The internet in general is such a large part of daily life that it is difficult to avoid needing to use it. Of course, staying safe online is of utmost importance, and this is especially true if you have young children or teens who use the internet regularly for school, social activities, games, etc.

But even adults can become victims of online harassment, identity fraud, or other issues that the internet presents. If you are curious about what you can be doing to avoid these things happening to you, here are 3 tips for staying safe on the internet.

Use Strong Passwords

This may seem like a bit of a no-brainer, but using strong passwords is definitely one of the best things you can do in order to stay safe online and make it difficult for anyone to log into any of your accounts.

Sensitive information such as passwords should be stored in a safe place, and you should also make sure not to use the same password on multiple accounts. Don’t use anything that is easy to guess and do not share your passwords with anyone!

Install Protective Software

Using strong passwords is not the only thing you can do to protect yourself from hackers. You can also install special software that will be able to protect your data from getting into the hands of a hacker as well. Do a little research to find out what type of software may be right for you and you will be impressed with what it can do for you. It’s worth it just for the peace of mind you’ll have knowing that everything on your computer is protected.

Monitor Children’s Use

If you have kids, you might find yourself constantly worrying about the things they are seeing or reading on the internet or the people they may meet there. The best way to keep them safe online is to monitor their internet usage as much as possible.

Set limits on how much time they are allowed to spend online each day, and check in with them to talk about their usage as well. Have regular conversations about online dangers so that your kids know what to look out for, and encourage them to handle strangers online the same way they have been taught to handle strangers in person.

Another thing you can do is install a blocker so that certain websites cannot be accessed from your child’s phone or computer. This way, you can keep them from seeing things you don’t want them to.

Staying safe on the internet is actually pretty simple, as long as you follow these tips! Good luck!

 

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but unfortunately it is also the prime time of year for burglars to operate under the cover of darkness. There’s so much to lure them, especially given expensive presents are scattered around our homes and the nights are dark, it becomes the prime time for burglars to strike. Many begin their search for CCTV installers in Durham early in the year, but for those who haven’t, here are five tips to help you keep your home safe during the Christmas period.

Hide presents

You probably already hide your Christmas presents, especially if you want them to be a surprise, but have you considered that some thieves will break in even after the gifts are wrapped and under the tree? Leaving your beautifully wrapped gifts under the tree provides temptation for burglars, as they know there will be valuable items in there and they can easily search without the risk of being caught. To reduce your risk, only bring our your Christmas gifts on Christmas Eve.

Dispose of packaging

If you’re buying wrapping presents early, make sure the packaging is disposed of properly. If you leave boxes for expensive gifts where it’s highly visible. This is especially important for electrical items, as it advertises the volume of expensive gifts within the walls of your home. Make sure you break down your plastic boxes properly for recycling and think about keeping them in your home until the bin men are due to take the boxes away.

Think before you post

Christmas is an exciting time, and you’ll certainly want to post about all of the amazing gifts your nearest and dearest got, but that can make you a target for burglars in the local area. In fact, it’s quite commonplace for burglars to turn to social media to find their next victim. If you’re posting lots of pictures of your children enjoying their new PC or games console, you are essentially advertising the expensive items in your house, making your home a target. Make sure you keep any and all expensive gifts out of sight when taking your Christmas photos.

Don’t hide keys

If you’re going away for the Christmas season, don’t take a risk by hiding a key for anyone to come by and check on your plants, pets or even turn the heating on. Make sure the person in question has the key to your property on their person at all times.

Consider CCTV

For extra peace of mind, consider installing a CCTV system. A system can keep unwanted visitors, including burglars, away from your home all year round, especially when you can’t be there to monitor your home in person. Most CCTV systems now come with the option to download an app to observe your home when you’re not there, and it will even alert you (and the relevant authorities) of any attempts to access your home without a key.

 

Healthcare is changing at a rapid pace, and most of the changes happening therein can be attributed to technological advancements in the field. As the technologies required for more innovations mature, we can expect to see even more innovations in healthcare. However, there are already interesting innovations that we will look at below.

Stem Cells for Treating Diabetes

Currently, there is no treatment for diabetes and the best thing one can do is manage it. This involves managing insulin injections, careful eating, and multiple glucose tests in a day.

Scientists are looking to change this using stem cells. Scientists are looking to use stem cells to replace beta cells that produce insulin. The stem cells differentiate into these beta cells and produce the insulin themselves.

The research into this is at an advanced stage, with tries already carried out successfully in animals. The innovation includes an implantable device that holds stem cells that are stand-ins for the beta cells. The implanted device ensures glucose can get to the cells and insulin can be let through, but immune cells are kept out as they can attack the stem cells in the device.

Gene Editing

Gene editing, also known as genome engineering or genome editing, is genetic engineering where an organism’s DNA is changed. This can be done by replacing, modifying, deleting, and inserting DNA in the organism’s genome.

Gene editing is a group of technologies, with CRISPR being the most popular of these technologies. CRISPR and other gene editing tools that were developed from it were adapted from a bacteria’s ability to change its genome, which it uses as a defense mechanism.

Humans are using gene editing in many areas, notably to cure diseases and discover new medications. Currently, most research is on understanding diseases inside animal models and cells. There is a lot of debate about whether doing this is ethical and right for humans.

Even with these concerns, gene editing is being used in critical areas such as cell line development. You can find more details about cell line development and the gene editing technologies behind it by clicking the link.

Artificial Intelligence for Cancer Diagnosis

Lung cancer is notoriously difficult to treat, and its symptoms appear very late when things have already become complicated. Early screening can reduce mortality risk, but it also leads to false positives that put patients in danger.

Researchers have developed an AI system that can diagnose lung cancer better than radiologists. The system can more accurately diagnose the disease, detect more cases, and do so while producing fewer false positives.

Although the system is performing this well, researchers say it can do much better and cite this as their motivation to continue their research, development, and improving the system.

Virtual Reality for Future Surgeon Preparation and Training

Virtual reality has come a very long way in recent years. It is so good that it is now being used to prepare and train future surgeons. This technology is also being used at Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, and it is helping expose challenges and gaps in surgeon preparation and training.

Healthcare innovations improve things for not only doctors but for everyone who needs healthcare. While some of these innovations are almost here, they have already shown promising results where they have been used.

 

If you’re ready to get a new cell phone but don’t have to trash your old cell phone yet, you might want to consider donating your phone to one of many organizations that will take your old phone and put it to good use. However, before you do this, there are a few things that you’ll want to do with your old phone to ensure that it’s ready for this new stage in its life.

To help you learn just what these things are, here are three things to do before donating your old cell phone.

Research What You Want Done With Your Phone

Before you take any steps to prepare your old cell phone for donation, you should first figure out exactly what you want to have done with your old phone.

Depending on who you want to help or what benefits you want to come from the use of your old cell phone, you can donate it to companies that will refurbish it for use by veterans, victims of domestic abuse, and other worthy causes. You can also have the hardware donated or recycled so that it doesn’t just end up in a landfill. The way that you’ll want to prepare your cell phone will vary based on what you decide to do with it, so make sure you figure this step out first.

Backup And Transfer Everything

Once you’ve decided what you want to do with your old cell phone now that you have your new one, you’ll want to make sure that you transfer and backup everything from your old device that you want to have available to you on your new device or through other accounts.

With many phone carriers and through the use of the software on your device, it’s usually pretty easy to collect your data and move it to another location that you can then tap into from your new phone. But before you get rid of this old phone, make sure you’ve gotten everything off of it and have your new phone set up exactly how you want it.

Wipe Your Device Clean

Now that you’re ready to move on from this old cell phone, you’ll want to make sure that this device is clean of any of your personal data and information before it leaves your possession.

To do this, you’ll want to start by doing a hard reset so that the device goes back to the original factory settings. This will make it so that the next person who uses this cell phone won’t have access to anything that you put onto the phone. Additionally, you’ll also want to be sure that you remove your SIM card or erase all of the data that was stored on these as well.

If you’re wanting to put your old cell phone to good use even when you don’t need it anymore, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you prepare this device for donation.

 

In 1865, author Jules Verne published a famous novel describing an incredible journey to the Moon via a powerful rocket. Just over a hundred years later, what seem like pure fantasy amazingly came true with the 1969 Apollo 11 Moon landing. Since the days of the old science fiction authors, multiple other predictions have also proven to be highly accurate.

These days, not only are things seriously beginning to match up with the technological expectations of science fiction fans, there are also more than authors making predictions. Here’s a look at some of the remarkable forms of transport expected in the very near future.

Flying Cars

We already have driverless electric cars, but at long last, flying cars are finally here. More of a “promise” in a way, than a prediction, flying cars, however, have proven to be a trickier aeronautic feat than anticipated. With the invention of drone technology though, many a childhood dream has arrived. Now, a multitude of different companies are bringing out their own versions of impressive flying passenger vehicles.

The Hyperloop

Not just a tool for bored billionaires to gain attention, the hyperloop is big contender for the next step in land-based high-speed travel, and with huge development already underway. Using a nearly frictionless pneumatic vacuum tube system, passenger pods will travel at estimated speeds of over 700 mph, or 1127 km/h, faster than most air travel. All you’ll need to do is get onboard and sit back, relax and play a few games of online blackjack real money and you’ll travel huge distances without even knowing it.

Maglev Train

If the hyperloop doesn’t work out, there is also the Maglev train. Built on decades of tried and tested technology, this train, which is currently being developed and used in China, also utilises a form of frictionless travel. By essentially levitating over a magnetic track, the train can move at hyper speeds, far higher than any previous model of train. Its high energy requirements, however, will likely make it exclusive to certain regions and countries that can afford to maintain it.

Space Tourism

Another pet obsession of the world’s billionaires, space tourism however, is steadily becoming a reality. Now, with companies like SpaceX, Virgin Galactic, and Blue Origin, all vying to be the first to establish themselves in space, a new type of commercial “space race” has begun. Soon, though for a large fee of course, spectacular trips to the Moon might actually become a common occurrence.

The Hover Board

Closer to earth is the hover board, another favourite dream of sci-fi fans, made famous by the 1985 classic movie, Back To The Future. With current technology, this is now actually possible using magnetic levitation similar to the Maglev. However, drone technology is making things even more exciting with amazing flying boards being developed like the Green Goblin’s in the Spiderman comics and movies.

A Future Of Invention

In a way, with such a rapid increase and sheer variety of new and emerging technologies, it is becoming harder even for experts to predict what might eventually take prominence. In the immediate years to come though, the various technologies mentioned above which are largely already in use or otherwise in prototype phase are likely to have a good chance of seeing the light of day.

 

If you are wondering how and when to use the Vingo app, here are your answers. As you know already, Vingo is the most advanced virtual training app available in the market right now. It uses high-definition virtual reality to give you an outdoor experience while you work-out comfortably in your homes. It can be used as an Online running app and as an online cycling app, simultaneously. With the app by your side, you will never get bored of indoor exercises again.

Use Vingo for Creating an Online World

With the Vingo app you can create your own private virtual world. All you have to do is install the app on your smart device and connect the device with your treadmill. You can install the app on your smartphone, or your iPad, or even your smart TV. We recommend you install it on your TV and set the screen before your treadmill for the best experience. This way you can have your private space to work-out peacefully every day.

When You Want to Exercise with Your Family

You can use the Vingo app to exercise with your family. It will be a fun, engaging activity for your spouse and children. It will also help you in bonding with your children better. You can teach them the value of exercise as you go on Indoor running every day and help them learn to stay fit from an early age.

Also, you can encourage your family to get back in shape. This is an easy way to work-out too, for you won’t have to spend a lot on gym memberships for your whole family every month.

Use Vingo to Explore the World Virtually

Vingo is filled with hundreds of virtual locations. They have been designed from real spots from around the world. You can go on an Online running sprint on the Great Wall of China on day one and jump to the beautiful beaches of Hawaii on day two. This way you can spice up your visuals while you run. Keeping your mind stimulated with exciting sceneries will help you push your limits and get fit faster than you normally can.

Create a Better Version of Yourself with the App

Everyday thousands of people come into the app to train themselves. They use Vingo as a running app, or even as a bike exercise app, by connecting it with their training bike. Either way, they are all focussed on one common goal, to better themselves and to reach their highest potential.

You can reach your highest potential too and become the most powerful version of yourself. You can do this by working out regularly with the app, with steadfast dedication. This way, you give the urgent care that is necessary to get the results. These results can be anything as per your personal requirement. So, what are you waiting for? Install Vingo and get fit already. You can also get the app for free for a limited amount of time. Use this as soon as possible.

 

 

Are you worried about your WiFi network security? Cyber security is a growing concern for most people accessing the internet.

Today, 43% of small businesses suffer from cyber attacks. This can be detrimental to any company handling vital customer information. People need to feel that their data and identities are safe when they connect to a public or business network.

Hackers can access your data and harmful files if your WiFi protection measures are not where they need to be. The best thing to do if you are at home or own a small business with a WiFi network is to audit your network security settings.

Here are some tips for improving your WiFi network security.

1. Change Your Router Password

One of the most vital WiFi network security tips is to change your router password. Many people never change the default password on their router, which hackers can easily guess. By changing your password to a strong, unique password, you can significantly reduce the chances of your network being hacked.

Other important WiFi protection tips include encryption, disabling remote access, and enabling firewall protection. WPA2 encryption is the most secure form of WiFi encryption and should be used whenever possible.

2. Disable WPS

One of the essential vital WiFi network security tips is disabling WPS. WPS stands for WiFi Protected Setup and is a feature designed to make it easy to connect new devices to your WiFi network. However, WPS is also a major security vulnerability. Hackers can use WPS to gain access to your network and all its data quickly. So, ensuring that WPS is turned off on your router is essential. You can usually do this in the router’s settings.

3. Use a Strong Firewall

WiFi networks are becoming increasingly easier to hack into, so it’s essential to take steps to secure your network. One of the most important things you can do is to use a strong firewall. This will help to protect your network from attacks by keeping unauthorized users from gaining access.

Additionally, you should use strong passwords for your WiFi network and change them regularly. Be sure to disable any features that could allow someone to access your network without your consent, such as guest networking or Universal Plug and Play. Consider upgrading to a newer model or visit this cyber security site for more help.

4. Enable Regular Firmware Updates

One of the most critical WiFi network security tips is to enable regular firmware updates. Keeping your router’s firmware up to date can help safeguard your network against the latest security threats. Many router manufacturers release firmware updates regularly, so check for updates regularly. You can usually find firmware updates on your router manufacturer’s website.

Build a Safe WiFi Network Security for Your Home or Business

WiFi network security is vital because it helps to protect your data and devices from unauthorized access. Many ways to improve your WiFi security include using a strong password, VPN, and constant firmware and router maintenance. By taking these steps, you can help to keep your data safe and secure.

Want to learn more? Our blog has tons of great content to help you out today!

When it comes time to purchase a portable generator, you want to get the right one for your needs. In an energetic crisis, a well-fitted generator can make the difference between sleeping soundly and deal with the fallout of an unexpected outage.

Just because you need a generator doesn’t mean you should abandon all your common sense when purchasing one. It can be easy to bite off more than you can chew, especially in a situation with so much information and choice.

To help avoid generator-savvy buyer’s remorse, we’ve laid out some of the most common generator buying mistakes and how you can avoid them.

1. Not Doing Their Research

There are many reputable dealers out there, but there are also many who are not.

It is important to do your research and make sure you are not buying from a dishonest dealer. Otherwise, it can lead to a problem with the quality of the generator, or even worse, being ripped off altogether.

It is also a good idea to research a guide to generator installation to avoid dangerous situations.

2. Not Checking the Reviews

A quick Google search will reveal a ton of options, but it’s important not to just buy the first one you see. Checking reviews are a crucial step.

Many people skip this step and end up regretting it later. By reading online reviews, you can get a better sense of which models are worth your money.

3. Overlooking the Details

It’s important to read the fine print and make sure you understand all the features, the wattage, voltage, and amperage of the generator, and the fuel type and run time. Other important details include noise level, weight, and portability.

Knowing all the features and specs of the generator can avoid making a purchase you’ll regret.

4. Buying the Wrong Size

It is important to figure out the different generator sizes, and what types of generators you need for.

If you only need to power a few small devices, then a small, portable generator will suffice. However, if you need to power large appliances or multiple devices, then you will need a larger, more powerful generator.

Then consider how long you will need to use the generator. If you only need it occasionally, then a smaller generator will be fine. However, if you need it for extended periods of time, then you will need a larger generator that can handle the load.

5. Going for the Cheapest Option

While it’s understandable that you want to save money, it could end up costing you more in the long run.

Cheaper generators are often less reliable and may not have all the features you need. The reason for this is that the cheapest option is often not the most reliable or the most powerful.

This means that you could end up with a generator that doesn’t work when you need it most.

Avoid These Generator Buying Mistakes

If you’re in the market for a generator, beware of common mistakes that can end up costing you more money in the long run. Do your research, read reviews, and compare prices before making your purchase.

Pay attention to the features you need and make sure the generator you choose can handle the load.

Most important is to buy from a reputable dealer, have the generator installed by a qualified technician, and do regular generator maintenance. By following these simple tips, you can avoid common generator buying mistakes.

Read more from our blog with more ideas and information to help you.

Online gaming is among the most popular activities and has been for many years.

Around 65% of American adults play video games, according to the latest statistics. Many of these people play games online.

For a gamer, the internet has become an essential piece of technology to ensure a quality gaming experience.

But how much internet speed do you need to play online games like Fortnite or Apex Legends?

We’re here to help. Keep reading for an explanation of internet speeds and an answer to the age-old question: how much internet speed do I need for gaming?

How Much Internet Speed Do I Need for Gaming?

The average person is going to want at least 3mbps to game without any issues. If you have less than that, you may have some occasional lag or connection issues.

If you have DSL, you need at least 6mbps down and most likely will need to be closer to 8mbps to have a good gaming experience. If you have cable, you need at least 10mbps down to have a good gaming experience.

If you want to game on a 4k tv, you will need at least 25mbps down. This is because download speed must keep up if you want a smoother 4k gameplay experience. Check out the rates for Comcast internet here to get a better idea of how much faster speeds will cost you.

How Download Speed Affects Online Gaming

Download speed is one of the key factors that affect online gaming. A slow download speed will result in long loading times, laggy gameplay, and even disconnections. A fast download speed will cut these issues and provide a better gaming experience.

If you’re trying to compete at a high level, you need to have the fastest possible download speed. Otherwise, you’ll be at a disadvantage against players with faster internet.

There are several steps you can take to improve your download speed when online gaming. One is to use a wired connection instead of wireless. This will provide a more stable and faster connection.

Another is to close any programs or windows that you are not using. This will free up resources on your computer that can be used for gaming. Also, you can try adjusting your computer’s settings to optimize performance.

Upload Speed Plays an Important Role Too

It’s not just about download speed when it comes to gaming and the internet. Upload speed is important too. A lot of games are now played online and require a fast upload speed to work properly.

If you’re playing a game with a lot of other people, you need to be able to send your data quickly so that everyone can keep up with each other. A slow upload speed will result in a lot of lag and frustration.

So how much upload speed do you need for gaming? It depends on the game you’re playing and how many people you’re playing with.

If you’re playing an online game with a lot of people, you’ll need a fast upload speed. But if you’re just playing a game by yourself, you won’t need as much upload speed. Check out internet speed tips online for more on improving your upload speeds.

How Does Latency/Ping Affect Online Gaming?

Latency and ping can also have a major effect on online gaming. These two terms are often used interchangeably, but they are quite different.

Latency is the time it takes for data to travel from your computer to the game server and back again. Ping is a measure of how long it takes for your computer to respond to a request from the game server.

Latency can have a big impact on online gaming, as it can cause lag. This is when the game appears to stutter or freeze for a short period. This can be extremely frustrating for gamers, as it can disrupt gameplay and make it harder to win.

Ping can also affect online gaming but to a lesser extent. A high ping can mean that your computer is taking a long time to communicate with the game server. This can lead to some choppiness in gameplay, but it is usually not as noticeable as lag.

Several factors can affect both latency and ping. These factors can include your internet connection and the game server’s location. Other software or hardware between your computer and the server will also have an effect.

Does Data Cap Affect Gaming?

Data caps can affect online gaming. For one, if you go over your data limit, you may be charged extra by your ISP, which can end up costing you quite a bit of money.

Additionally, your internet speeds may be significantly reduced, which can make gaming pages load more slowly and make gameplay choppier.

In some cases, you may even be completely cut off from the internet until the next billing cycle. So, if you’re a heavy online gamer, it’s important to be aware of your data limit and try to stay within it.

Console Gaming vs. PC Gaming: Which Requires More Speed?

There are a few things to consider when comparing console gaming to PC gaming about the internet speed required. For one, console gaming is generally more limited in terms of the types of games and gameplay experiences available, while PC gaming offers a much wider range of possibilities.

In terms of internet speeds, console gaming usually requires a minimum of 3Mbps for basic gameplay, while PC gaming can require anything from 6Mbps for basic gaming up to 25Mbps for high-end gaming with 4K resolution and high frame rates.

So for internet speed requirements, PC gaming requires more speed than console gaming. But, it is important to keep in mind that the speed requirements for both can vary depending on the specific game played and the console or PC used.

The Speed You Need

So how much internet speed do I need for gaming? This is a difficult question to answer definitively because it depends on several factors. However, as a general rule of thumb, you should make sure you have at least 3 Mbps for both download and upload speeds for a smooth gaming experience.

Keep in mind that these speeds are minimums, and higher speeds will give you an even better gaming experience. If you’re looking to get the best gaming experience possible, make sure you have a fast and reliable internet connection.

Be sure to check out the rest of our blog for more online gaming-related content!

Are you looking to hire a developer to create a new website for you or to help you make changes to an existing one? The early stages of building a website may look the same for many projects but a lot is happening behind the scenes.

Learning more about it, in general, can help ease any anxiety you may have. Web development costs will vary based on factors like the number of interactive components, architecture, and desired platform.

See below for an overview of what you can expect during the web development process.

Defining the Problem

The first step in any web development process is defining the problem. This means understanding what the client wants and needs, and then translating that into a specific scope of work.

This can be a difficult process, as sometimes clients don’t know exactly what they want, or they have conflicting goals. Once you’ve known the problem, the process can move on to finding a solution through research and planning.

Research and Planning

Good research involves understanding the client’s needs and goals, the target audience, and the competition. It’s also important to have a clear understanding of the latest trends, and technologies. This research should be documented in a detailed project brief.

The planning stage is where the project team creates a schedule, budget, and scope for the project. This is also when the project’s goals and objectives are finalized. Its strategy should be mapped out, including the timeline, milestones, and deliverables.

Creating a Prototype

The goal here is to create a basic version of the website that includes all the planned features and functionality. Once the prototype is complete, it’s time to start testing by giving the prototype to a group of target users and asking them to use it and providing feedback.

Based on the feedback, the prototype can tweak and improve. Once the prototype is final, it’s time to start building the actual website using a content management system like wordpress or drupal.

Maintenance and Upkeep

Any software development process regardless of the method will have some level of maintenance and upkeep. For web development, this usually means fixing bugs and issues discovered after the site goes live. Additionally, new features and functionality adds to the site over time.

It can be challenging, particularly if the original developers are no longer available. But, it is important to keep up with maintenance to keep the site running and avoid any security issues.

Web Development Process Creates the Best

No matter what types of websites, the best ones are created with a high-quality web development process. This process includes planning, designing, coding, testing, and deploying the final product.

By following these steps, you can be sure that your website will be up to par with the best in the business. So what are you waiting for? Get started on your high-quality website today!

If you have questions, our blog is the place to look. Wander through some of our other articles today.