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My organization recently switched to a softphone client and needs to complete SMS registration. We're not registering for any of the use cases the process seems to assume. We're submitting registration through an online portal so there's no one to reason with. I am your classic burned out nonprofit operations staffer, I have been fully out of spoons since 2020, and I am losing my mind trying to do this. If you have successfully completed this for a similar use case, please explain how. Details inside. [more inside]
posted by Fish, fish, are you doing your duty? at 11:27 AM - 3 answers

I'm looking into getting a wire stripper. Something like this. Some of the bad reviews discourage me though. What do you have? [more inside]
posted by falsedmitri at 10:47 AM - 4 answers

I want to make a dedicated little always-on display that simply shows the time remaining to 7am every day. Ideally it comes in an enclosure which can sit upright on my desk and be charged/powered by USB from my computer. Is there some sort of programmable hobbyist display that can do this? Hooking an Arduino up to a LCD and mounting them inside a box feels like over-engineering. Any suggestions welcome.
posted by Panthalassa at 4:17 PM - 6 answers

An affordable housing funder needs a system for borrowers to submit data (similar to HUD/Low Income Housing Tax Credit data), so the funder can submit reports to community stakeholders. I'm researching external vendors who could create and maintain this system (for 30+ years). So far, all paths have been dead ends. Can you recommend IT vendors who might provide this service? [more inside]
posted by rebent at 11:08 AM - 5 answers

We are working to help support our mom with finances, managing various agreements, investments, bank accounts, real estate management, and so on. We're remote from her, in a different state. Is there easy to use software that can help when we need her signature on something? [more inside]
posted by flug at 6:21 PM - 12 answers

Older relatives in the USA need a new TV ASAP. Probably looking for something in the 42" to 50" range based on viewing distance. I offered to do some research for them, but I haven't purchased a TV since 2008, apparently they're all terrible now? I'd be grateful for any advice on what I should be looking for or specific recommendations. [more inside]
posted by nanny's striped stocking at 8:06 AM - 12 answers

I have the basic free zoom account. Ocasionally I have to conduct interviews via zoom, and while they usually run about 30 minutes, there's always a chance I could bump up against the 40 minute cut off. For this reason, I'm thinking of getting the paid version. [more inside]
posted by gigondas at 8:08 PM - 5 answers

I have an old macro lens for my phone which I had to stop using when I got a new phone, because I couldn’t get a case to fit it. I found someone selling a 13mm-17mm adapter ring for it, and want to know the best way of firmly attaching the adapter to the lens. [more inside]
posted by Bloxworth Snout at 1:05 PM - 3 answers

I'm looking for a specific blog post/article about ethics/danger in software engineering. Content warning: potential military/bombing applications. [more inside]
posted by conkystconk at 4:01 AM - 2 answers

I have accidentally deleted an important note in my iPhone Notes app - it must have been more than three months ago as it is not in the "Recently Deleted" folder. I backup my phone onto my laptop via iTunes (no cloud backup) - is there a hidden iTunes file or folder on my laptop somewhere where I can find my last Notes backup? [more inside]
posted by Naanwhal at 5:44 PM - 4 answers

I am using a template developed about 8 years ago in Word. It is the template we use to publish our learning materials. Now that we are all on Windows 11 machines, the template headings and left margins have all moved off the page to the left when I open a document made in the template. I correct them, but next time I open the document, they have moved to the left again. What do I do to stop this? There is no mention of the word compatibility when I open a working document in this template. [more inside]
posted by Thella at 9:48 PM - 4 answers

Having read about the horrors of UV lights going wrong (Cancer! Scalding retinas! Mercury poisoning!) I am now too scared to use a blacklight lamp at public events. Can any one offer wisdom on how to do this safely? [more inside]
posted by freya_lamb at 5:03 AM - 6 answers

For work reasons, my home computer setup needs to get a bit more complex, and I'm getting into areas where I'm not familiar. I need to be able to switch my monitor between two PCs, and one is a laptop that I'm hoping to just dock and start using my own keyboard and mouse. I'm looking at this monitor, but I want to be sure I understand how it works before I pull the trigger. [more inside]
posted by Naberius at 1:14 PM - 6 answers

Someone chewed on my monitor and cracked it, and now portions of the monitor are annoyingly distorted and unusable. (I don't sleepwalk and eat electronics, so process of elimination suggests the large floofy monster-child decided to have a midnight chomp session.) Help me pick a new affordable 27" monitor, and a protective monitor cover so this new one doesn't get eaten too? [more inside]
posted by cnidaria at 12:40 PM - 14 answers

I lose my Bluetooth earbuds all the time, which makes me feel like a failure as an adult. I also break the ones I don't lose (due to sweating too much or jamming them into tiny pockets/cases or putting them through the wash). Help me find the sweet spot in terms of reliability/sound/price - under $50 for sure but $25 would be ideal. [more inside]
posted by genmonster at 11:39 AM - 10 answers

I have a Logitech Squeezebox Radio that’s 15 years old and needs to be replaced. Any recommendations for "recently" released alternatives with the same functionality? One button music (after setup) is a requirement. Thanks for your help.
posted by FerrisWren at 5:25 PM - 8 answers

I'm looking for examples of exceptionally precise and delicate work done by robots/automation. What have you got?
posted by NotMyselfRightNow at 4:27 PM - 17 answers

I’m on the part of my home recording journey where I’ve started looking into GarageBand plug-ins. How do I use a saturator and/or spring reverb? [more inside]
posted by pxe2000 at 1:16 PM - 3 answers

Okay, explain this to me in tiny baby steps, like really "first plug in the cord"-level steps. I...need headphones for when I am doing chores. [more inside]
posted by Frowner at 7:30 AM - 18 answers

Can anyone recommend a USB-C keyboard that feels nice to type on? This is for my Android-based e-reader. Using a Bluetooth keyboard with it was glitchy, so I want something that is USB-C based (cable -- not dongle), and it's been harder to find this than I expected.
posted by matkline at 5:17 AM - 10 answers