Tuesday, December 2, 2014

9. Misc. USEFUL Information!







EMAILS

After purchases you should receive and email verification.  If you do not, CHECK YOUR SPAM/TRASH BOX.  According to which program you use, some of them will drop this kind of email in the spam/trash and you will have to retrieve it.  If it is not in your spam/trash and you HAVE an order number, you can always contact the company.

At the bottom of the company page (USUALLY) there is an area that says “CONTACT US”, “CUSTOMER SERVICE”, or look in “FAQ”.  If you need to contact a company about ANYTHING it is best to do it via email/computer, this gives you documentation of what transpired.

I make a folder in the program that I receive my emails called “ORDERS”.  All emails that I receive; verification, update status etc. goes into that email folder in the event there is any issues with receipt of the order.  This for me has been a life saver more than once.  If you have any issues and you need to contact “HIGHER UP THE FOOD CHAIN” having emails documenting issues can make the difference!

HOW TO STOP GETTING EMAILS

If you are getting way to many emails or you are getting from sites you do not want (some sites SHARE your email with other sites).  You can go to the bottom of the email and there is usually an option to unsubscribe.  This is kind of like getting on the DO NOT CALL LIST and sometimes it takes a while to get off.  Be PERSISTENT!!!



DOWNLOADING UPDATES TO SOFTWARE

You do need to keep your software updated but be CAUTIOUS, as some of the software will try and “piggy back” other software with it.  Take the time to look at the screens, if there is a piggy back software there is USUALLY a box that you can check/uncheck that you are declining that part of the download.  Many times it is another protection program or malware (this is advertising/junk that will cause your computer to slow down)   


PASSWORD REMINDER

Since more than likely you will have bunches of passwords to remember, you will need to keep a notebook (I know they tell you not to…but really who can remember them all).  There does not seem to be a constant in Passwords, some want a number some want a special character some needs a capital letter…too many different rules.  Besides, if you make your password the same for all your accounts, if someone gets it, they have access to everything.  I keep mine on a spreadsheet that I save in DROPBOX (a FREE program) so it is available on my IPad as well as my computer, if you would like more information on DROPBOX, just let me know and I will get it together for you.  Link for the site is https://www.dropbox.com/
 
I have started making my passwords out of letters from a phrase that is easy to remember but would mean NOTHING to anyone else (i.e.  MdniB187  your reminder phrase would be My daughter’s name is Becky the numbers are your address)  Using your address or phone number is NOT a good idea unless you are using with a phrase like the above example.

You can also log on with your Facebook account if that makes it easier for you!!  This is an option that is available on SOME accounts.




CREDIT CARD REMINDER

Similar to the Password reminder, it helps to have your credit card information at hand either in you PROTECTED notebook or electronically.  Most sites will need the number as well as CV code and expiration date

HOW TOS

Many times, when looking for general “How to” info with step by step instructions, you can look on https://www.youtube.com/ just type in what you are trying to find info on…remember these are individuals posting and most are accurate but different computers and different software (even different versions) can make a difference.  If you just need a written version of something I have found that a good resource is http://www.wikihow.com/Main-Page  Just type in the search box and it will bring it up for you!

CUT AND PASTE

This is a feature that can be a life saver!  On your computer, place you blinking cursor at the BEGINNING of the information that you want to cut OR COPY, then HOLDING down the SHIFT key, HIGHLIGHT the area that you want to work with.  This can be done by DRAGGING the mouse over the information OR just using the arrow keys on your keyboard to move the cursor while holding down the SHIFT key.

Once it is HIGHLIGHTED, you can let up on the SHIFT KEY , press on the RIGHT BUTTON on the MOUSE and a drop down menu will give you the option to copy or cut.  Choose COPY, then place your cursor where you want the information pasted to (this can be another place in the document, another document or EVEN another program)!   

Once you have chosen where you want it by placing the cursor in that position, you will need to hit the RIGHT BUTTON on the mouse and using the drop down menu PASTE!!!  It is just that simple.  Try it a few times until you are comfortable with it.  This is something that can save you lots of time and aggravation.


CHECKING OUT SITES

When you get on a new site, ALWAYS look around and try to get to the contact, FAQ, and sitemap (found at the bottom of the page). If everything seems to work fine….THEN go to your Web Browser and type in “has anyone had issues with THE SITE NAME”.  Review the responses if any…Sometimes it is just one disgruntled person, use your own judgment.   

Also check for the S after https on the site name and use the link found earlier that can assist in identifying valid sellers (http://dealnews.com/features/How-to-Tell-if-an-Online-Retailer-is-Worthy-of-Your-Dollars/1013394.html )



DROPBOX

This is a program that is a FREE Application that you download to your computer and your IPad.  You place/save items into the Dropbox folder then you have access no matter which system you are on.  Additionally, you can set up specific files and INVITE others to have access! I currently have a share file with Mark concerning Auction info and Anita to share recipes.
The more people that you sign up, the more FREE space you have…LOVE IT.  Will be happy to supply you more information if you are interested.  

Link for the site is https://www.dropbox.com/



IPAD OR Android APPS

Just get on the APP Store on your IPad and type in Daily Deals (or specific sites) and look for FREE downloads.  Just a reminder that some of the new IPADs (IPAD Air) do have problems with certain apps.  You can always check if there are known issues by typing in your Web Browser “IPad issues with woot.com”
  

If you have an Android device, go to Google Play.  You will find more ways to shop than you every dreamed of!

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