BRUCEB NEWS
Apple’s Unforced Error
Two weeks ago Apple announced that iPhones would begin scanning for photos involving sexual abuse and exploitation of children. Sounds like a good thing that makes the world a better place, doesn’t it? I’m sure Apple execs expected a burst of good will. Instead it...
Install Google Lens, Then Remember To Use It
I'm going to give you a difficult assignment. I want you to install Google Lens on your phone. That's the easy part. Then I want you to remember to use it until it becomes second...
Say Goodbye To Outlook Clutter
On January 31, 2020, there won't be any more clutter in Outlook. Oh, you'll still get just as many unimportant messages as before, but they won't be sorted into a Clutter folder....
Amazon, Apple, And Ambience
Part 1: Ambient Computing - Buzzwords That Are Changing Your World Part 2: Google Wants To Surround You With Invisible Assistants Google, Amazon, and Apple are the only companies...
Google Wants To Surround You With Invisible Assistants
Part 1: Ambient Computing - Buzzwords That Are Changing Your World You don't notice an automatic door when it opens. Google, Amazon, and Apple want to make it so natural to...
Ambient Computing: Buzzwords That Are Changing Your World
(Sonoma County fires: we have evacuated to a safe place and our house is not threatened. All of our thoughts and best wishes go out to those in danger or suffering losses.) Hey...
Grammar Are For Winners!
Need help with spelling and grammar? Of course you do! You already get help with your spelling. Microsoft Word and Outlook automatically fix common errors on the fly as you type,...
Windows 10 Has Ransomware Protection – Here’s Why It’s Not Turned On
Microsoft added built-in ransomware protection to Windows 10 two years ago. When you check, you'll find it's not turned on. This will seem strange. It should be a good thing to...
How To Set Up A New Windows 10 PC Without A Microsoft Account
There are good reasons to set up a new Windows 10 PC without a Microsoft account, even if you intend to link it to a Microsoft account eventually. The bad news is that Microsoft...
Dark Patterns Are Evil – And They’re Everywhere
I hate to interrupt the steady flow of happiness and joy in the news, but I want to call your attention to a small way that our civilization is degrading into a dystopian hell....
Microsoft Makes It Easy To Encrypt Your Email (Well, Easier Than Before, Anyway)
Let's talk about email encryption. That didn't take long! I've never seen a room empty out that quickly. I'd like to thank the fourteen of you who are still reading. I didn't...
How To Use The Archive Button In Outlook
Outlook has an Archive button, right next to the Delete button. You haven't noticed it because we have trained ourselves for twenty years to let our eyes slide over anything in...
Security Tip: Use Authy For Two-Factor Authentication
I want to talk to you about two-factor authentication and why you should use Authy to generate codes on your phone. Oh, come on! Don't give me that look. I know you don't want to...
How To Get Rid Of The “Microsoft Account Problem” Notification
If you get a notification that you have a "Microsoft account problem," you don't have a problem and you don't have to fix anything. You haven't been hacked and you don't have a...
Google, Antitrust, And Zero-Click Searches
When you search for the phone number for Bruceb Consulting, Google shows the phone number. Does that seem obvious? It's a relatively recent change. Google only began serious...
Windows 10 Tip: Dress Up Your Desktop With A Theme
Microsoft has gorgeous collections of photos that you can use for free as your Windows wallpaper. A typical theme rotates through ten or fifteen photos; when you get bored,...