Smarter interface for Gmail?

I’d like to share a tip with you about using Googlemail, or Gmail, on your Android device.  The tip is also useful for desktop and laptop users as well.

In this gallery, I’ve shown what can happen in various instances of the Gmail app, especially on Android tablets:

The screen seems very cluttered, in various views. Also, the pop-up keyboard occasionally masks key areas, etc.

Here is what I think is a better way to use Gmail on an Android:

Instead of using the Email App, or the Gmail App, use your browser:

Go to  https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=html&zy=h

This link should “force” web Gmail to open in basic HTML.

After you sign in, and confirm  you want to view in this way, you may see this screen next:

 

TAP on the 3 horizontal lines to access the menu:

 

This should bring-up a view like this:

You need to SCROLL down to the bottom of the page, to get to this screen:

TAP or CLICK on Older version

You then get this view:

 

Here, you can see everything you need to access:

Your INBOX shows itself clearly.

You can COMPOSE a new email

You can see your various FOLDERS

You can even access your CONTACTS stored in your Gmail account.

 

I think the basic HTML interface is a much cleaner, faster way to view Gmail on your tablet. The App seems to “overdo” it! This may not be quite so useful on the iPad, because I think that the Mail App on the iPad actually handles Gmail very well.

Please let me know what you think, via my Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/hereford.computer.help

Thanks for reading another free tip from:

Mark Giles

herefordcomputerhelp.com

What is a webcard? Why it’s useful to have one…….

Simply put, a web card is a powerful way to present your business details, all in one place, optimized for mobile devices. As you are probably aware, internet access from mobile devices surpassed desktop access about 12 months ago, so it is more important than ever for businesses to have a mobile-friendly presence. Web cards provide a convenient way to achieve this:

 

 

Click or tap on this next image to view my web card online:

 

As you can see, all the key information is presently clearly, in a mobile-friendly format. It works just as well on desktops and laptops, of course!

Why not have a go at creating one yourself?

Start you creation at: http://uk.web.cards/

Thanks for reading another free tip from:

Mark Giles

herefordcomputerhelp.com

Let’s generate some QR codes……

I expect you’ve seen them; you know, those square, black and white images on posters, signs, adverts etc. Many websites and companies will charge you for producing them, or restrict their commercial use, or make it hard to use them without a fee.

I’ve found a great site where you can create your own, personalised QR code for free, and use it commercially!

The site is: http://goqr.me/

I used it to create the QR code in the cover-art on my business page:

https://www.facebook.com/hereford.computer.help/

You have the option to create a QR code for your website, or your telephone number, or just some text. You can even use it to create a VR card, to share your contact details with someone.

The site contains plentiful background information on the QR code system, and also explains why it is becoming a very useful marketing tool.

All in all, the site is simply and easy to use, and it’s a great way to get creative!

Create some free QR codes at http://goqr.me/

 

Quickly type numbers in iOS 11

A very quick way to enter numbers and symbols using the onscreen keyboard in iOS 11.

A free tip from Mark Giles at Hereford Computer Help

 

ios 11 makes your iPad feel like a new device – again!!

So, the much-anticipated iOS 11 is now available, after about 4 months of public beta-testing. I love the new App Switcher and Control Centre (I’ve been using the many beta releases for several months now). This release of iOS really does make you feel as if you’ve got a brand new device, particularly if you’re an iPad user. This review covers the main new features:

http://mashable.com/2017/09/19/apple-ios-11-review/

Lateral thinking??

A quick puzzle to get your brain going this morning:

Where am I if I can’t go forward until I’ve gone back?

Discovery of Churchill’s paper on alien life……

Reuters has published the following news item about a recently discovered paper.

http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-science-churchill-aliens-idUKKBN15U2DL

When to use PDF files

 

 

 

 

 

A question I often get asked by customers is: What is a PDF file, and when is it used?

I frequently CREATE my invoices and receipts in .docx format, and then SAVE A COPY in PDF format for emailing to my clients; they are more likely to be able to view a PDF file.

The following article, published yesterday at Makeuseof, gives a great explanation:

Pros and cons of PDF files (opens in a separate tab)

Airdroid – great way to manage your Android via your computer

Here’s a great way to manage, manipulate and use your Android smartphone via your PC, simply by using your local wireless connection.

It’s called Airdroid, and consists of an App that you install on your Android device, and then a web link, which you use on your PC. (There is also a desktop App available, but I prefer the web link method.)

On the left is a screenshot of the app running on my Samsung Note 4.

Once you have set-up the app on your phone, and made the initial connection, no further installation is necessary; it all works from a link in your browser.

 

 

In the screenshot on the right, you can see how Airdroid Web appears, in your desktop browser. The icons and overlays can all be arranged according to your liking. In this view, you can see how I have opened the photos section, to view the photos on my smartphone.

There’s a whole lot more to Airdroid, which is fully explained in the online help, also accessed from the interface.

The best place to start is the online FAQ:

Airdroid – FAQ and help guide

Once you’ve got it installed, checkout the vast help resources from this link:

Airdroid: List of Help resources

Give it a go; it’s a simple way to manage your Android to your computer without a wire.

WinKey Tips – WinKey + TAB

A really cool use of WinKey is to combine it with the TAB key. Pressing WinKey + TAB displays a static overview of all your open Windows, allowing you to select the one you need with your mouse, or tapping it, on a touchscreen.

 

 

 

 

Compare this with ALT + TAB, which sequentially switches between open Windows, and requires a bit of finger dexterity to release the WinKey at the appropriate time!