Many of the best software applications are free, sometimes with paid options for premium levels of service.
Sometimes, though, even reputable companies include unwanted and sometimes problematic add-ons with their free software installs and/or updates. For example, Java includes the annoying Ask Toolbar with updates for users who aren’t paying close enough attention to uncheck the box allowing it to install.…
As a computer geek, I’m often asked what kind of computer to buy and what kind of software to have installed on it.
My first response used to be to buy a Windows 7 PC if you can find it and avoid Windows 8 or 8.1 like the plague. Now that Windows 10 has been out for awhile, my answer is different – get Windows 10.…
Many parents – myself included – want to give their children the benefits of learning to use technology from an early age in a tech driven world. We also need to monitor and restrict their tech usage. That puts us in a quandary, since we can’t watch over our kids’ shoulders every minute that they’re using a computer, tablet or smartphone.…
Nearly four years ago, I learned a number of lessons in what emergency essentials that families really need to have on hand in case of a disaster. Tornadoes tore through the Raleigh area, causing serious damage to my house and hundreds of others.
This post may contain affiliate links; please read my disclosure here.
You probably already know you should keep a supply of nonperishable food that doesn’t require cooking (like baked beans, crackers, dried fruit, etc.).…
Most people who buy a Roku think it’s one of the best inventions ever. However, quite a few Roku users complain about problems keeping the device connected to their home WiFi networks. Fortunately, there are some easy steps you can take to fix these issues.
This post may contain affiliate links; please read my disclosure here.
You may have Roku WiFi issues if the show or movie you’re watching stops, usually with a message such as “connecting” or “transferring.”…
Some day, I hope to have the time and courage to remove the popcorn ceiling from my girls’ bathroom, probably using instructions from View Along the Way. For now, I keep patching it when it starts falling apart above the shower/bathtub.
You’ll see textured ceilings in nearly any house you visit. Builders find it easier to slap on a textured ceiling (also known as a popcorn ceiling) than to use standard paint and have to hide their seams.…
Wondering how to watch the Super Bowl if you’ve cut the cord and canceled your cable or satellite TV subscription? Here are a few options for watching the Super Bowl, Pro Bowl and all NFL postseason playoff games.
The NFL will broadcast the Super Bowl live stream along with live streams of the Pro Bowl and all postseason games online at this link.…
This post contains affiliate links; see my disclosure here.
Many of my most read articles in 2014 were technology related, including reviews, tips and instructions on how to do something. Nearly all of my Roku articles would have been on the list, so I gave them their own “Best Roku Channels, Setup Information and More” article, rather than taking up most of my Best of 2014 list.…
Congratulations on your new smartphone! If you’ve never owned an Android smartphone before, you may not realize that you now carry a mini-computer in your purse or pocket. Your new phone keeps you connected in ways you could never have imagined a decade ago.
To make the best use of your new Android phone, you’ll want to ensure that you protect your private information, back up your photos and videos and download apps that you’ll find helpful in your personal and professional life.…
Unlike most reloadable money cards, which charge so many fees that they generally present bad deals for consumers, a Bluebird account offers a card which you can use anywhere that accepts American Express but charges hardly any fees.
It’s especially handy if you shop at Walmart for groceries, since you can easily transfer your Walmart SavingsCatcher funds right to your Bluebird card.…
