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5 genius tech tips you'll use all the time
When you are the tech-savvy friend, people ask for help. It comes with the territory. And who helps those people? Me!
Secret Windows restart trick
Frequent shutdowns can fix most computer issues, but you can try a Shift shutdown to close all processes and apps and clear the RAM completely.
- Hold down the Shift key before you hit restart.
- Keep holding it until your PC powers down, and choose Continue when it turns back on.
- Did you know Windows is more environmentally friendly than macOS? Windows puts your deleted files in the Recycle Bin; macOS just throws them in the Trash. (Bet you never thought of that before!)
Wipe your location from photos
Your phone stores metadata every time you take a picture, including the date you snapped the photo, your camera settings and even where you were located when the picture was taken. Yikes. Before you share a photo, send that data to the intergalactic bit bucket.
- On iPhone, open the image you want to share and tap the share button (square with an arrow pointing up). Next, select Options and toggle off Location.
- On Android, open your gallery, select the photo, then go to Details and click Remove location data.
Fix your phone call audio
Let us say you are on the phone with a pal, and your background is so noisy, your friend can not hear you. Good news if you have an iPhone: There is Voice Isolation mode.
- Place your call, and when your recipient picks up, swipe down from the top right of your screen to access the Control Center.
- You’ll see a button labeled Mic Mode. Tap on it and choose Voice Isolation.
On a Samsung phone, open Settings > Sounds and vibration > Sound quality and effects. Here, you will see Adapt sound. You can customize this or choose a preset option. Super easy.
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Have a newer Google Pixel? Go to Settings > Sound & vibration > Clear calling.
Remote in like an IT pro
I know how frustrating it can be to walk someone remotely through tech steps. Try Google’s Chrome Remote Desktop. Install the free browser extension on both your computer and the computer of someone you are helping. When it is time to remote in, go to the Remote Desktop site. Easy!
Opt out of ad tracking
Just say no to personalized advertising on your phone. This is the best tip on this list, do not you think?
- On Phone, open Settings > Privacy & Security. Scroll down and tap Apple Advertising. Toggle left on the switch next to Personalized Ads.
- On Android, tap Settings > Google > Ads, and toggle the switch for Opt out of Ads Personalization.
Bonus: No repeats
By default, Amazon Alexa parrots back what you have asked to make sure she understands. It is annoying, and you can stop it.
- Open your Alexa app and tap More > Settings.
- Scroll down to Alexa Preferences, then tap Voice Responses.
- Slide right on the toggle next to Brief Mode to enable this feature.
