Google offers online virus detection assistance, then directions to a testing center. What a great thing!
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Tools for Travel
Remember when flying was fun?
If you’re under 40 the answer is most likely, “No.”
With the advent of the “hub-and-spoke” system of routing flights through a small number of central hub airports, journeys by air became much more like a bus trip than a jet-set adventure. Then came 9-11, and then the TSA, then baggage fees and… well, here we are.
It’s not fun.
But there are some helpful tools available to organize and monitor your flights and travel agenda. I’ve compiled a list of apps and websites that have helped me survive the stressful rigors of modern travel. Take note road warriors! And feel free to share your favorite travel tools in the comments.
Tripit • Flight Aware • Expedia • Google
First off, I have a very general recommendation for creating a Google account. If you’re using Gmail then you’ve already got one. But even if you don’t use Gmail, the benefits a Google account offers for organizing your travel and itinerary are pretty awesome. More on that later…
https://affiliates.expediagroup.com/products/banners/assets/eg-affiliate-banners.js Continue reading Tools for TravelNew Data for Old Devices
‘Tis the season for new gadgets.
Before you trash that old tablet or smartphone you might consider breathing new life into it with some free connectivity. Yes, free… as in absolutely free!
FreedomPop is a mobile service provider that offers a variety of talk and data plans. Like most virtual network providers they do not own their own network (think Cricket, Boost, Consumer Cellular). Instead they resell bandwidth from other providers-in this case Sprint and AT&T.
Continue reading New Data for Old DevicesA Helicopter in Every Driveway!
That was a totally serious prediction shortly after World War Two. It (thankfully) never happened.
But the dream of flying cars is alive and well in the 21st century. There’s even going to be a seminar!
Continue reading A Helicopter in Every Driveway!
The Password Insanity
Or, How to Stop the Madness
Let’s just admit it: Passwords are a pain.
Nearly every week we hear about another security breach or virus or phishing scam that threatens to steal or broadcast our account credentials. Using the same, simple password over and over just isn’t acceptable in today’s connected world.
By now everyone has got that memo– but it’s a lot easier said than done! Modern browsers make it convenient, even offering to generate complex passwords (aka gibberish). But what if you share accounts with friends or family? What about smartphone apps? What if you need additional details beyond username and password? What if you want encryption? Thus the need for a password manager.
Continue reading The Password Insanity