10/18/2026
💻 ASK COMPUTER DEAN
🚀 THE BIG TECH TIP CATCH-UP!
7 DAYS • 7 TIPS • ONE GIANT POST!
📅 October 13–19, 2026
💡 Tips #333–339
Well, folks, Computer Dean has been unusually busy lately! 😅
Between helping clients, solving computer problems and keeping up with everyday life, my daily tech tips have fallen a little behind.
But don't worry—I haven't forgotten you!
So here's another GIANT CATCH-UP EDITION, featuring SEVEN practical tech tips to make your digital life a little easier.
Ready? Let's go!
💡 TIP #333 — TUESDAY, OCT 13
🎤 TIRED OF TYPING? TALK TO YOUR DEVICE!
Did you know your phone can type what you say?
On your iPhone or Android phone, open a message, tap the microphone on the keyboard and start speaking.
Your words appear as text!
On Windows computers, try Windows + H to start voice typing, provided your microphone is set up.
Perfect for long messages, emails or when your fingers are tired.
WHY TYPE IT WHEN YOU CAN SAY IT?
💡 TIP #334 — WEDNESDAY, OCT 14
⌨️ FILLING OUT AN ONLINE FORM? SKIP THE MOUSE!
Here's a tiny keyboard trick that saves time.
When filling out an online form on your computer:
➡️ Press TAB to move to the next box.
⬅️ Press SHIFT + TAB to go back to the previous box.
No need to keep reaching for the mouse!
Try it the next time you're entering your name, address or other information.
TAB FORWARD. SHIFT + TAB BACK!
💡 TIP #335 — THURSDAY, OCT 15
📱 KEEP YOUR FAVOURITE CONVERSATIONS AT THE TOP!
Do you regularly message the same family members, friends or colleagues?
Many messaging apps, including WhatsApp and Apple Messages, let you PIN important conversations near the top of your chat list.
Look for the Pin option by swiping or pressing and holding a conversation, depending on your app.
No more scrolling through dozens of messages to find the people you contact most!
YOUR FAVOURITE PEOPLE, JUST ONE TAP AWAY!
💡 TIP #336 — FRIDAY, OCT 16
📧 TOO MANY NEWSLETTERS? UNSUBSCRIBE!
Does your email inbox feel like a never-ending parade of advertisements and promotions?
If you recognize a legitimate company whose newsletters you no longer want, look for its Unsubscribe option.
Some email services even display an Unsubscribe button near the sender's name.
⚠️ Important: Don't click unsubscribe links in suspicious or unexpected spam emails. Report those as spam instead.
A few minutes of housekeeping today could mean fewer distractions tomorrow.
LESS JUNK. MORE IMPORTANT EMAIL!
💡 TIP #337 — SATURDAY, OCT 17
📸 CROOKED PHOTOS? TURN ON CAMERA GRIDLINES!
Here's a simple photography trick!
Most smartphone cameras can display faint gridlines on the screen.
On an iPhone, look under Settings → Camera → Grid.
On Android phones, check your Camera app's settings for Grid Lines or Composition Guide.
Use those lines to help keep horizons straight and position your subjects nicely.
The gridlines are guides—they won't appear in your actual photos.
STRAIGHTER PHOTOS. BETTER COMPOSITION!
💡 TIP #338 — SUNDAY, OCT 18
⏰ YOUR PHONE ALARM CAN REMIND YOU WHY IT'S RINGING!
Have you ever set an alarm and then forgotten what it was for? 😄
Many smartphone alarm apps let you give each alarm a name or label.
Instead of simply setting an alarm for 3:00 PM, label it:
💊 Take medication
🚗 Leave for appointment
📞 Call Mom
🍲 Check the oven
On an iPhone, open Clock → Alarms and look for Label when editing an alarm. Android alarm apps have similar options.
DON'T JUST SET AN ALARM. GIVE IT A PURPOSE!
💡 TIP #339 — MONDAY, OCT 19
✈️ TRAVELLING SOON? DOWNLOAD YOUR MAP BEFORE YOU GO!
Here's a great tip for anyone travelling somewhere unfamiliar.
Google Maps and supported versions of Apple Maps let you download maps of an area to your phone for offline use.
In Google Maps, tap your profile picture → Offline maps → Select your own map.
Download the area using Wi-Fi before you leave.
Even without an Internet connection, your phone can still help you navigate within the downloaded area.
Remember, offline maps may not provide live traffic information or every type of direction.
NO INTERNET? NO PROBLEM—IF YOU PREPARED AHEAD!
💡 ASK COMPUTER DEAN'S GIANT TIP
LIFE GETS BUSY. TECHNOLOGY SHOULD MAKE IT EASIER!
Seven little tricks. Seven opportunities to save time, reduce frustration and get more enjoyment out of your devices.
And if you've been busy too, remember: You don't have to master everything at once.
Learn one little trick today. Another tomorrow.
Before you know it, you'll be the one helping somebody else! 😄
Thank you for following Ask Computer Dean, for sharing my tips and for your continued encouragement.
We're all learning together!
~ Computer Dean
Tech Tips Made Simple!
