PC Doctor October 27, 2020

Have your computer questions answered here! Search the PC Doctor archive or submit a question of your own at info@athollibrary.org

Dear PC Doctor:

I gained the COVID 10 (pounds) working from home during the spring and summer. I am interested in getting fit again, and thought I’d ease into it with walking. I looked into buying a fitbit, but I’m just not sure I want to spend that money. I heard there might be a way for my phone to count steps. Do I have to buy an app?

Thanks,

Damian

Dear Damian:

If you have a smart phone, you have a device that can count your steps!

If it’s an iPhone, look for the Health app. It should have come with your phone. Its icon is a white square with a pink heart. Tap to open the app. Under Health Categories, choose Activity. As long as you were carrying you phone when you were moving, it will have counted your steps. The Health app does a few other things, and you can visit https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT203037 to find out more.

On the newer Android (6.0 or later) phones, you have the Samsung Health app. It has a step tracker and enables you to compete with friends who also have the app.

I hope this helps!
Until next time,
Happy Computing!
PC Doctor

Editor's Note: Questions should be directed to PC Doctor, care of the Athol Public Library, info@athollibrary.org or Athol Public Library, 568 Main St., Athol, Mass. 01331, or dropped off at the library