Issue: 001

Hey there, and welcome to issue 001 of The Grandson Techie!

I started this newsletter with one goal:
To help everyday tech users feel more confident, secure, and in control of the gadgets and apps we rely on every day.

No complicated lingo. No geek-speak. Just the kind of advice I’d give my own grandparents (or any relative) when they ask, “Can you help me with this real quick?”

🛡️ Tip of the Week: The One Password Rule That Changes Everything

You’ve heard it before—“Use strong passwords”—but let’s go one better:

✅ Use a different password for every account.

Why? Because if just one site gets hacked (and trust me, it happens more than you think), your password could end up for sale on the dark web—and attackers will try it everywhere else you use it. Try not to use the browser to save your passwords. A popular security firm (Rapid7) states that malware (malicious software installed by bad actors) loves to steal passwords from browsers. Read more here.

💡 Grandson Techie Advice:
Use a password manager like Bitwarden (free for individual users for life on all devices), 1Password. These can be installed on multiple devices and added to your browser for ease of use.

If you are all in with 🍎 Apple devices use the Passwords app to generate and store your passwords. It’s safer and way easier than trying to remember them all. If you need help, feel free to reach out!

Lastly, as a last resort try something like a “passwords” notebook like the one linked here. Just make sure it’s secure, perhaps in the locked desk drawer or safe.

⚙️ Quick Tech Trick: Screenshot Like a Pro

Tired of trying to explain what’s happening on your screen? Just take a screenshot!

• Windows: Press Windows + Shift + S

• Mac: Press Command + Shift + 4

• iPhone: Press Side Button + Volume Up

• Android: Press Power + Volume Down (usually)

Snap it, share it, done.

🧠 One to Think About: Is That Text Really From FastTrak?

Scammers are getting slick with fake texts pretending to be from your bank, Toll Roads, Amazon, or delivery services. Here's a rule to remember:

❌ Don’t click links in suspicious texts.
✅ Do log in directly through the app or website you trust.

When in doubt—pause, breathe, and double-check.

🕹️ Gadget of the Week: MOFT Invisible Laptop Stand

Imagine a laptop stand so thin and light it makes paper feel insecure. That’s the MOFT. It magically attaches to the bottom of your laptop like a secret agent—always there, always ready, never asking for credit. Need a lift? Just unfold it like origami built by ergonomic monks, and voilà—your neck and spine breathe a collective sigh of relief.

Despite looking like something your laptop might have dreamed up during a yoga retreat, the MOFT stand is surprisingly sturdy. It supports your device while you look down on your enemies—figuratively, of course, because now your screen is at eye level. Bonus: you’ll feel 17% more productive and 42% more like a minimalist tech influencer. Probably.

That’s it for this issue, as the weeks progress will be adding more detailed content and sections… stay tuned!

If you learned something useful, forward this to a friend or family member who could use a little tech backup.

Until next time,
—Your Grandson Techie

P.S. Got a tech question or topic you want covered? Just reply and ask—I might feature it in an upcoming issue!