Tag: Amazon

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Presentation 14th May 2026: Privacy & Security Settings

I’m loading this onto the website before the meeting so that you can download the PDFs and have them available to help you with what is a quite information intense subject.

The Presentation is quite a large document, so perhaps best to download and save, or just view online here which you can view in full-screen by clicking on the icon to enlarge in the bottom right-hand corner of the presentation box below …

You CAN download from the link in the bottom right-hand corner of the presentation box above as a PDF, but you are now able to download it as a Powerpoint presentation, from the ZIP file, which you will have to uncompressed to run.

The guide (do not print without looking at it first – large document – perhaps better to download and save on your device …

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Notes of meeting – 26th September (Amazon)

In David’s absence the meeting was led by Jonathan and Phil.

Amazon and Online retailing

Jonathan introduced the topic of online shopping offering a number of reasons why we might want to moderate our shopping with Amazon. His primary concern was the impact of Amazon, and other online retailers, on our local shopping centres –  such as the loss of over 1000 bookshops in UK since Amazon came on the scene. He mentioned his many efforts over the last year or so  trying to persuade members of the U3A’s Ukulele Group to first try  our local  music shops rather than Amazon on the basis of “ use it or lose it” . And the reason he had raised it here now was  news that we have now lost it  – in the form of  Gamlin’s music shop in the City Centre – due to close the following day!

Rather than summarising Jonathan’s main points here ( and to avoid accusations of bias! ) he has taken Ian’s advice in asking AI for “ reasons to consider alternatives to  Amazon “. Gemini’s conclusions are reproduced below!

There was a healthy discussion in response which was almost universally in favour of shopping with Amazon! Jonathan just hopes that members will remember that “ other retailers are available”!

Reasons to Consider Alternatives to Amazon (Gemini AI)

While Amazon offers convenience and a vast product selection, there are several reasons why some people choose to shop elsewhere:

Ethical and Environmental Concerns:

  • Worker Treatment: Amazon has faced criticism for its treatment of workers, including long hours, low wages, and demanding quotas.
  • Environmental Impact: The company’s rapid growth and reliance on shipping have raised concerns about its carbon footprint and impact on packaging waste.
  • Anti-competitive Practices: Some argue that Amazon’s dominance in the market can stifle competition and harm smaller businesses.

Supporting Local Economies:

  • Community Impact: Shopping locally can help support your community by keeping money within your area.
  • Personal Relationships: Building relationships with local businesses can provide personalized service and a sense of connection.

Privacy and Data Concerns:

  • Data Collection: Amazon collects a significant amount of customer data, which can raise privacy concerns.
  • Targeted Advertising: The company uses this data to personalize ads and offers, which can be intrusive for some.

Product Quality and Authenticity:

  • Counterfeit Products: While Amazon has measures in place to combat counterfeit goods, there is still a risk of purchasing fake or low-quality items.

Alternative Shopping Experiences:

  • Supporting Independent Businesses: Shopping from smaller businesses can help promote diversity and innovation.
  • In-Person Shopping: Visiting physical stores can provide a more immersive and tactile shopping experience.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to shop with Amazon is a personal one. By considering these factors, you can make an informed choice that aligns with your values and preferences.

Apple “Notes”.                                                                                                                          

Phil briefed the group on the Notes app available on Apple devices along with further anecdotes about life with an electronic can opener.

“With Notes, you can capture a quick thought, create checklists, sketch ideas and more. And with iCloud, you can keep your notes updated across all of your devices.”

Any other business

Tony mentioned a laptop problem he had and asked for advice on how to fix it. “We will fix your PC “ was the  universal reply!                                                  

39 Lambourne Crescent, Cardiff Business Park, Llanishen, CF14 5GG. 

07999 056 096   or   02920 766 039.

Email neil@wewillfixyourpc.co.uk

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Scams – Part 1

[A short series of posts that I aim to also put up on the Digital Matters page of the Cardiff u3a website]

If you watched Rip Off Britain on January 15th [Episode 35 of Series 15 at c. 29mins 45secs into the programme] you will see an expert describe the Scam that one of our members has experienced recently and which has led me to write this post which may well be the first of a number on the subject of Scams.

This scam manifests itself by your computer screen being taken over by a popup which also freezes your screen. You are instructed by a voice-over not to turn off your machine but instead to ring a telephone number where you will be “assisted” to unlock your computer which has been locked – in this case supposedly by Microsoft, but it could be any large tech company – for your protection.

This alarming message plus the fact that your screen has frozen may lead you into thinking you better click on the button to seemingly connect to Microsoft. This will lead to a telephone conversation where you will be requested to supply information that will undoubtedly lead to fraud.

Do nothing!

Note well: No tech company will approach you in this way. They will not be doing this form of online monitoring of your devices. In this case the scam is preying on the fact that you are being led to think that your Windows Defender Security package is not working properly. No tech company would readily admit to its users of a deficiency in their programs in this way – that could lead potentially to legal action being taken against them. For a genuine issue they might issue an alert on their webpages and a request to upgrade (or whatever), or they might be forced to send an email to registered users, but they would not send unsolicited messages in this way.

It is important to realise that with this scam, at this stage, the scammers know NOTHING about you. The scam works by malicious code having been added to a website you are visiting, or to an advert on the website you are visiting. The simple solution is to press F11 to unlock your screen, note the website address and make a note not to go to that site again. [I would probably also recommend clearing your internet cache and history from your browser before closing down your computer; waiting a few moments; and then re-booting it.]

The more long-term solution is to install an Ad Blocker such as AdBlock Plus as an extension to your browser. This would act in conjunction with your standard security software which on a Windows machine could well be Windows Defender.

Happy, safer surfing.

If you want to see the recording of the message that our Digital Matters member made of the scam, watch the video below …