Crossword page.qxp_Layout 1 17/06/2021 13:30 Page 1
INTERNET
Finding IT updates
WE are all told to keep our devices updated, so most of us have enabled automatic updating, often to be carried out using Wi-Fi in the small hours perhaps when the device is charging. This helps to protect our machines from vulnerabilities to malware and viruses and to With NICK correct any errors in programming. These SPARKS updates are provided by the manufacturer of devices or the writer of the app/programme through the Internet and are largely not noticed by the end user. However, there is another side to updating which is often overlooked, that is, the manufacturer’s introduction of new features and improvements to the device for which there is often no announcement, but which you may come across almost by accident. Recent new features that have been added to some Samsung devices, for example, include being able to remove objects from a photograph in their gallery app; pressing and holding the keyboard space bar to give better control moving and positioning the cursor; and changes to the messages app. Bear in mind manufacturers may only release these features for the more upto-date devices. But can you find what has changed, other than wading through update logs in the device’s “play store” or the software or apps sections of the settings menu? Well, you could search for updates to your particular device on YouTube. For instance, searching for “Samsung updates” using Google, videos will show innumerable short videos by pundits, in channels, describing hidden and new features. Sakitech is one such channel whose raison d’etre seems to be discovering new and useful features within updates. If you subscribe to a channel that you find interesting or useful you can receive a notification when there is a new video to see. One thing to be aware of is that these updates are not always carried out at the same time worldwide, the USA may get it first, Germany next etc etc over a few days or even weeks. Sometimes you just have to be patient…happy hunting!
Submitted by Nick Sparks. Although we have ceased our one-to-one tuition at Cheddar due to Covid, a number of us will continue with this column under the heading "IT for the Terrified" to keep the name alive. This article is for guidance only, and the opinion of the writer. I.T. for the Terrified PAGE 12 • MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2021
CROSSWORD
The Mendip Mindbender
ACROSS 1 According to the bible, “Three score years and ten.” (4,10) 8 Dante’s Divine Comedy refers to hell as such (7) 9 Money owing (7) 11 Garden implement (3) 12 Apparatus activated by insertion of a coin (4,7) 14 About 25% of the Elements are so described (8) 15 Pure or chaste (6) 17 Demands and forces payment of a debt (6) 19 Sort of indoors air-raid shelter used in WW2 (8) 22 Introduce autonomy (11) 23 An idiot at the centre of assassins (3) 24 Large Somerset village north of Midsomer Norton where the Somerset Coal Canal terminates (7) 26 Village SW of Bristol Airport probably named after the soil colour of a local landmark (7) 27 Valetudinarians, people who unnecessarily depends on medication (14)
DOWN 1 Village equidistant from Radstock, Frome and Shepton Mallet once awarded the title, ‘Calor Somerset village of the year’ (5,2,6) 2 Number of players in a rugby union side (7) 3 A non-believer when it comes to EEC politics (11) 4 An offer of marriage (8) 5 Damp and sweaty (6) 6 Express an opinion or grievance (3) 7 Horse drawn transport of ancient Rome (7) 10 Ammonium carbonate and perfume (8,5) 13 In USA one of the girls chanting and dancing in support of their team (11) 16 A subatomic particle with the same mass as an electron and a numerically equal but positive charge (8) 18 Where the infantry keeps their guns and ammunition (7) 20 Staying power (7) 21 Mixed spirits, fruit and spices cover a corporation (6) 25 As well as a sound couple (3) Clues in italics are cryptic
This month’s solution can be found on page 73
