SFCT.NET - Technology Help and Questions Answered

  QR Code Scanning and Saving Class began with hands-on training on how to scan QR codes using smartphones On iPhone, open the regular camera app and hover over the QR code - it will automatically detect it A banner or icon will appear to tap and open the website in Safari To save the website to home screen: tap the arrow pointing up (or three dots), then select "Add to Home Screen" Class practiced scanning the SFCT website QR code ( sfct.org ) Creating QR Codes In Chrome browser, navigate to the desired website, tap the three dots menu, then select "Create QR Code" QR codes provide an easy way to share website links without requiring manual typing When saving pages, always add a title so screenshots are easily identifiable Class Schedule and Resources Full class schedule available at sfct.org under " SFT Class Schedule " section First and second Thursdays focus on computer topics, third Thursday on other technology This month's fo...

  Storage Management Access storage information on iPhone through Settings > General > iPhone Storage or on Android through Settings > Storage Use the search function in Settings to quickly find storage options by typing "Storage" The Files app allows browsing through all content stored on the device Remove downloaded files when no longer needed to free up space on the device App Navigation Patterns Most Apple interfaces share consistent navigation with " Library " as a key element at the bottom of the screen Library is where you find saved content, playlists, downloaded items, and manage storage across apps: Music app : Library shows playlists, songs, and downloaded content Podcasts app : Library contains downloaded episodes that can be deleted to save space Books app : Library shows collections and downloaded content Photos Management Photos app has changed from bottom navigation to a vertical scrolling interface Free up space by fi...

  Class Overview This class focused on files and organization, storing digital content, file location, and managing storage space Key topics included music synchronization across devices, file management, document collaboration, and cloud storage options Music Synchronization and Services For Apple devices, music syncs through iCloud similar to photos, but requires Apple Music subscription Without Apple Music subscription, two options exist: Manually sync via cable connection Directly download music files to each device individually Popular music streaming services discussed: Apple Music Spotify Amazon Music (different from Amazon Prime Music ) Pandora HomePod requires a subscription service like Apple Music to access your music library File Management Basics Files are just files regardless of type (music, photos, documents) - you manage them the same way Creating new folders: File → New Folder → name the folder Moving files: Open two windows, then dra...

Class Overview This November class focused on digital organization of files, emails, photos, and messages across devices. The topic was chosen from curriculum created with residents at the beginning of the year. Next month's December class will review the year's learning and gather topics for next year's curriculum. Instructor's Personal Updates Jason Dare will be traveling to China to visit his ancestral family village. The trip includes 31 extended family members (originally 41, but 10 dropped out). They plan to visit five different villages to accommodate everyone's family connections. Jason launched " TravelReadyChinese.com ," a company teaching scenario-based language lessons to prepare travelers. The platform uses AI-powered "DingTalk" which transcribes conversations and displays both languages simultaneously. Email Organization Synchronization means your devices update from one central location (like email servers). IMAP is...

  Finding Content on Streaming Platforms Finding purchased content on streaming services can be challenging compared to traditional libraries like Hoopla Most streaming platforms have a " My Stuff " or " My List " section to find purchased or saved content On Amazon , look for the "My Stuff" section On Netflix , saved content appears in "My List" Content libraries can be managed across devices (easier to browse and add on computer/phone, then watch on TV) Search functions are available on all platforms to locate specific content Voice search is available on newer streaming devices - look for microphone button on remote Streaming Devices and Setup Multiple options for streaming to your TV: Dedicated streaming devices ( Fire Stick , Apple TV , Roku ) Smart TV built-in streaming Cable boxes ( Xfinity/Comcast ) Newer streaming devices offer benefits: Voice recognition capabilities Faster performance More responsive interfaces ...

  Class Overview Workshop focused on accessing free digital resources through the San Francisco Public Library Covered setup and use of streaming services , e-books , and audiobooks Demonstrated practical steps for downloading apps and accessing content Setting Up Streaming Services Three key steps for setting up streaming on TV: Create an account with the streaming service Ensure you have the correct password Use phone app to scan QR code or connect via network for easier TV login San Francisco Public Library App (SFPL) Digital resources available through the SFPL app include books, audiobooks, and movies App allows searching library catalog , placing holds, and borrowing digital materials Library card and PIN required for access Chat support available through the library website to reset forgotten passwords E-Books with Boundless Boundless is one of several e-reader apps used by SFPL Setup process: Download app from App Store Link to library card Search f...

  Session Overview This was a follow-up to last week's informational session about streaming The instructor focused on providing step-by-step guidance for accessing streaming services Topics covered included remote controls , QR code scanning , and subscription management Remote Control Identification Different remotes indicate different streaming capabilities: Basic Xfinity remote (without microphone button) can't access streaming Advanced Xfinity remotes (with microphone button) can access streaming services TV manufacturer remotes ( Samsung , Sony , LG ) may have preset buttons for streaming services Fire Stick and other streaming device remotes have dedicated streaming buttons Accessing Streaming Services Access depends on which remote/device you're using: For Xfinity: Press and hold microphone button, then say the service name (e.g., " Netflix ") For TV remotes: Use preset buttons if available or navigate to apps section For Fire Stick...

Click here to stream Hardly Strictly Bluegrass 2025 -  https://hardlystrictlybluegrass.com/hsbtv/ Introduction to Streaming Streaming allows users to get content (video or audio) through the internet to devices like laptops, mobile devices, TVs, or wireless speakers. Internet connection is essential for streaming - poor internet leads to buffering , delays, or pixelated content. Streaming eliminates the need for physical media like CDs or DVDs. Streaming Devices Smart TVs - Most TVs purchased in the last 4 years have streaming capabilities built-in (identifiable by a home button on remote that shows app squares). External streaming devices for older TVs include: Roku (simple interface with menu on left, squares on right) Fire Stick/Amazon Fire TV Apple TV (most expensive option, interface similar to iPhone) Cable boxes like Xfinity/Comcast now often include streaming capabilities (slower but convenient). Multiple devices mean multiple remotes, which can become ...

  USB-C Adapters and Compatibility USB-C is replacing older USB-A ports on newer devices, creating compatibility challenges USB-C adoption is widespread, including on Apple devices (mandated by EU regulations ) Solution: Purchase a USB-C hub (~$20) that provides multiple connection options including USB-A ports, SD card readers , and HDMI Simpler single-plug adapters are available for those who need fewer connections When purchasing adapters on Amazon, check reviews for reliability Data Backup Strategies Importance of backups depends on what you store on your device Cloud-based email services automatically back up emails Photos are typically backed up via iCloud (Apple) or Google Photos (Android) Files on your desktop or in Documents folders may need manual backup Backup options include: External drives with Time Machine (Mac) or Windows Backup Cloud storage like Google Drive (already backed up by design) Managing Digital Subscriptions Review subscr...

  Using Apple Wallet for Payments Apple Wallet allows you to store credit cards and make purchases with tap-to-pay To activate: Double-click the side button quickly, authenticate with Face ID /passcode Works on both iPhones and Apple Watches (press button under crown twice) For security, authentication is always required before payment can be processed Check wallet settings in Settings > Wallet & Apple Pay Apple Cash (peer-to-peer payment system) can be turned off if not needed Transit cards like Clipper can be added, but the physical card will be deactivated Managing Device Storage Check storage in Settings > General > iPhone Storage Always maintain at least 20% free space for optimal device performance Storage view shows color-coded breakdown of what's using your space Options for freeing up space: Delete unused apps completely " Offload " apps (preserves data but removes app until needed again) Remove downloaded content after use [...

The session covered online shopping tools and services, along with a detailed look at Apple's newest product announcements. This continued the month's theme of shopping, cashback, rebates, credit cards, and digital wallets. The instructor briefly reviewed last week's discussion on browser extensions before moving to online shopping services and concluding with Apple's recent product announcements. Online Shopping Services Instacart : Delivery service for groceries and products from multiple stores including Costco , Target , and local retailers. Offers same-day delivery with either per-delivery fees or monthly subscription options. GoldBelly : Specialty food delivery service for nostalgic or regional foods from across the country, shipped directly to your door. Google Shopping : Price comparison tool that aggregates products across multiple retailers to find the best prices. DealDash : Penny auction site with extremely low starting bids, though the instructor expr...