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Browser Security – Updated (May 2017)

Technology Tips – Published May 2017 in the Guide and Digest

By Don Trauger – Kennett

Browser Security – Updated

I have revised and updated the information in this article which was originally published in April of 2016. It contains many links to click and may be best utilized while on your computer. To read and implement the programs mentioned below, click the following link: http:\\\\www.hersheysmill.org//hmc-tv20/diges/. Click on the May 2017 Guide and Digest.

 

In previous articles I have recommended the following security programs: Bitdefender Free Anti-Virus (download it here): https://www.bitdefender.com/solutions/free.html. Malwarebytes free (download it here): https://www.malwarebytes.com/. AdwCleaner (download it here): https://toolslib.net/downloads/viewdownload/1-adwcleaner/. Bitdfender Free comes in 2 flavors. The online version is the newest and is recommended for Windows 10. It appears first when you click the above Bitdefender link. A pop-up window comparing the older free version and a pay-for version may overlay the first window. Actually, both versions work fine on Windows 10. Malwarebytes offers a 14 day premium free trial with the download. After that it reverts back to manual scans and updates if you want to stay with the free version. NOTE: The new version of Malwarebytes (3.0) also contains an anti-virus. It can conflict with other anti-virus programs you may have installed. Remember that you can only have 1 anti-virus program running on your computer. Uninstall any other anti-virus program before installing Malwarebytes (3.0). Alternatively, if you have the older version of Bitdefender, click the white “B” icon on the Taskbar and turn off the Virus Shield while running Malwarebytes (3.0) during the trial period. After the Malwarebytes 14 day trial is over you can turn Bitdefender’s Virus Shield back on.

 

Now, I suggest you take an additional approach to increase security particularly when you browse the Internet. Yes, your anti virus can still protect you when a malicious file is downloaded into your computer. However, anti-virus programs are not currently where most of the malicious action is. For technical reasons hackers can’t make money writing virus code. Their attention has turned to other ways that Malwarebytes and AdwCleaner can detect and remove. There are still viruses out there but not at the same level as previously. The additional approach should now include improving browser (Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer) security.

 

Next, make sure you are using the Chrome browser. If not, get it here: https://www.google.com/chrome/browser/desktop/. Chrome is perceived to be the safest browser. What I suggest is to add 3 free Add-ins. The add-ins are Adblock Plus https://adblockplus.org/, TrafficLight from Bitdefender http://www.bitdefender.com/solutions/trafficlight.html and Disconnect https://disconnect.me/freeprotection. All 3 can be added to Firefox as well as Chrome but Internet Explorer and Microsoft Edge can only accept Adblock Plus.

 

Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit is now contained in Malwarebytes Anti Malware version 3.0. It guards against web sites that may harbor malicious exploits also known as ransomware. Exploit kits are designed by hackers to find and exploit any vulnerabilities in your computer. This program works only when a browser is opened but works on all browsers. However, Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit will only run during the free trial or if you decide you want to have the pay-for version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware. If you revert back to the free version after the free trial and want Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit you can download it from here: https://downloads.malwarebytes.org/file/mbae_current/. Adblock Plus is an ad blocker. It offers blocking to 3rd party ad servers that are often compromised by hackers that can infect your computer by putting malicious ads on your computer. It doesn’t block all ads. Some legitimate ads originating from the web site itself will still come through. Traffic light examines the web address you are entering. If it’s malicious it will block the connection to that site. Disconnect blocks tracking cookies that follow your various selections of websites.

 

I recommend only one setting change for Adblock Plus. Click the red Adblock Plus icon in the upper right corner of Chrome, click Options, and uncheck “Allow some non-intrusive advertising”. These 3 tools work only when you open your browser.

 

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 3rd Tuesday of each month at 7 PM upstairs in the Community Center. May’s topic will cover Browser Security.

 

Screen Readability

Don Trauger – Kennett

As we age, the vision that we may have had in our younger years, is not what it used to be. Even with glasses visual acuity is often
compromised. On the newer LCD computer screens with high resolution, the font size is often tiny. Although the content is sharp it
can be hard to read. Now I’ll tell you the procedure to improve this problem with different Microsoft operating systems.

First, make sure your monitor is adjusted properly using its contrast and brightness settings. If you have a high resolution picture
from a digital camera, this can be used to set the contrast and brightness for a life-like setting. If a picture is not available go
to www.google.com and search for “nature wallpaper” or “landscape wallpaper”. Click a life-like picture then click on full-size image
to the right. Do several to get an idea of a life-like image. To see more pictures click on “Images for Nature Wallpaper or “Images for
Landscape Wallpaper”. With a life-like picture on the screen you can now adjust your monitor’s contrast and brightness for the best
quality. Check your monitor’s manual for instructions on the location for the contrast and brightness controls.

With Windows XP right click a blank area on the Desktop screen. Click Properties and then click the Appearance tab. Next click the
Effects button. In that window put a check next to “Use the following method to smooth edges of screen fonts”. Click the little down arrow
and click “ClearType”. OK the window. Next, click the Settings tab. Under “Color quality” choose “Highest (32bit)”. Click the Advanced
button. Under “DPI setting”, click the down arrow and choose “Large size (120DPI)”. OK the window. The following adjustment can be used
but it will distort the screen image so that circles may not be round any longer and it can also cause other side effects in all operating
systems. This adjustment is the Screen resolution slider setting under the Settings tab. If you move the slider to the left everything on
the screen will appear larger but possibly distorted and fuzzier. Set it to where you are satisfied with the results.

Windows Vista is similar. Right click the Desktop, click Personalize. On the left side click “Adjust font size (DPI)”. Choose “Larger
scale (120 DPI)” and OK the window. Next, Click Display Settings. Here you can adjust the Resolution, and Colors (Highest 32 bit is recommended)
if necessary.

Windows 7 allows additional adjustments. Click Start then click Control Panel. Click Appearance and Personalization
(View by: Category at top right). Click Display. Choose “Medium – 125%”. On the left side, click “Adjust resolution”. Use the recommended
setting if at all possible. Next, click “Calibrate color”. Follow the instructions on the screen. It will be followed by a ClearType procedure
to improve text quality.

Windows 7 does the best job of tuning your computer display for your individual needs. However, XP and Vista also provide the ability to make
your screen easier to read. One thing to remember – don’t use Windows High Contrast setting should you encounter it. It may seem to be an easy
fix for readability problems but you will incur color distortions, and other visual side effects that conflict with normal Web surfing.

Help with the above information is available at the PC Club meetings. We meet the second Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM upstairs in
the Ardmore room of the Community Center.

FiOS Information

Instructions, How To’s and Answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

This page is separated into 4 sections.

Section 1 is a description of Hershey’s Mill Verizon FiOS. Just scroll down a little for this section.

Section 2 deals with new owners, sellers, unoccupied homes, renters and landlords. Go to Section 2

Section 3 is an extensive group of information packets and FAQ’s that are sequenced alphabetically.Go to Section 3

Section 4 is just a few more FiOS tips that did not seem to fit in the first 3 sections.Go to Section 4
We may eventually move these to a more suitable place.

For your convenience all documents can be printed since they are in pdf format.  Look for the printer icon after you click on ‘Click Here’.  You should read through the document first since several are lengthy.  

1. Verizon FiOS & Hershey’s Mill Triple Play Bulk Plan

NOTE: All information provided is subject to change at any time.  Procedures may change, technology may change, channels may change, pricing for add-ons may change – in short, anything may change. The various authors, the Hershey’s Mill Master Association, Managing Agents, any paid personnel, staff, coordinators or consultants, or any volunteers contributing to the information contained Here are not liable for its accuracy or subject to any liability for any changes or inaccuracies.  There is no duty to maintain or update the information available here. The Information provided here is to the best of our understanding and knowledge at this time. We apologize in advance for any errors or inconvenience that may be caused for any changes or misinformation.

Verizon FiOS Information – Do Not call 1-800-Verizon for any reason.

This is a Retail number and Hershey’s Mill is a Verizon FiOS Triple Play Bulk Community.

  • The FIOS KEEP SHEET has important information about your FIOS account including contact telephone numbers
  • Remember for Tech Support the number is 1-888-553-1555.  Can’t wait for FiOS Tech Support?  Click here for two options.

What is included in the HM Bulk Package?

The Verizon Bulk Plan includes –

  • Preferred HDTV (approximately 335 channels: 255 Standard and 80 HD Channels – the number and type may fluctuate)
  • One (1) HD Set Top Box
  • One Dual Band Router
  • Internet – 150 Mg Upload and Download Speeds
  • Phone/Voice (Dial Tone) with Unlimited Calling Nationwide, Canada and Puerto Rico

Section 2.

New Home Owners, Sellers, Unoccupied Homes, Renters, Landlords

Moving In, Moving Out, Moving Between Homes within Hershey’s Mill

The Alarm Panels within all homes, except Ashton Village homes, must have dial tone to send an Alarm Signal to Security. Sellers and Renters are responsible for maintaining telephone service through Settlement Day for Sellers and Move Out Day for Renters. New Home Owners, no matter the actual Move In Date, are responsible for providing telephone service the Day After Settlement Day. Landlords are responsible for providing telephone service the Day after Move Out Day through the next Move In Day, in between Renters occupancy.  There is no extra cost for this as phone service is included in the Hershey’s Mill/Verizon FiOS Bulk Plan.  However, an account must be set up through Verizon.

New Home Owners (update 5/8/19) : Click Here

Moving Out Instructions, Sellers and Unoccupied Homes (updated: 09/07/23 :Click Here

Renters & Landlords:  Click Here

Landlords & Phone Only Between Renters: Click Here 

Moving Between Homes in Hershey’s Mill (update 5/8/19) : Click Here

MORE INFORMATION for New Home Owners, Sellers, Unoccupied Homes, Renters and Landlords: (We suggest reading through the Instructions, How To’s and Answers to FAQ below also.)

  1. Alarm Panel Self Tests: How To – It is Easy! Click Here
  2. Battery Back Up/PowerReserve –
    • Why Install a Battery Back Up/Power Reserve? Click Here
    • Technical Details from the Designing Engineer Click Here
    • Self Install Instructions Click Here
    • Pick Up Instructions Click Here
    • How to change the batteries in the Battery Backup Unit. Click Here
  3. The Verizon FiOS Preferred Plan Channel Line-up is in the small black Welcome Envelope that you will receive from the Verizon installer. Ask for one if the Tech does not give you one.
  4. Digital Adapters – Click Here
  5. IR Extenders for IR Remotes. Click Here
  6. Keep Sheet: Has many FAQ’s and Answers. Click Here
  7. Multiple Phone Lines within One Home. Click Here
  8. Phone Service Only. Click Here
  9. Pre, During and Post Installation: things to know and do Before, During and After installation. Click Here
  10. Vacation Suspension. Click Here
  11. verizon.com: Visit the website to learn detailed information on using your TV Remote, DVR, FiOS Mobile App and More.

 

Section 3.

Instructions, How To’s & Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

—–A—–

Alarm Panel Self Tests: How To – It is Easy! Click Here  

Amazon Firestick: How to set it up. Click Here 

Amazon Echo (Alexa) and Voice Commands with Verizon FiOS Interaction, Click Here
The Verizon page on Amazon Alexa –   https://www.verizon.com/home/fios-tv-voice-control-alexa.html

APPS:

  • FiOS TV App – download from the App Store: Watch live TV and stream On Demand to all your devices. Record programs remotely. Use Voice Search for programming, stars, or channels such as ABC, NBC, CBS by tapping the mic icon and speaking. Click Here
  • My FiOS App – Download from the App Store: This gives you the ability to manage accounts, control, test and manage your Television, Internet and Telephone and much more, Click Here 

—–B—–

Battery Back Up/PowerReserve Information:

  • Why Install a Battery Back Up/PowerReserve? Click Here
  • Technical Details from the Designing Engineer. Click Here
  • Self Install Instructions. Click Here
  • Pick Up Instructions. Click Here
  • How to change the batteries in the Battery Backup Unit. Click Here

Blocking an Individual Phone Number From Ringing At Your Number. Click Here

Boxes – What are the Verizon Boxes installed in my home? Click Here

—–C—–

Cable Cards. Click Here

Cable Installation & Alarm Repair Companies. Click Here

Caller ID on TV – How to Enable. Click Here

Caller ID on TV with Pictures. Click Here 

Channel Line Up Information

  • Special Channels: HMCTV (formerly channel 20) = 1970/1971; Netflix Subscribers = 838; Game Show Network (Ultimate channel lineup only) = 184/684; TCM (Turner Classic Movies) (Preferred and Ultimate channel lineups) = 230.   Channel 131– Tune your Television to Channel 131: to watch short videos on how to get help setting up Controls, Voice Mail and More.
  • Channel Line Up included in the HM Bulk Contract: Preferred Channel line-up as of Nov 2017, Click Here
  • Channel Line Ups for All Verizon FiOS Channel Plan Options: as of February 2017, Click Here
  • Channel Line Ups for a Comparison of Verizon FiOS Channel Plan Options. Click Here
  • Channel Listing (HD only) in larger print, Click Here  Note that it does not identify the channels by package (Preferred or Extreme or Ultimate or Custom or Premium).  Note, it does not list the SD channels (digital adapter).
  • Favorite Channels: How to save your favorite channels, Click Here.
  • Music Channels: Numerical Guide to Music from Verizon FiOS with Remote tips, Click Here.
  • Music Channels – a one page Alphabetical listing: click here.
  • Music & TV Channel Instructions. Click Here
  • Sports Channels. Click Here
  • Up To Date Verizon FiOS Channel Listings. Click Here

Complaints, Compliments and Suggestions. Click Here

—–D—–

Digital Adapters. Click Here

DVD Players. Click Here

—–E—–

Email Information – You Can You Keep Your Email Address and How to Access. Click Here

Extenders and Router Locations: Click Here

—–F—–

Favorite Channels: How to save your favorite channels, Click Here.

FiOS TV App – download from the App Store: Watch live TV and stream On Demand to all your devices. Record programs remotely. Use Voice Search for programming, stars, or channels such as ABC, NBC, CBS by tapping the mic icon and speaking. Click Here.

—–G—–

Guide Font Size – How to make the Guide on your Television easier to read, Click Here

—–H—–

Introductory Verizon FIOS help can be seen on channel 131 (once you get FIOS). Tuning to channel 131 may help answer questions or solve problems you may be experiencing.The short videos include how to get help setting up Controls, Voice Mail and More.

HMCTV (was Hershey’s Mill Channel 20) can be seen on 2 Verizon FIOS channels, 1970 and 1971. Please report any problems viewing HMCTV to our office at 610-436-5922.

—–I—–

Internet Speed, Testing, Trouble Shooting & Solutions, Click Here

IR Extenders for IR Remotes, Click Here

—–K—–

Keep Sheet – has FAQ’s and Important Phone Numbers Click Here

—–L—–

Large Button Remotes: Ordering Information and to see the two Remotes that are available. Click Here

Last Channel: To Power On to Last Viewed Channel: Click Here

—–M—–

Movies – Slow Internet or Trouble Streaming Movies, Click Here 

Moving Between Homes in Hershey’s Mill (update 5/8/19) : Click Here

Moving In Instructions, (update 5/8/19), Click Here 

Moving Out Instructions, Sellers, and Unoccupied Homes (update 5/8/19), Click Here 

My FiOS App – Download from the App Store: This gives you the ability to manage accounts, control, test and manage your Television, Internet and Telephone and much more, Click Here

—–N—–

Netflix is available on Channel 838 – this is a subscription service.  If you already subscribe, go to 838 & sign in under your subscription information.  If you would like to subscribe, go to the Netflix website, subscribe, then go to channel 838 and sign in.

No Dial Tone. Click Here

No Dial Tone After Power Outage & Alarm Panel Issues? Click Here

—–O—–

On Demand vs DVR vs APPS:Tips regarding Free Network Apps vs. $On Demand vs DVR.  Click Here

Opening Banner on TV – How to Remove, Click Here

—–P—–

Password Change – How to change your WIFI Network Name and Password. Click Here

TV Automatically Powering Off? Click Here

—–Q—–

QAM Tuners – How Use Your TV with a QAM Tuner.  Click Here

—–R—–

Rings – Changing the Number of Rings on Your Home Phone Before the Call Goes to Voice Mail, Click Here. 

Remote Control – Learn about your Remote.

Router Locations and Extenders (Also Called Second Routers). Click Here

RoBo Calls: Nomorobo is a third-party service that can help block robocalls and telemarketers from calling your Fios Digital Voice home phone.  Click Here   To watch a video, go to: https://www.verizon.com/support/residential/consumer-education/robocalls/nomorobo.htm

—–S—–

Slow Internet or Trouble Streaming Movies. Click Here

—–T—–

Telephone – Changing the Number of Rings on Your Home Phone Before the Call Goes to Voice Mail, Click Here.

Telephone Numbers: Verizon Telephone Numbers for Accounts, Billing Questions, Upgrades, Downgrades, Changes in Services or Equipment, Technical Support, On Line Account Support. Click Here

TV App Verizon “FiOS TV” App – download from the App Store: Watch live TV and stream On Demand to all your devices. Record programs remotely. Use Voice Search for programming, stars, or channels such as ABC, NBC, CBS by tapping the mic icon and speaking. Click Here

TV Automatically Powering Off? Click Here

TV not working? Click Here

—–V—–

Vacation Suspension. Click Here: 

Voice Mail Set Up: Voice Mail will be a New Voice Mail. Activate your Fios Digital Voice Mail service by dialing 1-888-234-6786 from your home phone. Your password will be the last 4 digits of your telephone number. You may change your Password after setting up Voice Mail. Follow the prompts. Click Here

Voice Mail Access: To Access Your Home Voice Mail after Activation or After Setting It Up: Dial 1-888-234-6786 or from your home phone dial *86. Follow the prompts. Click Here

Voice Mail & Answering Machines,  Click Here:

Verizon “FiOS TV” App – download from the App Store: Watch live TV and stream On Demand to all your devices. Record programs remotely. Use Voice Search for programming, stars, or channels such as ABC, NBC, CBS by tapping the mic icon and speaking. Click here

Verizon FIOS – WelcometoFiOS.verizon.com: Visit the website to learn detailed information on using your TV Remote, DVR, FiOS Mobile App and More.

Videos – Instructional Videos on FiOS topics. Click Here

Viewing Archived Television Programming: Alternate Ways To Watch Archived Television Programming. Click Here

Voice Remote – see Remote

—–W—–

Watching FiOS TV when away from Hershey’s Mill. Click Here

WelcometoFiOS.verizon.com: Visit the website to learn detailed information on using your TV Remote, DVR, FiOS Mobile App and More.

WiFi (Internet)

  • WiFi – Instructions for Connecting your device to WiFi. Click Here
  • Finding your WiFi ID and Password. Click Here
  • Changing your WiFi ID and Password. Click Here

 

Section 4.

Additional tips

    • The FIOS KEEP SHEET has important information about your FIOS account including contact telephone numbers
    • Restore the FIOS remote’s Last button functionality back to its original operation.

      Press the Menu button on the remote, go to Settings & press OK. Press OK on System. Go to Television & press OK. Scroll down to Last Watch Rail & press OK. Press the down button to highlight Disable & press OK. Press Exit on the remote.

    • Old Comcast information Although this was written to help HM residents during the the transition to FiOS, it may still contain useful information for Newer Residents who are former Comcast customers.
    • Netflix is available on Channel 838 (easier than the Widget) – this is a subscription service.  If you already subscribe, set up & sign in under your subscription information.
    • Power On to Last Viewed Channel
      Using the remote-select: Menu>Settings>System>Media Server Settings>Power On Channel. Press OK and you will have a choice of FIOS1 News Channel or Last Channel Viewed.

 

 

Several FIOS articles have been published in the Tech Tips section of the Guide and Digest. They are published on this website too, often a month or 2 before the magazine arrives in your mail box, and we keep them in one place so they can be found easily.

Here is a shortcut to the Tech Tips section of this website.

Old Comcast Customer

Hershey’s Mill transitioned to FIOS in early 2018. The information may still be of use to former Comcast customers. Please check with Comcast to see if it is still current.

  • Comcast information
    • Returning your Comcast equipment: There is no need to call Comcast first before returning your equipment. Simply go to the Comcast Service Center at 106 Bartlett Avenue (Near Bed Bath and Beyond) Exton, PA 19341, and they will handle both the cancellation of your account and returned equipment with a receipt.
    • Question: Can I still use my Comcast email address?,
      Answer: The only change necessary is to make sure the new Verizon router password is entered into your wireless PC or MAC computer’s WiFi connection. This includes mobile phones and tablets such as iPads, etc. assuming you want to use your home’s WiFi. You can continue to use the same Internet browser program (Internet Explorer, Chrome, Firefox, Safari or Edge) then enter the address “my.xfinity.com/?cid=cust” (no quotes). Sign into your Comcast account (if necessary) and go to your email. If you use MS Office Outlook, no changes are anticipated.The bottom line is that all of your programs, personal settings, etc. should work as well on Verizon as they did on Comcast.
    • Comcast’s official Email policy regarding account cancellation when transitioned to Verizon. “As a former XFINITY customer, you can still use your Comcast.net email address if you logged into your account in the 90 days prior to disconnecting your service. Your email account will remain active as long as you access it at least once every month”.

    • Updates to Previous Post on Equifax Hack. Updates in Italics

     

    WHAT TO DO ABOUT EQUIFAX HACK – UPDATED

    I posted this column the day after the Equifax hack became public knowledge to help you deal with the breach as it affects you. While the advice below remains accurate, I have become aware of some issues for you to consider when deciding if it is right for you.

    Here are the three updates:

    1. If Equifax says they believe your personal information has not been impacted that is only a partial truth. What they mean is that they haven’t seen any suspicious activity from the time the hack was discovered (May) until they last checked (July.) this should not reassure you for two reasons. Misuse of your information may have happened before May and more significantly the people who stole your data may wait six months to a year to use it so the heat dies down.

     

    1. If you click the ACCEPT button you agree to waive your right to sue Equifax or join a Class Action Lawsuit. Although Equifax says this won’t apply in this case the contract language overrides any verbal statements. I am not making a recommendation here, only giving you the alternatives.

     

    1. Equifax wants more personal information. Are You comfortable giving it to them?

     

     

    This hack is a big deal despite Equifax’s ridiculous claim that their core database was not breached. The crooks have your social security number, address, driver’s license, and birth day. They don’t need anything else. They can open new accounts in your name and if they change the address you might never know they did so.

    I have followed Equifax’s instructions so I can let you know what to do to receive a free year of identity theft protection and credit file monitoring product, called TrustedID Premier. Please note that EVERY Equifax customer is eligible for this service even if Equifax doesn’t know if you were hacked.

    First, go to the website www.equifaxsecurity2017.com. You will need your social security number. After you enter your last name and last six digits of your SSN hit continue. That will take you to another site for enrollment. You will the receive an enrollment date and you will be told to return to the site www.equifaxsecurity2017.com ON THAT DATE to continue your enrollment. For security purposes, you will be asked to re-enter your last name and the last six digits of your Social Security number. To enroll in TrustedID Premier, you will be asked to provide additional information to verify your identity. You also will need to provide a valid email address in order to complete the process. Within a few days, you will receive an email with a link to activate TrustedID Premier. Please be sure to check your spam and junk folders if you do not receive your activation email within that time frame.

    As a word of warning the scammers will be on this like a dog on a bone. So please be very wary of any E-Mails, texts, or phone calls you get from “Equifax.” ALWAYS call their 800 number to check.

     Here are some other things you can do to help protect yourself:

    Credit Freeze / Fraud Alert

    This is the most important thing you can do. It will prevent anyone from opening credit in your name. The drawback is this includes you but you can easily turn it off temporarily with a phone call and your personal pin. There is usually a $10 charge to set it up and to suspend it but Equifax may suspend it. Even if they don’t it will be the best $10 you’ve ever spent.

    The three credit bureaus and their phone numbers are:

    • Equifax        800-349-9960
    • Experian       888-397-3742
    • TransUnion  888-909-8872

    Be Aware of Any Suspicious Activity on Your Accounts

    These could be late payments on accounts you don’t have or changes to non-financial accounts.

    Free – Wise Disk Cleaner and Registry Cleaner Programs (Mar 2022)

    Technology Tips – Published March 2022 in the Guide and Digest

    By Don Trauger – Kennett

     

    This article is an update of the March 2020 Tech Tips article. Most of the information remains the same, however, the Disk Defrag feature has been updated for newer PC’s. Disk Defrag optimizes the storage drive for improved performance. The two programs also clean your computer from unneeded files and Registry entries.

     

    Download the Wise Disk Cleaner. Enter in your web browser (Edge, Chrome, Firefox, etc.) https://www.wisecleaner.com/wise-disk-cleaner.html then press the keyboard’s Enter key. Then click the Free Download button. Download the Wise Registry Cleaner. Enter in your web browser https://www.wisecleaner.com/wise-registry-cleaner.html then press the keyboard Enter key. Click the Free Download button. Both downloaded programs will be found in your Downloads directory. Open File Explorer, double click the Downloads folder then double click WDCFree to install the Disk Cleaner. After WDCFree is installed, double click WRCFree to install the Registry Cleaner.

     

    Double click the Wise Disk Cleaner icon on the Desktop screen. Click the Scan button to analyze the amount of your computer’s junk files. After the scan completes it will display the number of files that will be removed, and the total size freed up. Next, click the Clean button to actually remove the files. For a deeper cleaning, click the Advanced Cleaner button at the top of the window. Click the Scan button and when it’s finished click the Clean button. Do not try to delete any other files should if they are displayed. Two other items at the top of the window are Slimming System and Disk Defrag. Slimming the System requires good computer maintenance expertise. Click Disk Defrag to analyze what type of storage drive your computer has and it will indicate whether it is an HDD or the newer SSD type. Click the Smart Optimize button to optimize either type of drive. For HDD drives optionally click the down arrow next to the Smart Optimize button and choose Full Optimization for the best performance gain. It will take a while to complete this task.

     

    Next, double click the Wise Registry Cleaner icon. Click Deep Scan to clean unused Registry entries. Make sure you observe the results of the scan. Do not try to remove anything that is unsafe to remove. Two other items included are System Tuneup and Registry Defrag. System Tuneup makes changes to your system to improve overall performance. Personally, I find it unnecessary to run it. Do not run the Registry Defrag as it is also unnecessary and could cause problems.

     

    In addition to WDCFree and WRCFree, Microsoft has their own cleanup tool – Storage Sense. It is good for cleaning up Microsoft specific unneeded files. Open Settings, click System, scroll to and click Storage. Wait until it analyzes your system, then click Temporary files. Wait again until it scans your drive. Leave the Downloads unchecked. All other selections should be checked. Click Remove files. Wait until it completes.

     

    Finally, my recommendation is to run all three programs once a month leaving the Wise Registry Cleaner until last. This procedure will ensure that proper maintenance is achieved.

    Natural Areas Stewardship

    ⇦ Return to Nature Main Page

    “The aim of science is to discover and illuminate truth. And that,
    I take it, is the aim of literature, whether biography or history or fiction.
    It seems to me, then, that there can be no separate literature of science.”
    –Rachel Carson

    Water Resources

    Hershey’s Mill has eight ponds, two major tributaries to Ridley Creek, and several wetland habitats. These aquatic habitats support a thriving fauna including freshwater clams that are indicative of high water quality. We want to keep it that way by identifying any threats and correcting them. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has identified runoff, stormwater, and pathogens as potential threats. While we must be vigilant of upstream and unintended inputs, maintaining and enhancing the riparian buffers of ponds and streams are a focus of the HMNG.

    The Nature Group has undertaken consultations with the Stroud Water Research Center, the Willistown Conservation Trust, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and East Goshen Township to obtain management guidance and potentially funding for implementation.

    Serpentine Barrens

    The serpentine barrens ecosystem is a globally rare habitat that supports rare flora and fauna.  The integrity of the Hershey’s Mill Barrens was summarized by Roger Latham, PhD of Continental Conservation after a visit in the summer of 2021:

    “I’m super-impressed by the barrens as a whole. Diversity of species of highest conservation need is very high relative to the site’s size. There’s more of the crucial rock outcrop-gravel community than at some much larger sites, and at Hershey’s Mill Barrens that community is especially rich in species of greatest conservation need. Overall patch diversity is high, too, with areas of mature grassland, rock outcrop-gravel community, seepage wetland, vernal pool, and intermittent stream, and appropriately small areas of eastern redcedar woodland and greenbrier thicket confined to the edges.”

    In cooperation with volunteer local expert botanists, the HMNG has conducted site characterization surveys and invasive species removal field days to further define and enhance the quality of this rare ecosystem.

    If you would like to be part of any of these initiatives or have other ideas, please contact us at HMNatureComm@HMHOA.com.

     

    HM News

     

    Hershey’s Mill News

    Newer News

        • Residents can keep up with the news about HM through HM HOA emails.

          These emails to residents provide much information about what is happening in HM (HM News emails).

          They are usually sent daily and are provided by the HM Technology Committee. Bill & Sherry Kane are Co-Chairs of the committee and are the contacts if you need to list an event in the emails or are not getting the emails for some reason. See the HM directory for their contact information

      • This list is more or less in chronological order. But some events have no date, others cover a range of dates, and occasionally mistakes are made.
    • Help needed with locating Comcast eyesores
      All HM Residents
      Report then and try to get them fixed or removed

      Details – https://hersheysmill.org/2024/06/03/comcast-pedestals-and-cabinets-in-need-of-repair

    • HM Community Pool
      Pool Open: Saturday, May 25 – Monday, September 2, 2024
      Coming Events:

      July 4th! (Rain Date July 5)
      Ice Cream Truck Between 3 PM & 4 PM (Bring Cash)
      DJ Steve. 4 PM – 7 PM

      See https://hersheysmill.org/the-mill/hmpool/ for more

    • Pet Summer Safety
      Temperatures are expected to be higher than normal this Summer.
      Tips to keep you and your pet safe
      FULL ARTICLCE HERE

      From an HM Resident and Veterinarian, originally in HOA email of June 19

    • The Hershey’s Mill Players see HOA email of June 23
      The Hershey’s Mill Players are proud to announce their 2024 product: Fantasy Mill, written, produced, and performed by your Hershey’s Mill neighbors.

      3 performances June 27-29: see details

    • Buck a bag Book Sale!
      HM Library, July 1-6- open on 4th

      see HoA email of June 21 for details

    • Tai Chi Tuesday’s in July
      First Four Classes are Free
      July 2, 9, 16 & 23, 7:00 PM

      Sports Complex Stretch Zone Old Bocce Courts)

    • Alzheimer’s Education & Vaccine Study
      more details in HOA email of June 23
      Educational Sessions, Lunch for those who RSVP
      Tuesday, July 9, 2024
      Sessions at 9:30 AM & 1:00 PM
      Community Center, Wooldridge Hall

      Volunteers needed for Vaccine Study for a Vaccine against the tau-protein that is responsible for MOST of the brain damage in Alzheimer’s Disease.
      Learn how the vaccine works and whether you are eligible for the study
      Morning and Afternoon Appointments
      Study is conducted under supervision of the FDA.
      No cost screening in HM to determine if you are eligible for the study.

      RSVP & Make Appointment by July 8, 2024 at 2:00 PM
      This is a popular event and fills quickly – Don’t Wait, RSVP Today to Reserve Your Seat

    • HM Summer Concert Series
      The 2024 Hershey’s Mill Community TV Sunday night Summer Concert Series began June 9 at 7 PM. Come listen to great oldies hits from the 60s to the 90s.

      The Left Edge – July 14
      sponsored by Engels & Volkers
      (Rain Date July 21)

      GoodFoot – August 4
      sponsored by Oasis Senior Advisors
      (Rain Date August 25)

      HM Golf Club Parking Lot, 7:00 PM
      Concerts are Free, Chairs Provided,Golf Carts Welcome

    • Antique Presentation & Free Appraisals
      Brief Overview of Antiques Market Today
      Presentation & Antiques Appraisals by Kyle Hoch, Appraiser
      Free Appraisals of Antiques
      Furniture, Fine Art, Jewelry, Sterling Silver, China and More
      for those residents with an appointment

      Tuesday, July 23, 9:30 AM – 10 AM
      Appraisals by Appointment 10:15 – 12:45
      Wooldridge Hall, Community Center

      Must register if you want appointment, more details in HOA email of June 23

    • Simple Suppers :
      details in HoA emails
      July 1 & 15 – 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM
      You may purchase as many meals as you want or need and keep them in your freezer. No need to Pre-Order – Just Show Up

      Simple Suppers are available Mondays TWICE a month. Details in HoA emails

    • You might also want to see the HM calendar for current events
    • You may be looking for local links, see our area links at https://hersheysmill.org/resources/area-gov-links/

    Older but worth keeping here

    Windows Keyboard Shortcuts (Jan 2016)

     Technology Tips

     By Don Trauger – Kennett

                                       Windows Keyboard Shortcuts

    Listed below are some common Windows keyboard shortcuts. Keyboard shortcuts allow you to control the computer via a sequence of key strokes. For example, the first Windows 10 keystroke listed is “Windows key + A. This opens the Action Center in a window on the right side of the screen. The Action Center allows you to see what has taken place in your Windows 10 computer. The Windows key is usually located in lower left portion of the keyboard and is defined by a 4 segment white or black insignia. Instructions are as follows: Hold down the Windows key while you press the A” key (for the Action Center). To create a new virtual desktop screen, hold down the Windows key and the Ctrl key and press the “D” key. You don’t have to capitalize the letter keys.

    My favorite keyboard shortcut for copying text and pasting it to another document, or to another portion of the same document, is Ctrl “C” followed by Ctrl “V”. Highlight the text you want to copy then hold the Ctrl key while you press the “C” key. This action places the highlighted text in memory. Next place the cursor where you want to place the highlighted text and hold the Ctrl key while you press the “V” key. This will paste (copy) the highlighted text. The copy/paste keyboard shortcuts work on previous versions of Windows also. One other text associated keyboard shortcut is Ctrl “X”. To move text, highlight the text, hold down the Ctrl key while you press the “X” key and the highlighted text disappears. Place the cursor where you want it, press and hold the Ctrl key while you press the “V” key and it reappears.

    I’m sure you will find something in the following list to make your computing proceed smoothly.

    Windows 10’s newest features

    Windows key + A: Open the Action Center
    Windows key + C: Launch Cortana in listening mode (for voice commands)
    Windows key + I: Open the Settings app
    Windows key + S: Launch Cortana
    Windows key + Tab: Open Task View
    Windows key + Ctrl + D: Create a new virtual desktop
    Windows key + Ctrl + F4: Close the current virtual desktop
    Windows key + Ctrl + left or right arrow: switch between virtual desktops

    Standard Windows shortcuts

    Windows key (Windows 7 and up): Open/close the Start menu
    Windows key + X (Windows 8.1 and 10): Open/close the Start button’s right-click context menu
    Windows key + left or right arrow (Windows 7 and up): snap current window to right or left of screen
    Windows key + E (Windows 7 and up): Launch File Explorer
    Windows key + L (Windows 7 and up): Lock the desktop
    Alt + PrtScn (Windows 7 and up): Take a screenshot of current window and copy it to your clipboard
    Windows key + PrtScn (Windows 8.1 and 10): Take a screenshot of entire display and save to Computer > Pictures > Screenshots

    Browser shortcuts (works in Edge and most other browsers)

    Ctrl + T: Open new tab
    Ctrl + D: Bookmark page
    Ctrl + L: Highlight current URL (good for typing a new address or copying the current one)
    Ctrl + Tab: Cycle through your open tabs
    Ctrl + Enter: add “.com” to the end of a web address (e.g. type ‘google’ then Ctrl + Enter to get google.com)

    The PC Club meetings are open to all regardless of computer experience. We will continue with coverage of Windows 10 from the Technology Tips articles in the Guide and Digest. We also make time for a question and answer period should you have a problem. Be sure to attend on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 7 PM, upstairs in the Community Center

    More Shorebirds

    September 10, 2021: More Shorebirds

    Shorebird migration continues to be a highlight around our lagoon. The water level remains low, and the muddy edges provide a perfect feeding ground for our visitors. Spotted Sandpipers and Least Sandpipers have been joined by Lesser Yellowlegs and Solitary Sandpipers.

    The Lesser Yellowlegs is a graceful, slender, medium-sized shorebird recognized by its bright yellow legs and distinctive “tu tu” call. It is an active forager, often running in shallow water to catch invertebrates, especially snails, flies, beetles, and dragonflies of all life stages.

    Described by The Cornell Lab as “natty,” the Solitary Sandpiper—with its olive-gray wings, black-and-white tail, and bold eye-ring–is a distinctive exception among the many lookalike sandpipers. Its helpful habits of bobbing the back half of its body or trembling its tail (and often feet) while foraging make it instantly recognizable. In flight, look for blackish underwings against a white belly, a pattern unique among North American shorebirds. As the name suggests, this species is normally seen singly. During migration, it turns up very widely, even in very small or temporary wetlands.

    Happy Birding!!