Tech Savvy News Feed

Navigating the Digital Deadline

Sun, 23 Nov 2025 03:07:37 GMT

What the New Social Media Law Means for Your Family

With December 10 fast approaching, you have likely heard about the "Digital Deadline" or seen notifications popping up on your child’s devices. It can be confusing and a little overwhelming, but at Frontier PC Tutoring, we want to help you cut through the noise.

We have been researching these changes deeply, and while we will cover the technical "nitty-gritty" in future posts, today is about the basics: What is happening right now, and what do you need to do before December 10?

The Law in Simple Terms

The Australian Government has passed legislation to raise the minimum age for social media access to 16 years old .

This law is designed to shift the responsibility away from parents and onto the tech giants. The goal is to protect young people from the pressures of social media during their critical developmental years.

The Key Date: By December 10, 2025 , major platforms must enforce this ban.

What This Means for Australians

Australia is taking a world-leading stance on digital safety. While some services will remain available (to ensure kids can still study and message family), "mainstream" social media designed for scrolling and viral content will effectively become 16+ only.

What is likely to stay (Exemptions):

YouTube Kids
Messaging apps like WhatsApp and Messenger Kids
Educational tools like Google Classroom
Support services like Kids Helpline

What is going away for under-16s:

Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, X (Twitter), and Reddit.

What This Means for Parents

First, take a deep breath: You will not be fined. The penalties in this new law (which can be up to $50 million) apply strictly to the social media companies , not to parents or children.

However, you cannot give parental consent to override this. Even if you are okay with your 14-year-old having Instagram, the law requires the platform to block them. This removes the pressure of "being the bad guy"—it is no longer your rule, it is the law.

What This Means for Children

For many teenagers, this will feel like a major loss of social connection. They may feel anxious about losing their digital memories, photos, and chats with friends.

Between now and December 10, they may receive notifications from apps like Instagram or TikTok asking them to verify their age or warning them that their account will be deactivated.

The Countdown: What to Expect Between Now and Dec 10

We are currently in the "Digital Deadline" window.

Right Now: Platforms like Meta (Instagram/Facebook) are already sending out notifications to users identified as under 16.
December 4: Expect some accounts to start being deactivated or "frozen" early as companies prepare for the deadline.
December 10: The law comes into full effect. Access for under-16s on restricted platforms should cease.

3 Simple Steps Guardians Can Take Today

You don’t need to be a tech expert to manage this transition. Here are three steps to take this weekend:

Secure the Memories: Sit down with your child and help them "download their data." Most apps have a setting that allows you to download a zip file of all their photos and videos. This reassures them that they aren't losing their memories, just the platform.
Check the "Birthday": Ensure your child hasn't set their birthday incorrectly to bypass the ban. If they are actually over 16 but set a fake "younger" age years ago, they might get banned by mistake.
Start the Conversation: Acknowledge that this sucks for them. Ask, "How are you planning to stay in touch with your friends after the 10th?" Help them move their group chats to allowed apps like WhatsApp or Messenger Kids so they don't feel isolated.

We will be back soon with a deeper dive into how to set up the safe alternatives. For now, focus on saving those photos and keeping the conversation open. Perhaps it is a good time to replace the scrolling with meaningful activities, such as mini-golf.

Backing Up Your Outlook Emails: A Simple Guide for Everyone

Sun, 04 May 2025 02:40:57 GMT

Desktop Outlook Email is Changing

It's crucial to back up your emails! This ensures you have access to important information even if something goes wrong with your email account or the Outlook app itself. This guide provides easy methods for saving emails to your computer, which can then be automatically backed up to cloud storage like Google Drive or Microsoft OneDrive.

The Problem with the "New" Outlook

If you're using the newer version of Microsoft Outlook, you might have noticed some changes. One significant change is how it handles saved emails. The classic Outlook used .msg files, but the new version sometimes saves emails as .eml files when using the drag-and-drop method. Also, the new Outlook might have compatibility issues opening older .msg files. This can be confusing, especially if you're not tech-savvy.

The Most Reliable Method: Saving as PDF

To avoid these potential problems, the best method for saving emails for long-term accessibility is to save them as PDFs . PDF files are universally compatible, meaning they can be opened on almost any device, regardless of the operating system or email client. This ensures that your emails remain accessible and readable in the future.

Why Saving Emails Locally Helps

Saving copies of your emails to your computer gives you direct control over your important communications. Once they are saved as files on your hard drive, you can then use cloud storage services you might already have (like Google Drive or Microsoft OneDrive) to automatically create a backup of those files online.

The Most Reliable Method: Saving as PDF

To ensure your saved emails can be easily opened and read in the future, regardless of which version of Outlook or email program you use, the best method is to save them as PDFs . PDF files are universally compatible and preserve the original look and formatting of your email.

How to Save Emails as PDFs to Your Computer

Here's a step-by-step guide:

Open the email you want to save. Double-click it to open it in its own window.
Go to the File tab in the top left corner and click it.
A menu will appear. Find and click on the Print option.
On the print screen, look for the "Printer" selection dropdown menu. Click on it to see a list of printers.
In the list, choose "Microsoft Print to PDF" . (This is a built-in Windows feature).
Click the Print button.
A "Save Print Output As" or "Save As" window will pop up.

Choose a folder on your computer to save the PDF. A good place might be your Documents folder, or a new folder you create inside Documents, like "Saved Emails". Saving here is particularly useful if you use OneDrive (see below).
Give your PDF file a clear name (e.g., using the sender and subject).
The "Save as type" should be "PDF".
Click Save .

Getting Your Saved Emails to the Cloud

Once your emails are saved as files on your computer (preferably in a standard location like your Documents folder), you can use cloud storage services to back them up automatically.

Option 1: Backing up with Microsoft OneDrive

If you use Windows and have Microsoft OneDrive set up, it often automatically backs up important folders on your computer, such as your Documents , Pictures, and Desktop folders.

How it works: If OneDrive PC Folder Backup is turned on, any files you save into the Documents, Pictures, or Desktop folders are automatically copied and synced to your OneDrive cloud storage.
Simple Step: By saving your PDF emails into a folder within your Documents folder (as suggested in step 7 above), OneDrive should automatically detect these new files and upload them to your OneDrive account. You don't need to do anything extra once you've saved the file locally, provided OneDrive is already configured to back up your Documents folder.

Option 2: Backing up with Google Drive

If you prefer Google Drive or don't use OneDrive, you can use the Google Drive for Desktop application.

How it works: You tell Google Drive for Desktop which folders on your computer you want to sync to your Google Drive account.

Simple Steps: Download and install Google Drive for Desktop from Google's website and sign in.
In the Google Drive preferences, go to "My Computer" or "Folders from your computer".
Click "Add Folder" and select the specific folder where you are saving your PDF emails on your computer (e.g., the "Saved Emails" folder you created in Documents).
Ensure syncing is turned on for that folder. Google Drive will then automatically upload and sync the files.

Benefits of Saving Emails as PDF

Universal Access: Open your emails on almost any device or computer without needing Outlook.
Preserves Original Look: The formatting, layout, and content will look just like the original email.
Easy to Share & Print: Standard PDF format makes sharing and printing simple.
Security: PDFs can be password-protected for sensitive information.
Archival: A reliable format for keeping long-term records of your important communications.

By saving your emails as PDFs to a folder that is then automatically synced by a cloud service like OneDrive or Google Drive, you create a simple and effective backup system for your important messages.

🤖 What Is AI – And Why Is Everyone Talking About It?

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 04:05:19 GMT

You’ve probably heard the term AI (Artificial Intelligence) everywhere lately — but what does it actually mean for you?

In simple terms, AI tools like ChatGPT , Gemini (from Google), and Microsoft Copilot are new digital assistants that can write, explain, organise, and answer things in everyday language. And the best part? You don’t need to be a tech expert to use them.

Why does it matter?

If you use Gmail or Google Search , Gemini is already popping up to help.
If you use Word or Excel , Copilot is starting to offer smart shortcuts.
And ChatGPT? It's like a personal helper who never sleeps.

This month at Frontier, I’m focusing on how everyday Aussies can use these tools — whether for writing emails, getting help with tech questions, or learning something new.

�� Want to see AI in action?
Ask a question any time on our support bot:

�� oknoworries.com.au
�� f r ontierpctutoring.com

Let’s explore AI together — at your pace.

Goodbye Skype

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 21:05:57 GMT

Microsoft to Shut Down Skype on May 5, 2025—Teams Takes Over for Consumers

Microsoft has officially announced that it will be shutting down Skype, its once-dominant video calling service, on May 5, 2025. In place of Skype, Microsoft Teams will become the go-to platform for consumers, offering a free version for everyday use.

This shift marks a significant change, as Skype users will be able to log into Microsoft Teams to access their message history and contacts. Users also have the option to export their data before Skype is fully discontinued. However, one major change is the removal of Skype’s paid telephony services, including the ability to make domestic and international calls—a feature that had once made Skype the leader in global calling.

Microsoft originally purchased Skype from eBay for $8.5 billion in 2011, at the time its largest acquisition. Skype revolutionized communication, but over time, it faced tough competition from newer services like Zoom, WhatsApp, and Google Meet, which have surpassed Skype in popularity and functionality.

This move to phase out Skype for consumers is not entirely surprising, as Microsoft already shut down Skype for Business in 2021. The platform's legacy, however, remains intact, as Skype was one of the first to introduce end-to-end encryption, a feature that is now standard across most modern messaging services.

The announcement marks the end of an era, but it also signals the future of communication, with Microsoft Teams leading the charge for both business and personal use.

Technology Training Course Guide Term 1 2024

Fri, 12 Jan 2024 04:15:04 GMT

Office Essentials, All about Emails and Learn to use a Smartphone. Term 1 Details

Frontier PCT presents training courses at Rowville Community Centre covering computer basics and technology life skills for people of all abilities and ages.

Term 1 2024 will be commencing soon and Frontier will be conducting 3 courses to help you with your technology. Visit www.communitylc.org.au for enrolment and payment of the course you wish to complete.

Microsoft Office Essentials - Word, Excel & Powerpoint: running from 30th Jan - 12 March
Manage Your Emails, Schedules and Security: 29th Jan - 30th March
Discover Smartphones: 1st Feb - 14th March

More details will be available soon.

Creating a safe password is an important step in protecting your online accounts and personal information.

Thu, 29 Dec 2022 03:49:03 GMT

Here are some tips for creating a strong, secure password:

Use a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters. This will make your password harder to guess or crack.
Avoid using personal information, such as your name, birth date, or address. This information can easily be obtained by hackers.
Use a long password. The longer your password is, the harder it will be for someone to guess or crack it. Aim for at least 12 characters.
Avoid using the same password for multiple accounts. If a hacker is able to guess or crack your password for one account, they will have access to all of your accounts that use the same password.
Use a password manager. A password manager is a tool that stores your passwords in a secure, encrypted way. You can use it to generate strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts and only have to remember one master password to access them all.

Now that you know how to create a safe password, let's talk about the best way to manage them.

Use a password manager. As mentioned above, a password manager is a great tool for storing and organizing your passwords in a secure way. It can also help you generate strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts.
Don't share your passwords. It's important to keep your passwords to yourself and not share them with anyone else.
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) when available. Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your accounts by requiring you to enter a code sent to your phone or email in addition to your password. This makes it harder for hackers to gain access to your accounts even if they have your password.
Change your passwords regularly. It's a good idea to change your passwords every 3-6 months, or more often if you suspect that your account has been compromised.

By following these tips, you can create strong, secure passwords and manage them in a way that helps keep your accounts and personal information safe.

How to Use ZOOM

Tue, 18 Oct 2022 05:08:49 GMT

Using ZOOM for Tech Support and Training

If you have been wondering about Video chat but you have not had the reason or inclination to try it you may be also wondering how it works and why you would use it.

For years many people have been using video chat in different forms and one of the most popular programs was Skype because it was available on most of the platforms you would be using and you could do everything from simple chat to video calls with small groups of people. Skype was one of the first programs that allowed you to share files and make cheap or free phone calls without needing your email or regular phone.

The pandemic saw the rise of ZOOM and for a time is was the preferred tool for communicating, working and even learning when the pandemic struck.

As a video tool ZOOM is one of the easiest for a novice technology user and this made it an obvious addition to my arsenal of support methods. I can broadcast, host Q&A view a shared screen and even control other computers quickly and easily for myself and my client.

It is also a great alternative to help people without using the common support tools that are often used by tech support scammers but best of all it gives you a better contact experience when you cannot see someone in person.

If you are curious about ZOOM and want to give it a try you can watch this video below as I explain the basics of ZOOM.

Please feel free to add a comment below and share this on your socials if you think it is useful. Let me know your thoughts about using ZOOM or your favorite video chat application.

Have a great day, David.

This App Could Save Your Life

Sat, 03 Sep 2022 04:29:36 GMT

Emergency Plus App for Android and iOS

The Emergency Plus app is a free app that you can download to your phone and use it to call the emergency service you require and give an accurate location using a great feature called "what3words".

(Images and content form www.what3words.com )

"What is what3words?

what3words in the Emergency + app is the easiest way to tell Triple Zero (000) exactly where you need help. It has divided the world into 3 metre squares and given each one a unique three word identifier."

When you use the app for the first time you will be asked to share your location.

It is ok to do this as the app needs your location to work correctly and get an accurate position to share to emergency services.

You can get the app from the Emergency plus website or from the Apps Store (iOS) or Play Store (Android and Google).

How to link your COVID-19 certificate to your Check In app.

Thu, 14 Oct 2021 04:17:04 GMT

Add your COVID-19 digital certificate to the Service Victoria app

To get in to some venues and organisations in the future you will need to check in and show your vaccination status. In Australia, you will need to create a myGov account and link your Medicare service to myGov and install the latest version of your checking app for your state.

In this case we will use the Victorian State Government website and check in app to go through the steps.

There are two easy ways to connect your COVID-19 vaccine certificate to your Service Victoria check in app.

You will need to be fully vaccinated
create a myGov account
link your Medicare account to your myGov
Install the latest version of the Service Victoria app
so you will need either
a Medicare online account or Individual Healthcare Identifier (IHI) linked to your myGov account

the latest version of the Express Plus Medicare app installed.
You can add your COVID-19 digital certificate to the Service Victoria app from the Medicare Express Plus app or your myGov account . The easiest way is through the Express Plus Medicare app.

You can only have one certificate in the service Victoria app so you will need each individual to link their certificate to their check in app

Adding your vaccine certificate is also easy to do by using the myGov account and the Service Victoria app

Make sure you have the latest version of the Service Victoria app at the App store or Google Play store .
Open the Service Victoria app and click on ‘Add certificate via myGov’.
Log in to your myGov account. If you don’t have a myGov account, get one at myGov account .
Scroll to ‘proof of COVID-19 vaccination’ and tap ‘Go to Medicare’
Tap ‘share with check-in app’.
Tap ‘Service Victoria’.
Once you’ve read the conditions, tap ‘accept and share’. You’ll see the message: ‘Sending certificate’.
Once you see your COVID-19 digital certificate, tap ‘add certificate’.
Your COVID-19 digital certificate is now added to your Service Victoria app and linked to the QR code check-in function.

Next time you check in with your app your vaccination status will also be displayed.

NBN Scams are Still Ripping Off Australians

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 12:13:41 GMT

Fake Phone Calls Are Strealing Money From Our Most Vulnerable.

The NBN is rolling out across Australia and scammers are taking advantage of the uncertanty about the enforced changes many of us will experience over the coming months.

Many people do not understand what is changing and how it is going to affect them. They do not know what to do and some are even fearful of how they will cope with the changes.

So when an elderly person who has relied on their landline for many years and never had an Internet connection gets a call from someone proporting to be from the NBN they are likely to be influenced by what this person has to say.

They are then shocked when the person on the phone says that their phone connection they have had all their lives is going to be cut off in 24hrs unless they follow the instructions of the caller.

"The NBN will not cut off your phone in 24hrs"

The important thing I want to get across here is that the NBN will not call you at home and the NBN will not cut off your phone in 24hrs.

The NBN (National Broadband Network) is an Internet wholsaler and they do not sell Internet services to the public so they have no reason to ring you at home. So if you get a call from someone saying they are from the NBN just hang up and do not follow any instructions thery give to you or leave on your message service.

The only people who will want to talk to you about your impending NBN connection will be Internet resellers such as Telstra, Optus, TPG, Aussie Broadband and a few others. When the NBN is close to being available in your area you will start to get brochures in your letterbox and perhaps a phonecall from your exsisting provider.

When to time comes to choose your NBN reseller you will have 18months to make your selection so there is plenty of timne to research and shop around to find the best reseller for your needs.

Malicious Appointments in Google Calendar

Tue, 27 Aug 2019 15:09:59 GMT

How To Stop Malicious Appointments From Inserting In Google Calendar

A concerning new trend is hitting Google Calendar users and it could result in you losing control of your personal data, banking details and your data on your computers and storage.

The default settings on Google calendar allow anybody to send an appointment request through Gmail or directly to your calendar and have it appear in your schedule.

Spam Appointmets in google Calendar may contain malicious links

Naturally, when you see these new appointments in your calendar you are going to be curious and want to find out more and how it got there. The appointment will contain a link to the event you are invited to and it is when you click on that link that the trouble starts.

The link is likely to contain a payload (malicious code) or send you to a place where your details can be scammed from you.

So the trick is not to click on any links.

Your best advice when you get unsolicited events on your calendar is to delete them. If they are a single event or a series you must delete them all.

How do I stop anyone from putting events on my calendar?

To stop scam or malicious appointment appearing on your Google calendar you need to make some changes in your calendar settings.

You need to change the event settings and events from Gmail settings to not show events you have not accepted.

In Events from Gmail you need to untick the box that says "show declined events"
In Event settings you need to change the Automatically add invitations to "Yes but only when I respond Yes or Maybe .

This should stop any future events from appearing on your calendar without your approval. The image below shows the correct settings.

The MovieFlix Scam

Fri, 02 Aug 2019 06:57:48 GMT

Another Scam In Your Facebook Feed.

It was two years ago when MovieFlix was seen on our social media and in our spam folders of our email accounts. It is back again but it appears to be more sinister than the previous version as it does not offer any movie streaming and the website is down.

But There is a Website On Facebook

The website on Facebook appears in a post inviting Australians to join after reading what looks like a report from a leading news service stating that thousands of Australians are leaving Netflix for this service and then offers a link to join on the page.

The Post on Facebook

The post on Facebook comes from a page called New Wows. Whenever I see a post that I think is fake or too good be true I will go to the page that posted the story or deal and I can soon tell that the site is fake. The usual things to look for is the age of the site and the number of posts and friends comments.

In this case the New Wows Facebook Page is only a few weeks old and only has a few posts. This should ring alarm bells in most cases but who will bother to check? Another thing to look at is the reviews left on the page. If the site has not been shut down or the owner is not monitoring the site you may be lucky enough to be warned by others about the intentions and danger of the site.

Not Everyone Falls For The Scam

Savy Internet users can quickly see a scam and so can people who get done and they do the best they can to warn others. One good way is to provide feedback and reviews and hope that others see your warnings before it is too late.

If It Sounds Too Good To Be True ....

In this case it certainly was too good to be true and the idea of having free and really cheap streamimg movies is not sustainable and you must consider the content makers who would not be getting any royalites if this product was a real thing.

It is good to find a bargain but even bergains have a cost that you should be happy to pay. If you are offered a free lunch you will probably end up with digestion and an empty bank account.

Movieflix ... steer clear.

How Do I Stop Notifications From Websites On My Computer?

Mon, 25 Mar 2019 05:18:27 GMT

Stop Annoying Popups and Advertising in One Quick Step.

They can be the most annoying thing when you are trying to do some work on your computer. You are in the zone and then this annoying popup interrupts your train of thought and you find yourself either ckicking on the popup to see the dramatic story from last nights reality show, or you decide that you will buy that foam mattress from Kogan because it has been stalking you since you looked at it last Tuesday. Maybe you are just frustrated and regret ever clicking on that "allow this site to send you notifications" button.

Notifications will start appearing on your computer when you give the website you are browsing permission to send you notifications. The best way to stop a website from sending you notifications is to remove the permission by going to your settings in the Chrome Browser and block or remove the notification permission from the website.

Here is the quick and easy way to do it in Chrome browser.

Open your Chrome browser and click on the 3 dots in the top right corner.
Scroll down and look for the settings option in the menu that appears.
Scroll down the settings menu to the Advanced section and click on it
Scroll down to content settings and click to enter that menu
Scroll down and look for notifications and click to enter
Locate the website you wish to stop sending notifications and click on the 3 dots on the right
Choose to block or remove the website

If you block the website it will be removed to the blocked list in this section and you will no longer get notifications from that website but you can unblock at any time and resume getting the messages. If you remove the website you will have to give it permission next time you visit it.

There you go, it is easy to stop those popups if you know how.

Have a nice day and enjoy your tech.

Internet Life Skills Blog

Thu, 21 Mar 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Welcome to your Internet Life Skills Blog

Almost everything we do has some sort of link to the internet these days. Technology is everywhere you look. It is connected to most things we do and even when we don't know it.
Follow this blog for frequent insights, news and important things you can learn to help you make the most of the Internet and technology.

Computer Skills

Is your computer fit to be exposed to the Internet? Learn what you need to do to make sure you enjoy your time online and keep yourself and others safe by protecting your privacy and data.
Do you know how to do an effective online search? Learn some handy shortcuts to find your way to your information faster.
Learn how to drive your browser and avoid the traps that are hiiden on some websites.

Whats New

Find out the latest trends and interesting things that are happening online
Free training resources will be shared so you can develop your internet life skills and enjoy your time online.
Safe online shopping hints and tips

Learn without training just by following this blog.

Stay tuned for more very soon.

Tech Savvy News Feed

Navigating the Digital Deadline

What the New Social Media Law Means for Your Family ﻿

The Law in Simple Terms

What This Means for Australians

What This Means for Parents

What This Means for Children

The Countdown: What to Expect Between Now and Dec 10

3 Simple Steps Guardians Can Take Today

Backing Up Your Outlook Emails: A Simple Guide for Everyone

Desktop Outlook Email is Changing

The Problem with the "New" Outlook

The Most Reliable Method: Saving as PDF

Why Saving Emails Locally Helps

The Most Reliable Method: Saving as PDF

How to Save Emails as PDFs to Your Computer

Getting Your Saved Emails to the Cloud

Option 1: Backing up with Microsoft OneDrive

Option 2: Backing up with Google Drive

Benefits of Saving Emails as PDF

🤖 What Is AI – And Why Is Everyone Talking About It?

You’ve probably heard the term AI (Artificial Intelligence) everywhere lately — but what does it actually mean for you?

Why does it matter?

Goodbye Skype

Microsoft to Shut Down Skype on May 5, 2025—Teams Takes Over for Consumers

Technology Training Course Guide Term 1 2024

Office Essentials, All about Emails and Learn to use a Smartphone. Term 1 Details

Creating a safe password is an important step in protecting your online accounts and personal information.

Here are some tips for creating a strong, secure password:

How to Use ZOOM

Using ZOOM for Tech Support and Training

This App Could Save Your Life

Emergency Plus App for Android and iOS

How to link your COVID-19 certificate to your Check In app.

Add your COVID-19 digital certificate to the Service Victoria app

NBN Scams are Still Ripping Off Australians

Fake Phone Calls Are Strealing Money From Our Most Vulnerable.

Malicious Appointments in Google Calendar

How To Stop Malicious Appointments From Inserting In Google Calendar

The MovieFlix Scam

Another Scam In Your Facebook Feed.

But There is a Website On Facebook

The Post on Facebook

Not Everyone Falls For The Scam

If It Sounds Too Good To Be True ....

How Do I Stop Notifications From Websites On My Computer?

Stop Annoying Popups and Advertising in One Quick Step.

Internet Life Skills Blog

Welcome to your Internet Life Skills Blog

What the New Social Media Law Means for Your Family