 All software needs Tender Loving Care sometimes, and this is especially true for password managers, which have to integrate deeply into your operating system and web browser in order to work their magic.
The latest version of 1Password (our favorite password manager) is version 8, which was released last year. However, some folks are still running the older version 7, which 1Password is discontinuing as of July 10, 2023. Not to worry, an upgrade to 1Password 8 is included with 1Password subscriptions, and it is advisable for subscribers to upgrade immediately if you haven't done so already to keep 1Password working smoothly. Click here for the article detailing how to do this on your computer, smartphone, and tablet. We can also help you perform the upgrade over the course of a remote support phone session.  Has it been more than 6 months since your last tech support & teaching session? Perhaps it's time for a technology tuneup! Here are some typical items we check when we're tuning up your digital life:
 The internet has become essential to how we live our lives in the decades since it became widespread in the 1990s and 2000s. Yet, though we depend on it in much the same way that we depend on utilities like power and water, much of the way it operates is shrouded in mystery.
Today, let's shed some light on internet speed. Here are the essential components to check when diagnosing your internet connection: Download speed - important for all internet activity such as web browsing and watching videos. Upload speed - important when sending files to someone else, videoconferencing on Zoom, and all other real-time communication. Ping - measures how far away you are from your internet service provider's equipment. Packet loss - shows whether your internet connection is working properly. Having a packet loss number larger than 0% means there's a problem with your internet connection, or if on Wi-Fi, that you are too far away from your wireless router. The easiest way to test your internet speed is to use the tools found at Speedtest.net. While the website itself has testing tools, you must download the Speed Test app (compatible with Mac, Windows, iPhone, and Android) to test packet loss. Here are some typical speed test results for a healthy internet connection in the Asheville metro area: Upload: 100Mbps Download: 10Mbps Ping: 50ms Packet loss: 0% Be aware that if you run a speed test while connected to Wi-Fi instead of hardwired via ethernet cable, the signal strength of your wireless connection will play a part in the results of your test. To get the most accurate results for the speeds coming from your internet service provider, run the test while hardwired to your router. Do you have issues with your internet connection? We love troubleshooting interesting internet issues, and would be happy to diagnose your internet connection during our appointment with you.  How many years should a Mac last? That depends on your needs. Apple typically provides the latest Mac operating system for 5-7 years after a Mac is originally released (which may be earlier than the year you purchased it). Apple's latest system, Ventura, supports most Macs released in 2017 and later. You must be running the latest version of MacOS to receive bug fixes and improvements for your Mac's built-in apps, and to receive Apple's quickest and most comprehensive security updates.
Once Apple stops providing the latest operating system for your Mac, they continue to provide basic security updates for an additional 2 years (7-9 years after the original release date of the Mac). Most common apps like Microsoft Office will continue to be supported during this time period. For aging Macs that are 10+ years old, there are no guarantees around updates or compatibility. Apple has a track record of occasionally releasing updates for especially egregious security problems plaguing older systems, but makes no promises. Many 3rd party apps no longer work. Apple may not provide an option to repair these older systems. Web browsers such as Chrome, Safari, and Firefox may stop receiving updates, making web browsing difficult and less secure. Practically, most folks end up upgrading within 5-9 years after the original release date of their Mac either because they prefer to be on the latest MacOS operating system, for security reasons, because they want a faster computer, to ensure they are compatible with apps like Microsoft Office, or because their computer stopped working or had reliability issues.  We love password managers because they make the difficult job of logging into websites a lot easier, and they also help you to change your passwords to avoid using the same password or a minor variation of it on multiple websites (a common faux pas that can lead to security problems).
Our favorite password manager is 1Password. With 1Password installed on your PC or Mac, here are 3 ways you can autofill a password:
Do you need help setting up or optimizing your passwords? We work with all kinds of password managers, and this is one of our most common requests. We continue to accept referrals for volunteer tech help & teaching from the Council on Aging of Buncombe County and Helpmate.
We also offer reduced cost consulting services to Mountain Bizworks clients who are launching new businesses with nontraditional business models or funding sources. We are also seeking volunteer work to directly serve people who are unhoused or who live in public housing. Please contact us with any questions or to make a referral.  We love password managers because they make the difficult job of logging into websites a lot easier, and they also help you to change your passwords to avoid using the same password or a minor variation of it on multiple websites (a common faux pas that can lead to security problems).
Our favorite password manager is 1Password. With 1Password installed on your PC or Mac, here are 3 ways you can autofill a password:
Do you need help setting up or optimizing your passwords? We work with all kinds of password managers, and this is one of our most common requests.  Our favorite antivirus, Malwarebytes, has a new offering that blocks ads and fraudulent websites in your web browser. It's called Malwarebytes Browser Guard, and it's free. Malwarebytes has a track record of effectively protecting consumers from predatory advertising and websites. While we recommend having a full antivirus on your machine like Malwarebytes Premium, Browser Guard can provide an additional layer of protection for your web browsing, and provides protection from scams and advertising in your web browser even if you don't have the premium version of Malwarebytes.
Click here to check out Malwarebytes Browser Guard  We live in an era where folks have so many online accounts, it can be a major hassle dealing with all of the passwords, not to mention keeping them secure from hackers. While pen-and-paper password systems work well enough for some internet users, many people resort to storing their passwords digitally. While it's possible to use a program like Excel to store passwords, that is not a secure storage method, and a password manager app can also be more convenient.
Our favorite password manager app is 1Password. It's been around for many years, has a great security record, and works on all of the major platforms including Mac, Windows, iPhone, and Android. Once it's up and running, a quality password manager types your passwords for you, makes it easy to view your passwords from computer or smartphone, and helps you to change your passwords so that you don't use the same password for multiple online accounts (a big internet security mistake). 1Password has plenty of competition, including Dashlane, another password manager we have recommended over the years. However, we advise you stay away from Lastpass, which has been repeatedly infiltrated by hackers. Are you looking to clean up your passwords in the the new year? We would love to provide a tutorial and get your passwords organized.  Do you have a computer running Windows 8.1? Microsoft is officially ending support for Windows 8.1 as of January 10, 2023, which means it will no longer get security updates, and will not work properly with many apps such as the Google Chrome web browser. If you have a Windows 8.1 computer and are wondering what to do next, please reach out.
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AuthorJensen Gelfond is the Founder of Asheville Digital Lifestyle. He helps people use their technology more effectively and joyfully. Categories
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