Data Privacy & Data Security In Today's Digital Age

How to Become as "Invisible" as Possible In Today's Cyberage

I have been getting a lot more questions from customers lately with regard to online data privacy and data security.
"How can I keep my online accounts more secure?"
"I would like to surf the internet as anonymously and as privately as possible. How can I do that?
"I found some personal information online, and would like it removed! How do I do that?"

So I decided to write a post covering the basics of online privacy, how to improve your safety and security when online, and how to get personal data removed from the internet (if at all possible).

Had a Data Breach or Experienced a Computer/Network Hack or Attack?! Here's What To Do!

What To Do If You Have a Data Breach or Experience a Computer/Network Hack or Attack!

Despite your efforts to control access, track assets and create secure procedures for your network, online accounts, and computer systems. Data breaches, Server Attacks, Network Attacks, Account Hi-Jacks, you name it! It can happen, and it does happen. Knowing what to do if you suspect or actually have a problem can make the difference between a minor inconvenience, and a disaster that interrupts your ability to do business! The following steps can help you recover after a breach or hacking incident. The faster you can recover, the sooner you can get back to business!

Enable Modern Authentication for Office 2013 & Outlook 2013(On PC)

Enable Modern Authentication for Outlook 2013

A common problem that I have been coming across lately is that since Microsoft increased the security for their Office 365 email services back in August 2022, I have been getting a lot of customers whose Outlook 2013 software will consistently ask for (but will not accept) the user's email account password. This problem is due to the fact that even though Office 2013 does support Modern Authentication, it's actually OFF by default!
Well, I finally found Windows registry modification instructions direct from Microsoft that ACTUALLY work! Applying these Registry modifications to your computer will activate Modern Authentication for your Office and Outlook 2013 software!
You will need to make some registry modifications, however... So back up your system's Registry information BEFORE making ANY modifications! 

Proceed at your own risk!

Method #1

Microsoft Office 2013 installed on a Microsoft Windows computer, does support Modern Authentication. But it needs to be enabled; as it is turned off by default! It was a more advanced security feature that was not as widely used at the time. 

To turn on the Modern Authentication feature, you will need to configure the following registry keys:

1. Open "Registry Editor"
2. Navigate to the Registry Keys below.
3. Create a new "DWORD (32bit Value)" for each entry listed below.
4. After creating each new "DWORD (32bit Value)", double-click the "DWORD" entry you just created and change its "Value" to 1.

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Exchange\
Key Type: DWORD (32bit Value)
Value Name: AlwaysUseMSOAuthForAutoDiscover
Value: 1

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\15.0\Common\Identity\
Key Type: DWORD (32bit Value)
Value Name: EnableADAL
Value: 1 

 

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\15.0\Common\Identity\
Key Type: DWORD (32bit Value)
Value Name: Version
Value: 1

Method #2

1. Make sure that Outlook and any other Office software applications are closed.
2. Open up the "Notepad" application; specifically Notepad! Do not use Word or Wordpad, etc.
3. Copy and paste the following text into Notepad:
   
   Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
   
   [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Exchange] "AlwaysUseMSOAuthForAutoDiscover"=dword:00000001
   
   [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\15.0\Common]
    
   [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\15.0\Common\Identity] "EnableADAL"=dword:00000001
   "Version"=dword:00000001
   
   
4. Save the file with the file extension ".reg" instead of ".txt" in a location that's easy for you to find. For example, C:\Users\%USERNAME%\Desktop\Office2013_Enable_ModernAuth.reg.
5. Open File Explorer (formerly known as Windows Explorer), browse to the location of the ".reg" file you just saved, and then double-click it.
6. In the User Account Control dialog that appears next, click Yes to allow the app to make changes to your device.
7. In the Registry Editor warning dialog that appears next, click Yes to accept the changes.
8. Next, you will need to sign out of your user account and sign back in for the change to take effect. You may even want to just restart your computer.

That's it! 
The next time you open Outlook, you should get the modern authentication login pop-up where you can enter your email account login information, and your Outlook email should work again!

Pacific NW Computers

www.linktr.ee/pnwcomputers

www.pacificnwcomputers.com

Taken from:
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/admin/security-and-compliance/enable-modern-authentication?view=o365-worldwide

Recommended PC Apps, Programs, Tools & Utilities! *UPDATED*

A basic list of software tools, and utilities that we use and recommend!

We will update this list as much as possible! 

Get Cash Back On Spending & Increase Your Credit Score!

Here are a few tips to help put some of your hard-earned money back into your bank account and wallet, and ALSO increase your Credit Scores!

1. I highly recommend using the website NerdWallet to find good credit cards, banks, loans, retirement plan ideas, etc. I have been using this website for YEARS and is such an excellent resource to better spend AND save your money!
   
   
2. Use cash back store cards for companies like the Amazon Store Card. It's not a full fledge credit card, so you can ONLY use it at that specified retailer. With Amazon specifically, you will get 5% back on all that you spend/buy (this does not apply to financed purchases, however). It's an over-glorified version of the espresso stand punch card. I typically get around $1000 back every year just by funneling payments through store cards like this!
   
   
3. If you drive a lot, go out to eat a lot, etc. Get a credit card that gives you cash back on those purchases. I personally love my Costco Visa card as you get cash back on Gas, Food, Costco Purchases, and a lot more. Another example, I have an American Express card that I use just for my cell phone bill and also gas, because I get 5% cash back on those payments through Amex as well. With Costco, I get around $500 back every year; with Amex about $100.
   
   
4. If you have money saved and just sitting in a regular old bank savings account, think of putting that into a ROTH IRA or a Certified Deposit; or even a high-interest (and thusly high balance) savings account. Something where your money can sit AND earn interest as it just sits; there are other options as well. But the premise is to earn money as your savings just sit. *Roth IRAs are complicated but you can typically remove what you have personally invested without penalty.
   
   
5. People with credit scores in the 800s use less than 5% of their available credit. So if you had a $8,000 credit line, you use only $400 at a time. While people with scores from 701 to 750 have 27% credit utilization. So don't go maxing out your cards!! Responsible purchasing, on-time bill payments, and low credit usage will get your scores up FAST and HIGH!
   
   
6. If you create an account with each of the Major Credit Bureaus, they sometimes have a "spending scanner" available on the user's account page. This "spending scanner" can scan your bank accounts for purchases that can be applied to your credit score! I jumped my score through Experian by 10 points just by using their "purchase history spending scanner"! But, only do this if you feel comfortable letting these companies access and scan your bank accounts... Is a Better Credit Score Worth Exposing Your Bank Data?
   
   
7. Lastly, and MOST importantly, set up weekly automatic bill pay through your bank or through your card account for any/all of the cards that you have set up. That way you don't get hit with a big ol' bill at the end of the month, or accidentally spend more than you have.

These are just a few tricks that I use to better spend and save my money, and I just wanted to share some of what I have learned. Hopefully, it's not a bunch of "I already know that" kind of stuff...
Hopefully, you found at least 1 thing useful from this post  

Feel free to comment/share any other tips and tricks you might have!

IT Advocacy Services - We Can Be Your Technology Advocate!

What Is an IT Advocate?

An IT advocate is an individual who supports and advises clients with their IT product/service needs, as well as any other technology-related needs. Not everyone has, needs, or can afford a CTO or a dedicated System Administrator to help with, and represent, their business. But now, you can hire Pacific Northwest Computers to represent your company in those roles, if and when that need ever arises! 

The IT Advocating Services that Pacific Northwest Computers Provides, Include:

• Liaison Responsibilities

• Investigate, Document & Resolve Product or Service Issues With Vendors/Providers

• Refer & Consult Clients on Recommended & Needed Technology Products/Services

• Conflict Resolution & Mediation with Vendors/Suppliers/Etc.

• Crisis Management & Crisis Prevention/Response

• Malware Attack Investigation, Documentation & System Improvements

• Data Breach Investigation, Documentation & System Improvements

• Data Loss Disaster Assistance, Policy Development & Data Loss Prevention System Development

• Information Technology Professional Witness for Legal/Court Cases

• Help Set Up Appointments for Needed Services or Support From Vendors/Providers

• Warranty Exchange/RMA Support

• Termination of Service(s) Support (Software Vendors, Services, Etc)

• General IT/Technical Advising

• HIPPA Consultation

• Technical Documentation Services

• Reading & Understanding Technical Documentation 

• Reading & Understanding Service/Setup Material & Instructions

• Implementing Needed Technical Procedures for Products & Services

• "On-Demand" IT Administrator/CTO Services: 

• Develop policies and procedures

• Recommend the use of technology to enhance products and services for a client's internal operations, as well as their customer's experience.

Jon Pienkowski

Pacific Northwest Computers

www.linktr.ee/pnwcomputers

360.624.7379

Xbox Elite and PS4 Controller PC Gaming Issue - Keyboard Keeps Popping Up!

When gaming on a PC with a Xbox, Xbox Elite, or PS4 controller, a virtual keyboard opens when pressing the left stick!

A virtual keyboard that pops up when clicking the left stick on an Xbox controller (or even a Playstation Controller), is specifically related to a Steam App gaming feature called "Big Picture Mode".  Somehow this feature can get triggered outside of Steam if it just happens to be running in the background, and it can affect other controllers/games as well.

Here is how to fix the issue!

1. Go into "Settings" in the Steam App
2. Click on "Controller" near the bottom
3. Next, you want to click on, and open, "Desktop Configuration" settings
4. When the settings window opens, you will see the left stick has the "Show Keyboard" setting mapped to it
5. Click where it says "Show Keyboard" in the Left Thumbstick mappings list
6. At the bottom of the mapping window that opens up, click where it says "Remove"
7. Then close the "Desktop Configuration" settings window
8. Close out of settings all together
9. That should remove the problem permanently for you!

Jon Pienkowski
Pacific Northwest Computers
www.pnwcomputers.com
www.linktr.ee/pnwcomputers
360.624.7379

Microsoft Surface Random "Kernel Power" Shutdown

Microsoft Surface & Surface Pro
"Kernel Power" Shut Down Bug

Here are a few ways you can fix the random "Kernel Power" shutdown issue that some Microsoft Surface and Surface Pro systems can have. 
The issue seems to be tied to the Intel Graphics/Display driver and/or the associated Intel Graphics Command Center software settings.

Option 1: Update the display drivers to the latest version (from Intel, not Microsoft):

• Download and install the latest display drivers from Intel:
  https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/download/19344/intel-graphics-windows-dch-drivers.html

Option 2: Disable the "Panel Self Refresh" option in the Intel Graphics Command Center:

• Install the Intel Graphics Command Center from the Microsoft Store. 
• Open up the Intel Graphics Command Center software after it has been installed
• Go to System > Power and look for "Panel Self Refresh"
• Turn it off for both "On Battery" and "Plugged In"

Option 3: Change the display drivers to the Microsoft Basic Display Adapter:

• Open the Device Manager.
• Expand "Display Adapters".
• Right-click on "Intel(R) Iris(R) Plus Graphics" and select "Update driver".
• Choose "Browse my computer for driver software".
• Choose "Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer".
• Select "Microsoft Basic Display Adapter" and click Next to install the drivers.

 

Option 4: Remove "Modern Standby" features and create a new (non-balanced) power plan:

• Open the Registry Editor and navigate to: "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Power".
• Change the "CsEnabled" value from '1' to '0'. 
• Click OK and restart the Surface Pro.
• If you do not see the "CsEnabled" subkey, create it by right-clicking on "Power", selecting "New", and then click "DWORD (32-bit) Value" and typing "CsEnabled" as the value name, and then press Enter.
• Now you should be able to change the "CsEnabled" value from '1' to '0'. 
• Click OK and restart the Surface Pro!

One or all of these tricks might be needed to correct the Kernel Power shutdown bug. But I have gotten the problem fixed for clients by using one, or all, of the tricks listed above!

Jon Pienkowski
Pacific Northwest Computers
www.pnwcomputers.com
www.linktr.ee/pnwcomputers
360-624-7379

Fix the "Virus Scan Failed" download error in Google Chrome, and the "Couldn't Download Virus Scan Failed" error in Microsoft Edge

1. Locate the following registry subkeys:
   \HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Attachments
2. If you do not see the "Attachments" subkey, create it by right-clicking on "Policies", selecting "New", then clicking "Key", and then typing "Attachments" as the key name.
3. Right-click "Attachments", select "New", and then click "DWORD (32-bit) Value".
4. Type "ScanWithAntiVirus" as the value name, and then press Enter.
5. Right-click the new "ScanWithAntiVirus" DWORD value, and then click "Modify".
6. In the "Value data" box, type 1, and then click OK.
7. Exit the Registry Editor.
8. Restart your computer, and then log back into Windows to have the registry change take effect!

The download error(s) should be now resolved in both Google Chrome and Microsft Edge!

Jon Pienkowski
Pacific Northwest Computers
www.pnwcomputers.com
www.linktr.ee/pnwcomputers
360-624-7379

Guerilla SEO

Step 1:

Have a website made, or build a website for your company.
For its ease of use and simplicity, we use and recommend Weebly for easily building and maintaining a website inexpensively.

Step 2:

Get your business signed-up and set up with “the big guys”:

• Google Maps/Google Business
• Apple Maps
• Bing Places for Business

Step 3:

Create a business page, and/or account, with all of the major Social networks. Be sure to Include ALL of your important business information; including your logo, address, phone number, email, website, etc.

• Twitter
• Facebook
• Instagram
• TikTok
• Snapchat
• Pintrest
• LinkedIn
• WhatsApp
• YouTube

Step 4:

Once you have all of your social media accounts set up, go through the “Free Web Business Listings” list below and set up a business listing through EACH service. Include ALL of your important business information; including address, phone number, email, website, social media accounts, etc.

Step 5:

Create a free Linktr.ee webpage for ALL of the different web links you now have! You can list your main web page, blogs, social media accounts, payment services, etc.

*Extra:

If you would like to accept ANY form of payment from your customers (besides check, cash and credit cards) sign up with the following payment services as well:

• PayPal
• Square
• Venmo
• CashApp
• Zelle

Tips, Tricks, and Recommendations:

1. Purchase your website domain for 2 years or more when signing up or renewing. Renewing your website for just 1 year can make your page appear “temporary” to search engine bots.
2. If search engine bots come across your website information in different places across the internet, your website will start to rank higher in search results organically due to your site’s “perceived” importance.
3. I recommend using Instagram as the main “Hub” for the bulk of your social media posts. With Instagram, you can connect your Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr accounts to share whatever you post on Instagram, to those other social networking platforms as well! From there you can share that same post to other social media platforms by just copying and pasting the post.
4. Use hashtags in your social media posts to have your posts listed in those associated hashtag categories.
5. Go through your website page by page, and make sure that certain “keywords”, that you want to be found with, are used at least 4 times on the associated webpage.
6. When posting to social media, use your main website address AS WELL as your Linktr.ee address.

Free Web Business Listings:

• Yelp
• Better Business Bureau
• Angie’s List
• MerchantCircle
• YP.com *
• Local.com
• Foursquare
• EZlocal.com
• Manta
• InfoUSA
• Infignos
• MyHuckleberry.com *
• Just Local Business
• Brownbook
• CitySquares
• HERE Map Creator
• Judy’s Book
• TripAdvisor
• Thumbtack
• ShowMeLocal
• ChamberofCommerce.com
• YellowBot
• Hotfrog
• Insider Pages
• Business Local Pages
• iBegin
• Opendi
• Sitejabber
• Cylex

A website with a * indicates that either the website is having issues, or the website might be a "paid for" service and may not actually be free.

Jon Pienkowski
Pacific Northwest Computers
www.pnwcomputers.com
www.linktr.ee/pnwcomputers

Get your Business Listed Online for FREE!

Want more people to be able to find your business online?

Use this list of websites to get your business listed for FREE!

By listing your company on the various websites listed below, you will help potential customers find you no matter the service or platform they are using! Additionally, having your company information and website information listed around the internet also makes your website look "more important" to search engine crawlers! Which in turn, could improve your web search rankings! Pacific Northwest Computers offers this as a service to our customers as well! So feel free to get in touch with Pacific Northwest Computers if you would like some help getting this all set up for you! 

1. Yelp
2. Google
3. Bing
4. Facebook
5. Instagram
6. TikTok
7. Twitter
8. Better Business Bureau
9. Angie’s List
10. MerchantCircle
11. LinkedIn
12. YP.com *
13. Local.com
14. Foursquare
15. EZlocal.com
16. Manta
17. InfoUSA
18. Infignos
19. MyHuckleberry.com *
20. Just Local Business
21. Brownbook
22. CitySquares
23. HERE Map Creator
24. Judy’s Book
25. TripAdvisor
26. Thumbtack
27. ShowMeLocal
28. ChamberofCommerce.com
29. YellowBot
30. Hotfrog
31. Insider Pages
32. Business Local Pages
33. iBegin
34. Opendi
35. Sitejabber
36. Yahoo Small Business
37. Apple Maps
38. Cylex

A website with a * indicates that either the website is having issues, or the website might be a "paid for" service and may not actually be free.

Jon Pienkowski

Pacific Northwest Computers

360.624.7379

www.linktr.ee/pnwcomputers

Windows Security Center Stops Working - Windows 11

I have run into a problem repeatedly recently. On a client computer running Windows 11, if I go to open the Windows Security Center, it won't open and I will get the following message/error:

Some websites will recommend the following:

"Go to the Settings. Select App > Apps & features and type in ‘security’ in search menu box. An icon for Windows Security will pop open. From there, click on the options (three dots) and select Advanced options. Now scroll down to Reset section and click on Reset.

You’ll get a confirmation asking if you really want to reset the app, along with your whole app data. Click on Reset to go with it."

However, so far what I have found is that "Windows Security" is not in the application list at all! 

So how can I reset the app?

Well, what I have found was a simple command you can run from the Windows PowerShell (with administrative privileges) that ultimately solved the problem for me, as well as for some of my clients who have run into this same issue as well.

• Using Windows' search, just type in "PowerShell"

• Right-click on its icon, and select "Run as Administrator"

• Next, copy and paste (or type in) the following script:

Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.SecHealthUI -AllUsers | Reset-AppxPackage

• Hit Enter, and you should get a screen like this:

That should do the trick!
Your Windows Security Center should now be working again!

Pacific NW Computers
www.pnwcomputers.com
360.624.7379

M.2 SSD Not Detected by Windows 11/10 Installer

If you experience that the Windows installer cannot find your M.2/NVMe drives when installing Windows 11/10, try this process of loading the Intel IRST driver to gain access to your SSD drive!

For the Intel CPU platform, you need to manually install Intel Rapid Storage Technology (IRST) driver during the Windows installation process. You can also refer to the Intel document of How to Configure RAID or Intel Optane Memory with Intel RST on an Intel VMD Capable Platform.
Note: The following pictures are a reference, it may be varied depending on the different versions.

Manually install Intel Rapid Storage Technology (IRST) driver

• Download Intel Rapid Storage Technology (IRST) driver Download Link.
• After downloading the driver, right-click [V18.0.4.1146_IRST_VMD_20H1] compressed file① and select [Extract All]②.

• Select a Destination③ (such as a USB thumb drive) and click [Extract]④.

• After the extraction is completed, please copy the entire folder (V18.0.4.1146_IRST_VMD_20H1) to a USB flash drive.
• If you used a USB flash drive to create the Windows 11/10 installation media as well, please copy the entire folder to the same USB flash drive which is created as the Windows 11/10 installation media.

• After the copying is completed, make sure the folder includes the following files.

Install Intel Rapid Storage Technology (IRST) driver

• Connect the USB flash drive which includes the Windows 11/10 installation media and Intel Rapid Storage Technology (IRST) driver (V18.0.4.1146_IRST_VMD_20H1 folder) to the target computer. (If you used a DVD to install Windows 11/10, please insert the DVD and consist of the above files USB flash drive to the target computer together.)
• Restart the Windows 11/10 installation process, here you can learn more about How to use installation media to insatll Windows 11/10.
• On the screen of Where do you want to install Windows and Windows cannot find any drives, please select [Load driver]①.

• Select [OK]②.

• Click [OK]③.

• Select [Browse]④, then find the [V18.0.4.1146_IRST_VMD_20H1] folder⑤ and select [OK]⑥.

• Select [Intel RST VMD Controller 9A08 (TGL) ]⑦, then select [Next]⑧ to install the driver.

• After the driver installation is completed, the drives will appear normally.

That's it!

The Windows installer should now see your M.2/NVMe drive!

Original Article:
https://www.asus.com/support/faq/1044458

PC, Mac and Linux Disk and Hard Drive Recovery

R-STUDIO

Mac, Linux & PC Disk Recovery,
and Hard Drive Recovery Tool!

Have you accidentally deleted some data?

Is your hard drive all of a sudden not letting you access the drive? 

Does your computer say that it needs to "format the drive" before it can be used?

Does it seem like your hard drive maybe has died?!

Well, R-Studio Recovery software from R-Rools might be your saving grace!

Empowered by the new unique data recovery technologies, R-STUDIO is the most comprehensive data recovery solution for recovery files from NTFS, NTFS5, ReFS, FAT12/16/32, exFAT, HFS/HFS+ and APFS (Macintosh), Little and Big Endian variants of UFS1/UFS2 (FreeBSD/OpenBSD/NetBSD/Solaris) and Ext2/Ext3/Ext4 FS (Linux) partitions. It also uses raw file recovery (scan for known file types) for heavily damaged or unknown file systems. It functions on local and network disks, even if such partitions are formatted, damaged, or deleted. Flexible parameter settings give you absolute control over data recovery.

www.r-studio.com

Ransomware Infection? This could help!!

Ransomware infections are a very real and very serious problem that general computer users, and businesses alike, should be prepared for!

• First off, the best prevention to start with is to have good security software installed that can protect you from Ransomware infections (such as Malwarebytes Anti-malware, Kaspersky Antivirus, etc).
• Secondly, have a good data backup system in place that follows the 3-2-1 backup rule to keep your data safe! 
• The 3-2-1 backup rule simply states that you should have:
• 3 copies of your data (your main data and 2 backup copies)
• On two different media types (NAS drive and a thumb drive)
• With one copy off-site for disaster recovery (cloud backup, etc).

If you do get hit with a ransomware infection, the website below can help you identify which ransomware you were infected with and if there is a de-encryption tool available to help get your data/files back: https://id-ransomware.malwarehunterteam.com/

Pacific NW Computers

www.pnwcomputers.com

360.624.7379

Simple Automatic Backup

Quick Computer/Laptop Tip:

If your laptop has an SD card slot and you don't have a data backup system in place, you can use an SD card to set up an automatic backup of your Windows computer!
No clunky external hard drive is needed if you aren't storing a ton of stuff! 

• Snag a compatible 128, 256, or 512GB Class 10 U3 V30 or better SD card off of Amazon
• Pop that little chip into the card reader slot on your laptop.
• Open up the "Backup and Restore (Windows 7)" system utility from the Windows Control Panel. 
• Select the installed SD card as your backup destination and continue with, and complete, the backup configuration! 
• Then just leave the SD card plugged in, and the computer will automatically backup to the installed SD as scheduled!

That's it! 🙌
Easy peasy, lemon squeezy; your data is now automatically backed up! 

Pacific NW Computers

www.pnwcomputers.com

360.624.7379

Upgrade your Windows 10 PC to Windows 11 NOW!

No need to wait for the Windows Update to come along... You can download and install Windows 11 RIGHT NOW!

All you have to do is use Microsoft's Windows 11 Installation Assistant, and you can upgrade your computer today!

You need to make sure your system is compatible and meets the minimum system requirements for Windows 11. You can check your computer's compatibility by using Microsoft's PC Health Check application!

Windows 11 System Requirements:

• Processor 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster with 2 or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or System on a Chip (SoC).
• AMD Compatible CPUs
• Intel Compatible CPUs
• RAM Minimum of 4 gigabyte (GB).
• Storage: 64 GB or larger storage device.
• System firmware UEFI, Secure Boot capable. Check here for information on how your PC might be able to meet this requirement.
• TPM Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0. Check here for instructions on how your PC might be enabled to meet this requirement.
• Graphics card Compatible with DirectX 12 or later with WDDM 2.0 driver.
• Display High definition (720p) display that is greater than 9” diagonally, 8 bits per color channel.

How to Dispose of Batteries

Batteries power a variety of portable devices. Everything from cordless phones and laptops to cars and toys use battery power. Eventually, a battery stops powering a device or fails to charge. That means it’s time to replace it!

Knowing how to dispose of batteries properly helps protect the environment. Whether they're rechargeable AA batteries or single-use alkaline batteries, learn safe disposal. This guide offers tips on battery disposal and battery recycling.

Single-Use vs. Rechargeable Batteries

• There are two basic types of batteries in use: rechargeable and single-use or disposable ones.
• Rechargeable batteries can be charged many times before they're replaced. They're found in cordless phones, smartphones, and digital cameras. Power tools and similar devices that drain energy quickly use them too.
• Single-use batteries are found in alarm clocks, remotes, and other gadgets. They're designed to be used as long as the cell makes electricity.

Can Batteries Be Thrown Out?

• Batteries contain chemicals and metals that produce a reaction to generate electrical energy. While the recycling of batteries is encouraged to protect the environment, you can throw out some types. Common household alkaline batteries are considered non-hazardous. You may toss out alkaline batteries with ordinary trash.
• Button cell batteries used in items like remote car starters and watches contain silver and mercury. They must be recycled. In California, all household batteries are categorized as hazardous waste. Batteries must be brought to a household hazardous waste disposal facility. Another option is recycling at an authorized recycling facility in the state.

How to Dispose of Alkaline Batteries

• Alkaline batteries include AA, AAA, 9 volt and D cells. Small batteries may run remote controls or flashlights. Larger batteries power smoke detectors, clocks and wireless consumer devices. Even when the cells no longer run devices, the batteries can still produce current. They can be hazardous if discarded improperly. Take these precautions before throwing them out:
• Collect used household batteries in a container. A cardboard box or plastic tub is a safe option.
• Prevent any fire risk by taping 9-volt battery terminals before tossing.

How to Dispose of Rechargeable Batteries

• The types of rechargeable batteries in use include lithium-ion and nickel-cadmium. Other types are nickel-metal hydride, nickel-zinc, and small sealed lead batteries. The toxic metals that generate energy in these batteries can hurt the environment if discarded incorrectly.
• Rechargeable 9-volt batteries, AA and AAA batteries, and D cells for household use look like alkaline batteries. The difference is they fit compatible plug-in chargers. Rechargeable batteries are recycled. Look for the battery recycling seals on rechargeable batteries.

Tip: Remove batteries from broken cordless phones, smartphones, and laptops. They'll be ready whether you give away, throw away or recycle the device.

Where to Recycle Batteries

Recycling companies dispose of the components of rechargeable batteries responsibly and properly. The metals and chemicals don’t end up in streams and landfills. Here are some options for recycling:

• Call2Recycle, is a nonprofit battery recycling program. Rechargeable batteries can be dropped off in Call2Recycle bins at partnered store locations. Any rechargeable battery that weighs up to 11 pounds and is under 300-watt hours is accepted. There's no charge for recycling.
• Many local solid waste districts host collection events for residents to drop off batteries.
• Some battery manufacturers and recycling facilities have mail-in programs. Before mailing batteries, be sure to follow postal shipping precautions.
• Most auto care retailers accept car batteries for recycling.

Common types of recyclable batteries:

• Lithium-Ion (L-Ion) battery: These batteries are often used in personal electronics such as smartphones. They also run laptop computers, tablets and cordless power tools.
• Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cd) Batteries: These rechargeable cells are used in power tools and communication devices. They're for devices that require high current draw but aren't in constant use.
• Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) battery: These rechargable batteries come in AA, AAA, 9 volt and D cells. They're used in digital cameras and other devices that drain power quickly.
• Small Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) Battery: These rechargeable batteries are often used in large items like motor vehicles and lawn mowers. They're also power medical devices and telecommunications.

Practice the proper disposal of used batteries. Knowing how to correctly discard household and rechargeable batteries helps the environment!!

Original Post/Article:
https://www.homedepot.com/c/ab/how-to-dispose-of-batteries/9ba683603be9fa5395fab90124a115f1

Mac Battery/Power Management System Calibration

Calibrating The Battery/Power Management System of a Mac Is Easy To Do!

On a new Apple computer, or after a new battery is installed...

Step 1 – Charge The Battery To 100%

• Shut down the computer and then connect the power adapter.
• Keep the computer plugged in until the light on the power connector turns green indicating a 100% charge.

Step 2 – Charge Two More Hours

• After the battery is 100% charged, keep the power adapter plugged into the computer for an additional 2+ hours. 
• The computer can be powered up and used during this time.

Step 3 – Temporarily Change the Energy Saver Settings

• If the computer is off, you'll need to turn it on.
• In OS X System Preferences click on the Energy Saver preferences.
• In the Energy Saver / Battery preferences:
• Set the "Turn display off after:" slider to "Never"
• Various Mac models may have two sliders for "computer sleep" and "display sleep". If you have two sliders, simply slide both to the right to set them to "Never"
• UNCHECK "Put hard disks to sleep when possible"
• UNCHECK "Slightly dim the display while on battery power"
• Note: The location/existence of certain settings may shift or vary depending on your computer model or OS version.
• In the Energy Saver / Power Adapter preferences:
• Set the "Turn display off after:" slider to "Never"
• Various Mac models may have two sliders for "computer sleep" and "display sleep". If you have two sliders, simply slide both to the right to set them to "Never"
• CHECK "Prevent computer from sleeping automatically when the display is off"
• Note: this setting may or may not be available depending on your model or OS version.
• UNCHECK "Put hard disks to sleep when possible"
• Note: The location/existence of certain settings may shift or vary depending on your computer model or OS version.

Step 5 – Unplug And Drain The Battery

• Unplug the power adapter.
• Leave the computer on until it automatically shuts down.
• You can use the computer during this step, but don't put the computer through heavy use to deplete the battery faster. Steady, even usage is better for power system calibration.

Step 6 – Leave It Off And Unplugged

• After the computer has automatically shut down, leave it shut down for at least 5 hours or overnight. 
• This will ensure the battery is completely drained of energy.

Step 7 – Charge To 100% Again

• Plug the computer back in until the battery is 100% charged.
• While plugged in, the computer can be used.
• This is also a good time to go back and select your desired Energy Saver preferences.

AND THAT'S IT!

After this essential calibration, the new battery will be able to achieve its fullest charge and reach its full lifespan, and the system will display an accurate battery level. You can also reuse these steps to recalibrate the power management system every few months if desired.

Original/Source:
https://www.newertech.com/batteries/power-calibration-guide/#read