On Computers

Capture any image from any computer screen

After extensive research -- we talked to several people -- we found that most people don't know how to capture what they see on the computer. This is shocking but true.

Why would you want to do that in the first place? Well, if you can capture the screen image or any part of it, you can print that out, email it, use it yourself or post it to Facebook. Somewhere in all that there may be a copyright involved; so if you think there is, don't do it without permission.

You can capture anything you see on your computer screen. No exceptions. And there are lots of different tools for doing it. What's more, you can add comments, include extra directions on a map, do long explanations with arrows pointing to appropriate spots. So let's get everybody in gear.

The easiest way is to just select "save as" after right-clicking an image. That's it, you got it. You can also use the "snipping tool" in Windows 7 and later. After snipping, go to the file menu and select "save as."

Personal computers both old and new have a "print screen" button on the keyboard. Sometimes it's labeled Prt Scr, but you get the idea. Press "alt" and then the print screen key. You just captured an image of what's on the screen; unfortunately, you don't see anything and will likely think that nothing whatsoever has happened. This has thrown many people, including us in the early days.

In order to see the print screen capture, open the Paint program that comes with all personal computers. (In older computers, find it under "accessories.") Select "paste" and the screen capture will appear. The equivalent Mac program is Paintbrush, which can be downloaded for free. To do a screen capture on the Mac, press "cmd" and the "shift" key, then tap the number 4. For phones, it's usually a matter of holding down two buttons. Search on "screen shot on an Android or iPhone" for details.

If you want to go beyond the free programs, Bob recommends CaptureWiz Pro, $40 from pixelmetrics.com. Joy likes the new Snap 8, from Ashampoo.com, which has a tool for stripping the background from your image. Both have free trials.

Money to Go

Google is working on a way to let you read a bill in your email and pay it right there without leaving your inbox. Facebook is rolling out something similar, letting you transfer money to friends and family right there in the Facebook Messenger app, which split off from Facebook last Spring. You can also send money to anyone through the Google Wallet app. None of this can be good news for Western Union.

The future Gmail bill paying service is code-named "Pony Express" -- which shouldn't affect Wells Fargo any more. Both this and the coming Facebook service will lend new meaning to not leaving a paper trail. (Couldn't resist.)

Will these Web giants get too much information about spending and lending habits? We're not worried, but the usual protesters will appear on schedule.

App Happy

We spotted some great recipes in a WebMD magazine in the doctor's office, including one for "Tofu-Pineapple Stir Fry." (OK, Joy thought it sounded great; Bob still prefers grilled cheese.) But when we tried to subscribe, we discovered that the print version is only available in doctor's offices. (We think rioting in the streets might be appropriate here.)

But not to worry: WebMD has a free magazine app, bringing all the articles to your iPad or iPhone, but not to Android phones. Once it's downloaded, you'll find the magazine app under the "Newstand" category. There's a separate WebMD app for medical advice that works with Android phones but no magazine (a definite blow to tofu-pineapple stir fry fans.)

Another Lollipop Goodie

After we temporarily lost our cellphone, we added a lock code. Now, no one can get in unless they know the code, but it's frustrating to have to type it in every time the screen goes dark, which happens in just one minute of idleness. With the new Lollipop operating system, available on phones with Android 5.0, the phone is more responsive to your environment.

A new Smart Lock lets your phone stay unlocked as long as you are carrying it or using it in your car or home. To set it up on the Nexus 6 and similar phones, tap "settings," then "personal," and finally "security." Under "advanced," tap "trust agents," and turn on Smart Lock.

Besides the Nexus, Lollipop or Android 5.0, it can be found on Galaxy S5 phones and is coming in the next few weeks to the Galaxy Note 4, Galaxy Note Edge, LG G3, Motorola Droid Ultra, Droid Maxx, Droid Mini, HTC, OnePlus, Asus ZenPhone 4, 5 and 6, and the Nvidia Shield Tablet.

Hackers Win

Hewlett Packard recently sponsored a hacking contest in Vancouver, Canada, to see if anyone could break into "unhackable" programs, websites and browsers. It may come as no surprise that there were people out there who were fully capable of hacking into the unhackable.

Contest participants found 21 critical bugs, and earned more than $500,000 in prize money. Almost half of that, $225,000, went to one guy, Jung Hoon Lee, who hacked his way into Google's Chrome Web browser, despite Google's claim it was almost impossible. He also earned money hacking Internet Explorer and Safari, as well as Adobe Reader and Adobe Flash. It was the most ever won by a single person.

Internuts

• "Breathtaking Frozen Bubbles Look like Glass Ornaments." Search on that phrase to find some remarkable bubbles. The creator mixes dish soap with Karo syrup. The bubbles look like etched glass.

• "The World's Most Opulent Outdoor Bathtubs." Bob liked the Bali bathtub, which looks like a private pond. It includes a waterfall and shower. Joy favored the handcrafted tub looking out on the East Vietnam Sea.

• "Twelve of the Weirdest Hotel Rooms." There's the Hobbit Hotel in New Zealand, Hotel de Glace in Canada and Marmara in Turkey.

Bob and Joy Schwabach can be reached by email at bobschwa@gmail.com and joydee@oncomp.com.

SundayMonday Business on 04/06/2015

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