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Technology March 2013

Ask Mr. Modem

iPhone/iPad Printing

    This is one of my all-time favorite sites. Before I order anything online, I check here for applicable promo codes. If a promo code is found, type in the code when placing your order and obtain whatever discount is associated with your purchase.

    Q. Is there some way I can print directly from my iPad or iPhone?

    A. Yes, you can print from the iPad or iPhone, though I found it easiest to purchase an AirPrint compatible printer (http://bit.ly/ruT5I4) as recommended by Apple. AirPrint-compatible printers are wireless printers approved by Apple to work with the iPhone, iPad, etc.

    I have an Epson Artisan 730 printer, which is AirPrint compatible, that I primarily use for
    printing photos taken with my iPad and iPhone, but it can be used for documents, email and other items. It took me about three minutes to get it up and running by simply following the instructions that came with the printer. Printing has been a breeze ever since and the quality of photo printing is outstanding.

    There are also third-party apps such as Printopia (http://ecamm.com/mac/printopia) and PrintCentral (http://bit.ly/ViQHr1), or you might want to go to the Apple App Store and search for other apps that will enable printing to a non AirPrint compatible printer.

     

    Q. I have multiple Gmail accounts that I use throughout the day on my desktop, laptop and tablet computers. When I am in a hurry, I sometimes jump up from one computer and forget to log out of Gmail. It's often several hours later that I remember, and I might not be anywhere near the computer I was using when I forgot to log out. Is there anything I can do when that happens?

    A. Gmail has a little-known remote log-out feature that allows you to exit all your active Gmail sessions from just about any computer, tablet or mobile phone that has access to the Internet. To use this feature, log into Gmail using any computer and click the Details link located in the lower right-hand corner. A window will appear that contains the “Sign out of all other sessions” button.

     

    Q. I just bought a new PC with Windows 8. I know this sounds crazy, but I can't figure out how to shut it down. Help!

    A. What you're experiencing is quite common for users exposed to Windows 8 for the first time. Your old friend, the Start button, is gone (but not forgotten), so shutting down is a bit different than what you were accustomed to in the past.

    Here's the secret to this success: Move your mouse cursor to the bottom right-hand corner of the screen, click the Settings icon or just hold down the Windows key and press I. Click the Power button and select Shut Down. In the alternative, if you press CTRL + ALT + DEL and click the Power button in the bottom right-hand corner, you will be presented with the same Shut Down option.

    For users who prefer alternatives to alternatives, if you are on the Desktop, press ALT + F4 and you will be able to choose the Shut Down, Restart, Sign Out or Switch User options.

     

    Mr. Modem’s DME (Don’t Miss ‘Em) Sites of the Month

    WhatWasThere?

    Think of this site as a virtual time machine that will enable you to see how familiar places once looked before they were ravaged by the passage of time -- not unlike my high school yearbook photo. By combining Google Maps with historical photos of streets, buildings and locations, you can see how the past compares with the present. Enter a city, state or country, and a map will reveal how many photos have been uploaded for that location and nearby areas. Click a photo to display more detail and compare it to a current Google Street View. Some cities have no photos, others have photos that hardly qualify as time-capsule material. I found one photo dated 1979. I've got shoes older than that. Still, this site is interesting and as more photos are contributed, it will become even interestinger. (Don't email me.) www.whatwasthere.com

     

    RetailMeNot

    This is one of my all-time favorite sites. Before I order anything online, I check here for applicable promo codes. If a promo code is found, type in the code when placing your order and obtain whatever discount is associated with your purchase. There are scores of coupon and promo code categories that include everything from Accessories to Zithers. Well, okay, there aren't any zithers, but the list of categories is extensive. www.retailmenot.com

     

    Today in Literature

    For literature enthusiasts, this is a particularly fascinating site. For example, today (as I write this), in 1637, Edward King -- not to be confused with King Edward -- a friend of John Milton, drowned at sea. Three months later, Milton published his commemorative poem, "Lycidas." I know what you're thinking: “Tell me something I don't already know, Mr. Modem.” A two-week free trial is available, after which you can decide whether to purchase a premium membership for $25/year, which provides access to a wealth of additional literary information. www.todayinliterature.com

     

    For more information about Mr. Modem's technology-tips eBooks and award-winning weekly computer-help newsletter, featuring his personal answers to your questions by email, visit www.MrModem.com.

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