Avoid a surprise start in VLC Media Player

The widely used, free to download video player, VLC Media Player has an odd quirk. Its default settings will flash the media title after the video is first opened.

This title will disappear after a few moments whether pause is pressed or not, but it can obscure closed captions or other text or images on the video. This will be an unpleasant surprise when video files are shown at a trial as evidence, or as a visual aid at client meetings.

Under Tools . . . Preferences, be sure to uncheck 'Show media title on video start'. Note that the media title will not necessarily be the same as the file name.

DIR to Sort Results

Don't miss that you can use a switch with the DIR directory command in Windows command prompt to sort files in a particular order. The switch '/O' followed by a colon followed by a particular letter for file size, file type, or something else will generate a list in a particular order. So, for example this command:

dir /O:S

. . . will sort the files in order according to their file size.

This command:

dir /O:E

. . . will sort the files by their file type.

Pegasus Attacks! Be on Watch!

The big news today was about Pegasus, the exploit targeting Apple devices. Pegasus exploits a vulnerability in iMessage, and can install itself on a device without a user doing anything to facilitate the installation. The spyware allows an attacker to steal messages, emails, and location data, and record with the camera and microphone.

Don't miss that you need to also separately upgrade your Apple Watch after you have updated your iPhone's operating system. Go to the Apple Watch app on the phone, and select General . . . Software Update.