Thursday, December 21, 2023

How to catch down a YouTube Ad video

While you are in the video do right-click over the video. 

Select Stats for nerds. You will get the video ID.


To watch a YouTube video the root URL will be:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOUR-VIDEO-ID

or just

https://www.youtu.be/YOUR-VIDEO-ID

Saturday, December 2, 2023

Kindle - Restrict your system to update automatically from older versions

 


  • Navigate to %localappdata%\Amazon\Kindle

  • right click the application folder

  • click the Security tab

  • click advanced

  • click disable inheritance

  • click convert inherited permissions to explicit...

  • click ok, you should be back at security

  • click edit

  • select your username and remove all the check marks except Read & Execute, List folder contents, and Read

This should prevent the updater from being able to overwrite the files in this folder

Full import guide for Kindle For PC


Edit: NOTE - This process no longer works for Kindle books that were released after February 2023. If the book was released before then (even if it was downloaded after), then it should still work. However, newer releases will not work.

This is probably retreading old trails for most people, but after a LOT of research, I wasn't able to find a single place that just listed all of the steps for importing Kindle books into Calibre. I wrote up this step-by-step guide for my girlfriend, so I figured I would share it here. Hope it's useful!

  1. Download and install Calibre and DeDRM tools

    1. You should be able to find them here: https://github.com/apprenticeharper/DeDRM_tools/releases

    2. NOTE: At time of writing, DeDRM does not work with the newest version of Calibre (5.0), so stick to the latest 4.x version until you hear otherwise. DeDRM now works fine with Caliber 5.0.

  2. Download and install an old version of Kindle for PC

    1. This process does not work with the new versions of Kindle for PC. Version 1.24 is the latest that works

    2. Try looking for version 1.17. You can google "download Kindle for PC 1.17". You should be able to find it at a number of different places around the web. I don't want to link any, in case whichever link I post somehow becomes compromised. Just note the checksum and try to confirm it if you can (that will ensure that there isn't any malware).

    3. EDIT: A final step in installing Kindle is to disable automatic updates. You should be able to find a checkbox that lets you disable them in the settings.

      1. A new policy by Amazon may also be forcing old versions of Kindle to update to the latest version (which means we can't remove the DRM). If this happens, then you can just reinstall the old version (keep the installer stored somewhere and you won't have to download it again), go through this process, and then reinstall again the next time you would like to update you Calibre library.

  3. In the Kindle program, download each book that you would like

    1. This must be done one-by-one, unfortunately, there is no way to download them in bulk.

  4. In Calibre, select the downward arrow next to “Add books”, and select “Add books from directories and sub-directories”. Click “Yes”.

  5. Navigate to “My Kindle Contents” in “My Documents”, ensuring that “My Kindle Contents” is the selected folder, and select the “Select Folder” button

    1. If you only want to add a few books instead of your entire library, then it will be a little more complicated because all of the names are obfuscated (they're nonsense).

    2. If you want to do this, you should open a new File Explorer window, navigate to "My Kindle Contents", and sort the contents by Date Added/Modified. Then, make a new folder somewhere (say, the Desktop), and copy all of the recent folders (the ones you just downloaded) to the new folder.

    3. Then, complete this step by selecting your new folder instead of "My Kindle Contents".

  6. After all books are imported (the names may be messed up, which is ok for now), select all new books (or just all books in library) and click “Convert Books” in the top menu. Ensure that “EPUB” is selected in the top-right drop-down menu (this can be set to be selected automatically if you go to Preferences > Behavior > Preferred output format and select “EPUB” from the list). Click “Ok”. Wait until after all books are converted (the “Jobs” indicator in the bottom right will show 0, and will no longer be spinning).

    1. If a book has “KFX-ZIP” listed in its formats and not “KFX”, then its DeDRM conversion has failed for some reason (possibly because you don't have the correct version of Kindle For PC).

  7. If the names of your books look right (not a mess of random letters and numbers), then you're done! If not, continue on to the next step.

  8. Select all books. Right click and select Remove Books > Remove Books of a specific format from selected book. Select the “MD” format, and click “Ok”.

  9. Once this is one, select all books, select the downward arrow next to “Edit metadata” and select “Edit metadata in bulk”. Check “Set metadata (except cover) from the e-book files” in the bottom left, and click “Ok”. All books should now have legible titles, and should be readable.

Wednesday, July 26, 2023

Are you running out of Google storage space? Clean up & troubleshoot your Google storage

 


You can clear storage space in your account through Google One.

Manage storage through Google One

  1. On your computer, go to Google One.
  2. Under "Clean up space," click View.
  3. Under the category that you want to manage, click Review and Clean up.
  4. Select the files that you want to remove. You can also click the file to view it.
    • Gmail: To filter by size, at the top right, click the filter icon.
    • Google Drive: To sort files by file attributes, at the top right, use the sorting options:
      • Last modified
      • File name
      • Size
    • Google Photos: To save files locally before you remove them from your Google Account, click Download.
  5. After you select your files, at the top right, click Delete.
    • For Photos, click Move to Trash.
  6. To confirm, read the consent wording.
  7. To continue, check the box.
  8. To delete selected files, click Permanently delete.
    • For Photos, click Move to Trash.
  9. WARNING: Anything you delete here will be permanently deleted. However, you can download the material and save it in a more convenient place you pick.

Saturday, July 22, 2023

Adobe Acrobat Extension in Google

 

With Acrobat in Chrome, you can view and work in PDFs online. Use free commenting tools to add text, sticky notes, and highlights. You can also try to convert, edit, and sign tools.







Friday, June 9, 2023

Free interactive Whiteboard software

 

Today I found this interesting and useful "Whiteboard Software" from OpenBoard


These are the installations software for your computer

You can find demo videos on Youtube


Thursday, June 8, 2023

Thursday, June 1, 2023

Mastering Password Security: Best Practices for Creating Strong and Secure Password


As a network security specialist, I can provide you with some guidance on generating secure passwords. Here are some tips:

  • Length: Use passwords that are at least 12 characters long. Longer passwords are generally more secure.
  • Complexity: Include a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters (such as !, @, #, etc.). This increases the complexity of the password and makes it harder to guess or crack.
  • Avoid personal information: Avoid using easily guessable information like your name, birthdate, pet's name, or common dictionary words. Hackers can easily guess such information.
  • Randomness: Create passwords that are random and don't follow predictable patterns. Avoid common password patterns like "123456" or "qwerty."
  • Unique passwords: Use different passwords for each of your accounts. If one account is compromised, having unique passwords will prevent unauthorized access to your other accounts.
  • Regularly update passwords: Change your passwords periodically, especially for sensitive accounts. It's recommended to update passwords every 3-6 months.
  • Two-factor authentication (2FA): Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second verification step, such as a code sent to your mobile device, in addition to the password.

Avoid sharing or storing passwords insecurely: Don't share your passwords with others, and avoid storing them in easily accessible locations like sticky notes or unencrypted digital files.

Following these guidelines will help enhance the security of your passwords and reduce the risk of unauthorized access to your accounts, however, your security depends entirely on your discipline to keep your records straight and cycle your password appropriately.

If you are afraid that you won't remember your password then you may consider using a Password Manager app. Consider using a password manager tool that securely stores and generates passwords for you. This helps you manage and remember complex passwords without reusing them.

Here are some smart suggestions to compose good passwords that are easier to remember:
  • Passphrase approach 
Instead of a single word, use a memorable phrase or sentence as your password. For example, "I love hiking in the mountains!" can become "ILoveHikingInTheMountains!" or "Hiking@MountainsAreAwesome!".
  • Acronyms
Create a password by combining the first letter of each word in a memorable phrase or sentence. For instance, "May the Force be with you!" becomes "MtFbwy!".
  • Personalize with substitutions
Substitute letters with similar-looking numbers or symbols. For example, "Password" can become "P@ssw0rd" or "Pa$$w0rd!", however, use unexpected replacing letter because a lot of people knows a = @.
  • Use memorable keyboard patterns
Choose a pattern on the keyboard that is easy for you to remember but difficult for others to guess. For example, "1qaz2wsx" or "zxcvbnm123!".
  • Nonsense phrases
Create a unique combination of unrelated words that are easy for you to remember. For example, "BananaGuitarStarfish" or "PurpleElephantMoonlight".
  • Song lyrics or book quotes
Take a favorite line from a song or a memorable quote from a book and modify it with substitutions or variations. For example, "Th3s3Ar3Th3DaysofOurL!v3s!".
  • Mnemonics
Create a password by using the first letter of each word in a sentence that has personal meaning to you. For example, "I graduated from Harvard in 2010!" can become "IgfHi2010!".

Remember, while it's important to make passwords memorable, it's equally crucial to ensure they are unique and not easily guessable. Avoid using famous phrases or numbers. Regularly updating passwords and enabling additional security measures, like two-factor authentication, are also highly recommended.

Friday, May 26, 2023

Strategy to create new passwords

 
Creating strong and secure passwords is essential for protecting your online accounts. Here are some strategies to help you create strong passwords:

  1. Length: Use passwords that are at least 12 characters long. The longer the password, the harder it is to crack.

  2. Complexity: Include a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using predictable patterns or common substitutions (e.g., replacing "o" with "0" or "s" with "$").

  3. Avoid personal information: Don't include personal details like your name, birth date, or address in your passwords. This information is often easy to find or guess.

  4. Unique passwords: Use different passwords for different online accounts. Reusing passwords across multiple accounts can lead to serious security risks. If one account is compromised, all your other accounts will be at risk.

  5. Passphrase approach: Instead of using a single complex password, consider using a passphrase made up of multiple words. Passphrases are easier to remember and can be just as secure as traditional passwords. For example, "CorrectHorseBatteryStaple" is a strong passphrase.

  6. Two-factor authentication (2FA): Enable 2FA whenever possible. This adds an extra layer of security to your accounts, requiring a second form of authentication, such as a code sent to your phone, in addition to your password.

  7. Regularly update passwords: Change your passwords periodically, especially for your most sensitive accounts. Set reminders to update your passwords every few months.

  8. Randomness: Generate passwords randomly instead of using common words or phrases. Consider using password managers or online password generators to create secure and unique passwords.

Remember, creating strong passwords is just the first step. It's also important to safeguard your passwords by avoiding sharing them, using secure networks, and keeping your devices protected with up-to-date security software.



Tuesday, April 11, 2023

GMAIL - Get access to older email Google archived

 

  • Open Gmail 
  • Type under 'older_than:10yon the top search bar to look for messages older than 10 years
Options: You can also use the Clean Email app for advanced search options.

GMAIL - Delegate other Gmail account to administrate your emails

 

You can add up to 10 delegates.

  • Open your Gmail
  • In the top right wheel, click Settings then "All Settings"
  • Click the "Accounts and Import" tab.
  • In the left panel go to the "Grant access to your account" section, and click "Add another account". 
  • Enter the email address of the person you want to add. 
The other person who you are allowing to have access to your emails will receive an email looking for approval. Once done, they will see your email in their email list.

This way you share your email and need to share the password.


Monday, March 6, 2023

iPad models compatible with iPadOS 16 still at 2023

 

The first column is Apple's latest iPad on sale right now

The second column is the Apple lucky iPad that Apple still support

If you don't see your iPad in any of these lists, it is because Apple doesn't care anymore for you, however, they are focused on how to get money from you and make you buy a new one.

 iPads are cool devices, unfortunately, Steve Jobs is no longer here to protect us from the dark side of the Apple Company. So, decide wisely because these are expensive items useless in a short period of time or when they decide to make them useless.