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I'm a high school teacher and every 3 months I need to send mass text messages to 50-100 phone numbers. Please a suggest a free/cheap service that I can rely on. [more inside]
posted by gnutron at 4:27 PM - 4 answers

I am not an avid cellphone user, I have never given anyone my number, I do not like speaking on the phone, and I definiely do not want a smartphone. Tracfone says my phone is obsolete, and due to changes in their carrier's system, will cease to function soon. [more inside]
posted by ackptui at 1:42 PM - 9 answers

I am filming some informational videos with my iPhone 11 and I need a microphone to assist with sound quality. [more inside]
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 5:52 AM - 6 answers

I have a large (300+) excel spreadsheet of customer names and addresses. These people each need a package shipped to them. Is there a way to import the list into UPS, or am I stuck entering each one individually? I do have access to a CampusShip account, but all I see is an address book.
posted by Violet Hour at 12:40 AM - 1 answers

I’m running a basic streaming setup through OBS. Every time I power up my PC I have to either bump up or down my audio settings by about 15db. Sometimes it is too loud so I turn it down, other times it is too low, so I turn it up. None of the settings on the mixer, usb interface or PC have been changed between startups. What could be causing this? I’d like to be able to just turn on my PC and have the settings the same each time, rather than having to make adjustments each time. (specs inside) [more inside]
posted by roaring beast at 10:59 AM - 7 answers

How many Netflixes to the moon and back? How much Encyclopedia Brittanica can fit on the head of a pin? How long would you need to listen to Spotify to read all emails ever? [more inside]
posted by turbid dahlia at 2:57 PM - 19 answers

Google Forms is clearing forms instead of accepting responses and we don't know why. [more inside]
posted by firemonkey at 11:03 AM - 3 answers

I recently purchased Phillips Hue Bulbs (as well as a Bridge). Bring on the sunrise! What will make my smart home smartest? [more inside]
posted by Mr Yak at 11:27 AM - 5 answers

I am curious about a wireless microphone headset for a teacher -- preferably with a remote speaker. Budget under $100. Battery should last the school day, but charging each night is fine. Can anyone suggest a specific unit, or general principles of the things, or pitfalls to avoid? [more inside]
posted by wenestvedt at 5:36 PM - 6 answers

I have two male RCA output cables that I want to be XLR male outputs. I am not savvy at google for this kind of thing. I have RCA (F) to 1/4" (M) if that helps get to XLR male output. Sorry for the weird gender connector language, I'm not savvy with 'plug'/'jack' distinctions, etc.
posted by vocativecase at 5:12 PM - 9 answers

I'm very new to beatmaking (but not new to GarageBand or Soundtrap) and would like to learn how to make beats--just beats!--in a DAW. Details below the fold. [more inside]
posted by pxe2000 at 5:09 AM - 1 answers

Can you recommend a good resource to give an entry-level web developer a survey or playbook of relevant topics in engineering? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:07 AM - 9 answers

Hi! We recently upgraded the hardware in our sanctuary for improved streaming, using 3 Canon VIXIA HF R800 Camcorders, each zoomed in on a different pulpit, and connected via HDMI to a Black Magic ATEM switcher connected to our Mac. The problem: every time we turn on the cameras, they revert to a default setting and need to be manually zoomed back to the correct focus. Is there a way to change the default zoom (like a preset?) so when we turn them on, each camera is zoomed in correctly without having to fiddle with each camera's settings before every service? Thanks!
posted by ericbop at 9:30 AM - 3 answers

After many failures, I finally found some Bluetooth earbud-style headphones that suited my needs (Anker SoundBuds Slim), only to have them be discontinued. Now I'm looking for a replacement that has the same qualities. [more inside]
posted by jb at 12:29 PM - 10 answers

Hello! I recently decided to treat myself to good headphones and got the Sennheiser Momentum 2 AEBT model. They are over-the-ear (I don't like buds), noise-cancelling, bluetooth, with built-in microphone. They're great! Except the microphone doesn't seem to work. Whether paired by BT or wired, when I test the microphone on my Windows 10 Lenovo laptop, the volume level barely gets to 2%. I've tried all I can think of (updating drivers, re-pairing, the usuals) with no dice. The problem is, I can't find anyone talking about microphones at all. [more inside]
posted by Legomancer at 7:23 AM - 21 answers

This might sound confused: because I am confused! My elderly relative is confused! It's possible that the phone company and the ISP are confused! I'm trying to help my relative get POTS landline phone and internet service working again. We think the phone was turned off because bills weren't paid. But now the phone company is saying that they need to install fiber optic service before the phone will work. [more inside]
posted by SandiBeech at 9:40 AM - 9 answers

My Bionaire Twin Window fan (top pick on The Wirecutter) stopped working (won't power on) and I'd really like to keep it out of the landfill. It was a gift from years ago so I can't return it. I suspect a fuse might have blown but I don't have time to become an electrical tinkerer and don't have anyone in my circle who is that person. [more inside]
posted by oxisos at 9:24 AM - 7 answers

How do I use my AirPods Pro with my Polk React soundbar, Xbox Series X, and LG BX 55” OLED TV? [more inside]
posted by antgly at 5:48 PM - 2 answers

After many months of dithering (see previous Ask) I'm close to finally buying myself a badly-needed new laptop. I'll use it for video editing, game making, comics creation and other graphics-intensive tasks, along with lots of writing. I'll be buying this on Amazon because I've saved up nearly $1000 in Amazon gift cards. I'm hoping to find something for under $1500. I've narrowed down my choices to three computers and I could use some advice about which would be best, or if there's a better choice I'm missing. [more inside]
posted by Ursula Hitler at 5:00 PM - 9 answers

I have a long list of people (2000-3000). I know their names and smattering of other publicly-available professional details. What are programmatic ways to keep up with developments in their careers, news headlines, and other public information? [more inside]
posted by GPF at 8:27 AM - 6 answers