Issue: 035

Tech Tips, Tricks & Cybersecurity Advice – No Jargon, Just Help

Hey Techie,

As the year winds down, it’s the perfect time to review, reset, and reorganize your digital life. A little cleanup now means a smoother, safer, and more productive start to next year. Here are fresh end-of-year tech habits to help you finish strong.

📱 Quick Tech Tip

Export Your Text Message Conversations You Need to Keep

If you’ve got important info in iMessage or SMS—like addresses, receipts, or sentimental chats—now is a great time to archive them.

How to export messages:

• iPhone: Mac → Messages → File → Print → “Save as PDF”

• Android: Install SMS Backup & Restore → Export to Google Drive

This clears your phone and preserves memories or important details without cluttering your device.

🔒 Cybersecurity Tip

Review & Revoke Third-Party App Permissions

Throughout the year you may have signed into apps using Google, Apple, Facebook, or email accounts. Many of these apps still have access even if you no longer use them.

Do this before the year ends:

• Google: myaccount.google.com → Security → Third-party access

• Apple ID: appleid.apple.com → Apps Using Apple ID

• Facebook: Settings → Apps & Websites

Removing old connections helps prevent unauthorized access and data leaks.

🧰 Emergency Prep Tip

Print a Hard-Copy “Emergency Tech Sheet”

Digital notes are great until your phone is dead in a power outage. Make a one-page printout with crucial info:

Include:

• Emergency contacts

• Wi-Fi network name & password

• Phone unlock instructions for a trusted family member

• Important medical info

• Backup power locations (battery packs, chargers)

Store it somewhere obvious. It’s simple, low-tech, and extremely useful in a real emergency.

✨ Year-End Digital Reset Mini Guide

Three practical steps to declutter and reset your digital world:

1️⃣ Clean Out Downloads & Desktop

These two spots get messier than anything else.
Organize or delete, your computer will feel brand new.

2️⃣ Check Device Storage & Offload Large Files

Move videos, photos, and documents to cloud storage or an external drive.
This boosts speed and prevents “storage full” moments next year.

3️⃣ Update Your Recovery Methods

Make sure you have:

• Updated recovery email

• Updated recovery phone number

• Updated backup codes
  This is often forgotten but crucial.

🕹️ Gadget of the Week: Sofirn SC13 Rechargeable Keychain Flashlight

Who says big brightness has to come in a bulky package? The Sofirn SC13 squeezes a whopping 1300 lumens into a palm sized flashlight that clips comfortably to your keychain. Whether you’re plunging into a midnight snack run, digging for stuff under the car seat, or navigating a dark trail on a camping trip, this tiny torch lights the way like it’s got a spotlight job on Broadway.

USB-C rechargeable (goodbye, tiny batteries!), waterproof to IPX8 standards, and rugged enough for everyday carry this little powerhouse doesn’t just exist, it performs. It’s the kind of gear that makes you look prepared without even trying.

Stay safe and savvy,
—Your Grandson Techie