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Your Internet Browser Primer
Sep 11, 2023   11:47 AM

Here are some key factors to consider when comparing internet browsers:

 Speed and Performance 

  • Look for browsers that offer fast page load times and smooth browsing experiences.
  • Consider the browser's resource usage, such as RAM and CPU usage, as this can impact overall performance. 

Security and Privacy 

  • Check for built-in security features such as anti-tracking, anti-phishing, and malware protection.
  • Look for browsers that offer robust privacy settings and options for controlling data collection and sharing. 

Compatibility and Cross-Platform Support 

  • Consider the browser's compatibility with different operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux, etc.).
  • Check if the browser is available on mobile platforms (iOS, Android) if you need cross-device synchronization. 

User Interface and Customization 

  • Evaluate the browser's user interface and determine whether it is intuitive and easy to navigate.
  • Look for customization options such as themes, extensions, and add-ons to personalize your browsing experience. 

Features and Functionality 

  • Consider the availability of features like tab management, bookmark syncing, built-in PDF viewers, and password managers.
  • Check if the browser supports web technologies like HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript for better compatibility with modern websites and web applications. 

Developer Support and Community 

  • Evaluate the browser's development community and support for extensions and plugins.
  • Look for regular updates and bug fixes to ensure a secure and up-to-date browsing experience. 

Popular Internet Browsers 

  • Google Chrome: Known for its speed, simplicity, and extensive extension ecosystem. It’s available on all major platforms, and the mobile version offers syncing of bookmarks, passwords and settings. There’s no VPN, no cryptocurrency locker, no note feature, and no screenshot tool. Chrome does allow for multiple user profiles. 
  • Mozilla Firefox: Offers a balance between speed, privacy and customization options. Its Multi-Account Containers extension lets you sequester multiple logins to the same site on different tabs. Without it, you'd have to open a private browsing window or another browser to sign out of all your web accounts and start a fresh session. This browser is in the vanguard of supporting new HTML and CSS capabilities, and it’s is working on open-source AR and speech synthesis standards. It offers a full password management service called Lockwise, sync them between devices, and secure everything under a strong master password. That and its VPN offering are paid extras. 
  • Microsoft Edge: Built on the Chromium engine, it offers fast performance and deep integration with Windows. It now runs on Apple macOS and Windows 11 and earlier. Mobile versions for Android and iPhone let you sync history, favorites and passwords. It is a leader in performance, thrifty memory management, and disk usage. Startup Boost technology reduces the time it takes to open the browser, and sleeping tabs save memory on tabs you're not viewing. Edge's Efficiency mode can extend laptop battery life. 
  • Safari: The default browser for Apple devices, known for its speed and privacy features. In macOS Monterey, the browser gained a compact tab bar with floating tabs like Firefox's and Tab Groups that live in a convenient sidebar, and with Ventura, they become shareable and pinnable. It also supports Apple's proprietary Shared with You feature in its proprietary iMessage system. For iCloud+ subscribers, a Private Relay obscures your IP address, similar to a VPN. If you use an iPhone and a Mac, Safari integration makes a lot of sense, since Apple’s Handoff feature lets you continue your browsing session between devices. 
  • Opera: Features a built-in VPN, ad blocker, and other handy tools. The built-in VPN (actually an encrypted proxy server) protects and reroutes traffic from Opera to cloak your IP address. Opera uses the Chromium page-rendering engine, so you'll rarely run into site incompatibilities, and performance is fast. The built-in ad blocker also blocks crypto-mining scripts and trackers. Ad blocking also means less data consumed. 

Remember, the "best" browser ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. It's a good idea to try out different browsers and see which one feels the most comfortable and meets your requirements.

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Labor Day Tech Deals
Aug 31, 2023   03:03 PM

The best Labor Day tech deals can vary depending on the specific products you're looking for, but here are some options to consider based on our search results. 

From Tom’s Guide: 

 From TechRadar:

From In the Know: 

Remember to compare prices and read reviews before making a purchase to ensure you're getting the best deal and the right product for your needs.

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Streaming Surpasses Cable as the Top Way to Consume TV
Aug 21, 2023   03:46 PM

Streaming now makes up more than one-third of all U.S. TV consumption, according to data from Nielsen's monthly Gauge study of TV consumption. Netflix is the top streaming platform, followed by YouTube, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+ and HBO Max.

The way we consume TV continues significant transformation. Gone are the days of flipping through channels on a cable box. With the rise of streaming services, the traditional cable model has taken a backseat as more people turn to digital platforms for their video fix.

Streaming platforms offer a vast library of content, accessible at any time, and from any device with an internet connection. Additionally, the ability to binge-watch entire seasons or series in one sitting has become a popular trend, allowing viewers to consume content at their own pace.

Whether it's on a smartphone, tablet, smart TV, or laptop, streaming viewers have the freedom to access their favorite content at their convenience. This flexibility has made streaming services a preferred choice for those who value their time and want to tailor their viewing experience to fit their lifestyle.

Another factor contributing to the success of streaming services is their cost-effectiveness. Cable subscriptions often come with hefty monthly fees, coupled with additional charges for premium channels, equipment rentals and installation fees. On the other hand, streaming services offer affordable subscription plans, allowing viewers to access a wide variety of content at a fraction of the cost. This affordability has attracted many cord-cutters, who are seeking to reduce their monthly expenses without compromising on entertainment quality.

Streaming services have also gained a competitive edge by offering original content that is exclusive to their platforms. With critically acclaimed shows like "Stranger Things," "The Handmaid's Tale," and "Mindhunter," streaming services have proven their ability to produce high-quality content that rivals traditional network TV.

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Back to School Tech Tips and Sales
Aug 14, 2023   01:55 PM

Sales Quicklinks: 

Back-to-school tech tips: 

  1. Protect your eyes with blue-light glasses. Spending long hours in front of screens can strain your eyes. Consider investing in blue-light glasses, which can help reduce eye strain and protect your eyes from the harmful effects of blue light emitted by digital screens. 
  1. Take regular breaks. Encourage your child to take regular breaks from their devices. Prolonged screen time can lead to eye fatigue and other health issues. Encourage them to follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away. 
  1. Create a centralized charging station. To keep devices organized and ensure they are charged, create a centralized charging station in your home. This can help prevent misplaced devices and ensure they are always ready for use. 
  1. Back up your data. Before the school year starts, make sure to back up important files and documents. This can be done using cloud storage services or external hard drives. In case of device loss, damage, or malfunction, having a backup will ensure that important data is not lost. 
  1. Update software and apps. Ensure that all devices have the latest software updates and app updates installed. These updates often include important security patches and bug fixes, which can help keep devices running smoothly and protect against security vulnerabilities. 
  1. Clean your devices. Regularly clean your devices to keep them in good condition. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe screens and a soft brush or compressed air to remove dust from keyboards and ports. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that may damage the devices.
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NFL Sunday Ticket is Now Available Through YouTube
Aug 04, 2023   01:08 PM

The new age of NFL Sunday Ticket is here. How you can watch every out-of-market NFL game has moved from DirecTV to YouTube and YouTube TV which makes it easier for everyone with an internet connection to watch their favorite team (or any team).
 
You can now watch every Sunday out-of-market game on your phone, tablet, computer or TV. So long as you have an internet connection you should be good to go!
 
You have the option of bundling NFL Sunday Ticket (for as low as $299) with 100+ live channels TV like ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, and ESPN on YouTube TV, or get it standalone (currently $399). If you bundle NFL Sunday Ticket, it does require a YouTube TV base plan for an additional $72.99/month. All you need to do is download the YouTube and/or YouTube TV apps in your supported device’s app store by searching "YouTube" or visit youtube.com and/or tv.youtube.com to watch directly from your computer.
 
NFL Sunday Ticket is a premium out-of-market sports package that broadcasts all out-of-market Sunday National Football League games not available on your local broadcast in your area (NBC, CBS or Fox affiliate). So, if you're a Dallas Cowboys fan but live in Miami, you'd be able to watch all of the Sunday Cowboys games that aren't shown on NBC, CBS or FOX in your local market.
 
NFL Sunday Ticket can be watched on unlimited (simultaneous) streams at home and two (2) additional streams out of the home for household members on the go. For example, you can tune in on your living room TV while a family member watches on their tablet from a different room, and another member watches at the same time on their mobile phone when at home. But outside your home, you can only watch on up to two separate streams when you create a Google family group.

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