Have you ever gone to take a photo and wished you could capture it with just the right amount of zoom on your iPhone? Well, if you’re the proud owner of an iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max, you’re in luck because these devices have an amazing camera setup.

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iPhone 15 Pro (Apple) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

iOS17 and later allows you to change camera zoom levels

Let’s talk about the main camera first. It offers a standard 1x zoom, perfect for crisp, clear shots that capture life as it happens. But wait, there’s more. The ultrawide camera brings a whole new perspective with a 0.5x zoom, allowing you to soak in more of the scene in a single frame. Now, here’s where it gets exciting: with iOS 17 and later, you can tweak your zoom levels directly from the menu. That’s right, no more fiddling around.

MORE: THE HIDDEN CAMERA APP ON YOUR PHONE UNLOCKING AN AMAZING PERK

How to set up default zoom for main camera

Want to jump straight to your preferred zoom level every time you open the camera? It’s a breeze. Just follow these steps:

• Open your Settings app
• Tap on Camera
• Then scroll down to Main Camera and tap it.

Steps to set up default zoom for main camera (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

• Here, you’ll find options to adjust your camera zoom. You can set it to Default to 24 mm – 1x, Default to 28 mm – 1.2x, or Default to 35 mm – 1.5x.

Steps to set up default zoom for main camera (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

MORE: HOW TO SNAP PERFECT SHOT TAKING PHOTOS WITH YOUR CAMERA’S BURST MODE

How to adjust the zoom on the camera app for a specific moment

For those times when you need to quickly adjust the zoom for a specific moment, the Camera app makes it a breeze.

• Open the Camera app
• Press and hold down the 1x button
• A wheel will appear, allowing you to dial in the zoom level for that specific moment.
• Spin it to your desired magnification and snap away with precision from ultrawide to telephoto.

Steps to adjust the zoom on the camera app (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

With these simple steps, you’ve just unlocked the secrets to becoming a zoom master on your iPhone 15 or later. So go ahead, give it a spin and capture those perfect shots that’ll make your friends go, “Wow.”

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Kurt’s key takeaways

So, whether you’re looking to capture sweeping landscapes or get up close with your subject, the zoom features on the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max make it easy to frame the perfect shot every time.

How has the evolution of smartphone cameras, particularly with the iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max, changed how you capture and share your life’s moments? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover.

Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:

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Whether you have an older PC lying around your home or you’re considering buying a used/refurbished PC to save money, there’s nothing wrong with doing this. However, there is one problem you should know about: older computers can be more vulnerable to security threats because they haven’t been given updates in a long time. This not only puts you at risk, it can also make your computer run more slowly. Additionally, if you sell or giveaway an older PC without properly clearing out the system, you never know who could still have access to your files and data.

So, how can you make sure your old PCs – whatever you intend on doing with them – are up to date and don’t pose a risk for you? Let’s find out.

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Man on his PC (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What are the risks associated with using an older PC?

Using an older computer poses a number of security risks based primarily on the fact that the software it’s running is outdated. This includes operating systems and applications that may lack essential security patches. These systems are more susceptible to known vulnerabilities and exploits, increasing the likelihood of malware infections and other potential cyberattacks.

Additionally, older hardware may have inherent vulnerabilities that simply can’t be mitigated through any type of software update, and compatibility issues with modern security software that you could potentially install to mitigate this could only exacerbate the problem. Essentially, as newer systems receive more attention and updates, older computers become increasingly vulnerable and less capable of defending against evolving threats.

Man working on his PC (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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How to keep an older computer secure

Knowing the security risks that come with older computers doesn’t mean you should always just resort to buying a new computer. But, it is important to take security seriously and ensure that old computer is as secure as any new one.

Here are five steps you can take to keep your system safe:

1) Regular updates: Ensure your operating system, antivirus and firewall programs are up to date. This helps patch security vulnerabilities and guards against known threats.

2) Consider upgrading your OS: Unsupported operating systems like Windows XP are particularly vulnerable. Consider upgrading to a newer OS or switching to a free alternative like Linux to access current security updates and support.

3) Use secure browsing alternatives: Opt for safe and private browsers instead of Internet Explorer, which has officially been retired and is out of support.

4) Have good antivirus software: The best way to protect yourself from clicking malicious links that install malware that may get access to your private information on your PC is to have antivirus protection installed on all your devices. This can also alert you of any phishing emails or ransomware scams. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices.

5) Maintain best practices: Adopt good habits like shutting down your computer regularly, uninstalling unused programs and backing up your files to mitigate the risk of data loss due to hardware failure or cyberattacks.

Man at his computer taking notes (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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How to speed up an old computer

Free up disk space: Remove unnecessary software and delete unused files to free up disk space, which can help improve overall performance. Tools like “Disk Cleanup” on Windows can be very helpful for this.

Defragment your hard drive: Regularly defragmenting your hard drive organizes data more efficiently, making it easier for your computer to access and improving its speed. This process is automated on modern versions of Windows (7 and later), so there’s no need to do it manually. However, if you’re using an older version, you can use the built-in defragmentation tool.

Consider adding more memory: Increasing the amount of RAM in your computer can significantly enhance its multitasking capabilities and overall speed. Research the type of RAM your computer uses and consider adding more if needed. If you’re not comfortable with this, a professional or a tech-savvy friend can help.

Update your drivers: Ensure your device drivers are up to date to prevent compatibility issues and optimize performance. Many drivers update automatically, but it’s wise to check periodically. You can also visit the manufacturer’s website for instructions.

Manage start-up processes: Control which programs launch during startup to reduce boot time and improve performance. Disable unnecessary startup processes using guides tailored to your operating system. On Windows, you can use the “Task Manager” to disable start-up programs.

Woman on her PC (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

MORE: 10 TIPS TO SPEED UP YOUR PC’S PERFORMANCE

What to do if you sell an old computer?

Before selling or getting rid of an older computer, it’s crucial to take steps to protect your personal information and ensure the next user doesn’t have access to your data. Here’s what you should do:

Back up your data: First, make sure to back up any important files, documents, photos or other data you want to keep. You can transfer these files to an external hard drive, cloud storage or another computer.

Securely erase data: Simply deleting files or formatting the hard drive may not completely erase your data, as it can still be recovered using specialized software. Consider using a data erasure tool or disk-wiping software to securely erase the entire hard drive, making it nearly impossible for anyone to retrieve your personal information. Check out our top data recovery software solutions by clicking here.

Sign out of accounts: If your computer is linked to any online accounts or services like your email, social media accounts or software subscriptions, make sure to log out of these accounts before resetting the computer. This prevents the next user from accessing your accounts unintentionally.

Remove external devices: Don’t forget to remove any external devices connected to the computer, such as USB drives, external hard drives or printers, as they may contain personal data as well.

Perform a factory reset: Performing a factory reset is not only essential to wipe all your personal data from the computer and restore it to its original settings, it’s often the easiest and quickest option instead of manually doing all the steps above. This process removes all files, applications and user accounts, essentially giving the next user a clean slate. Be sure to follow the specific instructions for your computer model to initiate a factory reset properly, and make sure to check that it worked and none of your files are still there!

By following these steps, you can ensure that your personal information is safeguarded and that the next user receives a clean and secure computer.

Kurt’s key takeaways

Computers that are regularly updated tend to have less security risk. But that doesn’t mean you need to trade in your perfectly good PC for a new one. It just means you have to pay extra attention and take a few additional steps to keep your PC secure. Doing these steps can also ensure your older computer isn’t slowing down either.

How has the evolution of technology influenced your decision-making when it comes to updating or replacing your devices? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:

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• The University of Maine is contributing to the global effort to improve floating machines to harness wind over deeper offshore waters.
• Researchers envision turbine platforms floating in the ocean beyond the horizon, stretching more than 700 feet.
• Floating turbines are the only viable option for U.S. states to capture large-scale offshore wind energy in waters too deep for traditional turbines.

As waves grew and gusts increased, a wind turbine bobbed gently, its blades spinning with a gentle woosh. The tempest reached a crescendo with little drama other than splashing water.

The uneventful outcome is exactly what engineers aimed for.

The demonstration featuring a 13-foot-tall floating wind turbine in an indoor pool aimed to ensure it can withstand the strain of powerful water and wind when much larger versions are deployed in the ocean.

US’S FIRST LARGE OFFSHORE WIND FARM OFFICIALLY OPENS IN NEW YORK, WITH MORE TO COME

It’s the University of Maine’s contribution to a worldwide race to improve floating machines to tap wind that blows across deeper waters offshore, too deep to attach turbines to the seabed with permanent pilings.

The University of Maine’s first prototype of an offshore wind turbine is seen in this Sept. 20, 2013, file photo, near Castine, Maine. Floating turbines are the only way for some countries and U.S. states to capture a massive amount of offshore wind energy. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty, files)

In the next decade, UMaine researchers said, they envision turbine platforms floating in the ocean beyond the horizon, stretching more than 700 feet skyward and anchored with mooring lines.

“These structures are massive,” said Anthony Viselli, chief engineer for offshore wind technology at the university’s Advanced Composites Center, after the demonstration wrapped up. “These would be some of the largest moving structures that humankind has endeavored to create. And there would be many of them.”

THREE GROUPS ARE SUING NEW JERSEY TO BLOCK AN OFFSHORE WIND FARM

As the technology advances, dozens of designs are being promoted by experts who see floating wind turbines as a way to address climate change by shifting away from burning fossil fuels.

Floating turbines are the only way some countries and U.S. states can capture offshore wind energy on a large scale. In the U.S. alone, 2.8 terawatts of wind energy potential blows over ocean waters too deep for traditional turbines that affix to the ocean floor, according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. That’s enough to power 350 million homes — more than double the number of existing homes in the U.S.

The first floating wind farm started operating off Scotland’s coast in 2017. In the United States, the Department of Interior two weeks ago proposed the first floating wind energy auctions for the Gulf of Maine, following lease auctions for the West Coast that began in 2022. The nearly 1 million acres up for auction off the New England coast could generate enough clean wind energy to power more than 5 million local homes, the department said.

UMaine is home to the nation’s largest team of engineers dedicated to floating offshore wind. Other big players include Equinor, which has installed a demonstration floating project of the coast of Norway; global company Principle Power, which has installed small-scale projects off Scotland and Portugal; and SBM Offshore, which has a demonstration project off France.

Floating offshore wind is still a nascent industry, however, making it expensive.

The Norwegian company Equinor postponed its Trollvind floating initiative, citing technology availability, rising costs and a strained timetable to deliver on the original concept.

BIDEN ADMIN APPROVES EIGHTH US OFFSHORE WIND PROJECT OFF MASSACHUSETTS COAST

Danish wind energy developer Ørsted decided to focus its efforts on fixed-bottom turbines, foregoing deeper offshore regions including Japan, Norway, Spain, Portugal and the U.S. West Coast. “We care a lot about affordability of renewable power, and floating wind is a lot more expensive than bottom-fixed,” said CEO Mads Nipper.

But others are moving forward.

Gazelle Wind Power is developing a modular platform system to make manufacture and assembly cost-effective and efficient.

“This is a global problem and this is an ideal solution in order to deliver power to shore,” said Gazelle Wind Power CEO Jon Salazar.

UMaine launched its first floating prototype a decade ago and became a surprise global leader after a study showed that the Gulf of Maine had the wind energy potential of 156 nuclear power plants, due to fast, consistent wind.

The state could meet all its home heating needs and power every car — if they were all electric vehicles — by tapping just 3% of that water. That improves the odds of successfully sharing the resource with fishermen, recreational boaters, the military and, of course, marine life. Indeed, the federal government’s lease proposal spares Maine’s key lobstering grounds from development, removing a potential obstacle.

Trailblazers in offshore wind are benefiting from work done by the oil industry, which engineered floating oil and gas rigs, said Habib Dagher, director of the Advanced Composites Center.

The university’s wind wave basin, which looks something like a swimming pool with wave and wind generators that can mimic ocean conditions up to a 500-year storm, takes that work to the next level.

On a recent day, the semi-submersible floating turbine was tethered to the bottom of the basin. Its 1:70 scale represented a real turbine standing about 800 feet (240 meters) tall atop a platform in the ocean. The goal is to have industrial scale turbines of 15 to 20 megawatts each, Dagher said.

Size and efficiency are keys to profitability. Larger wind turbines mean fewer are needed, reducing construction, installation and maintenance costs, Viselli said. With greater size and efficiency, developers envision only about 50 turbines needed to produce about the same amount of electricity as a nuclear power plant.

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Full-size turbines generate peak power starting at about 20 mph. In powerful storms, they shut down automatically to avoid stressing the equipment or breaking. The mooring lines tethered to the ocean floor are made of rope nearly thick as a telephone pole and under heavy tension. That makes them safer for marine mammals.

For all the turbine technology, the platforms developed by UMaine can be built locally with concrete, a simple material that’s readily available. The university already has partners around the world interested in licensing its technology. The state of Maine plans to develop a port facility in the Searsport area to build the floating bases and attach turbines before sending them into the Gulf of Maine.

A brand new industry means some experiments in design will succeed and some will fail. And there is work to ensure that wind farms are good neighbors, overcoming objections from others using the ocean.

“We’re going to have some problems and we have to figure out how to roll up our sleeves and solve these problems,” Dagher said. “And I think we have no choice as a society but to do that.”