Safer Internet: Introduction: Settings

Devices & OS | System Settings | Apps

Devices & Operating Systems

  • Modern-day desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and phones provide similar connection capabilities,
    and most web browsers and email applications provide similar privacy and security features
    -- though often with different names and options.
  • It would be difficult here to provide or discuss up-to-date recommendations and configuration advice
    specific to every site, device model, operating system version, application, and tool
    -- in every country & situation.
  • As mentioned in the course description, Steve will list or demonstrate specific examples
    of settings for only most recent macOS & iOS (iPad, iPhone) -- not: watchOS, tvOS;
    location of settings may change in newer software updates.
  • He will also demo (and sometimes recommend) specific applications in different categories,
    e.g., browser: Safari; email: Mail; local (disk) backup: Time Machine, Carbon Copy Cloner;
    remote (cloud) backup: Backblaze; password manager: 1Password;
    VPN (Virtual Private Network): Witopia; ad blocker: Wipr, Adblock Plus; etc.
    -- there may be other viable alternatives for you (platform, features, costs)
  • If you're using Windows, Android, Chromebook, Linux, or an older version of macOS or iOS,
    or some other wearable or home device/camera/streaming box/system (e.g., "Internet of Things"), don't panic
    -- you should be able to locate corresponding settings by exploring your device or reading articles (I provide many).
  • Each topic has links to articles in a References section, subdivided by platform and subtopics.
  • Also, see section: Finding More Help: other e-books, classes, consultants.

System Settings

via Menu

  • general setting format: OS: preference / application > menu/tab > etc., e.g.,
  • mac yosemite system prefsAndroid: Apps > Settings > etc.
  • iOS: Settings > General > etc.
  • macOS: Apple menu / Launchpad > System Preferences >
    Security & Privacy > etc.
  • Windows: Control Panel > etc.

via Search

Before Change

After Change

  • Save any new login name, password, recovery key, security answer, etc. in a secure place,
    e.g., password manager -- see Passwords section

Apps

  • Check Internet-related Preferences, Settings or Tools for your device's apps, e.g.,
  • web browsers: Firefox, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Opera -- in addition to Safari
  • mail clients: Outlook, Thunderbird -- in addition to Mail
  • communication, social networking, maps, etc.

Access

  • macOS: "dock" / Launchpad; also "Other" folder, e.g., Disk Utility; Keychain Access
  • Finder > Applications; also Utilities folder, e.g., Disk Utility; Keychain Access
  • menubar (top right), e.g., WiFi; Time Machine; DNSCrypt; Bluetooth; 1Password; Dropbox
  • iOS: Home button; double-click for open apps

Search

  • macOS: Launchpad > Search
  • iOS: swipe down on home screen > Search

Update / Buy

  • macOS: Apple menu > App Store
  • iOS: App Store