Depending on the web browser and search engine you use, and the way the browser is set up, It may record every site you visit, and even your passwords. To be completely anonymous when surfing the web, you can use a browser that doesn't track you, or reveal your location.
A search engine that does not track you is DuckDuckGo, and a browser that does not reveal your location is Epic Privacy Browser.
The Epic browser can be installed here: https://bit.ly/3rnEk3x
You can install DuckDuckGo here: https://bit.ly/3KezxtY

Never post your photograph on a publically viewable website, as this may enable someone to find out personal information about you. It can also be used by someone as their photograph, for malevolent purposes*. If you need to give your phone number/address, only give this in a PM, but even this could be misused.

* https://bit.ly/336eiKe

For various reasons, you may want to conceal your phone number. For a single call, on a mobile or landline, dial 141 before the number. If you wish to hide your number on all calls on an Android phone, in the phone app, go to the three-dot menu, then settings/call settings (maybe called calls/supplementary services/call accounts), then select Additional settings (on some phones you may need to select your network) and choose 'Hide number'. On an iPhone, open settings, choose phone, then untick 'Show my caller ID.

When registering on a website, you will have to provide an email address, which they may use to send you an activation email. If you do not want to reveal your email address, which may result in receiving unwanted messages/spam, and you do not have a spare address for that purpose, there are many services providing temporary email services. One of the simplest is Guerilla Mail. This will give you an instant free fake email address, which you can use to receive and send messages. Click the WTF? button for operating instructions. Practice using it by sending yourself an email.
https://bit.ly/3HLp5bj

A website may need a mobile phone number to send you a verification code by text message. To avoid giving your mobile number, you can obtain a temporary mobile number from the site below. The opening page explains how to use it: https://bit.ly/3f4sB4p

When signing up on a website, completion of the phone number field may be compulsory. There are valid reasons to request this, for a delivery etc., but if you do not wish to give your number, then you can use a UK phone number generator. This uses Ofcom's database of telephone numbers for use in TV and radio drama programmes: https://bit.ly/3mReX91

Part 2 will be free phone numbers to receive activation texts.

There is no need for the average user to resort to downloading programs to clean or repair their computer. Here are links to Windows built-in tools:
https://www.scooploop.com/thread/windows-10-links-to-built-in-tools-posts

I am not a member but the email says missed voice call - should i click it ?

I've had problems with broadband going before Christmas, visits from Open Reach and EE, new master socket and router. Always had problems getting internet to smart TV but finally succeeded when upgraded to fibre last year when it became available. Now have another router but just cannot get internet to TV. Panasonic Tv said connected after putting code in but everything came up with - please connect to internet when I tried iPlayer/Netflix. Have now disposed of Panasonic (Gumtree, wasn't happy with it anyway) so need to buy a new smart TV. I'm wary of the same thing happening with any new one I purchase. I did try a booster but couldn't work it out and returned. Only about 12ft. distance between them. I appreciate I'm pretty useless technical-wise but I do know how to set up so don't think it's me. At this rate, will be moving the Tv into hall next to router to watch. Or moving. Any thoughts gratefully received.

Find it also very annoying there is nothing between a 32" and 43"+ screen size - far too big for my little room (I know it's something to do with tube as I've looked it up).

I'm having to consider switching suppliers again, because the supposedly fibre service that I've had this year has been no better (recently worse) than the standard broadband I had before. The landline connections have been hopelessly unreliable, even though the handsets are properly fitted.
Switching services advise that my area already has both BT Openreach (non-exclusive, fibre to the cabinet) and Virgin Media (fibre to the property) networks and G.Network have just laid another exclusive network in our streets. So there should be options available....
Since the exclusive networks only provide fibre broadband, however - not landline service - that's another wrinkle that I'm trying to manage. I do need to keep that facility, if it can be made sufficiently reliable, as I don't carry a mobile everywhere.
The only useful, if too sales-oriented, advice I've found online is this article: https://www.premitel.uk/consultancy/expert-advice/what-type-of-phones-for-fibre-broadband/

Has anyone else done this successfully, or found more objective advice on how to manage it? Switching providers is bad enough but changing services and possibly losing the landline number that I've had for nearly 30 years are really unnerving me.

thanks John for invite will use most weeks taken yesterday in Hoo

I've been using Microsoft Edge since the summer but have recently had such constantly failing internet connections at most times of day that I tried Chrome instead and found that it usually worked when Edge wouldn't. Is Edge misbehaving at present, does anyone know?
The problem with Chrome is that it's so user-unfriendly and cumbersome. I can't search for anything (even Gmail login, to get into my webmail) using that without having to go through the process of customising cookies, and it seems incapable of memorising any passwords for websites, so I have to keep resetting those (and then remembering to transfer the new ones to Edge, when that's working).
What am I getting wrong, please?
I'm using a Dell laptop PC.

13 apps containing Joker malware were discovered in the Google Play Store. They have been removed from the store, but you should check to see if you have installed them. Follow the link to Twitter below (you don't have to have an account at Twitter), scroll down to look for each #Joker.

https://bit.ly/3pMovml

More than 1000 boxsets will be available over Xmas. They will include every series.

https://bbc.in/3DRGyMK

Yesterday l had the fright of my life when my computer suddenly froze with a warning that my ID and security had been compromised and to call Microsoft within 5 minutes to get assistance to secure my computer from the Trojan virus.
There was this blaring voice and siren. I did stupidly call the number but it was busy.
Anyway despite being warned not to I switch my laptop off.
It is still switched off, anyone know if this is a scam?
Anyone know what l should do?

https://bit.ly/3pIaYfA

Not sure if this is the correct place but here goes -

I belong to a couple of very local Facebook sites in which I rarely post but do look at what's going on. Have tried 3 times to post about a planning application but nothing has happened, no trace anyway, not even 'pending' on that particular site which usually happens. Anyway, getting annoyed at this I looked at my few posts on Profile and they weren't mine but someone who obviously uses the same name. I messaged one of the moderators (I think) two days ago and have had no reply. Can I just change my user name (if I can find out how to do it)? Seem to be getting nowhere on F/book. I am not computer-savvy obviously. Any suggestions, please, gratefully received - thanks.

There is an unresolved bug in Win 10, which has carried on to Win 11. This continuously creates temporary empty folders, which on one of my computers numbered 13,000. Temporary files and folders can take up very little room, and do no harm, but increase the time that scans take.
The names of these folders start with tw, and end with .tmp. To find and delete these folders, copy the text below, and paste it into the Windows search box on the taskbar. Then click 'Best match', or the entry at the top. You may then see the files as in the attached image. You can then select all of them to delete.

C:\Windows\System32\config\systemprofile\AppData\Local

Chrome will now be supported until January 2023.Internet Explorer support will end in June 2022.Edge support will end in January 2023.

Starting with this November feature update, Win 10 will now have only one per year. Until now there have been two per year. Normal updates will continue as usual.

How can I stop my Scooploop posts being seen on Google?

How do I put something in a PDF file on a thread on here please ?

If you use your computer to buy presents, then any family members or visitors using your computer may see what you have been looking at, or buying. To avoid this, browse without leaving signs, by using the private/incognito feature of your browser, as below:
Firefox - open menu - New private menu.
Chrome - open menu - New incognito window.
Edge - open menu - New InPrivate window

Support for OneDrive will cease on 1st January 2022, and from 1st March 2022, files will no longer sync between OneDrive and your computer.

Morning all. We have lost some of the few knowledgeable helpers we had. As mentioned before, please remember to thank members and acknowledge their help; please don't post and disappear.
Please note the posting guidelines: https://www.scooploop.com/thread/posting-guidelines-please-read-before-posting-2

Available in W H Smiths in a choice of colours. Keep it next to the keyboard for easy access by children/visitors/tradespersons, or for a burglar to take at the same time as your computer. Why not get another copy to take out with you to lose, or get stolen.

If there is something that you want to keep up to date with on the Web, instead of googling for the latest information, you can set up Google email alerts.

https://www.google.co.uk/alerts#

I've noticed many of our users use gmail as the mailing service. I've also had the impression not everyone is familiar with message filtering tool available on there.

So here's a quick guide how to organize/filter messages so they don't flood your mailbox.

1. Select an email message that you want to filer (or alike), let's say it's from Paypal (screen 1). Click on the 3-dotted options and click "Filter messages like this".

2. You will see a popup with some options (screen 2). You have several options to filter the messages by, but in most cases the "From" parameter is all you need. Hit "Create filter" button.

3. On the next popup you will see another set of options (screen 3). Select what you want to do accordingly.

4. I usually select the options you can see on screen 4. Remember to add a new label if you want to do the similar filtering. Then remember to hit "Create filter" again.

5. All message from given source will now reside under its own category menu (screen 5).

Hope this helps. Happy to answer questions if something is not clear.

Is it just a hammer job ?

once again having problems with this, been on charge all day from 88% but still only at 90, yesterday charged in 1 hour.
Have tried 2 different chargers but same with both.
Vaguely remember someone saying something about silver paper but can't remember what.

I need to buy a new laptop and am wondering if anyone can recommend a good one that is reasonably priced? I just need it to do all the usual, everyday functions but am not at all techy so anything too fancy is wasted on me. Can anyone suggest something suitable as it's ages since I've bought one and don't really know where to start. Thanks for your help.

If you ever have doubts about a website address, go to Virustotal.com , select URL, and enter the address in the search box. It will then be scanned by many virus checkers.

This is a serious request. I'm hoping that someone in this loop, whether techy or non-techy, knows of a charger for NiMH rechargeable batteries that can charge a set of three AAA cells.

I only use rechargeable batteries now (for AA/AAA sizes). I have several torches that are powered by three AAAs, but all the chargers that I have seen can only charge 2 or 4 cells, thus requiring faffing about when charging is needed.

Anyone?

[Update: The thread below offers a number of suggestions if you are looking for something like this. I am going to hunt down a discontinued version of Duracell's CEF22, as it seems to be ideal for my needs.]

For days I was getting loads of junk mail in my in box, all of which I blocked/reported.
Now I am not getting emails that are expected and confirmed by senders.

https://safelifetips.com/1-incredible-computer-tip-you-must-know-slt/?cep=YZ1c5KT9-tC2wHxjTuOWnA4qkXDEWfb-9K0acN1bW21qBQXAx_wLXgdRtWY1kydSW6mkjDnyOxbKop4g9z0iyos2akvX4HygUCqDO-LwxA4G0oKbHJOZpw9GGx2WHHOyPSmJUmXsNEXRCmyatzaKTovKgssnOkR1_a4MgixyP1O4XUGX3xXQ8IjUaAdIvNfg-L0HdZV66d8Jfr_fmfqnZ857-VkbDmVjghqV2I3QVcv_zxNKBwom6wsKIQAzruNSpiTs9J4sH4H_0IPjg0mc7zokyz4wS9C_N8USGeX_aAohb4jM_qKVJMjHWCYYbsXfW8zH_Hk8WXYmyAsjxvKKfc74MDaNY6vcOH7QOf8qZJrNOqnOMkmIB9lwx9nnGrKLe5-gmoDo4VfwztpkMJwJDfhrWO7-sIKTocCGeNwe4ZG3thciTQo8LSmKo0lYLuSgEGUhcXiwhOdbT74Qee7x_ebQRRf7OnHjxtd4vNGiCBA_T8hbkN1kvaFG51UiQm6GB4IuwJeSAZCbC-Mf-7Jsk-PSYynHTcbl4_ZpPAUOaZG-65lH9bbrq0k-zV1jwrld9J7KZ6363avuaS_8mfKAsuL07d3RcxGaPU94XE0aqPENh2cCwBSeZASEEwMjx3AVO83FVqv0gLDgbxLs6Evgif6rJJkW_xZMZNqKkkdSsL9L5L8rHKEVfbnDW0PNJeyG-FPBM1zYQDAzNRvLu8nRoMimEJL_UIBtElaJljECJSZqDEn1iP9_Irew2YxPe9O1X_KI9RJlelPeoJab9IMrEQ&lptoken=16da365019fe409c7007§ionid=0079d45d13dbee8a758e06ddf169ecae2d§ionname=MSN+-+EN-GB+-+Windows+Task+Bar+-+PREMIUM+Header+Bidding&publisherid=00ca4f06a55254ac2832378a55557d4ca3&publishername=MSN+UK+%28PREMIUM+Header+Bidding%29&adtitle=This+Simple+PC+Tip+Will+Amaze+You+%28Do+It+Now%29&OutbrainClickId=v1-d8ce3f2357da1866397f31ab293998dd-00650bfeec662c5fc2d73f1fd1ec02e0ec-&dicbo=v1-d8ce3f2357da1866397f31ab293998dd-00650bfeec662c5fc2d73f1fd1ec02e0ec-

Just a quickie, please. Was given a smart Samsung mobile a while ago which is so slow It's painful. I want now to dispose of it safely. Battery doesn't seem to charge to the 50% charge needed to go to factory settings. Is taking out the sim card the same thing. ie everything is on the sim card and not on the phone? Thanks

Looking through the posts, I see that some members are not acknowledging the help they have been given. Posting guidelines: https://www.scooploop.com/thread/posting-guidelines-please-read-before-posting-2

You may be familiar with the website Wayback machine*, which can take you back to how a website was in the past, they have now created the Web of the future as a warning as to what could happen: Regulation. Censorship. Paywalls. Government Interference. Massive popups blocking you from visiting your favourite sites: https://wayforward.archive.org

* https://archive.org/web/

Why are my headphones not working when I insert the ja k?
I have tried every setting possible but the computer audio is what works
I felt pretty silly wearing my headphones during a zoom meeting when the people in the room stared at me, then I realised they could hear every word while for me the sound was muffled.

Facebook is planning to change its company name next week to reflect its focus on building the metaverse: https://www.scooploop.com/thread/metaverse

Suggest a new name below.

Please could someone explain in simple English what is a "metaverse", what does it do and what is it's use?
I have read 'Facebook plans to hire 10,000 people in Europe to build its metaverse'.

Bugs have already appeared, so if you are thinking of updating, give it a miss for now.

My husband has just new pc and has backed up all his stuff but wants to know if his calendar will still be there.

I don't use Windows live mail but I think it should just be a case of signing in to Windows Live on the new machine and his emails/calendar should still be ok. Is that right or do we have to back it up in some way?

If your machine is 64 bit, see here to check: https://www.scooploop.com/thread/windows-11-quick-way-to-check-if-your-machine-could-be-capable-of-running-it , then visit Microsoft on the link below, and just before the end of the page, click to download the PC HEALTH CHECK APP: https://bit.ly/3uPXNeA

Click START, then SETTINGS, then SYSTEM. At the bottom on the left, click ABOUT. On the right look for SYSTEM TYPE. If you see 32 bit, your computer is not capable of running Windows 11. If you see 64 bit, then provided your machine can meet the other requirements, you will be able to install Windows 11 in the future. You'll find a link to the app to check this, at the end of this post: https://www.scooploop.com/thread/windows-11-if-you-have-a-64-bit-machine-see-below-for-compatibility-requirements

Is there a speaker that can be linked with a mobile phone for phone calls? Someone I know is finding using a mobile difficult at times even when using speaker on the phone.

Or can I just plug in a travel speaker?

Apparently, Microsoft have been a bit naughty, again, and Windows 11 is unhelpful if you want to use a browser other than MS Edge.

This Article was presented to me today and is straight forward to follow, so I thought it would be helpful for others. (The process isn't difficult, but it is tedious.)

I haven't needed this myself yet, but here it is for when we do.

https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-change-your-browser-in-windows-11/

What was your first computer? Mine was a ZX81.