Tech ED TipsA list of technology related resources and learning materials compiled by Chris For computer related assistance with this or any other issue, feel free to call or email Chris (PCKG members only) |
List of Topics covered as they appear below:Be Connected Tech Tips Visit the new look Australian Government BeConnected website My Community Directory Podcasts AIRBNB Ways to protect your privacy online How to prepare your digital legacy plan. What is a MYGOV account? What is Be Connected? Stay in Touch - Tech Tip Tuesdays The ACSC, Australian Cyber Security Centre Brisbane Libraries and Life Long Learning Researching Family History |
Be Connected Tech TipsDiscover how to safely deactivate or delete your Facebook account Take and edit photos like a pro https://beconnected.esafety.gov.au/topic-library/fun-things-to-do-with-your-photosWant to know how to get the best search results online? https://beconnected.esafety.gov.au/topic-library/articles-and-tips/how-to-search-like-a-pro
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The new look Australian Government BeConnected website, DEC 2022Be Connected is an Australian government initiative committed to increasing the confidence, skills and online safety of older Australians. Be Connected aims to empower everyone to use the internet and everyday technology to thrive in our digital world. HAVE YOU VISITED LATELY? Website: beconnected.esafety.gov.au
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My Community DirectoryMy Community Directory is the one place people go to find community services and events so they can understand what's happening in their local community. My Community Directory lists organisations that provide services that are free or subsidised to the public in thousands of locations across Australia. These services are aligned into various Community Directories. The website to access this directory is https://www.mycommunitydirectory.com.au/ The Probus Club of Kenmore Gardens is listed under two categories: General Community Clubs and Seniors Clubs & Social Groups. How to find an organisation or a service
At the first screen, you need to type in your location, for example, Kenmore, and select the appropriate option from the resulting drop-down list, you can also select a radius from your initial location. The click on the GO button.
In the Search box you type in your search keyword, it can be a category, organisation or a keyword, in this case, Probus. Then click on the SEARCH button.
Scroll down through the list of search results to locate your place of interest, in this case, Probus Club of Kenmore Gardens. Click on the link to find out more information about the organisation.
You can also access the Probus Club of Kenmore Gardens by scanning this QR Code with your mobile device, eg. iPhone or iPad. You can also copy this QR Code and share with others. |
PODCASTS
The number of online scams in Australia may be increasing but there are ways you can protect yourself. Being aware of scammers’ tricks is the first step in the right direction. This BeConnected podcast is packed full of tips on the most common scams, what to look out for, and what to do if you think you have been scammed. Join Delia Rickard, Deputy Chair of the ACCC (also home to Scamwatch), and BeConnected host Val Quinn for an in-depth discussion on how you can stay one step ahead of the scammers. Listen now Other interesting BeConnected Podcasts include:Unlock your Family History - Listen now Can my smartwatch help me live longer? - Listen now |
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This is an extract from the Stay In Touch website: https://www.stayintouch.com.au/ |
Ways to protect your privacy onlineHave you ever thought about the amount of information you give away online? Sometimes you can’t avoid providing your personal details, like when you make a purchase online, for example. However, for those times when it’s not necessary, it’s important to think about what you are sharing. Online privacy shouldn’t be a cause for alarm. It’s simply something to be aware of so that you can practise good online habits. That way you can enjoy the benefits the internet has to offer with confidence. The security rules we follow in real life should be applied to the online world too. Just like you would lock the door when you leave your home, it’s important to protect your personal information online too. Here are some steps you can take to help you do just that. In this article:
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How to prepare your digital legacy plan – thanks to Australian government’s Beconnected websiteWhat happens to all your online accounts when you pass on? It’s not something many of us give a lot of thought to, however, planning how you would like your online accounts and digital assets to be managed after you are gone is just as important as working out what will happen to your physical assets. Everything from your Facebook and online banking accounts to your photos in the cloud, so much of our lives are now spread across the digital space. Leaving a clear digital legacy plan gives you peace of mind and saves your loved ones from having to deal with some tricky tasks at a difficult time. In this guide we explore why it’s important to create a digital legacy plan and the steps you can take to prepare one. In this article:
For more information please visit https://beconnected.esafety.gov.au/quick-reads/how-to-prepare-your-digital-legacy-plan |
What is a “My Gov Account”?MyGov is a simple and secure way to access your Australian Government online services. This introduction to MyGov is aimed at giving you a feel for the MyGov web site. Setting up your MyGov account (only if you don’t have an account) Go to www.my.gov.au to set up your account and click on the ‘Create an account’ button. The system will walk you through steps such as entering email address, mobile phone, creating a strong password, security questions to help you set up your account and make it secure. Think about the password you will use and make sure it is strong. Check the characters allowed when on that section. Once you have setup a MyGov account or you already have an account simply enter your sign-in details to access the service. Click on the Website below for an online guide to help create your MyGov account: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/online-help/create-mygov-account#mygov Linking Accounts Once you have created your account you can then ‘link’ the MyGov services you wish to track or use, such as Medicare, Centrelink, ATO, My Health Record and so on. Be sure to have your Medicare card, tax, bank details etc ready before you start this. Using MyGov Now that you have created your MyGov account whenever you sign in to MyGov, a code will be sent to you via phone or email. Enter this code to successfully sign in. This is a 2-step verification. Once signed in, select the service you would like to view OR ‘link’ another service. For my information on MyGov go to
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What is “Be Connected”?Be Connected is an Australia wide initiative empowering all Australians to thrive in a digital world and targets Seniors in our community. They have online learning resources as well as a Network of community partners - the Be Connected Network - who offer support so you can develop your digital skills and confidence. Find a local place for friendly help and advice, or join the Network to help others. Note: both Brian and Chris are enrolled in their technology mentoring course hosted by Stay in Touch. The website URL is: https://beconnected.esafety.gov.au/ To get the most out of this website Sign up for a free account (you can access this site without an account; however, an account keeps track of your progress etc) to learn at your own pace with free courses on topics ranging from how to access the internet, make video calls or even set up your device. Something for everyone! First, sign up… (this is not essential) 1. Open your internet browser 2. Navigate to the site – www.beconnected.esafety.gov.au 3. Click on the purple Join/Sign IN button at the top right. Note – if you are on a smaller screen (tablet or phone) it may be 3 lines (menu icon), Click on this then click on Join/Sign IN 4. At the next screen scroll down and tap/click on Join Now – (note: once you have setup an account then you simply sign in at the screen in step 3) 5. Tap in the first name text box and type in your first name 6. Tap in the last name text box and type in your last name 7. Tap in the Name of the support centre and type in Stay In Touch Pty Ltd 8. Click on Stay In Touch Pty Ltd when it appears to lock it in the box 9. Tap in the email text box and type in your email address 10. Tap in the password text box and create a password 11. Click in the little box next to “I consent…” to place a tick there 12. Click in the little box next to “by signing up….” To place a tick in there. 13. Click on the purple text box Sign up for free You are now ready to go! Then explore (with or without an account) … If you click on the Topic Library at the top you can: - Explore all topics through the topic library OR - Click in the search box and type some words relating to the topic you would like to learn. The Topic Library includes information and learning experiences (each topic has a number of sub-topics) Some of the topics covered are: The absolute basics (a good place for beginners to start); Getting to know your device; Getting started online; Safety first; More online skills; Connecting to others; All about data; Wi-Fi and mobile networks; Online hobbies; All about apps; Games Centre; Practice area; All about Apple iPhones/iPads; All about Android phones/tablets; Windows/Apple desktop/laptop: Getting started. There is information here for all computer skill levels. Find a topic, then begin your self paced learning. Maybe begin with “The Absolute Basics”. Then try the “Games Centre” and “Practice Area” and then take a look at the mobile phone topic of your choice. |
Stay In TouchStay In Touch is a network partner of the Beconnected initiative and they offer many free events/courses for Seniors. Their website is: https://www.stayintouch.net.au/ and select the Events menu to view free events/courses. Tech Tip Tuesdays Join the StayInTouch Tech Tip Tuesday zoom sessions each week from 12.30-1.00pm (Melbourne time – remember daylight saving and adjust these times accordingly). A different tech subject is discussed at each meeting. To join, in the first instance please register (only once) with this link. https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/102000702848
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ACSC, Australian Cyber Security CentreThe ACSC, Australian Cyber Security Centre, https://www.cyber.gov.au/acsc, website is also loaded with very useful information and learning material such as step-by-step guides and a Learn page which has Practical ways to help yourself online. How to Use the Internet Securely: A Guide for Seniors – is an excellent document available from this site. https://www.cyber.gov.au/acsc/view-all-content/guidance/how-use-internet-securely-guide-seniors |
Brisbane Libraries and Life Long LearningContributed by Chris, with thanks to Tanya at the Kenmore Library. A healthy body – [learn, diet, exercise and sleep well for life] For all things libraries in Brisbane visit - https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/things-to-see-and-do/council-venues-and-precincts/libraries How public libraries support the community to grow and learn throughout their lives: Free workshops are run on most topics mentioned below, simply search for the topic at https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/whats-on-in-brisbane by typing in the What’s on in Brisbane search box, for example, typing in “beekeeping” and then click on the magnifying glass search tool will result in a list of workshops available on beekeeping.. Digital Literacy – includes information on the following topics: Smartphones, TV streaming, Social media, E-books and downloads, Online family history, Computer, internet, email, word processing baiscs, Tablets, Buying and selling online, Simple photo editing, Coding for adults, Trove basics. Brisbane City Council libraries offer a comprehensive range of free technology workshops and sessions for people of all ages and skill levels. Visit https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/things-to-see-and-do/council-venues-and-precincts/libraries/library-programs/free-digital-literacy-training Gardening and sustainability – Hydroponics; Organic gardening; Vegetable gardening; Subtropical plants; Edible plants; Native plants; Recycling in gardens; Bekeeping. Visit https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/clean-and-green/green-home-and-community. Cooking – Fermenting; Breadmaking; Seasonal cooking; Cheese making; Preserves; Spices. Writing – Creative writing; Writing for seniors, Travel and lifestyle writing; Socla media for writers; Self publishing; Podcasting; Self editing, Crime writing, Scriptwriting. Business – Book keeping for creatives; Online photography; Selling your work; Socla media for business; Marketing via social media. eLibCat – Brisbane Libraries Online Presence – search for titles; nnlne chat function and help centre; Brisbane image archive; and digital membership for 3 months. To access eLibCat visit the link https://library-brisbane.ent.sirsidynix.net.au/client/en_AU/eLibCat. From this website you can see: What’s on – discover what’s offered in libraries for the current month; Ebooks & downloads - your Brisbane City Council Library membership allows free access to a range of digital books, audiobooks, comics, music, films and magazines (All available to download or stream to your device or PC); Reading discovery – search for books; For kids – resources for all ages and very useful information for grandparents; Computers and Wifi - Brisbane City Council libraries offer free Computer and Internet access for library members, and free Wi-Fi for library members and visitors; Online resources and databases - gives you access to a wide variety of information databases; Community and languages - A collection of books, CDs, DVDs, and magazines in twenty five different languages are available in selected libraries across the city, as well as access to the Mango Language App, a language learning program teaching practical conversation and cultural awareness for the world’s most popular languages, with the free iPhone and Android™ Mango app you can accesses the Mango Languages courses available through your library; Library hours and locations – want to visit an actual library building; Brisbane History – access the Brisbane images and local history. Online Resources include – Newspapers; Free languages; Technology classes; Encyclopaedia; Choice magazine; History & genealogy; Medline plus; Science sites (Proquest). The BNELibraries App is now available for use on smartphones. To download the App on the iPhone open the App Store and search for “bnelibraries” and GET the application. Login with your library membership number and PIN and use the App to borrow, look up titles and manage your account; link all your other family member details; it’s easy to see what you have borrowed and renew items, easy to search and place holds. |
Researching Family HistoryAre you keen to start or are you already “researching family history”? A good first start is through accessing the Be Connected website: https://beconnected.esafety.gov.au/topic-library/online-hobbies/researching-family-history This site provides an online, easy to understand short course. In this course, you’ll learn how the internet can be used to help you research your family history. You’ll explore the kinds of tools and services that are available, and some of the costs you might encounter. It also provides the opportunity to download a free eBook “Meet your Ancestors”, a 36-page book full of invaluable information on researching family history. (Note: you must be a registered Be Connected user and must login to access this free eBook – see the Tech Ed Tip titled “What is Be Connected?” to see how to register.)
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