon in the lower left corner of the screen then left click Run. Type “netplwiz” (no quotes). Uncheck “Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer”. Click Apply then fill in your password in both fields.

Click OK, then click OK again.

 

The PC Club meetings are open to all regardless of computer experience. If you have questions that need to be answered, be sure to attend on the 3^rd Tuesday of each month at 7 PM, upstairs in the Community Center. We’ll cover Windows 10 Personalization on Dec. 15.

Technology Tips – published November 2015 in the Guide and Digest

by Don Trauger – Kennett

 

Windows 10 Privacy Settings

 

Windows 10 has many more ways to track your Web surfing than previous Windows versions. Through the use of cookies, targeted ads can arrive and be displayed. Targeted ads are ads based on the Web sites you have visited. However, Windows 10 allows you to control this type of advertising.

 

Controlling your privacy is easy in Windows 10. Click the 4 pane white icon in the lower left corner of the Desktop screen. Click Settings just above the icon. Click Privacy then General and turn off “Let Apps use my advertising ID…“  Also, turn off “Send Microsoft info about how I write…” and “Let websites provide locally relevant content…“ Microsoft has an opt-out selection for ads Web site that you can visit to control ads. Copy the following link in your browser. https://choice.microsoft.com/en-us/opt-out. At the site, choose to turn off the two available selections. Be sure to sign in to turn off the middle box choice. Do this for each browser you have installed. The new Microsoft Edge browser does not save your choice. When using Edge, you must reset the opt-out choice each time you open the Edge browser, if you choose to do so. I’m not a fan of this browser for this and other reasons.

 

Another area of concern is a new item called Wi-Fi Sense. This is turned on by default and provides web access to visitors coming into your home. It works automatically by sharing your encrypted router password with your visitor and your password protected router. Your visitors never see your password but they must use a Windows 10 device for this to work. I think it’s very handy for those of you that have Comcast modem/routers that have those long passwords. If all of this bothers you, you can turn it off. In Settings, go to Network & Internet, Click Wi-Fi and click Manage Wi-Fi settings. Turn off Connect to open hotspots and Connect to networks. Just below is another area called Wi-Fi Services. Turn that off unless you plan to use paid-for hotspots.

 

Microsoft has allowed other ways to receive updates and system files for your computer. Instead of the traditional downloads from Microsoft servers, Microsoft farms out updates to other users in bits and pieces of files needed for updates. When an update is needed you may be connected to others that have the necessary files that your computer needs. If this bothers you, and it should, then turn it off by going to Settings, Update & Security, Windows Update, Advanced Options and click Choose how updates are delivered. Click to turn off.

 

I’ve covered the more important areas of Windows 10 privacy concerns. However, there are many more items listed under the Privacy category. Many are self explanatory and have accompanying information regarding their use.

 

The PC Club meetings are open to all regardless of computer experience. If you have questions that need answering, be sure to attend on the 3^rd Tuesday of each month at 7 PM, upstairs in the Community Center. We are now covering Windows 10

Technology Tips – published October 2015 in the Guide and Digest

 

Getting Started with Windows 10

by Don Trauger – Kennett

 

As I suspected, the roll-out of Windows 10 has not gone smoothly. Some of you that were early adopters have taken the plunge and have had serious operational problems. A few of you, however, have been successful. At this time I DO NOT recommend to attempt this upgrade until Microsoft has solved these starting problems. In the meantime, click the white 4 pane icon near the clock, then click View report. This report will tell you if your computer is compatible with Windows 10. Remember this free upgrade is only for Windows 7 & 8 computers. The choice for Windows XP users is to purchase a new computer. It’s time to say goodbye to XP. Vista users still receive updates from Microsoft so you can continue with this version of Windows, but you should consider buying a new one within a year or less.

 

If you are an early Windows 10 user and have upgraded successfully here are some things you should do. First is to make Internet Explorer your default browser. When you upgrade, Windows will use the new Edge browser as the default not Internet Explorer. I feel Edge (shown as a stylized blue “E” on the Taskbar) is not ready for prime time. Basically, it has trouble displaying many web pages probably due to web site developers not making their sites compatible with Edge. To make the change click the 4 pane white icon in the lower left corner (or press the 4 pane Windows key on the keyboard), click Settings, then click System in the upper left corner of the window. Near the bottom of the list on the left side, click Default apps. Scroll down the list to Web browser. Click Microsoft Edge, then click Internet Explorer. Close the window.

 

If you don’t see the familiar Internet Explorer icon (another stylized blue “E” only with a gold band) on either the Taskbar or the Desktop, do the following: Press the Windows key or click the 4 pane icon in the lower left corner, then click All apps. Scroll down to Windows Accessories and click it. Move the mouse pointer to Internet Explorer then hold down the left mouse key and drag it to the Desktop. This will create a shortcut for Internet Explorer on the Desktop screen. Place it anywhere you like. If you would like it to show on the Taskbar go  back to Internet Explorer as shown in Windows Accessories, right click it, then click Pin to Taskbar. This technique can be used for other programs listed in the All apps listing. If you are a Google Chrome or a Firefox user you can employ the same method after downloading and installing these programs/apps. You probably will have to re install your printer software. The best approach to this is to download a fresh copy from your printer manufacturer’s web site. Other programs that didn’t carry over to Windows 10 will also have to be re-installed.

 

Shutting down the Windows 10 computer is easy. Click the 4 pane white icon in the lower left corner then click Power and click Shut down.

 

Windows 10 is much improved over Windows 8 and somewhat improved over Windows 8.1 For a very quick overview, click the Get Started tile. There’s much to learn about Windows 10. The best way to learn is by your own experimentation but you can also learn some of the finer points and get answers to your questions by attending the PC Club meetings. We meet on the 3^rd Tuesday at 7PM, upstairs at the Community Center.

Hershey’s Mill has a community garden situated on approximately 2 acres, located between one of the many Ridley creek branches in the Mill and one of the Hershey’s Mill reservoirs.  It is diagonally across the street from the pool and tennis courts and can be accessed by a paved road that runs off Chandler Drive.  It is hidden from street view by a row of trees and shrubs.  There are almost 170 garden plots that vary in size, but for the most part are either 15’ x 15’ or 15’ x 30’.  The gardens are worked by about 190 Hershey’s Mill residents who enjoy getting their hands into Mother Nature’s wonderful soil in their gardens.  Each gardener grows a variety of vegetables and flowers of their own choosing.  The majority of the rules under which the garden is governed relate to the maintenance of garden plots, common areas and use of pesticides.  There are 7 row captains who are assigned 5 garden rows each and “manage” their areas to provide technical help and discuss any issues with individual gardeners.

Garden plots are free of charge and are assigned from a wait-list as they become available.  Once assigned, they stay with the assignee until that person relinquishes their holding.  The only expenses are plants, seeds, physical additions such as gates, new fencing or any other improvements each individual makes to their space.  These improvements stay with the garden.  In addition, one can expect to expend plenty of joyful and contemplative time investing the “sweat equity” that it takes to bring forth the bounty of the soil.

Gardeners are responsible for maintenance of their plots and adjacent aisles as well as keeping their plots in order and relatively weed free.  This effort does take time and precludes people from being “plant and run” members. In addition, gardeners should not leave mature fruit in their plots to rot.  In the past few years we have donated our surplus output to local food pantries.  Our contributions in 2024 amounted to over 500 pounds.

We also have a number of social activities during the year including a spring seed exchange, a community soil delivery program and as many as three summer Gazebo parties.  Pictures of these can be seen by clicking the link below this article. People on the waitlist are welcome to participate in these activities.

Garden tools, wheelbarrows, gas powered cultivators and the like are available throughout the growing season.  These are stored in two community managed sheds, located half way back on the garden access road.  There are 8 watering stations located in the middle aisle of the garden and water for irrigation is available as a Hershey’s Mill provided amenity.  The garden sheds are open from mid-March through early of December.  Water is available from mid-April through mid-November.

To obtain a plot call the Garden Plot Assignment Chair (currently Jim DiCarlo – see HM directory​ or Guide and Digest ​for contact information). In most cases you will be placed on the Garden wait-list.  In recent history (since COVID) the waitlist is extensive, and it may be over a year until a garden plot becomes available.  It therefore makes sense to apply for a plot as soon possible after you settle on your property.

Click below to see:

Photos from Community Garden Gatherings

 Technology Tips        

 

  Using a Windows 8.1 Computer -published June 2014 in the Guide and Digest

 

                                                                                                                  By Don Trauger – Kennett

 

            In the May issue of the Guide & Digest I mentioned 2 items that would help in getting you started with Windows 8.1. This month I’ll cover some more points that are explained in the following paragraphs.

 

            Windows 8.1 requires that you learn to right click the mouse. For example, to turn off or restart the computer from the Desktop screen, right click the new Windows 8 Start button, located in the lower left corner of the screen, then move the mouse to “Shut down or sign out” and click either “Shut down” or “Restart”. Notice other available options when you right click the Start button, such as the Control Panel and Program & Features. Tap the Windows key on the keyboard and you have instant access to the Live Tiles or Metro look of Windows 8. Click the down arrow in the lower left part of the screen and you can access all the installed programs now called “Apps”. Use the horizontal scroll bar at the bottom of the screen to view all the Apps. Tap it again and it goes back to where you were on the Live tile screen, then tap it again and you are back in Desktop mode. Not only have you learned to use the right mouse key, you are also using a previously unused key on the keyboard.

 

            If you would like to put an App on the Task bar of the Desktop you must right click it and click “Pin to taskbar”. It will appear on the bar at the bottom of Desktop screen. Placing icons on the Desktop screen is almost as easy. Again, right click the App and click “Open file location”. Next, right click the App and move the mouse to “Sent to” and click “Desktop (create shortcut)”. If done correctly you will now have an icon on the Desktop screen. After a little work, things will start to look familiar again as they were in the old XP days.

 

            The Charms Bar works in Desktop or Live Tile mode. If you position the mouse in either the extreme upper right or lower right corners you should see 5 icons appear. It can be touchy so be careful as mouse position is all important to make this feature work. However, once the icons appear, run the mouse down to each one to see the description. The Start icon takes you to the Live tile screen and the Settings icon will allow you another way to turn off or restart the computer. To do this click Settings, click Power and make your choice of restarting or turning off the computer.

 

            Windows 8 was updated some time ago to Windows 8.1. If you are still running the old version 8.0, you must go the Windows Store (it’s a Live Tile App) and download 8.1 from there. Most new store bought computers are now selling Windows 8.1 so you don’t have do that. However, one of the first things you need to do is to update or at least check to see that you have all of the Microsoft updates. Open the Control Panel as described above in the second paragraph, and click System and Security. Click Windows Update, then click “Check for updates”. Wait for results then install all important and recommended updates. You will have to restart the computer, then go back and click “Check for updates” again. Repeat a 3^rd time if necessary until there are no further updates available. Some of the features I write about will not be available for you until all of the updates are installed.

 

 

            If you are successful in performing the above, then you are well on your way to operating a windows 8.1 computer. The PC Club meets on the second Tuesday of every month at 7 PM upstairs in the Ardmore room of the Community Center to help you with Windows 8, 7, Vista, or even good old XP computer problems.

By Don Trauger – Kennett

Technology Tips – Published August 2015 in the Guide and Digest

 

Windows 10 is here! By the time your read this, Microsoft should have released Windows 10 on July 29^th. During the past 2 months or so, you may have noticed or clicked a new 4 pane white icon near the clock. This icon is a reminder to take advantage of the FREE upgrade to Windows 10 that will remain available for 1 year. The icon will only be displayed on Windows 7 or Windows 8 PC’s. Windows Vista or XP users are out of luck. What does this mean for Windows 7/8 users?

 

This free upgrade is a complete diversion from past Microsoft business practices. Normally version upgrades take the path of a consumer visiting a retail store or going online and purchasing the new operating system, often costing well over $100. Why is Microsoft doing this? Although there are scant details, it’s believed there are tax and competitive advantages.

 

I highly recommend that you DO NOT install this upgrade for at least 2-3 months. If there are bugs, and surely there will be some, let other power users experience the problems and send the information to Microsoft for correction.

 

Here’s what I recommend you should do to prepare your PC to upgrade to Windows 10. A PC that is running slow, has not had routine monthly maintenance and a malware/virus scan, should not be upgraded until the aforementioned is performed. After the preparation tasks are completed, create a Restore Point. In case disaster strikes, a restore point may help in restoring the computer back to a point in time when it was working correctly.

 

The Hershey’s Mill website contains past articles I’ve written on how maintain and secure your PC. I suggest you read and apply the following information contained in the listed links before you upgrade. For Maintenance, copy this link into your browser (Internet Explorer or Chrome). http:\\\\www.hersheysmill.org//resources/technology/computer-performance-maintenance-tips/monthly-computer-maintenance/. For Security, copy the following: http:\\\\www.hersheysmill.org//resources/technology/computer-security-tips/computer-security-2013/

 

After completing the above tasks it’s a good idea to create a Restore Point. Open the Control Panel, click the System icon, click System protection, then click the Create button and follow the screen prompts.

 

Since there is plenty of time for you to maintain and check the security of your system before upgrading (you have until July 28^th 2016), be sure to attend the the PC Club meeting to ask any questions about the upgrade. Also plan your system cleanup and security check a few days before you do the upgrade.

 

Please note that the PC Club will now meet on the 3^rd Tuesday at 7PM of each month instead of the 2^nd Tuesday in the Community Center on the 2^nd floor in the Ardmore room.

Restore, Refresh or Reset

By Don Trauger – Kennett

Published July 2015 in the Guide and Digest

When a Windows version 8/8.1 computer faces a major software problem 3 options may have to be considered. They are Restore, Refresh or Reset. Windows is somewhat smart in that it can detect a problem by diagnosing the computer then followed by an automatic repair. If it can be repaired automatically then that should be the end of the problem. However, what happens if the automatic repair fails to correct the problem? Read further to find out what to do.

 

If it fails to boot and you see repeated failed attempts with the automatic repair, then you must find a different way to correct the problem. Here’s what every Windows 8/8.1 computer user MUST do. Purchase a USB flash drive which is 16 GB or larger in size. On a working computer, insert the flash drive into a USB 2.0 port in the computer. A USB 2.0 port will have a black insulator inside the port connector. On newer computers you will also see USB ports that have a blue insulator. These are 3.0 high speed ports. For compatibility reasons avoid using the 3.0 ports for this procedure. Turn on the computer and boot to the Desktop screen, right click the 4 pane white window icon in the lower left corner. In the menu, left click Control Panel. If you see View by: “Category” in the upper right section of the window, click Category and select Large icons. Next, click the Recovery icon. Under Advanced recovery tools, click “Create a recovery drive”. Select “Copy the recovery partition from the PC to the recovery drive”. Click Next. You will see a message that the drive needs to be 16 GB (or larger) and that it will delete any files that may exist on the flash drive. Under available drives, you should see the flash drive labeled RECOVERY. Click Next. You will see a repeated warning message about file deletion on the flash drive, then click Create. This will take 10-15 minutes to complete. Click Finish. Remove the flash drive and store it in a safe place. Do not use it for any purpose other than repairing the PC.

 

Now that you have a tool to correct startup problems, how do you use it? First, you may have to tell the PC to boot from the flash drive instead of the hard drive. Normally it wants to boot from the hard drive but if it’s not working properly you need to tell it to boot from your flash drive. This can be done either by pressing a function key or going into the Bios to make the change. You may need to consult your documentation or find out how to do this for your particular brand of PC. It’s good info to know ahead of time.

 

When you have a major PC malfunction and it can’t be repaired automatically, turn off the PC, insert the startup flash drive you created and it should boot from the flash drive. After it boots, click US, thenTroubleshoot, Advanced options and click System Restore. You will be able to select which restore point to use for the restore operation. Normally pick the latest one when the computer was working normally. This operation will not delete any of your files or programs that you have saved or installed. After you see successful completion you can remove the flash drive and reboot the computer.

 

There are 2 other remedies that can also be implemented. Without clicking Advanced options, you should see Refresh your PC and Reset you PC. Refresh would be utilized if a System Restore failed to work. Warning – refreshing your PC will save your files but you will have re-install any programs that you installed such as your printer or programs downloaded from the Internet. Resetting the PC resets the computer back to the time when you took it out of the box and turned it on the first time. Your files and programs will be deleted.

 

Hopefully you’ll never have to do any of this. Doing regular maintenance will definitely help keep the computer in good operating condition and avoid major repairs.

 

To help you with questions about this or any subject, we meet on the second Tuesday of every month at 7 PM upstairs in the Ardmore room of the Community Center.

Were you aware that the Woodshop not only maintains an incredible array of machines and tools but also repairs and restores furniture and other wooden items.

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To see photos documenting the 2018 expansion of the Woodshop, see here.

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October 20, 2019

Benefits of membership at the Hershey’s Mill Woodshop

December is always the month for renewal of your annual membership. However, anytime is a good time to consider a new membership at one of the finest amenity’s of Hershey’s Mill.

Benefits include:

1. Total access to the Woodshop with your own electronic key fob.  Come and go as you wish! Access hours are 5:00 am to 8:00 pm seven days per week!
2. Nails, screws, glue, paper, and a cabinet full of solvents.
3. A car wash with hoses, vacuum machine, buckets and brushes.
4. Wi-Fi connection.
5. Help from members to learn the basics of using the woodshop.
6. Plenty of bench space to work on projects.
7. A painting area with exhaust fan and floor covering.
8. Plastic wrap and quilts to protect your project while transporting it from the shop
9. Various types of tape for use while assembling or finishing or painting numerous types of projects.
10. All types of clamps from one inch to several feet long.
11. Floor machines with safety devices. Various types of hand-held electric machines including sanders, routers, saws, drills, biscuit machines, saber saws, power staplers, and light duty staplers.

All residents have our open invitation to visit the Woodshop at any time. If there is a car in the parking lot you will know someone is in the shop to show you around! Call the Woodshop at 610-431-4248 and if someone answers the shop is open and available to visit, so please visit us!!

Membership applications are available at the Woodshop at the following address:

11 CHANDLER DRIVE

ONE FULL FAMILY MEMBERSHIP IS AN ANNUAL DONATION OF $100 PLUS $10 FOR THE ELECTRONIC KEY FOB.  THIS ENTITLES YOU AND RESIDENT MEMBERS OF YOUR FAMILY TO UNLIMITED ACCESS TO THE SHOP!

CAR WASH ONLY MEMBERSHIP IS $50 PER YEAR.

 

 

                                                                                                                         By Don Trauger – Kennett

 

            A solid-state drive(SSD) (also known as a solid-state disk though it contains no actual disk, nor a drive motor to spin a disk) is a data storage device that uses integrated circuit assemblies as memory to permanently store data.

            SSDs have no moving mechanical components as opposed to the traditional computer hard drive. This distinguishes them from hard drives or floppy disks, which contain spinning disks and electro-mechanical movable read/write heads. Compared with electro-mechanical disks, SSDs are typically more resistant to physical shock, run silently, and are faster in response to system commands. However, while the price of SSDs has continued to decline over time, consumer-grade SSDs are still roughly five to six times more expensive per unit of storage than consumer-grade hard disk drives (HDDs). This is one reason why they have not entered the main stream of “off-the-shelf” consumer computers. Hybrid drives or solid-state hybrid drives (SSHDs) combine the features of SSDs and HDDs in the same unit, containing a large hard disk drive and an SSD cache to improve performance of frequently accessed data. However, they only boost the speed of booting a computer and don’t materially affect the speed of programs. Hybrid drives are not worth the extra cost. SDDs, on the other hand, can be ordered with a new computer as an option from a computer manufacturer.

            Hard drives slowly wear after a period of time. This can affect the reliability. Five to ten years ago a drive could cause problems after just a few years of use. Since then reliability has improved but wear is still a problem. Built-in circuitry will compensate for wear – to a point. The main issue now is that a hard drive is slow in comparison to a SSD. That’s due to its moving parts. SSDs have no moving parts. All operations move electronically making it much faster. The advantage of hard drives is basically in two categories, cost and the amount of storage. However, SSDs are catching up to HDDs in the storage area.

            SSDs are the same size as a laptop hard drive making them ideally suited for replacement. They also can be installed in a Desktop computer but that requires a kit consisting of a mounting tray that goes in the space where the hard drive is located. Replacing a hard drive in a laptop does not require the knowledge of a rocket scientist. It does require a small Phillips head screwdriver to remove a bottom panel of the laptop and the old hard drive.

            Here’s how it’s done. You can order from either TigerDirect.com or Newegg.com. I prefer the SSDs made by Samung. You should order a size that is commensurate for your needs.  A 128 or 256 Gb size should be adequate. What you will receive is the SSD, a software disc, a special cable and instructions. Plug one end of the cable into the laptop’s USB port and the other into the new SSD then turn on the laptop. Next you run the Samsung Data Migration program from the supplied CD disc. This copies (clones) your hard drive to the SSD. I highly recommend that you do your routine maintenance on the hard drive BEFORE you run the copy program. This includes running CCleaner and Disk Cleanup. Defragging is also recommended. This provides a better environment for the process. After the copy process is completed, shut down the laptop and remove the back panel and the hard drive. Using the mounting frame from the old hard drive, plug in the new SSD and secure it in place. Replace the back panel and turn it on. Next install the Magician software. This program optimizes the operation of the SSD. You can expect to see anywhere from 30 – 50% decrease in boot time over the former hard drive. Program speed will also be much quicker.

            To help you with questions about this or any subject, we meet on the second Tuesday of every month at 7 PM, upstairs in the Ardmore room of the Community Center.

HMCTV – Our own TV station

• Introduction to HMCTV
• History of Hershey’s Mill Cable TV