How to post GIFs made with Procreate on iPad to Social Media

How to post GIFs made with Procreate on iPad to social media

This is what I discovered through trial and error:


To post on Facebook and Instagram, go to Share under Actions in Procreate app. Choose to Share Animated MP4.


After choosing speed and exporting, click on Facebook or Instagram icon to add comment and share.

10-2021 Update: Instagram requires a minimum length of 3 seconds for animations, and I recently had trouble posting a 4 second animation. Add as much length as you can, without diluting the content, for success with Instagram.

To post on Twitter, I downloaded the Animated GIF to my iPhone from an email. You can also Airdrop the GIF to your iPhone.


Open the Twitter app, choose the tweet icon, and select the GIF from your photos.

Add comment and Share. 

Computers: What's the OSI Layer Model?

The OSI layer model was developed by ISO to describe the layers that data travels through as it is processed to continue to the internet and the receiving computer. There are 7 layers and the pneumonic for remembering the layer names is:

All People Seem to Need Data Processing

The layer names are:

1. Application
2. Presentation
3. Session
4. Transport
5. Network
6. Data-link
7. Physical

They are often referred to by numbers (1-7).

OSI is the acronym for Open System Interconnect. ISO is the International Standards Organization.

The New Normal: Solving Technical Problems

Laptops Allow Work Outside

The New Normal: Solving Technical Problems

Technology has carried us along changing the way we move through our days. Some tech giving us mastery (easy photos and video on a smartphone) other tech is simply necessary to conduct our lives (direct deposits of income to financial accounts). On an individual basis, we can control how much or how little we automate our lives: mobile deposits to the bank or a physical visit to the bank, for example.



Access to email, social media, financial accounts, bill paying, and more has become necessary instead of optional. A certain amount of technical mastery is necessary to keep our world chugging along. New mobile phones are complicated, but we all rely on some level of phone service. Many people prefer communication by text which encourages others to increase their mobile phone competence.


Often technical problem-solving is as easy as finding a helpful video or instructions on the internet hence the term “google it.” Discussions with friends and coworkers can reveal tips and paths to solutions.

Social Media Interaction on a Smartphone

I think we can all agree that internet technology though frustrating at times, can provide entertainment and nurturing of interests as well as social connections. I enjoy sharing information and photos on birdwatching and gardening with people of similar interests on Twitter.



I recently spent a couple of weeks on a blog article about technical problem solving on a DVR. I know that I had saved the article multiple times. On my final proofreading the article COMPLETELY DISAPPEARED (!). We can all be humbled at times by technical snafus. Often there is nothing to be done about it, but to start over.

Mobile Phones Can Accomplish Multiple Tasks

Instead of rewriting the saga of successfully updating a stubborn DVR, I chose to write about the inevitability of technical problems. We are all dealing with technical challenges whether a senior in assisted living keeping up with family on Facebook, a baby boomer updating mobile phones, a millennial using a phone locator to find a misplaced phone, or a college student opening up a checking account online.



Put one foot in front of the other, keep on moving forward, and thank that person (if you have one) that always helps you untangle your technical difficulties.

Technology Can Require Problem-solving

Communication - It's not what it seems

While we were in church recently, my son received 3 emails from me. It was about 10:30 am on May 20. We thought the emails must have been delayed in an iPad outbox. The strange thing was these emails were dated May 16, May 4, and April 29. April 29th!

Actually they were not sent through iPad email. They were written and sent using the Gmail app on my iPad.

Gmail is the backbone of my communication system. I have all my business and personal emails organized in folders by subject. The idea that some emails are not delivered or delivered late is very unsettling.

Three weeks ago, my father left a voice mail on my phone. Because of the time of day, I knew it was him, and expected his message. Much to my surprise my iPhone showed not one, but 3 "new" voice messages. His message from that day (May 3rd), his  message from March, and a business message from April. Needless to say, I was mortified that I thought a business contact ignored my call and didn't return it. In fact, she did call and leave a message.

I have had some discussion with my mobile service provider to see if this can be avoided in the future.

Lastly, in April my brother sent me a text with order information. I didn't get it at all so after some back and forth, he resent it.

I have gone through all this just to point out that when you send an email, or text, or even leave a phone message, one cannot assume that communication was received. I have just shown serious examples of system failures.

What can we do to make sure important information is received? With emails, it is helpful if the receiver responds in some way. Just a "got it" will work. Same with a text. A smiley emoji or "thanks."  If a voice message goes unanswered, call again or send a follow-up email or text.

And if you see the person, "Hi! Did you get my email?"

Disable Remote Access to Your Computers

What it is:

Remote access or remote assistance is a feature that allows entrance to your computer. Some of the dangers of a home or business computer being accessed are clear and others are less obvious.

Dangers of Remote Access to Your Computers - You Might Know These:

•  Access Confidential Data Files
• Use Your Computer to Send Spam Emails
• Install Malware that Records Keystrokes to Access Passwords and Account Numbers

Dangers of Remote Access to Your Computers -Less Known:

• Use Your Computer to Attack Another Computer or Web Server
• Use Your Computer to Launch a Worm, Virus, or Malware
• Use Your Computer to Tie Up a Network's Resources
• Use Your Computer to Spy in a Large Network
• Use Your Computer to Hide a Hacker's Identity

 

Why is it a Problem:

In this video by the BBB, a remote access scam is described. A phone call is received from someone claiming to be tech support at Apple. They claim your iCloud account has been hacked. They say the good news is they can fix the problem with remote access to your computer. Once they have access to your computer they can copy your private files, install malware, or perform any other breaches as described in the lists above.

How to Fix the Problem:

Remote access can be easily disabled. If it is ever needed for a legitimate reason, the process can be reversed. Since every version of Windows has a different path to reach remote settings, the easiest way to find your process is to run a google search.

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The Internet of Things Makes Your Home "Smart"

Back in June 2015, I wrote about the Internet of Things for ASQ (American Society of Quality). Two years have passed and devices that manage technology in our homes are becoming more commonplace. The term "smart home" describes the control and automation of lighting, heating, air conditioning, security, and appliances.

Honeywell Device for Detecting Leaks

Leak detection prevents water damage
The device shown above serves as a leak detector. The wire is a sensor for moisture. The box is a WiFi interface. This device can be placed near a water heater or washing machine. In the case of a leak, an email is sent to the owner.

Email Advising of Leak

Controlling temperature from a phone or other mobile device
More and more people are replacing their thermostats with models that connect to the internet via WiFi and can be controlled through an app on a mobile device. In this way, the home temperature can be checked and adjusted remotely.

WiFi Thermostat

One use is to raise the air conditioning setting while out of town. Once you are on your way home, you can remotely lower the setting so the home temperature will be comfortable when you arrive.

Mobile Phone App Screen Controlling Thermostat

Tablet App Screen Controlling Thermostat

Home security
Many internet of things in the home improve security. Lights and televisions can be turned on and off while on vacation so the home looks occupied. Cameras can be installed inside and out, and viewed on a device from another location (see screenshot below).

Tablet App Showing Camera Views of Business

An internet-enabled doorbell with camera allows the homeowner to respond by voice to someone at the front door even when they're in another location. This uses an app on a mobile device.

New home construction offers smart home technology. The addition of internet-enabled devices to older homes is being simplified to do-it-yourself home improvement projects.

This article first appeared in Quality: Improvements in Work and Life.

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Youtube Redirects to the Mobile Version on Desktop and How to Fix It

Mobile Version of YouTube on PC Screen

Two weeks ago I wanted to watch a favorite YouTube video . When I opened YouTube using Chrome browser on my Windows 8.1 Desktop personal computer, I saw a screen similar to the one above. It's recognizable as YouTube, but when clicked nothing happens. A quick workaround was to use another browser, but my favorite videos were bookmarked in Chrome.

A discussion with a family member about youtube.com redirecting to m.youtube.com revealed I was dealing with the mobile version of YouTube. It would not respond to mouse clicks.

A Google search suggested clearing out cookies.
Listed below is the click sequence:
Customize and Control Google Chrome>
Settings>
Show Advanced Settings>
Clear browsing data (Under Privacy section)>
Cookies and other site and plugin data>
Clear browsing data.
Afterwards the problem persisted.

YouTube.com Was Redirected to m.YouTube.com

I found a 2014 YouTube forum thread with the solution. Type chrome://settings/cookies in your Chrome browser window. A list of cookies will appear. Click Remove all. This got rid of the mobile version of YouTube on my desktop. Here's the 2014 thread.

All credit for this solution and the screenshot at the top of this page go to the thread contributors at that link.

How do you safely clean a laptop screen?

Looking back, I'm not sure what prompted the mobile YouTube to hijack my browser. I have a new laptop with the same Chrome identity. With that laptop being a touch screen perhaps there was some cyber-confusion. I try to limit my use of the touch feature on the new laptop because it makes a smeary mess of the screen. Can anyone relate? Any tips for safely cleaning a laptop screen? I would love to hear them. Also if you have experienced the YouTube mobile redirect or know why this happened, I would be interested to hear from you.

Thanks for reading my post. I've been busy with classes, but it's great to be writing about web technology again. Advertising on this blog supports my writing. By clicking an ad, you are under no obligation to buy. If you see an advertisement of interest, please click.

Small Business Cybersecurity: The People Connection

Data from 2015 shows that 20% of U.S. businesses hacked are small with less than 250 employees. 60% of those fail after the attack. For small and medium-sized businesses, the average cost of a data breach is $21,000.

In 2016 an accountant was hacked and financial information and social security numbers from accounts were stolen. By the time the breach was discovered, a false return had been filed with the IRS in my family's name.

Cyber criminals or hackers use stolen information to obtain money. Sometimes they use the data, but often it is sold to other criminals. With names and social security numbers, criminals can file fraudulent claims for tax refunds.

Hackers also steal bank account information, credit and debit card numbers and authentication details, personal information, medical records, trademark information, trade secrets and others. A list of names, phone numbers, and addresses can be used by IRS scammers. Those criminals make threats and convince people to wire money or mail debit cards.

Preventing business cybercrime requires several levels of defense. Employee internet habits are one layer of cybercrime security that should be addressed. Since downloads of software are one of the primary causes of virus attacks, employee internet policies need to be solid and well communicated.

Steps to prevent cybercrime caused by employee behavior:

Company policies

Robust and clear company policies need to be written, distributed, and updated regularly.
These policies would cover the following areas:

• email and internet use
• protecting confidential information
• policy communication and updates

Security training

Periodic meetings should be held to discuss security issues and concerns. Use recent news reports and videos to highlight different security concerns. Be clear about new threats from cyber crime and security changes to address those threats. Employees should be educated to be alert to phishing emails and suspicious attachments or links. A cybersecurity manager should be named who can respond to employee questions in a timely manner. This person should also insure policies are written, updated, and communicated.

Control Access

Limit administrative and password access. Regularly change passwords and establish limiting access to levels of data where possible. When employees are terminated, immediate changes in network access should be made.


Protecting organizations from cybercrime is a complex issue. Employee internet behavior is one area that should be managed to keep business information secure.

A cybersecurity tip sheet for small businesses by the Department of Homeland Security can be found here.

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What is the Internet of Things?

What is the Internet of Things, and how does it affect you? Devices that communicate and share data on the internet are the Internet of Things (IoT). Our smart phones access all types of data through apps. The amount and type of data we access will increase as more and more devices are connected to the internet.

We can access more traffic information as street cameras network and commuter systems come online.  Sensors can detect heart rate and track our movement. This translates into health data we can access through mobile devices like smart phones or smart watches. As sensors are developed to detect even more health information, other data will be available through our devices. This information could prompt a visit to the doctor or give us the reassurance that a visit isn't necessary. We may exchange this data with our healthcare provider, and let her decide a course of action.

If you have 17 minutes, the following 2012 Tedx video by Dr. John Barrett offers a good explanation of the Internet of Things. Since its taping, more devices have become internet-compatible, and, as he predicts, there are even more things we can do with our smart phones because of the additional data on the internet.

I've written Managing the Quality of Internet-linked Products for ASQ Influential Voices. It can be found by clicking here.

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ed2go Online Classes: Great Value and Content

Update 1-28-2017:

In October 2016 I reported in an update that Ed2Go fees had increased to $149. This represented a doubling of pricing. Since then, I've discovered some pricing tips while signing up for a class on stock analysis.

• The day prior to class starting, my class went on sale through Ed2Go for $104.30. I was thrilled with the savings.
• Some classes are still offered for $70. Apparently, pricing depends on subject matter.
• Later, I found the stock analysis Ed2Go class listed under my local community college's continuing education portal for $70.
• The same class was listed under another local community college portal for $149.

I conclude that the more expensive Ed2Go courses can still be found for $70 under some community college programs. Check around!

If you have found low-cost online courses to recommend, please leave a comment below.


ed2go ROCKS - HERE'S WHY::

1. Inexpensive
2. Good Course Content
3. No high pressure assignments

I recently finished my second ed2go class, Introduction to Javascript.  These classes are a bargain at $70. The course content is very organized and thorough. The administrative details are handled through your local community college. For my first class, Six Sigma: Total Quality Applications, I accidentally signed up for a similarly titled course. The staff at my local community college were quick and efficient at correcting my mistake.

Once the course starts, you'll get a new lesson every Wednesday and Friday. The lesson is available in a text format which I saved to my computer and iPad for easy access. A 5-question quiz serves as a self-check at the end of the lesson. This grade does not count. I copied and pasted the corrected quizzes to a word document for later study. 

Each lesson has an assignment which also is not graded, but its completion obviously enhances the lesson.  Hyperlinks are provided to supplementary material. There's a class discussion area for each lesson, and I've found the instructors to be very prompt in responding to posted questions.

Each lesson includes:

• reading material
• very short quiz
• assignment
• optional discussion board

The classes run 6 weeks with an additional 2 weeks (if needed) to finish and take the final exam. An 80% minimum exam grade earns the right to print a certificate of completion. There is no college credit for the courses, but you do earn continuing education units.

ed2go online learning

How to use keywords and phrases for website SEO ( Part II)

The previous post defined SEO and explained the selection of keywords and phrases which I have abbreviated "keys."

Elevate keywords and phrases

Once the keys have been identified, place them in your website where search engine programs will scan and index your website.

If you are not familiar with HTML, tag names like title, alt descriptions, and headings may be confusing. Study your website template program to find options to alter the tags without analyzing the HTML code.

Places to use keys to improve SEO ranking

1. Include them in your title. The title can extend 70 – 75 characters.

2.  Compose a meta description using the keys. This should be a nice paragraph of 30-40 words.

3. Use keys in image alt descriptions. Alt descriptions provide accessibility for screen reader users. These descriptions are scanned by search engines. Images are not scanned.

4. Use keys within headings.

It makes sense that keys would make good headings for webpage content. Use headings to break up long text passages, and improve readability.

5. Use keys in hyperlinks.

To link to another webpage, don’t use “click here.” Use a description for the link. This is better website design as well as giving the search engine another look at your “keys.”

6. Use keys in URLs. The URL is the filename for a webpage. It is created when the page is created and saved.

URL Example 1:

http://www.webstudiosouth.com/vector_art.html

URL Example 2:

http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/05704928508060427#.UnGQWvlwqSo

Example 1 has a higher SEO ranking than example 2.

Example 2 has no recognizable words. Example 1 could be further improved by expanding words into more descriptive phrases.

If you are upgrading an existing website, file name changes should be made carefully. Any links to that page need to be updated.

7. Place keys strategically within body text.

This content needs to make sense with strategic placement of keys. Writing well for your audience should have priority over the inclusion of keys. 

Of all the keyword and phrases placement options, body text placement is the most powerful for SEO ranking.

I plan to blog more about SEO. See, it's not that mysterious!

This you tube video features a Google executive with great tips on SEO.

What is SEO and how do you do it?

Search Engine Optimization or SEO is website design that maximizes opportunities for search engine programs (some are called Googlebots) to correctly index the site subject matter, and moves the website towards the top of the search engine list for keywords or phrases. Popular search engines are Google, Bing, and Yahoo.

Select keywords and phrases

SEO starts with careful selection of keywords and phrases. This research becomes the foundation of your strategy. For the purpose of this explanation, let’s abbreviate keywords and phrases “keys.”

Produce a list of 10 to 20 keys. Use brainstorming techniques to build the list.

Then narrow down the list to 3-5 keys by performing web searches or interviewing website users.  There are online tools that provide search data for keywords. At this time, most of these services charge a fee or require application for a trial period. This would include wordtracker.com, keyword planner at adwords.google.com or keyworddiscovery.com. If you use these tools, the number of searches by keyword and phrases can help finalize your list.

My next blog entry will explain where to use your keywords and phrases (keys) in your website for SEO.

This you tube video offers a simple definition for SEO.

Deceptive mailing on Domain Renewal

I received a deceptive mailer requesting payment to continue my domain name. Upon closer inspection, Domain Registry of America is not the company responsible for my domain registry.

The official appearance of this mailing has lead to domain owners making payment to this company and unknowingly changing their registry.

This practice has been reported in another blog  in 2010. The mailer claims low registration prices, but they are higher than usual.

The Buffalo, New York, Better Business Bureau has several complaints against Domain Registry of America for this type mailer. They have been given a "F" rating.

If you receive this type mailer, throw it away.

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Marketing in Web Design

In a face-to-face business website like an ice cream shop or car lot, it’s important to include a photo. This allows the potential customer to preview the storefront. Then they can visualize themselves going to the business.

Accuweather Gadget Installs Easily

I had another opportunity to install a weather gadget on one of my websites. I followed the instructions in my May 25, 2012 blog and was rewarded with a weather information-packed site.

This is the 630 X 440 size with the Seasons Spring 1 background (jpg image of the web page).

Weather Forecast | Weather Maps

Above is the 180 X 150 size with the Basic Colors Gold background (actual gadget html on blog).

Thanks net Weather!

Publishing a swf file to a website using Dreamweaver 5.5

In my Multimedia course, we produced several projects using Adobe Flash Professional. We were required to put those projects on a webpage using the school server and the Dreamweaver FTP interface.

I learned there are some special steps to make your Flash project display correctly.

Insert> Media> SWF

Click the above sequence when your cursor is in the correct location[where you want the flash project displayed] in either the code or display view.

Dreamweaver prompts you to select the SWF file and an accessibility description. Then Dreamweaver inserts the file with coding.

If you try to preview in a browser, the project will not display correctly.  There is an error given:

My instructor told me to delete the script coding added by Dreamweaver and then it will display.  There was a script code in the head and several lines at the bottom of the body html.  Look for the <script> and </script>, and delete all that code.

I do not know why this fixes the problem, but it was invaluable.

Optimize photos for the web

If you upload photos to the web for a blog or website, it is best to optimize the photo first. This reduces the file size so your viewers don't have an annoying delay while large photo files are loaded.

I use Adobe Photoshop for photo optimization. It is part of the Adobe Creative Suite I bought for my web technology classes. There are other photo editing programs so research the web for the best option for you. Your camera's software may have photo editing capabilities.

To optimize in Photoshop:

1. Open the image in PS
2. Duplicate the image (image > duplicate)
3. Crop excess photo around subject
4. Reduce image size (image > size > change dimensions here/select bicubic sharper > ok)
5. File > Save for web > jpeg medium quality

Duplicate your image so, if you're not happy with the results, your original is preserved.

For landscape orientation, I use a 300 pixel width and let the height set proportionately.
For portrait orientation, I use a 250 pixel width.



Most jpeg images, will be fine at a medium quality.
The optimization process reduced a 183K file down to 18K. That will allow websites with your photographs to download much quicker.


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Finding a web host

I blogged earlier in the year about trying out a free web hosting service. If you followed those blogs, you are aware that the site was down more than it was up. Taking into account the time spent putting together a website, setting up the server account, and loading the website to the web host server, I concluded that even a free web host was not worth the trouble if the site was down extensively.

Web hosting can be obtained for around $5 a month, and there are many reliable choices. I launched my first commercial website in September, and have found IMH to be a good web host. As with many host companies, their website provides tutorials and instructional materials for website management. They also have customer service tools like a chat line and faq pages that are helpful.

I chose my host company by geographic location and pricing. Decide what aspects of a web host are most important to you, and chose your host accordingly.  Recommendations from friends can also help in the decision making.

Domain Name Transfer

I recently had to transfer a domain name when I designed a replacement web site for a company. This transfer was shrouded in mystery until I went through the process.

Originally the former webmaster had established the domain name with Go Daddy. To complete the transfer, I had to set up an account there.

 The former webmaster needed two pieces of information from me:

1. My email that I used to set up the Go Daddy Account

2. Go Daddy Account number

She initiated the transfer. About 20 minutes later, I received an email from Go Daddy with a change of registrant pending notice.

I signed into my account to accept the change. I did have trouble with the hidden menus on the Go Daddy website, and required customer service to point me in the right direction. The phone representative was very helpful.

Now that the domain name transfer is complete, future renewal notices will come to me. That completed the transfer. Once I set up a web host, I pointed the domain to the web host nameservers.