Weekly Tech Tips and News for November 9, 2018

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Thank goodness the elections are finished, and the annoying political ads are in our rear view mirrors...until next time. The political season has passed, and apparently so has the Fall season. We seem to have surged straight to winter. There's snow on the ground, and I was caught with a yard full of leaves still on the grass. I can only hope for a thaw so I can take care of them before the next snowfall. We can also be caught unaware with our computers. Just because your computer still works, doesn't mean it is safe to use. The operating system (OS) on all computing devices (phones, tablets, iPads, PCs, laptops, etc.) has a finite life cycle. Just like the leaves under the snow are not healthy for my lawn, using a device with an operating system that is no longer supported is not safe for you. Please take the time to read all the details about what this means in the first article. Although the article is specific to Microsoft, it is true with all devices running any OS. Tip:  If your computer is running Windows 7, it will no longer be support in January 2020. How can you tell which version your device is running? When you first turn it on, it will display the OS version.

• What it Means when Microsoft Stops Supporting Your Version of Windows
• G Suite Updates:  Use the Paint Roller to Copy Formatting to More Than One Object in Slides
• Protect your Google Account with 2-Step Verification
• Chrome 70 has Picture-in-Picture Now, Here's How it Works
• EDU in 90:  Innovative With Google Slides
• Escape to Flippity.net
• ytCropper - Share a Section of a YouTube Video
• Full Bleed - Finding Balance Between Technology, Work and Life

What it Means when Microsoft Stops Supporting Your Version of Windows

What it Means when Microsoft Steps Supporting Your Version of Windows, from How-To Geek by Chris Hoffman
When your version of Windows is no longer receiving updates, it's seriously time to upgrade your computer. It will no longer be safe from harm online. Windows 7 users, your deadline is approaching in January 2020, at that point it's time to either upgrade to a new version of Windows, or replace your aging hardware.

G Suite Updates:  Use the Paint Format Tool to Copy Formatting to More Than One Object in Slides

If you have not discovered the joys of the Paint Format Tool, it is a huge time saver. Basically you format text and highlight it. To copy that formatting (not text) to another section of your slide, click the Paint Format Tool (looks like a paint roller), then just highlight the next section of text and the formatting will be applied. This has always been available, but you could only copy the formatting to one section at a time. The new change is that now you can format several different sections, not just one. Here are the full details.

Protect your Google Account with 2-Step Verification

Protect your Google Account with 2-Step Verification, from Control Alt Acheieve b y Eric Curts
Why should you use it? How do you use it? How do you set it up? It's important, read on!

Chrome 70 has Picture-in-Picture Now, Here's How it Works

Chrome 70 has Picture-in-Picture Now, Here's How it Works, from How-To Geek by Cameron Summerson
Chrome is in the process of updating to 70 now. You may already have it and not know it. With that update, you'll be able to use Picture in a Picture, just like on a TV. You can keep the video on top and still be working on something else.

EDU in 90:  Innovative With Google Slides

Escape to Flippity.net

Escape to Flippity.net from A Lever and a Place to Stand by Amy Roediger
Interested in creating your own breakout or escape game for your students, but thought it would be too complicated or expensive? It's Flippity to the rescue! You can easily create your own breakout game for free, without the expense of the box and locks.

ytCropper - Share a Section of a YouTube Video

ytCropper - Share a Section of a YouTube Video, from Free Technology for Teachers by Richard Byrne
If you only wish to share a portion of a YouTube video, this tool easily allows you to do that.

Full Bleed - Finding Balance Between Technology, Work and Life

Full Bleed - Finding Balance Between Technology, Work and Life, from Control Alt Achieve by Eric Curts
Do yourself a favor by reading these words of wisdom. We all need time to recharge our batteries.