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Sunday, January 7, 2024

Identity Theft Struggles? Conquer Them with This Cool Tip!

Did you have your credit card frozen out of the blue?

Think your identity might be stolen?

Don't panic.

The internet may be a jungle, but you don't have to go it alone.

Here's a Cool Tip. IdentityTheft.gov is your one-stop shop for recovering from and preventing identity theft.

IdentityTheft.gov is the federal government’s one-stop resource for identity theft victims.

The site provides streamlined checklists and sample letters to guide you through the recovery process.

fig. 1 - IdentityTheft.gov - Report and Recover from Identity Theft

Ready to fight back?

Here's how to do it.

Navigate to IdentityTheft.gov.
Click on the "Get Started" button.
The site asks questions to provide the most accurate information.

Here are key points from the site:

Gather evidence: Don't let the clues go cold! Collect documents like police reports, credit card statements, and suspicious emails to support your claim.
Contact creditors: Alert your banks, credit card companies, and other affected institutions. This helps freeze accounts and minimize damage.
Place fraud alerts: Freeze your credit reports at the three major bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion) to prevent further unauthorized access.
Monitor your credit: Keep a watchful eye on your credit reports for any suspicious activity. You can get free yearly reports from each bureau.
File a police report: Don't underestimate the power of a paper trail. Documenting the theft with a police report strengthens your case and helps authorities track down the culprits.

IdentityTheft.gov offers more than just a roadmap:

Sample letters and templates: No need to be a legal eagle. Download pre-written letters and forms to send to creditors, debt collectors, and law enforcement.
Expert advice and FAQs: Find answers to your burning questions and get in-depth guidance from identity theft specialists.
Personalized recovery plan: Based on your specific situation, the website tailors a step-by-step plan to get you back on track.

Visit ftc.gov/idtheft for prevention tips and free resources to share in your community.

The sheer amount of information can be overwhelming, especially during a stressful time.

Don't hesitate to call the Identity Theft Hotline at 1-877-438-4338 for assistance.

Enjoy!

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Saturday, January 6, 2024

Tame the Chaos and Boost Positive Feedback with YouTube's Pause Comments Feature

Do you create YouTube videos?

Have you ever felt bombarded by a tidal wave of YouTube comments, drowning out the joy of creating and connecting with your audience?

Well, breathe easy, creators!

Here's a Cool Tip. Use the NEW Pause Comments feature.

YouTube's new Pause Comment feature offers a much-needed respite, giving you complete control over your comment section and the power to curate a positive, productive feedback environment.

You can change comment settings for an individual video from your Content page.

Here's how to do it.

Sign in to YouTube Studio.
From the left menu, select Content.
Click a video’s thumbnail.
Scroll and then click SHOW MORE.
Under “Comments and ratings," choose your comment settings.

Select "Pause" to temporarily hold all new comments while existing ones remain visible.
Want to start fresh? Choose "Clear all comments" to wipe the slate clean before hitting pause.

Click Save.

fig. 1 - YouTube Pause Comments

Feeling ready for feedback again?

Simply click "Unpause" and the floodgates of commentary will reopen.

You can pause and unpause comments as often as needed throughout your video's life.

Mastering the Pause Comment feature is all about finding the right balance for your community and content. Experiment, pay attention to audience response, and create a commenting space that fosters meaningful interactions and fuels your creative journey.

Enjoy!

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Friday, January 5, 2024

Blast Off with Elon! Play His Childhood Space Shooter, Blastar!

Have you ever wondered what games shaped the mind of a tech billionaire?

Have you ever wondered what Elon Musk was up to when he was just 12 years old?

Here's a Cool Tip. Play Blastar, a retro space shooter created by a 12-year-old Elon Musk!

Dive into the pixelated past and experience the game that sparked a tech revolution.

But Blastar isn't just a relic of history – it's a surprisingly fun and addictive game!

And yes, Elon Musk -- that Elon Musk of Tesla, SpaceX and Twitter fame -- wrote this game when he was only 12 years old.

He even earned a published article with the code and $500 for his efforts.

Here's an article with more information about Elon and the Blastar game.

If you're curious about early gaming or simply want a nostalgic thrill, grab your keyboard and prepare for alien annihilation.

So, how do you blast your way into Musk's childhood memory lane?

fig. 1 - Blastar

Here's how to do it.

Navigate to Blastar or find Blastar online or through emulation software. Several versions exist, including the original BASIC code and later enhanced versions.
The objective of the game is simple – pilot your spaceship and destroy waves of enemy alien freighters before they unleash deadly "Status Beam Machines" on Earth.
Use your keyboard --- arrow keys to move and spacebar to fire --- to maneuver your ship and blast enemies with lasers.
Collect bonus points for destroying missiles and avoiding collisions.

Blastar is an easy to learn but challenging to master.

Enjoy!

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Thursday, January 4, 2024

Unlock Windows 11's Hidden Power: Master the Almighty God Mode

Have you ever get tired of navigating through endless Windows menus and folders?

Wish you had a single portal to access all your system settings at once?

Here's a Cool Tip. Use Windows 11 God Mode.

In Windows 11, God Mode is a hidden control panel that grants you one-click access to almost all of the system's settings and administrative tools.

This means you can bypass the normal Windows menus and folders that can be frustratingly deep and tedious to navigate.

We first told you about God Mode for Windows 10, way back when.

The core experience and functionality of God Mode remain remarkably similar between Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Most users won't encounter significant differences beyond the updated visual aesthetics.

Here's how to do it.

Right-click on any empty space on your desktop.
Select New > Folder.
Rename the folder to GodMode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}

(don't forget the curly braces!).

Press Enter.
Your folder icon transforms into the familiar Control Panel symbol, but with a hidden world revealed – hundreds of system settings, from administrative tools to network configurations, all neatly organized for your exploration.

Say goodbye to tedious menu diving. God Mode offers a one-stop shop for all your system tweaks.

Boost your productivity by finding tools and settings faster than ever before.

With great power comes with great responsibility: Modifying certain settings can impact your system stability.

Proceed with caution and research tweaks before applying them.

Example: Need to quickly manage your network connections?

God Mode provides one-click access to adapters, properties, and advanced settings. No more digging through multiple network menus!

fig. 1 - Windows 11 God Mode - Change Setting Example

You can customize God Mode by rearranging folders and removing unwanted shortcuts.

Right-click within the folder, select "Personalize," and play around to create your own ultimate control center.

Unlike a real god, God Mode in Windows 11 is completely reversible and doesn't require any complex rituals or sacrifices.

Here's how you can easily undo it:

Option 1: Delete the folder:

Locate the God Mode folder on your desktop (it will have the Control Panel icon).
Right-click on the folder and select "Delete."

Option 2: Rename the folder:

Right-click on the God Mode folder.
Select "Rename."
Change the folder name by removing the curly braces from "{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}".

Both of these options remove the God Mode functionality, essentially reverting your system to the standard Control Panel access.

Ready to unleash the God Mode within? Share your experiences and favorite hidden settings in the comments below!

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Wednesday, January 3, 2024

Snoopy Takes Over! How to Add the Adorable New Apple Watch Face

Snoopy Takes Over! How to Add the Adorable New Apple Watch Face

Snoopy fans rejoice! Transform your Apple Watch with the new Snoopy watch face – it's easy to set up and delivers delightful charm with every glance.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

January 3, 2024

Are you an Apple Watch user?

Do you love Snoopy?

Here's a Cool Tip. Add the new Snoopy watch face feature to your Apple Watch.

The Snoopy Apple Watch face is lively, interactive, and fun.

It brings your Apple Watch to life with cool animations and movements.

Snoopy and Woodstock react whenever you raise your wrists.

Here's how to do it.

To use the Snoopy Watch face, you need to update your Apple Watch to watchOS 10.
On your iPhone, launch the Watch app.
Tap on the Face Gallery tab in the bottom middle of the app.
You’ll see the Palette and Snoopy watch faces under New Watch Faces.
Tap on Snoopy.
Choose the Color
Choose a Style.

fig. 1 - Apple Watch - Snoopy Watch Face Setting

Tap "Set as current Watch Face" to make it your watch face.

fig. 2 - Apple Watch - Snoopy

It’s one of the most intuitive watch faces on an Apple Watch.

Snoopy can be seen surfing, playing basketball, or giving you side looks to bring the watch face to life.

While my Apple Watch SE doesn’t support the always-on display function, Snoopy and Woodstock can be seen sleeping on the always-on display for Apple Watches that support it.

Enjoy!

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Rodger Mansfield, a seasoned tech expert, is the mastermind behind OneCoolTip.com, where he serves as both writer and editor. With a keen eye for simplifying complex tech, Rodger delivers practical advice that empowers readers to navigate the digital world with confidence. Dive into OneCoolTip.com for a treasure trove of savvy tips and tricks that keep you one step ahead in tech.

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Tuesday, January 2, 2024

How to Use WhatsApp's Disappearing Messages Feature

Remember those embarrassing teenage texts you wish could vanish forever?

Ever wondered how to keep your chats clutter-free?

Or maybe you’ve wished for a way to make sensitive information disappear after it’s been read?

Here's a Cool Tip. Use WhatsApp's new Disappear Messages feature.

This new hidden feature lets you send messages that self-destruct after a set time, adding a layer of privacy and ephemeral charm to your WhatsApp conversations.

Disappearing messages is an optional feature you can turn on for more privacy.

You can set messages to disappear 24 hours, 7 days, or 90 days after they’re sent unless that message is kept.

The duration you choose only affects new messages in the chat, not messages you’ve already sent or received.

You can choose to turn disappearing messages on for all chats or select specific chats. In individual chats, either you or the person you’re messaging can turn disappearing messages on or off.

Here's how to do it.

Individual or Group Chat

Open any individual or group chat in WhatsApp.
Tap the contact name (individual) or group name (group).
Select "Disappearing messages" from the menu.
Decide how long your messages will live before they self-destruct: 24 hours, 7 days, or 90 days.
Compose your message as usual and press send.
A timer icon will appear next to the message, indicating its expiration date.
Both you and the recipient will be notified about the disappearing message setting.
Watch Them Fade Away.

fig. 1 - WhatsApp - Individual Timer

Once the timer runs out, the message automatically disappears from the chat for both participants.

No trace, no screenshot, just pure digital dust!

You also can set disappearing messages as default for new individual chats.

This is perfect for sharing confidential information or sensitive topics without leaving a permanent record.

Here's how to do it.

Change Default for All Chats

Tap Settings.
Tap Privacy.
Tap Default message timer.
Selecting a duration.

fig. 2 - WhatsApp Default Message Timer

Ready to experiment with disappearing messages?

What do you think?

Let us know in the comments below.

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Monday, January 1, 2024

Happy New Year 2024 at OneCoolTip

Happy New Year 2024!

This has been an exciting year here at OneCoolTip.

With just over 380 Cool Tips in 2023 alone.

These tips covered iPhone, Windows 11, Android, Google, Bing, AI, Chrome, ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot and more.

2024 will be even better.

But let's look back for a moment.

Last year on January 1st, I made Three Tech Resolutions.

Let's see how I did.

1. Better Passwords

Score: A-

During 2023, I made much better passwords to keep my data better protected. Each site password is unique and involves a combination of letters, numbers and characters.

I will continue to work to keep my personal data safe with unique passwords.

2. Care for Devices

Score: B+

I still am putting my phone in unusual places when I need a free hand, risking serious damage.

And as an active runner, I had a close call when I fell once.

Fortunately, my watch and phone were unscathed.

Can't say the same for me.

3. Manage Screen Time

Score: C-

I am still using my phone too often.

Maybe I just can't take time to savor the moment.

But too much screen time is a bad thing.

Need to work on this in 2024.

Happy New Year 2024 - www.OneCoolTip.com

And for 2024?

Here's are my Tech Resolutions

1. Embrace Cybersecurity:

With the increasing number of cyber threats, it’s more important than ever to secure your digital life.

This year I will continue to make unique passwords, enable two-factor authentication wherever possible, and regularly update my devices to ensure the latest security patches.

2. Learn a New Tech Skill:

Technology is constantly evolving, and there’s always something new to learn.

Whether it’s coding, data analysis, digital marketing, or even how to use a new software tool, dedicating time to develop a new tech skill can be both personally and professionally rewarding.

I plan to code more and plan to build several apps.

3. Digital Detox:

While technology has many benefits, it’s also important to take time away from screens.

Going down rabbit holes is going to be hard to do.

But 2024 will be a year of less screen time.

That means less, TV, less PC and much less phone time.

More time for running, nature walks and engaging in other creative pursuits.

This is going to be hard.

# # #

What are your Tech Resolutions for 2024?

Let us know in the comments below.

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