Try dupeGuru – it’s very good at finding direct matches of files on your machine even when they have different names. It also provides a matching score so that if it’s not exactly sure that it’s found a match it will score it and you can then make a decision after inspection. Otherwise you can delete or move it to an archive folder – just in case!
Upgrading the RAM on your Laptop PC
The only tool you need is a Posidrive #0 screwdriver for this laptop, I bought a set of six small screwdrivers made by Black & Decker some time ago; if you’re going to do more of this sort of thing, you might need to buy a more sophisticated toolset. I also attached an earth strap – just to show you how to the job properly – but to be perfectly honest I don’t usually bother.
But I’m jumping ahead. You first have to find out what upgrades you can do to your PC. I recommend using Crucial as the supplier of both RAM and hard disk upgrades. When you land on the site, you will see a screen something like this – it will change as new products are introduced …
… you click on Select Computer (you can download a tool to scan your computer, but that shouldn’t be necessary as all the information you need is usually on the bottom of the laptop) and supply the information required about your computer …
… and the following information should come up.
I’ve selected the Upgrade I want, but I’m also offered different DRAM memory choices, as well as SDD hard disk upgrades …
… from this I get the Part No. and then see if I can purchase it cheaper on Amazon – for old memory I usually can …
… so that’s saved £10. Now we turn to the removal of the old 1Gb DRAM module and the insertion of the new 2Gb module. Turn the laptop so that it’s back is facing upwards …
… take your screwdriver and unscrew the screws which are holding the back panel in place.
On this model the screws don’t totally come away from the panel which is great as there’s less likelihood of losing any of them. Unscrew them all, and slide the panel off …
… the DRAM is right in front of you on the left-hand side of this picture. All laptops have different layouts, but the DRAM modules are very easy to pick out! Next comes the first tricky bit (not really). You need to prise the two clips holding the module in place on either side of it. Here’s me prising one clip away …
… you have to do them together of course, but as I don’t have three hands … the module will pop out and swing upwards so that you can easily remove it, which you should do and place it on an electrically inert surface – just in case you have to put it back! You then get your new module and slip it into the space vacated by the old one at an angle. [My apologies – I should have taken a picture of this.] Most problems occur at this point as it can be tricky to insert the new module in firmly enough. You then gently push it down so that the clips re-engage with the module.
Nearly finished now. The new DRAM module is in place and you just have to replace the back panel, tighten the screws and hope that the new memory will be recognised when you boot-up the computer. You may be advised that the Memory Configuration has changed when you re-boot, just ignore this the first time you attempt to re-boot your computer. Check the memory has been recognised from the Windows System Panel …
… and you’re good to go. Any problems, first try and check the module has been inserted firmly and far enough into the slot, and then if necessary run the System Configurator when asked to when you boot up. I’ve never had to do the latter, I have had to unscrew the panel and re-insert the memory module though.
And that’s it. It took me about 10mins, but I have done it before. Still 30mins tops will see you with more memory in your old laptop and hopefully improved performance.
Scams
You might want to consider signing up for the Which! Scam Service, I have …
There are necessary steps we can all make to protect ourselves from fraud. But as they become more sophisticated, it can be difficult to know what’s genuine. We’re here to act as a source of trusted advice for those times when you’re just not sure.
From email scams and copycat websites to nuisance calls and tax rebate scams, our guides help you to spot a scam or get money back.
— Forum Responses —
Here’s a nasty one, which on the surface looks OK – just remember that if you’re using Facebook Messenger, you shouldn’t need to login to Facebook again, and vice versa.
Passwords harvested by fraudster (from Which? Scam Watch)
remember also my advise, if you do use Fb, or FB Messenger please Logout – I know it’s a pain but there’s a distinct chance that if you don’t Fb will record all your internet comings and goings and you’ll get loads on unsolicited emails, etc.
David Harrison May 29, 2020 6:26 pm
Using Zoom safely
Updated 13th May
Since this article was originally written back on March 31st, some other U3A have started using Zoom, and I thought it sensible to Review this article and see if I should change anything in it. Any changes will be marked in red. However, before I start, a couple of things.
Zoom have recognised that there were defficiencies in their security model and have moved in their new client (version 5) to implement end-to-end encryption – that’s what you get from WhatsApp. After May 30th, all users will be using version 5 because a forced upgrade will occur on any person attempting to join a Zoom meeting after that date. However, you are recommended to upgrade before that day and you can do that from this link.
A member has also sent me this really useful Infographic on implementing Zoom which I would recommend reading carefully …
I could stop here, but there’s a few things I differ from the advice in that infographic which will be highlighted below and which I’ve also discussed in another article here.
You might also like to take a look at this article with video that explains the new features on Zoom v.5.
So here’s the original article, as I said published on March 31st …
Since writing this article, just over a week ago – gosh it seems longer than that – more groups have started using Zoom, and it’s also clear that it’s being used very widely by friends, families, communities, etc. It’s also clear that Zoom has responded to some of the criticisms that have been levelled against it and disabled some of the “unintended” consequences of allowing people to Login using their Facebook credentials. That is all good news, so my concerns have been diluted, but I think it’s still wise to “proceed with caution” and to this end I’ve collected together some guidelines which I hope will be of use. First of all – you need to get started by signing-up and installing some software on your device.
Installing Zoom on your Desktop, Tablet or Phone.
Zoom is a multi-platform piece of software – that puts it in a great place to serve the maximum number of people who are all using different equipment. This puts it in the same category as Skype and Google Hangouts.
It’s important to remember that the software was intended for business users, and so some of the language might be slanted in that direction. No matter, what you do need to do, is sign-up to get an account. I would not recommend using your Facebook credentials; I might be tempted to link my Google account to Zoom and use it to Login; but overall, it’s probably better to setup an account directly. I have given advice before to use a “throwaway” email account – one you’ve created which is separate from your main email account for this sort of thing. You can have many Google (gmail) accounts – I probably have 6 or 7!
Once you’ve provided an email address – you’ll be asked to confirm it from an email that will have arrived in your Inbox. Then you’ll be asked to provide normal identity stuff – your name, and then provide a password for your account-you’ll get a screen which provides you with this information. This is what you can do with your account – you don’t need to press Upgrade Now.
It might be a good idea to allow your self the time before your first meeting to look at the three videos which are in your welcome email – they will give you a flavour of what Zoom is all about and how to take part in a video call.
If you’re going to use a Windows PC or an Apple Mac, now would be a good time to have a look at this page and install the app on your desktop or laptop – but if you’re really careful with your privacy, see the cautionary note below about using a desktop or laptop. [I don’t have this fear now, so I would disregard my cautionary note.]
If you’re using a smartphone, or tablet, it would be a good idea to check this page and install the app on your device.
If you’ve done all that and have an idea how it’s going to work – you’re ready to start. I’d suggest having a go with a friend or family member first, to practice and test your understanding. If you’ve got a problem with anything add a comment to this post and someone will try and get back to you with an answer/solution.
So now we come to making things safer for you. As I said before there have been concerns about Zoom’s Privacy policies or procedures, so although they have tightened up these there are a couple of things you should do. [I’ll add some screenshots from my iPad shortly. I didn’t and I won’t be doing this.]
First of all some tips on which device to use and how to use it …
- I’ve said this already, but I’ll repeat it. Don’t sign into Zoom with Facebook. This stops Zoom from collecting your Facebook profile info. Although, if you’re already giving all your private info to Facebook, maybe it doesn’t matter.
- Use a separate device if you need to do anything during the call, if possible, in that way you stop Zoom from tracking any other activity on the device.
- If you’re an Apple user, use an iPad or iPhone instead of your Mac. Zoom’s iOS app is subject to Apple’s App Store rules, which gives an extra degree of security. The Mac version is a direct download from Zoom, so you have no idea what’s inside. The same is probably true for Windows – but I haven’t checked. So it’s generally safer to use a Mobile device rather than a desktop/laptop. [I don’t consider this a problem now. Zoom have increased their security and it’s MUCH MORE convenient to use a laptop/desktop as you can more easily see everyone on the call in a Gallery view – rather than having to scroll across images of people on a smaller screen device.]
Hints and tips on staying safe …
If you do decide to use Zoom, the company offers a few good tips on its blog for staying safe. First, don’t share a meeting link on social media or any public forum, because then anyone who sees it can join. This can lead to “Zoom bombing,” where bad actors crash the party, and drop off a payload of porn and/or other disruptions, before leaving. Something you definitely want to avoid!
Next, if you’re hosting the event, do not use your Personal Meeting ID (PMI) to do it. “Your PMI is basically one continuous meeting,” says Zoom, “and you don’t want randos crashing your personal virtual space after the party’s over.”
I use Scheduled Meetings even for Recurring Meetings, I can then send a Meeting Invite round in Beacon, that users just click on to join. This is much easier than sending out invites to every meeting.
Also, consider making use of the Zoom “Waiting Room,” which is a way to control who can get into your meeting. [This is now the default setting for a meeting.]You can then decide who you want to admit to the call. [This may not be relevant to your calls, but it’s worth bearing in mind if someone you don’t know somehow appears on the call. Next time they won’t because you’ll have implemented the Waiting Room.]
For more information on staying safe, read Zoom’s blog post, as mentioned above.
Zoom changed a couple of their Default settings from today – 5th April. Now when you join a meeting the default setting from the host is to ENABLE a Waiting Room, from which the Host can invite people in.
The second change is to set a Password on Personal Meeting IDs (PMI). It’s not recommended anyway to use PMI as it’s like a permanently open meeting; far better (if you’re the host), as I’ve described above and elsewhere, to create a specific meeting ID which sets a password anyway. Here’s a link that better explains these changes.
Have I been pwned?
Have I been pwned?: Another use case for this very handy website that tells you whether your email address has been hacked is a check on your password – just click on this link and supply your “favourite” password to see if it’s out in the wild!
I've added a Notice Board
Now that this is a Private site I’ve added a Notice Board facility so that I can update you on changes that I make to the site and alert you to other things as well. You can access the Notice Board from the Menu Bar. Try it from here as well.
Cardiff U3A Website needs you!
Any contributions for the Cardiff U3A website gratefully accepted – things to do, useful tips, what you’re watching/listening or just a message to keep in touch with fellow members.
Email to website@cardiffu3a.org.uk
Owen Parry
Chair, webmaster and beacon admin.
Video calling – Covid-19 and beyond [Updated]
The current crisis is forcing us all to consider how we can maintain face-to-face social contact at a time when that simply is not desirable, or even permissible. To this end we might look to video-calling as a possible solution. Let’s look at the options – this list will undoubtedly be updated, so please check back and also add your thoughts and experiences in the Comments area below.
WhatsApp is the simplest means of keeping in contact face-to-face and works well for a one-to-one call; you can also use it for audio calls and of course chat – but you can use it for calling up to four others. Here’s how you do it. It’s available for iPhone (iOS) and Android phones and you can use it from a webapp that runs on Windows or MacOS. It’s encrypted which means that your conversations should be secure, but it is owned by Facebook so one can never tell what might happen to it, or your data, in the future. You can also use Facebook Messenger to connect to up to 50 people – but I wouldn’t go there!
If you are a Mac/iPhone/iPad user wanting to call someone who also has Apple equipment you should really just use Facetime and look no further. Here’s how to use it from mobile devices, and here from your laptop or desktop. If you want to do a Group video-call then you can – up to 32 people can be on the same call! Here’s a User Guide which is applicable if you’re using the latest versions of Apple’s MacOS – Catalina (or Mojave), and here’s one for the mobile users. You cannot use Facetime however to chat with someone who doesn’t have Apple equipment.
So we turn to Google Hangouts which has the benefit of working cross-platform (that is Apple, Windows, Linux and Android users can all use it) and can also support Group video-calling as well of up to 25 people. This is the application that on the surface of things is well suited to most group video-chat situations, and is the one I’ll be focussing on using most over the next few weeks. It has the real advantage that whilst there are dedicated apps for mobile devices, it just requires a browser and a web-address on desktop/laptops. Here’s how to get started with Google Hangouts.
There’s a Microsoft offering as well – perhaps the oldest and best known piece of video-calling software, so much so it’s been adopted as the generic term for video-calling – Skype. It’s the most obvious competitor to Hangouts as again it’s cross-platform and indeed it’s hugely scaleable as you can have up to 50 devices on a single call (how do you manage that?!) but I’m afraid I find the way of calling, the potential for charging (why and when), the connection with your phone number and account, and general way to go about using Skype just a little bit too complicated for me. One day, maybe I’ll find the time to research it more, but for the moment …
Finally, in this first pass of applications you can use for video-calls, there’s Zoom. We’ve used it and set it up for a call from a Mac to an iPad. It is cross-platform – so that’s good. It has a good reputation for person-to-person calls where it’s free but a little fiddly to setup, but I believe it won’t scale well for Group chat – as it’s principal focus is Business. I believe you’ll have to pay for that facility, so for the moment, I’m discounting it.
[Update]
Since writing this I’ve been pleased to here that several U3A members have been using Zoom – I’ll be trying it out myself shortly. However there are a few things you should take notice of which are described in this article and this one. I’d suggest you take the time to read both of them and don’t think they’re not relevant because they’re from a Mac user website.
There are a couple of other articles I’ve come across just recently on setting up Zoom, and using Zoom for online meetings, and again I’d suggest that you might read them. One hint/tip that seems quite sensible – get someone else to setup the meeting/server – don’t host it yourself. Selfish but safe!
Please add comments on your use of Zoom, or any other video-calling software in the Comments below.
Virtual meetings
Hello all
In these difficult times, two of my social groups have decided to have regular meetings on Zoom. I had my first Zoom meeting last night, and I was very impressed with the quality. We could see and hear each other clearly, with no glitches. David, it this something you would consider for our group?
Renée
Whats Up with WhatsApp
[11:18, 28/01/2020] David Hughes: I have just discovered I can access what’s app on my iPad as well as my phone. Isn’t technology wunerful !
[11:27, 28/01/2020] Jim Bartlett: I think you still have to have your phone connected, David.
[11:30, 28/01/2020] David Harrison: I think you do too. Paul showed us a way of doing that at tge beginning of the year when we started using WhatsApp. I’ll share the link later. Me … it’s rumoured they’re going to release an iPad App – I’ll wIt for that! But, perhaps, you’re ahead of me!
[13:01, 28/01/2020] Margaret Lewis: When I started using Whats App, pre Computer Group days, I found I could not have it on both Android phone and tablet. Had to be one or the other. Confirmed by kids, and its now only on the tab. I would be delighted if anyone knows a way to have it operational on both.
[17:31, 28/01/2020] Jim Bartlett: Margaret, your tablet will have a different phone number to your mobile’s, yes? That means they can both be on WhatsApp, but they won’t be able to read each other’s messages, any more than they can read mine.
Now, you are a member of the Computer group, so you can read and reply to other members’ WhatsApp messages.
So the answer to your problem is to form a new WhatsApp group, and make your tablet and your phone members, so they can then see what each of them are doing. Simple! (I hope.)
(If the problem is that you want your phone to be in the Computer group too, then send a request from it to David.)
[17:37, 28/01/2020] Paul de Geus: Jim, That sounds an interesting option wrt grouping.
[18:04, 28/01/2020] David Harrison: Hi @Margaret Lewis As far as I know (or knew) I’d added your phone to the Group, unless your tablet has a SIM in it and that’s the phone number you gave me.
[18:05, 28/01/2020] David Harrison: The number I have ends 5213
[18:32, 28/01/2020] Margaret Lewis: Thanks for all the comments.
Yes, it all operates through the one and only mob no. that you have.
The issue seems to be that, as far as I understand it and was led to believe, WA only operates on one device for the account.
I have several WA groups so live happily with the present set up but availability on the phone too would obviously give more flexibility and more instant access.
[18:37, 28/01/2020] Jim Bartlett: Have you read my reply, Margaret? You can open a new WhatsApp account for your phone, and ask David to add it to the Computer group. Jim
[11:50, 29/01/2020] Jim Bartlett: “The one and only mob. no. that you have.” Are you saying your tablet uses the same number as your phone, Margaret?
[19:01, 29/01/2020] Margaret Lewis: As far as I know it doesnt have a number. I certainly only have one number, on the phone.
[20:39, 29/01/2020] Jim Bartlett: Can anyone else in the Computer group tell Margaret how to find out if her tablet has a phone number? (Presumably it has a sim.) She obviously won’t be able to join the WhatsApp group without one.
[21:41, 29/01/2020] Margaret Lewis: Well Ive been in the computer group Whats App since last Sept and others before that.
[21:44, 29/01/2020] Jim Bartlett: Yes of course, Margaret, but via your phone, not your tablet. That is what I am trying to help you with.
[21:54, 29/01/2020] Paul de Geus: Most Tablets in the UK do not have a SIM, it is usually an extra cost option , that cannot be retrofitted. There are various workarounds for extra connectivity if really needed.
[22:37, 29/01/2020] David Harrison: Just a thought – there are unofficial Messenger apps for WhatsApp on the iPad (maybe Android as well) – could it be this that’s causing confusion?
[22:39, 29/01/2020] David Harrison: I used one for a while about 18months ago before deleting it. These apps link to WhatsApp Web which is the only way I’m aware of that allow you to use WhatsApp through browser technology.
[22:40, 29/01/2020] David Harrison: This is really confusing to me as well as @Margaret Lewis no doubt. Bring both devices in next meeting if you can and we’ll try and sort it out.
[09:29, 30/01/2020] Jim Bartlett: That’s a good plan, David. Then we will be able to see if Margaret’s tablet has a sim slot, (like my Nexus).
[14:36, 30/01/2020] David Harrison: I’m truly confused with WhatsApp. I’ll write a blogpost about it when I eventually feel confident enough about how it works to do so !!! 🤣🤣🤣
[18:00, 30/01/2020] Margaret Lewis: I definitely do not have a sim on the Android tablet. The WA app is the official one.
Shedding a bit more light, it was originally set up on the Android phone, which has a number. Not understanding the technicalities, I assumed at that stage that I could just add the app to my tablet also, which I did over a year ago, and then use both. I discovered that it did not operate on both devices together and so deleted the phone one and kept the tablet which has worked without any problems.
Does this explain things, have I inadvertently discovered that you can set up on the phone with a number yet operate on another device?
My original query was to try to get the same WA on both, but as no one seems to know if or how I think I will leave well alone and carry on. “Keep calm and carry on”. Many thanks for all the input.
[18:22, 30/01/2020] Jim Bartlett: If you wrote that on your tablet, Margaret, then your tablet has the number +44 7480 925213. What I don’t understand is how it could have a number if it doesn’t have a sim. Anybody?
[18:28, 30/01/2020] Margaret Lewis: Yes I only ever use WA on the tablet, the only place it is installed. While on line now I have also been successfully engaged in a WA chat with my daughter, using same app, same device. The number is my (only) mobile phone number. It accesses the phone for which I pay a monthly sum. I pay nothing for the tablet and never have.
I think I will keep things running as they are rather than investigate too closely and lose things!
[18:30, 30/01/2020] David Harrison: Fascinating! Android is obviously one step ahead of Apple because there isn’t an app for iPad, only iPhone, so it’s not possible to do what you seem to have done.
[18:34, 30/01/2020] Margaret Lewis: My husband is sitting here. I am reminded that he uses WA on his tablet too. He hasnt even got as far as a smart phone!
[18:37, 30/01/2020] Paul de Geus: Margaret has inadvertevly but effectively followed the procedure I outlined at one of our sessions last year, When I explained how to What’s App an Android tablet that does not have a SIM, but using another spare android phone number.
[18:38, 30/01/2020] David Harrison: Ah! Yes! It’s coming back to me. However I’ve just done a quick search @Paul de Geus and there categorically is not an official WhatsApp app for Android tablets – at least that’s what I’ve read 🥴
[18:40, 30/01/2020] David Harrison: https://www.techadvisor.co.uk/how-to/google-android/whatsapp-tablet-3517280/
[18:43, 30/01/2020] Paul de Geus: You just download WhatsApp from Playstore on the android tablet and follow instructions, but use an existing android phone number not already linked to What’s App.I think we wrote it up on Thoughtgrazing
[19:22, 30/01/2020] David Harrison: Yes you did @Paul de Geus – I’m confused of course, again (not being an Android person), the article above (Nov. 2019) states that there isn’t an official WhatsApp app – can you comment on that?
[19:25, 30/01/2020] Paul de Geus: They did not expect you to find the workaround for a non SIM device,that can use the official WhatsApp app.
[19:28, 30/01/2020] Paul de Geus: When you load and use the app,it expects you to provide a phone number for the device it is on…..but, it does not realise that you may have supplied a phone number not physically connected to that device.
[19:29, 30/01/2020] Paul de Geus: Hence the workaround works.
[19:56, 30/01/2020] Margaret Lewis: Sounds about right. I would have downloaded from Play Store, provided the number but then found, as I now realise, that it was not possible to have 2 copies of the app operational on the same number. As I said, I uninstalled the one on the phone to keep the tablet up and running. I assumed I had overlooked something and was hoping that one of you knowledgable folks maybe could help in sorting it on 2 devices. I now understand the system and reasons why I cant do this, so sorted.