Coronavirus/COVID-19: How to clean your Laptop?

More and more people are working from home due to the Coronavirus/COVID-19 Issue. Judges, attorneys, and others in the legal profession who are not used to routinely working from HOME are understandably concerned about using their work tools free of contamination. Let’s not all panic, not accidentally break our laptops, and remember to use items best suited for your electronics.

Always good to wash your hand!

Coronavirus/COVID-19 or not!

Microfiber cloths are probably the best material to use to wipe down your laptop (especially your screen!).

You can slightly dampen your cloth with 

• Tap water,

• Iodized water (a better pH balanced form of water that is less acidic. It is also alcohol-free. This may make it a better cleaner that just pure tap water); or

• Liquid soap and water to wipe down your laptop and screen. 

• Remember, if your cloth is "dripping", you have too much water in the cloth!

Apple (and as it appears other laptop manufactures) are moving away from not using certain alcohol cleaners on their devices. Apple released the following statement:

"Using a 70 percent isopropyl alcohol wipe or Clorox Disinfecting Wipes, you may gently wipe the hard, nonporous surfaces of your Apple product, such as the display, keyboard, or other exterior surfaces. Don't use bleach. Avoid getting moisture in any opening, and don't submerge your Apple product in any cleaning agents. Don't use on fabric or leather surfaces."

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204172

Meanwhile, be careful about using compressed air. Blowing air into a laptop may remove some particles. Still, it may also blow them into your laptop and into the circuit board. That could lead to a broken laptop.

Stay safe, stay home if you are exposed, and stay productive!

There is an App for that Friday: Take your National Sports, Local and National News and Local Radio Stations with you Anywhere.

I know there are a lot of sport’s fans, news’ junkies (like myself), and those who prefer to listen to their favorite local radio station or type of music but may not be able to do so while on the road.  TuneIn Radio App scratches that itch. There a lot of sport’s channels to choose from - including league stations and some ESPN channels. Plenty of news’ channels, including CNN, Fox News Talk, and MSNBC and podcasts of your favorite evening news shows! The list of local stations is limited, but it does offer a variety of genres of music.  Given everything I listen to, the free app is perfect!

I think for most users, you will find the free app just fine. The Premium service removes a lot of their commercials and gives access to more sport’s status. Download the app for free on your Google Android or iTunes enabled device and start listening anywhere you have an internet connection. It’s the perfect companion at home, work, or on travels!

Enjoy! 

BOLO - If you are using Luna VPN, Adblock Focus or Mobile Data, you may be putting your data at risk!

I was disturbed to read in Buzzfeed that some VPNs and ad blockers are harvesting our data. Recall, VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. Recall last April, I had blogged about the importance of using a VPN when using public Wi-Fi, e.g., a court’s public Wi-Fi, Starbucks, an airport, etc. A reputable VPN will help ensure prying eyes are unable to see into our internet activity or gain access to our computer. This should never come at a cost to the user’s information. Ad blockers are used to prevent “ads” from popping up when we surf on the internet through our web browser.

The company Sensor Tower has made several VPN applications for the iPhone and Android operating systems. But their apps may be doing more than just providing a VPN: “Once installed, Sensor Tower’s apps prompt users to install a root certificate, a small file that lets its issuer access all traffic and data passing through a phone. The company told BuzzFeed News it only collects anonymized usage and analytics data, which is integrated into its products. Sensor Tower’s app intelligence platform is used by developers, venture capitalists, publishers, and others to track the popularity, usage trends, and revenue of apps.” But when you give access like this, you are putting your information and maybe your clients’ confidential information “at significant risk” of exposure to others.

I’d stay away from this developer’s programs. 

And remember, just because it may be “free” does not mean it may come without a price later - a bar complaint for exposing confidential client information!

Let’s be safe out there!

First Day Thoughts at ABA Techshow 2020

I'm attending my second ABA Techshow this year!

Its great being around people interested in better-utilizing technology in their practice. On my first day, I attended several sessions on some core concepts using pdfs, automating workflows, and better marketing online. 

These sessions have been perfect for the new and moderate tech users. As a more advanced computer user, I would have appreciated a more granular (step-by-step) approach. But, I can confidently say that from each session, I have learned at least one new thing that will individually enhance my practice. I have a feeling that regardless of your technology skills are you can learn something - perhaps at ABA Techshow 2021!