Due to the coronavirus, we are increasingly relying on our devices to stay connected, entertained, and informed. Online shopping has grown dramatically and according to a recent article in Forbes, the uptick in online shopping isn’t going away anytime soon.

For many, digital everything is their default mode but if you’ve had to scale up your online skills quickly and are casting about for some specific tools and techniques, these resources may be just what you need.  Have you mastered the art of online meetings or social get togethers?  Are you confused about the best way to pay for things electronically, or how to sign online documents?  Do you know how to safely and effectively clean your devices?  If not, read on.

Using Zoom for Classes, Workshops & Get Togethers

Need to join a meeting right now?  Clear instructions can be found on the Zoom support page.

Care to go beyond the basics?  These articles will take you there:  How to use Zoom Like a Pro: 13 Hidden Features to Try at Your Next Meeting and 11 Best Zoom Tricks You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner.

Want to infuse your Zoom calls with a little something extra?  Then read this article in the New York Times, How to Use Zoom Like a Theater or Film Professional Tips for putting your best face forward, if only for an office staff meeting.

But if you’re feeling there’s been a little too much Zoom in your life, you’re not alone.  Why Zoom Is Terrible. There’s a Reason Video Apps Make you Feel Awkward and Unfulfilled explains why you may feel fatigued and disconnected after a Zoom call. “Psychologists, computer scientists and neuroscientists say the distortions and delays inherent in video communication can end up making you feel isolated, anxious and disconnected…” and suggest you may want to reconsider the advantages of an old fashioned phone conversation.  It’s a fascinating quick read that explains a lot about how we communicate and the importance of mirroring and reliable eye contact.

And finally, a little advice on how to politely decline yet one more Zoom call with a long lost friend, or the nightly cocktail party that has become not so entertaining, Zoom Fatigue: How to Politely Decline a Call During Quarantine.

Paying for Everything Online

As contactless payment becomes ever more popular you might find yourself daunted by the choices and unsure of the benefits and limitations of each option.  These two articles review some of the most popular mobile payment applications:  Best mobile payment apps in 2020: for contactless payments and The 6 Best Payment Apps of 2020:  Effortless Money Exchanges With Just a Few Taps.  When you’re ready to sign up, go directly to the company’s own website to ensure your activity isn’t tracked through the articles’ websites.

How to Sign a PDF or, Portable Document Format, Online

You don’t have to print out a PDF to sign it.  You can sign it online, eliminating the need to scan and email your document.  These resources explain how.

If you’re a Mac user read This is the Easiest Way to Sign PDFs on a Mac, Period on the Cnet website, or follow the instructions on Apple’s support page, Fill out and sign PDF forms in Preview on Mac.

For PCs Running Windows see this article in the Business Insider:  How to sign a PDF document on a Windows Computer Using Adobe Reader or read How to Sign a PDF Electronically on Lifewire.

Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Devices

Cnet’s May 19, 2020 article Can Coronavirus Live on Your Phone? Here’s How to Clean it Without Damaging the Screen has lots of useful information including how to remove makeup and sand, plus a list of nine products you do not want to use on your phone.

Lifewire.com has a recent article with tips on battery health and cable management in addition to cleaning advice.  Read:  Here’s How to Keep Your Tech Healthy During the Pandemic.

How to Clean Your Apple Products on the Apple support page, has clear and detailed instructions for cleaning your Mac, iPad, iPhone, iPod, display, or peripheral device, and it includes updated information on how to disinfect all devices.

 

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Thanks to Beryn Hammil, The Chic Geek, for her contributions to this post.