The Latest on Microphone Muting, Troubleshooting Windows 10 Problems, Mini PCs, Browser Tracking

When it comes to mute buttons on computers, they are often found on a computer’s keyboard and are usually configured to mute audio that is playing from speakers. However, these days, increasing numbers of people are using audio and video conferencing applications that sometimes do not provide a quick and easy way for users to be able to mute their built-in or attached microphones.

So how can you mute your microphone? The answer to that question isn’t always easy or standard. Fortunately, most audio and video conferencing applications/services include some type of microphone muting capability, but that feature isn’t always easy to find and/or quickly access. To address this situation, you may want to consider using a software or hardware-based microphone muting solution. The following link leads to a webpage that offers links to several microphone muting related resources/solutions…https://bridgeurl.com/mic-muting

Tip: Whenever you are participating (e.g., both listening and talking) on a conference call, webinar, videoconference, etc. you really should use a headset, or headphones, and a microphone. Why? Because the audio that comes out of your speakers can echo back into your microphone (if it is not muted) and create a problematic/annoying audio echo loop that all participants may be able to hear.

Heads up: Many computer headsets have built-in microphone mute buttons that can be used instead of a computer hardware, or software-based, mute button solution. (FYI: To me, a “headset” is a type of headphone that also includes a built-in or attachable microphone.)

Let’s Try to Fix Some Windows 10 Computer Problems

Periodically, I like to nudge everyone to remember to back up their computer(s)! Since it has been a while since my last reminder, it is time for another one. So, here it goes, if you have not backed up your computer lately, DO IT NOW! (Or do it as soon as possible.)

I also want to let you know that if you have a Windows 10 computer and are experiencing some problems with it, you should try running some of Windows 10’s built-in troubleshooting tools. These tools are capable of automatically fixing a lot of common computer problems.

To quickly locate many of Windows 10’s troubleshooting apps, simply press your keyboards Start button and then type the word “troubleshoot.” Next, locate and click on the “Troubleshoot settings” link that should appear on your computer’s screen after completing the previous step. Then, after you arrive at the “Troubleshoot” page, locate, and click on the “Additional troubleshooters” link. When the “Additional troubleshooters” page loads you should simply scroll down through the list of available troubleshooters and, hopefully, you will find one that relates to the problem that your computer may be experiencing. If you do find a troubleshooter that relates to a computer problem you are experiencing, run it, and with a little luck the troubleshooter app will identify and correct the problem for you.

If your computer problem cannot be fixed by one of the available troubleshooting options, the next step that I would encourage you to take is to visit a YouTube Channel called “Dave’s Tech Rescue” to see if his video titled, “How to use System Restore to fix your Windows 10 computer” might be able to help. Here is a courtesy link to the video…https://youtu.be/8tgodWHzApo

Another resource you can use to help you work through a computer problem is a Microsoft.com web page titled “Recovery options in Windows 10” that hosts information about additional Windows 10 computer system restore/reset/recovery tools and processes. Here is a link to this helpful web page…www.tinyurl.com/49mwj755

With a little luck, you will never need to use any of the resources above, but it is comforting to know that when you do encounter computer problems, there is a good chance that you can find a fix to the problem online, and for free!

Capable Mini Desktop PCs

If you are in the market for a new desktop computer and are interested in saving some computing/desktop space, please check out Tech Wizards at the Lake’s line of mini-PCs. Bottom line: they offer a broad range of mini-PC product configurations that can meet (and exceed) most PC user’s typical computing needs—and do so in a much smaller form factor than what most desktop computer users are used to seeing and using. To learn more about the company’s products, please visit the company’s web page and/or their Amazon web store. I think you will be impressed! Here are the links…www.techwizardsatthelake.com and/or www.tinyurl.com/x98m9nz9 (Amazon web store)

Let’s Learn More About Web Browser Tracking

As business and marketing professionals, I think we should possess a little more working knowledge than the average consumer when it comes to understanding how one’s web browsing activity is tracked. If you agree, I came across an article at spreadprivacy.com titled, “Most Browser Tracking Protection Doesn’t Actually Stop Tracking by Default, but We Can Help,” that efficiently covers some browser tracking techniques and issues. Although the article may go deeper than others on the topic, it does so in a surprisingly approachable way. When you are done reading the article, I am confident that many of you will have learned something new and would agree that the time spent was well invested. Here is a link to the article…www.tinyurl.com/jxscay3n

Tip: Remember, most mobile and desktop web browsers have a “reading mode” feature that makes online reading easier. Also, there are alternative “Reading Mode” related apps and browser add-ons/extensions available that can further enhance your online reading experience. To find them, simply visit your various web browsers or devices app stores and do a search for “reader mode” to find and evaluate a variety of different “reader mode” solutions.

If you have any comments, suggestions, tips, or questions, you can email John at john@johnvrooman.com.