Tag: wifi

Digital Coastlines: Maximizing Tech while Unplugging at the Beach

Posted on by Greg Price in Articles

Ah, June! That wonderful time when you can hear the digital detox calling from the coastline and your WiFi signals get lost amidst the sound of crashing waves. But before you start imagining sending SOS signals using coconut radios or getting panicked thinking about how to use a seashell as a mouse replacement (you can’t, I’ve tried), let’s talk about a balanced tech approach at the beach.

The coastal excursion often starts with a “here’s to no emails!” proclamation, yet by sunset, there you are, sneakily checking your smartphone for notifications, worried that you might’ve missed the release of a new app that helps locate the sunniest spot on the sand. Oh, the irony!

For those who cannot resist packing a gadget or two, here are some tips:

  1. Waterproof it All: If you’ve ever tried rice therapy for a waterlogged phone, you know it’s less fun than building a sandcastle. There are myriad waterproof cases and pouches available now, perfect for those accidental tidal wave moments.
  2. Solar-Powered Chargers: Sunbathing isn’t just for you! Your devices can also catch some rays, thanks to solar chargers. But remember, while you turn golden brown, devices prefer staying cool. So, let the charger sunbathe, but keep the phone under the umbrella.
  3. Offline Maps: Beaches can be sneaky, and not every lovely spot will have good reception. Download your maps offline so you don’t end up wandering into a pirate’s cove (unless you’re into that sort of adventure).

Now, for the unplugging part:

Be Present: This is non-negotiable. If you’re going to spend half the time on TikTok, you might as well have stayed home. Genuinely soak up the sun, feel the sand, and listen to the waves. They have better stories than most podcasts out there.

App-Less Activities: Ever heard of the ancient art of… conversation? Shocking, I know! Or what about reading a physical, paper book? It’s like an e-book but doesn’t run out of battery. Revolutionary!

In all seriousness, beach trips can be a sweet escape from our digitized lives. If you do suffer from the “Oops! I Have to Check My Phone” syndrome, like a certain someone, just remember – most things can wait. And those that can’t? Well, provide those contacts with an emergency way to contact you.

So, here’s my final byte of wisdom (see what I did there?): The coast isn’t going anywhere. You can upload your beach pics later. For now, laugh a little louder, swim a bit deeper, and maybe, just maybe, let the tide wash away your digital footprints for a while.

Signing off to chase some seagulls away from my snacks. Until next time, ride the waves and not the WiFi!

New Year, New Cyber Habits: Top 10 Cyber Hygiene Resolutions for 2023

Posted on by Greg Price in Articles

As the year’s first rays dawned, many of us uncorked the champagne, reflected on the past, and scribbled down those classic New Year’s resolutions. From hitting the gym (or at least stretching once in a while) to finally reading that book gathering dust on the shelf – the New Year has always been a beacon of fresh starts and renewed commitments. But why not add a resolution that can protect something incredibly valuable yet often overlooked? Your digital well-being.

Given that more of our lives are entwined with the digital realm, ensuring your cyber hygiene is as refreshed and revitalized as your new workout plan becomes crucial. Let’s dive into the top 10 cyber resolutions you should consider adopting this 2023:

  1. Password Perfect: No, “password123” is not a secure choice. Commit to strengthening and diversifying your passwords. Consider using a password manager, so you only need to remember one master password. With cyberattacks on the rise, this is akin to changing the locks on your front door.
  2. Two Steps Ahead: If you’re not using two-factor authentication (2FA) on your crucial accounts, it’s time to embrace it. Yes, it’s an extra step, but it’s also an extra layer between your data and potential hackers.
  3. Update and Elevate: Remember that pesky notification you’ve been swiping away for months? Updates aren’t just about introducing fancy new features; they often patch security vulnerabilities. Regular updates can be the difference between a smoothly running device and a malware-riddled one.
  4. Declutter Digital Desks: Much like that closet you’re vowing to clean, your digital space likely needs some tidying. Delete apps you no longer use, especially if they have permissions that access your personal data. A leaner device is often a safer device.
  5. Back It Up: Imagine spilling coffee on your device and realizing you’ve lost everything? Nightmare-ish, right? Regularly back up essential files to an external hard drive or cloud storage. If disaster strikes, you’ll have a digital safety net.
  6. Wi-Fi Wisdom: Free public Wi-Fi is tempting, especially when you’re sipping a latte and browsing. However, they’re also a playground for snoopers. If you must use one, avoid accessing sensitive accounts or use a VPN to cloak your activities.
  7. Email Enlightenment: Phishing scams are ever-evolving, but a touch of skepticism can go a long way. Questionable sender? Unsolicited attachments? When in doubt, don’t click. Think of it as digital stranger danger.
  8. Social Media Savviness: We love sharing, but oversharing can be perilous. From vacation plans to your pet’s name (often used as security answers), be wary of what you post. And while we’re on the topic, review those privacy settings.
  9. Educate and Advocate: Keep abreast of the latest in cyber threats and safety measures. Consider subscribing to a cybersecurity news outlet, the one you’re one is a good start. The more you know, the better you can protect yourself. And share the knowledge; after all, caring is sharing.
  10. E-Commerce Caution: Online shopping is a delight, but not when your credit card details end up in the wrong hands. Use trusted websites, always look for the ‘https’ in the URL, and consider using a credit card over a debit card for better fraud protection.

Tying it up with a bit of cheer – while cyber threats might sound like the plot of a sci-fi thriller, with proactive steps and awareness, they don’t stand a chance against you. Let’s raise our glasses (or coffee mugs) to not just a year of personal growth and achievements but also to a year of robust digital health and fortified cyber barriers.

So, go on, adjust those New Year’s resolutions. Slide in a few from the list above. Here’s to making 2023 not just prosperous and fulfilling, but cyber safe!

Stay updated, stay secure, and remember – a moment of prevention in the cyber world can save hours of digital heartbreak. Cheers to a cyber-smart 2023!

Deck the Halls with Tech: A Comprehensive Guide to Setting Up Your New Holiday Gadgets

Posted on by Greg Price in Articles

Ah, December – a month where carolers sing, lights twinkle, and folks eagerly tear into gift-wrapped boxes to discover the latest and greatest in tech. From Grandma’s new smartphone (Go, Granny!) to your cousin’s shiny smartwatch, the season of gadget gifting is upon us. But with great gifts come great responsibility, particularly in ensuring these devices don’t become the technological equivalent of tangled Christmas lights.

First Stop: Unboxing Joy (and Cables)

Remember the Christmas movie where the dad spends hours trying to untangle strands of lights? That’s you with your new device’s cables if you don’t approach this systematically. Lay out all components, and for the love of all that’s merry and bright, read the manual. Yes, I said it. It might seem as old-fashioned as fruitcake, but sometimes, those booklets do come in handy.

Securing Your Sleigh…I Mean, Device

After powering on, your immediate priority should be security. After all, you wouldn’t leave your Christmas cookies out for anyone but Santa, right?

  • Password-Protect: Choose strong passwords and avoid obvious choices like “password123” or “letmein.” If your reindeer can guess it, it’s not strong enough.
  • Software Updates: These are like the elves of the tech world. They work behind the scenes to ensure everything runs smoothly. Install any pending software updates as they often contain critical security patches.
  • Two-Factor Authentication: Like the double bolt on Santa’s workshop. It requires an additional step to access your device, making it harder for any Grinches to breach your accounts.

Connectivity: Making Sure Your Gadgets Play Nice

Ah, the joy of getting devices to talk to each other. It’s like trying to organize a reindeer game without Rudolph feeling left out.

  • Wi-Fi Woes: Ensure your home Wi-Fi is secure. Rename your network to something nondescript. “FBI Surveillance Van” might give your neighbors a chuckle, but it also gives away the brand and model of your router. Opt for something generic and boring.
  • Bluetooth Pairing: Keep Bluetooth off when not in use. You don’t want any unexpected guests connecting to your devices, much like how you might feel about that one distant relative dropping by unannounced.

App Management: Not Every App Deserves a Place on Santa’s Nice List

Be cautious of what apps you install. Some might be more interested in your data than in making your life easier. Think of them as the mischievous elves of the app world.

Some Final (Jingle) Bells and Whistles

  • Back-Up: Set up automatic backups. Because even Santa checks his list twice.
  • Limit Permissions: Not every app needs access to your camera, contacts, and location. Be stingy with permissions, like a Grinch with his roast beast.
  • Stay Informed: Subscribe to a trusted tech news site. It’s like getting weather updates from the North Pole, ensuring you’re always in the loop.

In Conclusion:

Sure, the holiday season might be about festivities and family, but it’s also an opportune time to show off our shiny new gadgets. Just remember, amidst the caroling and cocoa-sipping, that while your devices might come with some assembly (and frustration) required, a little patience and humor can go a long way. After all, if Santa can travel the globe in a single night, you can certainly set up your new tech in an afternoon.

So, as you plug in, set up, and dive into your new devices, may your Wi-Fi be strong, your passwords be complex, and your tech-related headaches be minimal. Happy Holidays and tech the halls safely!