As we usher in the new year, there’s no need for a complete life overhaul to ensure a positive 2024. However, dedicating a few minutes to tidy up your tech life can be highly beneficial. Read on for steps to eliminate junk mail, enhance your phone experience, and bolster your cybersecurity.
- Automate Essential Security Measures:
- Windows: Open Settings, navigate to Personalization > Lock Screen, click Screen saver settings, choose an option (except “None”) from the dropdown menu, set a time for auto-lock, and check the box for “On resume, display logon screen.”
- Mac: Click Apple menu > System Preferences > Desktop & Screen Saver > Screen Saver, use the slider to choose a time, click Show All, navigate to Security, and enable “Require password to wake this computer from sleep or screen saver.”
Additionally, consider setting up your PC to auto-lock based on your phone’s proximity, enhancing security further.
- Manage Group Chats Effectively:
- iPhone: Tap the group thread, select the group icon, scroll, and tap “Leave this Conversation” to exit.
- iPhone (alternative): Mute the conversation by tapping the group text, selecting the group icon, and toggling on “Hide Alerts.”
- Android: Mute group chats to avoid notifications. In Google Messages, open the group text, tap the three-dot menu > Group Details > Notifications, and select “Silent.” For other Android apps, explore messaging menu options for mute settings.
- Optimize Home Security Alerts:
- Adjust camera sensitivity to avoid unnecessary alerts. For SimpliSafe, open the app, tap Cameras, select the gear icon, choose the camera, and adjust Motion Detection sensitivity. For Ring, tap the gear icon for a camera, go to Motion Settings > Motion Sensitivity, and adjust the slider.
- Organize Cords and Cables Efficiently:
- Use stickers, labels, or colored dots to create a system for your cords. Write or use colors to represent cord types (e.g., red for USB-C, blue for HDMI).
- Affix the same label or colored sticker to both the cable and the port on the device. This simplifies cable identification and ensures correct connections.
To enhance ease of use, place the sticker consistently on each cable, perhaps on the top to quickly identify the correct orientation.
- Reduce Junk Mail Hassle:
- Tired of unsolicited credit card and insurance offers flooding your mailbox? Thank the major credit reporting bureaus. Combat this by using “Opt Out Prescreen,” a tool developed by Experian, Equifax, TransUnion, and Innovis.
- Visit optoutprescreen.com, choose to opt out for a specific duration or permanently, and fill in the form.
- Opting out permanently? Use snail mail to print, sign, and mail a confirmation form for lasting relief from prescreened offers.
Incorporating these tech-savvy tips into your routine can significantly enhance your digital experience in 2024. Remember, small adjustments can lead to significant improvements, allowing you to navigate the tech landscape with ease and efficiency.