With a new year, comes renewed hope and enthusiasm for the potential that 2021 holds. Unfortunately, we still find ourselves facing many challenges due to the Coronavirus (COVID‑19) restrictions. Our Home Learning Support resource is still available on our website. This collection of information, links and resources can be accessed at: https://karten-network.org.uk/home-learning-support/
An app included in the Home Learning Support resources, BorrowBox allows you to access audio as well as eBooks from your local library for free. If not already registered with your local library, this can be done through the app.
You may find however, depending on your local library service that you get stuck in an error loop when trying to register on an iOS or iPadOS device. This is caused by Apple’s strong password feature which automatically generates a password when filling in forms. While you can choose to use this password or create your own, the library service web-form validation constantly alerts you to the error that you are unable to do this.
I would therefore suggest registering with your library on a computer first. The government website provides a handy postcode lookup to find your nearest library: https://www.gov.uk/join-library
Alternatively, you can choose to disable the strong password feature.
To do this:
- Tap on the Settings icon
- Scroll down and tap “Passwords”
- Tap “AutoFill Passwords”
- Turn off AutoFill Passwords
When devices misbehave
Thankfully, most mobile devices are very reliable but when things do go wrong, what can you do, particularly under the Coronavirus restrictions? For Apple devices, Apple Repair (https://support.apple.com/en-gb/repair) offer a variety of options including, phone and online chat support, and the option for the device to be collected by a courier, repaired and returned to you.
It will be best to know the Apple ID and password before beginning the repair request process. It may also be handy to have your device’s IMEI/MEID, or ICCID (i.e. the serial number). To find this on an iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad please see Apple’s guide available at: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204073
Some other providers/suppliers may offer a similar service, including the option for a technician to visit your premises, conducting the repairs outside.
For software issues where remote assistance is appropriate, my go-to application is TeamViewer. TeamViewer is free for private and non-commercial use. Various licencing/ pricing options are available, including a free 14-day trial.
A possible challenge with the use of TeamViewer is the app needs to be installed on the mobile device. For some devices, such as Samsung devices will require an add-on TeamViewer app. If this is the case, the user will be prompted to install the add-on app when they install the TeamViewer QuickSupport app.
To establish a remote session the app needs to be launched, the TeamViewer ID needs to be sent to the person providing remote support – for some this may be difficult and require extra support. Thankfully this process has been made more user friendly.
Once the connection is established you can view the screen and in the case of Android devices and computers control the device as if you had physical access to it, including restarting it.
Unfortunately, currently iOS and iPadOS devices only allow screen sharing with a text and audio chat facility. You will therefore need to guide the person, instructing them what actions to take.
A word of caution: do not accept TeamViewer support from people or organisations you do not know and trust.
For more information on TeamViewer, please visit the TeamViewer website: https://www.teamviewer.com/
Website developments
As mentioned [earlier in the newsletter], the Ian Karten Charitable Trust website was launched in December 2020 to mark the centenary of the Trust’s founder, Ian Karten MBE. To coincide with this quick access tabs have been added to the Karten Network website. These allow access to the Nuvoic, Techabilty and Ian Karten Charitable Trust websites.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Jo Healy for her valuable feedback. Thanks to this I have improved the Centre Edit form.
If you have any other suggestions, comments or requests regarding any of the Karten websites, please contact me.
As always, I am available to support and help where I can. Please also feel free to let me know if there is a particular topic you would like covered in future newsletters.
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- Featured in the Karten January 2021 Newsletter
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