Got a tech concern? Geeks2U technician Eugene Quah can help! Here, the IT expert shares his advice and answers popular queries on topics such as knowing when to upgrade your computer… and what exactly IS blue light?
How Do I Use My Smartphone as a Mobile Hotspot?
Hotspot settings allow you to share your phone’s internet signal to nearby devices (like a laptop) that don’t have access to the internet. To switch it on, open your phone’s settings and look for ‘Network and Internet’ on an Android, or ‘Mobile Data’ on other devices.
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You should then be able to find your phone’s hotspot name as a WiFi network option on your other device. Keep things secure by creating a password and, as you’re using data from your mobile phone plan, turn off the hotspot when you’ve finished using it.
What To Try:
- Samsung Galaxy S23 Unlocked Smartphone 8GB/256GB Cream
- Google Pixel 7 5G Unlocked Smartphone 128GB Lemongrass
- Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G 128GB Graphite
How Do Internet Cookies Work?
Just like fortune cookies contain a hidden message, internet cookies are text files your device receives when it visits certain sites. They’re used to personalise your web-browsing experience and may enhance or speed up your online searches and web page visits.
If you’d prefer for your activity to not be tracked, you can disable cookies in your device’s settings. This may prevent the site from functioning properly, though.
What Is Blue Light and How Does It Affect Us?
The screens of most devices form images using red, green and blue light-emitting diodes (RGB LEDs), which are like tiny light bulbs that work together to create colour pictures. Blue light carries more energy compared to red or green light and stimulates the brain, telling it when it’s day or when it’s night, which helps to regulate our sleep-wake routine.
Too much exposure to blue light at the wrong time of day can disrupt your sleep but, without it, colours can’t be properly formed. While you can’t cut out blue light entirely, setting your device to ‘night mode’ can help reduce the amount of blue light emitted.
SEE ALSO: Let the Geek Guide You: Tech Advice for Common Computer Issues
How Can You Tell if Your Computer Needs Upgrading?
The general rule of thumb is what I like to call the “tea test”. If it takes your computer longer to turn on, start a program or perform a task than it does to brew a cup of tea, then it’s time to upgrade!
If you find the system is slowing down to a point where it’s causing you frustration, and you get a feeling of dread whenever you have to do something on it, it’s a good indication that it’s time to look for a new device.
What To Try:
- HP Slim S01-PF2006A Core i7 Desktop Computer 16/512GB Win11
- Lenovo 14" IdeaPad Slim 1i Celeron 4/128GB Windows 11
- Acer 14" Aspire 1 Notebook Celeron 4/128GB Win11
Should You Leave Your Phone on Charge Overnight?
With fast-charging technology built into many smartphones, running an overnight charge is no longer necessary. The main concern with it is the level of heat that’s generated when charging batteries, as high temperatures can cause damage to the battery.
Ensure there is ample ventilation around your phone while charging and check your device’s charging settings, which can be optimised to regulate the charge rate.
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Need further assistance with your tech problems? Call Geeks2U on 1300 725 420 or visit geeks2u.com.au.
