If you use Dropbox to back up your data, stop reading this right now. Then go to your Dropbox account and change your password. And I mean right now! There is an excellent chance that your password is available to data thieves on the net and all the data you store for safekeeping in Dropbox is vulnerable.
As a matter of fact, it would behoove all of us to start changing passwords right now on every account that uses a password. And keep changing them often. Nothing seems to be safe anymore. Everything is under non-stop attack. And keep your tech equipment up to date with all the latest updates.
Last time, I told all of you who use Apple iPhones and iPads to get the latest update for your devices. They were subject to takeover from a zero-day attack that Apple has now fixed. In fact, this hack may have been the one the FBI used to crack the San Bernardino terrorist’s iPhone that was in the news a few months ago. The FBI paid about $1 million dollars to some company who created this software.
The point is that these hacks and attacks are never ending and will continue as long as we use computing devices. Also, re-read the article I published in the last edition about protecting your devices from attack. We must forever be vigilant in the battle against crooks and thieves.
PS: I will be leaving the Bay Area this weekend and traveling to a couple of different locations before I get back to Tucson. Therefore there will only be one edition of this newsletter next week. But it will include all the highlights of the upcoming Apple event. So until, we meet again next week, have a great Labor Day Holiday. You’ve earned it. –JRC
Tech News and Opinions
Dropbox hack leads to leaking of 68m user passwords on the internet
Data stolen in 2012 breach, containing encrypted passwords and details of around two-thirds of cloud firm’s customers, has been leaked. If you use Dropbox, change your password ASAP.
Google's Chromebook End of Life Policy stops support after 5 years
Per the company’s End of Life policy, Chromebooks and other Chrome OS devices are only entitled to five years of feature and security updates. After that, Google doesn’t guarantee that these systems will run safely or properly.
Apple adds 2TB iCloud storage option before iPhone 7 launch
Apple has introduced a new storage tier for iCloud that grants 2TB of space for $19.99 a month. This pricing is similar to Google Drive’s terabyte pricing.
Apple Says Several Billion Dollars Set Aside for U.S. Taxes
Apple's chief executive says the company has put aside "several billion dollars" to pay tax liabilities in the United States as it repatriates some of its huge overseas earnings.
Microsoft Fixes the Windows 10 Freezing Issues
Good news! Microsoft revealed that it has solved the freezing issues that have bedeviled Windows 10 users who installed the Anniversary Update, upgrading them to version 1607. And it has released a Windows Update that fixes the problem.
Computer Tips and Tricks
The complete guide to switching to Microsoft's Edge browser
Edge is the only browser that supports 1,920x1,080-pixel resolution Netflix playback -- is it time to make the switch?
What Microsoft won't tell you about your Windows 10 recovery drive size
The time to make a Windows 10 recovery drive is before your PC dies. Grab a USB drive—you might need a big one!—and we'll show you how it's done.
Those lights on your router can help you fix your internet connection
Those lights on your router or cable modem aren't just there for show. They convey information about the status of your internet connection. Here's how you can use them to troubleshoot problems.
How to Manage Multiple Time Zones in Google Calendar
Use this method to set up your calendar appointments, and your schedule will always be accurate, no matter where you travel.
How to Use Windows 10’s “Quick Assist” to Remotely Troubleshoot a Friend’s PC
Built into Windows 10, Quick Assist allows you to take remote control of another person’s computer so you can help them troubleshoot it.
Mobile Computing
Google adds new muscle to Snapseed photo editor for iPhone, iPad
The app unlocks the power of raw photo editing, an option that offers new flexibility and image quality compared to plain old JPEGs.
How to make iPhone photos look good
Apple's photo app is one of the most underrated visual editors of all time. Here are some of my favorite tricks.
How to Enable a Grid in iOS’ Camera for Perfectly Straight Photos
If you like to use your iPhone’s camera for than mere selfies and portraits, then you probably want to make sure you frame everything as straight as possible. This is much easier if you enable iOS’ camera grid.
Microsoft postpones Sunrise Calendar's sunsetting
Microsoft has given its Sunrise Calendar a reprieve to some unknown date, as Outlook Mobile's calendaring is still not comparable, feature-wise
15 best Android apps of 2016
These apps that most people will swear that they cannot live without.
Samsung Galaxy Note7 global recall due to exploding batteries could be imminent
The announcement should happen within a week, while Samsung irons out the kinks of making a recall with its dealers like Verizon in the U.S.
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