Posts Tagged With ‘ Computers ’

Since I avoid the use of harsh, toxic chemicals in cleaning, I often use vinegar in cleaning. However, Consumer Reports says it shouldn’t be used in nine cases: Clothes irons. Vinegar could damage the inside of the iron. Countertops: Vinegar is an acid, and it can etch and dull natural stone such as marble and limestone. For granite, it can break down sealers. Dishwashers: Vinegar can eat away at the rubber parts of dishwashers. Electronic screens: Vinegar can damage the anti-glare properties on screens and make touchscreens less responsive. Flooring: Diluted vinegar can dissolve the... Continue Reading

The theme for International Women’s Day this year is “DigitALL: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality,” because 37 percent of women don’t use the internet and 259 million fewer woman have access to the internet than men. If women aren’t able to access the Internet and don’t feel safe online, they’re unable to develop the necessary digital skills to engage in digital spaces, which diminishes their opportunities to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics or STEM related fields, according to the United Nations website. The purpose of International... Continue Reading

Things are busy, here in my corner of the USA. I’m behind in reporting on what’s happening for National Consumer Protection Week. A lot of my time has been taken up since the first of the year taking part in the Dean Ornish heart health program. It ends Wednesday. I’ll be reporting on its many benefits soon. Activities for National Consumer Protection Week Here are some activities the Federal Trade Commission if offering for the consumer week: Wednesday, March 8 (In-person event) 10am – 2 p.m. HAST: Visit the FTC table at the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs NCPW Fair at... Continue Reading

I’m approaching the 200th issue of my newsletter Helpful Money Tips for You. This week’s newsletter tips are especially valuable, so I’m posting a copy of the newsletter below. You can sign up for my newsletter at https://tinyurl.com/makeyourmoneywork. It’s free, so get it now and tell your friends about it, too. Readers say they love the tips, and my newsletter has won a few of journalism prizes, too. Rita R. Robison Newsletter 1. Look for deals in March on outdoor furniture and grills, winter clothing, activewear, running shoes, winter sports equipment, select airfare deals, and more. 2.... Continue Reading

It’s positive to see government agencies working to curb monopoly power. The U.S. Department of Justice and eight states filed a lawsuit on Tuesday charging Google with operating an unfair monopoly scheme in markets for advertising technology. The lawsuit alleges Google leverages control over advertising technologies that web display ads are bought and sold through, driving out competition and receiving profits that far exceed what could be realized in a competitive market. This scheme hurts advertisers, small businesses, website creators, and consumers, and deters innovation in... Continue Reading

I spent quite a bit on having two Christmas celebrations with my daughters. Now that I’ve got a little cushion in my bank account again, what could I look for at January sales? I know it’s a great time for white goods, sheets and towels, but what other great deals may now be available. Holiday décor, holiday leftovers, small kitchen appliances, fitness gear, gym memberships, beauty items, TVs, soft home goods, Valentine’s Day flowers, winter clothing, and laptops are likely to be on sale in January, according to DealNews. See the details below: Holiday décor Maybe. Lingering items such... Continue Reading

Have you been frustrated because you’ve wanted to repair your electronics or appliances or find a less expensive place for repairs to be made other than through the manufacturer? Eighty-four percent of Americans said they agreed with a policy to require manufacturers to make repair information and parts available either to independent repair professionals or to product owners, according to a 2021 survey by Consumer Reports. Consumer groups have been battling for decades for the right to repair. Two positive actions have occurred recently on this issue: New York New York became the first state... Continue Reading

It’s the holiday season and Christmas Day will be here soon.  For more than a year now, I’ve been writing a newsletter offering readers 10 money tips every week.  The response has been very positive. I scour a variety of websites to look for the latest information to help consumers make wise financial decisions.   I thought I’d post a copy of this week’s newsletter because it has several tips for the holidays that could be helpful to my blog readers. You can subscribe to my newsletter at https://tinyurl.com/makeyourmoneywork. There’s no charge. Happy holidays. Rita R. Robison Newsletter  Many... Continue Reading

On a recent trip, I learned a valuable lesson. Most airlines won’t reimburse you for electronics if they’re in a checked bag that gets lost. How did I find that out? When I arrived at the Southwest ticket counter at SeaTac Airport, I had three items – my purse, a bag of Christmas presents, and a small carry-on bag with my computer in it – plus a bag I was going to check. Since I hadn’t traveled for a while, I was fuzzy on the procedures. I also was out of breath after wearing my N95 mask and dragging my heavy suitcase and other items across the sky bridge from the parking garage. The... Continue Reading

On Tuesday, my new Apple desktop computer was delivered. I signed up for Best Buy’s Totaltech program, paying $200, because a tech would come to my house and install the computer. My iMac desktop is heavy and I didn’t want to lug it to Best Buy and also have to get a new heavy computer back home, too. It was supposed to be a great day. The tech arrived wearing fragrance, which bothers my allergies. He said he didn’t get the message that I asked for a fragrance-free person to do the installation. The technician began transferring data from my old computer to the new one. It ran for about... Continue Reading