No email

Tech News and Views

A resident recently brought his computer to me to have it repaired. It seems that he was unable to access his email. He thought that something was wrong with the computer and that the machine had a virus or some other problem.

I tried to access his email from a different computer, but couldn't access the email either. He assured me that the username and password were correct.

I called his provider, Atlantic.net, and was told that they shut down an account if it is more than 90% full of emails. They granted access to his account and I went back to look at his emails. He had received 3 warnings that the account would be shut down if he didn't delete some of the emails.

He evidently never read the emails or perhaps ignored them. Here was the warning:

Your mailbox is now 90% full, please clean up some mails to prevent locking of your inbox. Should your mailbox reach 100% capacity, your email account will automatically cease to receive emails until inbox space has been freed up. Atlantic.Net Automated Notification System Tel: 800.540.4686 Email: support@atlantic.net www.Atlantic.Net

The moral of this story is: Read your emails and follow instructions from your provider.

November Meeting Presentation

The November 20 meeting presentation was "Apple Watch" by Chris Kilbride.

You can view a PDF version of Chris's slideshow on the Resource Links tab (above). When the page opens, scroll down to the 'Class, Lecture and Meeting Presentations' section (#4) and click or tap on the link.

If you would like to ask questions or add to the discussion please use the comments feature of this post, below.

New to Mac?

Apple Bytes: 

If you are planning to buy or recently purchased a Mac computer here are a couple of links that may help you get started, especially when switching from Windows.

Set Up New Mac  |  Windows Switchers  |  Meet Your Mac  |  Mac Support

Executive Board Minutes

Computer Technology Club, Inc. – Executive Board Minutes
Nov 8, 2019

Alan Marcus, President, called the meeting to order at 9:00AM. Members in attendance: Bob Leiner, Jim Trimboli, Bob Kenlay, Ron Kenyon, Linda Tingley, Don Forgette, Bill Balch, Bob Roesener and Alan Marcus.

Secretary’s report read by Bob Kenlay. No corrections or additions necessary.

Jim Trimboli read the Treasurer's Report. The current balance is $1083.17. Jim Trimboli reported on a new membership application form that will ask new members to volunteer for jobs at the monthly meetings.

The CTC Board agreed to give 5 gift cards at $10 each at the next meeting.

Alan Marcus reported that the Holiday party gifts have been received.

Linda Tingley will purchase the food for Holiday party.

Alan Marcus reported that Bill Cahill will not serve as the Vice President next year.

Future meeting topics:

Nov 20 - “Apple Watch” by Chris Kilbride, Ocala Mac User Group
Dec 18 - Christmas Party, “USPS Mobile App” by Kathylee Johnson

“End of Windows 7 Support” by Bob Kenlay

Jan 22 - "4 Years Experience Owning An Electric Car" by Alan Marcus
Feb 19 - "Google Drive & Apps" by Phil Davis, Ocala Mac Users Group

The meeting adjourned at 9:25AM.

Respectfully submitted,
Bob Kenlay, Secretary

Don't update the firmware on your printer

Tech News and Views

If it's not broke ... don't fix it. Consumers are losing literally millions a year because they're "Locked In". Don’t update your Printer Firmware or it could cost you. Manufacturers, such as Lexmark, HP, Brother and Canon use "Firmware" to control your printing supplies and options.

The printer manufacturers, Lexmark, HP, Brother and Canon are continuing to modify the "Firmware" (Firmware controls the functions of a printer's features) you use to prevent you from choosing the origin and type of the supplies you use. Don't permit them from dictating what you purchase and how much you pay.

Most Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) suggest you to set your printer to download firmware updates and install them automatically. We at Priceless Ink & Toner suggest you to change the setting disallowing automatic updates. This will allow you to use our high quality compatible and re-manufactured printer supplies and reduce your printing costs. Otherwise you will only be able to use the original (OEM) printer cartridges.

Once the firmware has been updated it is not easy and also very time consuming to roll back to the older version that worked with the compatible and re-manufactured printing cartridges. After all if you're happy with how your device is performing, there is usually little point in rushing to install the newer firmware that could cause you hours of problems or even calls to an expensive helpline.