Technology is an ever-changing entity that is one of the backbones of society. From the printing press to the iPhone, technology has always been focused on efficiency and communication—and since the beginning of time, there have always been many people who need a little help adjusting to the rapidly-evolving pace of technology. Check out these handy technology tips below to make your day-to-day life a little easier and more secure!
Technology Tips for your Smartphone
Many people utilize smartphones today, which allow you to access virtually everything on the internet from your handheld phone. One of the most important technology tips for your phone is adding security to your devices. A passcode will make it much more difficult for people to access your private information if you lose your phone or leave it in a public place, or if it is stolen.
To add a password to your iPhone: Go to Settings (cog icon) > Touch ID & Passcode > Turn Passcode On. From there you can choose a numerical passcode to lock your device with. You will have to enter this number each time you open your phone, so make sure it’s a number you remember!
To add a password to your Android phone: Go to Settings (cog icon in pull down menu) > Security > Screen Lock. From there you can choose what kind of screen lock to use—the easiest to remember are PIN (like a debit card) or Password. With all options, you create your own passcode, so make sure it’s something you can remember!
The reason to add security to your smartphone is to keep your information private. You’ve probably heard of apps—applications—which are programs for your smartphone that allow you to play games, check your email, do online banking, and so much more.
To download apps on iPhones: Click the App Store icon—it looks like a blue “A” in a circle. Type in the search bar the name of the app or what kind of app you’re looking for (ie, “Uber” or “Sudoku”). If the app is free, click “Get.” If the app costs money, click the price and click “Buy.”
To download apps on Android: Click the “Google Play” button. Both buttons will take you to an online store where you can search for any type of app you want. Click “Install” to add it to your phone.
Technology Tips for your Computer
It’s also important to add a password to your desktop computer or laptop. Just like phones, the options for a setting a password on your computer are in Settings. Every computer differs, so try the “Security” or “Privacy” settings. On some computers you can also search “password” in the Settings search bar.
Using keyboard shortcuts is a helpful technology tip to save some time and increase your efficiency while browsing the net or typing up a document. You can copy, cut, paste, and undo all from your keyboard!
To copy: Highlight the words you want to copy with your mouse. Hold down “Ctrl” and then “C” on your keyboard at the same time.
To cut: Highlight the words you want to copy with your mouse. Hold down “Ctrl” and then “X” on your keyboard at the same time.
To paste: Using your mouse, click where you want the copied or cut words to appear—this might be a search bar, a new paragraph on Microsoft Word, or the address bar of your browser (where you type website names). Hold down “Ctrl” and then “V” on your keyboard and the words will appear.
Other helpful keyboard shortcuts in Word, Excel, or your email:
- Ctrl + B to make words bold
- Ctrl + I to italicize
- Ctrl + U to underline
- Ctrl + Z to undo your last action
Technology can be difficult and confusing at times. Luckily, there are many helpful resources on the internet and most likely within your social circle! If you’re not sure how to do something on your phone or computer, don’t be afraid to ask for help. We hope you find these technology tips helpful and can start to master your electronic devices!