PSA Newsletter 29: Privacy, Security, Automation!
How to Stop Microsoft Word Saving to Cloud By Default, Passkey Guides, and Meshtastic...
Privacy
Microsoft has recently announced that Microsoft Word will start automatically saving to cloud destinations soon, with plans to extend this to the other Office apps by end of year. To disable this feature, open Options > Save and deselect Create new files in the cloud automatically. While it may be more convenient for office documents to be saved to OneDrive by default, this is a choice that should be left to the user, in my opinion. [1]
Security
Passkeys are the successor to passwords, but can be difficult to figure out. Luckily, Apple and Google have guides on how to get started with them. All upcoming OS 26 Apple platforms will also include the ability to export Passkeys from the Apple Passwords app to a Third-Party password manager of choice, such as 1Password or Bitwarden. [2] [3]
Autonomy
This issue's Automation section is taking a back seat for another Autonomy practice. While smartphones are incredible pocket computers, they often leave something to be desired when cellular connectivity is absent or congested. In those instances, Meshtastic can help. Meshtastic is an off-grid, open source project which uses small devices to communicate. The range isn't as far as cell reception, but it can mesh together to cover large distances. Meshtastic is way easier to use than Ham radio and doesn't require a license or lengthy test preparation. There are lots of hardware choices, but I prefer the Seeed T1000-E because it's very simple to set up and the battery lasts for days on a single charge. [4]
