December 30, 2022 By Contributor Computer Techs

Tips for Properly Cleaning Electronics So You Don’t Harm Them

No matter what type of electronic device you own, proper cleaning and maintenance are essential for keeping them running efficiently and smoothly. This ensures that your device continues to serve its purpose for many years to come. However, it’s important to be aware of how to clean electronics properly to not cause any damage to them in the process.

It’s easy to overlook the importance of cleaning electronic devices, especially if you’re not aware of the dangers of improper cleaning. Not only can incorrect cleaning methods destroy the device itself, but in some cases, they might also cause harm to the user. This is why it’s essential to know which cleaning methods are appropriate for each

The following tips will guide you in properly cleaning and maintaining your electronics so you don’t end up doing more harm than good:

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December 16, 2022 By Contributor Computer Techs

How to Keep Money from Being Stolen Through Online Banking

Online banking is one of the most convenient services available and offers individuals, businesses, and organizations a way to quickly and easily manage their finances. Unfortunately, online banking is also vulnerable to all of the same security risks that stem from the virtual nature of the internet. It’s important to take steps to ensure that your hard earned money is secure from theft and fraud.

You wouldn’t want to suddenly realize that your bank account has been drained of your hard-earned cash!

Let’s take a look at a dozen ways to keep your money safe while banking online.

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December 9, 2022 By Mark Computer Techs

A chat with OpenAI about Streaming TV vs Cable TV

A new chatbot called “ChatGPT” that tests what AI (Artificial Intelligence) can do has been all the rage this week. So I decided to have a conversation with the chatbot about Streaming TV vs Cable TV, and our unedited conversation is below. You can sign-up and have a conversation with the chatbot yourself at https://openai.com/

What are the advantages and disadvantages of streaming tv versus cable or satellite tv?

There are several advantages and disadvantages to streaming TV as compared to cable or satellite TV.

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December 5, 2022 By Contributor Computer Techs

Chromebook vs. Laptop. Which Is Better?

  • Chromebooks offer a less-expensive alternative to a traditional laptop, however they offer less features and flexibility.
  • Many things we do on a computer these days can be done in a web-browser – from email, messaging and conferencing, listening to music, watching video, word processing and spreadsheets, and of course everyday reading and web browsing.
  • If you can imagine using just a Google Chrome browser for all of your computing needs, then a Chromebook may be right for you.

On the surface, laptops and Chromebooks have the same build and element; however, one has to be better than the other for your needs.

Laptops have existed for years, a portable version of the desktop computer with the screen, keyboard, pointer, storage and “smarts” all-in-one device.. Chromebooks are a new breed that is different from regular laptops. They are budget-friendly and are sometimes faster. Though they are inexpensive, they are not for everyone.

The main thing to note when comparing a Chromebook to a laptop is their differences. Aside from the price, the main difference is the operating system. Chromebooks, running the ChromeOS operating system, can do the things laptops do, such as listening to music, streaming and watching videos, editing pictures, and more.

This, however, does not bring down the value of laptops. If you want to know which is better between Chromebooks and laptops, continue reading this article for a detailed breakdown.

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November 24, 2022 By Contributor Computer Techs

Top Tips for Secure Online Holiday Shopping This Gift-Giving Season

The holidays are a busy time for online shoppers. According to a recent study, over 60% of consumers said they would do some or all of their holiday shopping online this year. That’s a lot of people clicking away on their keyboards and smartphones, looking for the best deals on gifts.

With all of this online activity, it’s important to remember to stay safe. Here are 10 tips to help you do just that:

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November 21, 2022 By Mark Computer Techs

New FCC map lets you check the broadband internet speed availability at any address

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has released a new broadband map where broadband Internet availability can be searched by address. Information for the map is reported by the service providers, and challenged if incorrect. 

The FCC considers broadband as speeds at a minimum of 25 megabits per second (Mbps) download and 3 Mbps upload. Some providers listed on the map fail to meet the minimum speeds defined.

The map not only displays traditional fixed/wired providers such as cable and DSL, it also shows newer technologies such as fixed wireless access (FWA) and fiber providers. Availability from mobile 4G and 5G providers is also included on the map.

The map can be useful if you are shopping for internet access at an address that you are considering a move to, or if you are considering switching providers at your current address. You can view and search the map at https://broadbandmap.fcc.gov/

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November 11, 2022 By Contributor Computer Techs

How to Setup & Get the Most Out of a Smart Speaker

Smart assistants are all the rage these days, with everyone from Amazon to Apple to Google getting in on the action. But what are they, really?

In a nutshell, smart speakers are voice-controlled assistants that can perform tasks, answer questions, play music, and control smart devices in your home. But, before you can start issuing commands to your new device, you need to set it up.

This can seem like a daunting task, but we’re here to help. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of setting up and configuring your new smart speaker, as well as some tips on how to get the most out of it.

You’re about to enter a world of hands-free convenience and voice-activated fun.

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October 12, 2022 By Contributor Computer Techs

How Does a Virtual Doctor Visit Work?

Have you ever wondered how a virtual doctor visit works? With more and more people working remotely and/or juggling a million different commitments, it’s no wonder that virtual doctor visits are becoming increasingly popular. In this article, we’ll take a look at what a virtual doctor visit is, how they work, and some of the pros and cons.

What is a virtual doctor visit?

A virtual doctor visit is a consultation between a patient and a doctor that takes place over video chat (or other electronic avenues). That means you can consult with a doctor from the comfort of your own home – no need to travel to an office. All you need is a computer or smartphone with a webcam and an internet connection.

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October 12, 2022 By Contributor Computer Techs

Should I Install a Phone or Computer Update Now, Or Wait?

  • Read the details of the update to determine if it’s a security or feature update – or both.
  • Install security updates right away.
  • It’s best to wait to install feature updates for at least a few weeks after release.

We’ve all been there before. You’re in the middle of working on something important when a notification pops up letting you know there’s an update available for your phone or computer.

Should you stop what you’re doing and install it right away? Or can it wait?

It can be tempting to just ignore the notification and continue on with your work, but it’s important to remember that updates usually contain important security patches or new features that can improve your experience. So how do you decide when to install an update?

Here’s a quick guide to help you make the decision.

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September 30, 2022 By Contributor Computer Techs

4 Things You Can Learn from Cybersecurity Awareness Month in October

Cybersecurity isn’t just about companies preventing their networks from being breached. It’s something that everyone that uses technology needs to be mindful of. On a personal level, you can think of it as information and device security. 

Stopping hackers from getting to your personal data and keeping dangerous viruses out of your computer requires a personal level of cybersecurity. Being safe online is one part of the equation. The consequences of being lax about things like passwords and using free Wi-Fi without safeguards can be high.

Over 24 million Americans have had online accounts taken over by hackers, this includes workplace retirement apps. It’s scary to think of accounts having to do with your money being emptied by a scammer, but it happens all too often. Last year, account takeovers rose nearly 72%. 

Every October, two US government agencies promote Cybersecurity Awareness Month. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCA) provide helpful tips and resources for both consumers and businesses to raise cybersecurity awareness.

Why not take some time this October to brush up on your security hygiene? You can visit the Cybersecurity Awareness Month website to get some free resources, and below we’ll highlight four key best practices being promoted this year.

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