Tech Tips, Tricks and Tutorials
If you’ve been following the news of late you’re probably aware that there’s a shortage of computer chips right now.
There are several factors contributing to the shortage, and reports are now coming out that it’s likely to extend well into 2023.
What does this mean for consumers?
Are you familiar with the term “Porch Pirates”?
Well, you really need to be if you shop online.
Porch pirates are thieves who walk, bike or drive through residential neighborhoods checking all the front porches for packages that have been delivered but not yet retrieved by their rightful owners.
If they happen to spot a package sitting on someone’s porch they’ll sneak over and grab it, then hurry away from the scene as quickly as possible.
Believe it or not, porch piracy is a big deal in today’s world.
With millions of consumers shopping at Amazon (#ad), Walmart.com and other online venues the thieves are virtually guaranteed to find at least one package sitting on a porch in most any residential neighborhood they choose to target.
Truth be told, “porch pirates” are operating in every town and city in America, and some of them even make their living by selling the goods they pilfer from their victims’ porches.
Unfortunately, the problem is likely to get worse before it gets better, but there are several things you can do to prevent it from happening to you: [Read more…]
Note: The links in this post are affiliate links.
Burglars love targeting houses where it’s pretty obvious that no one’s at home.
After all, there’s less chance of them getting caught when there’s nobody there to catch them.
Are you worried about your home being burglarized when you’re at work, on vacation, or otherwise away from home?
If so, there are several things you can do to make it appear to potential burglars that your home is indeed occupied at all times – and prevent them from breaking in: [Read more…]
Note: The links in this post are affiliate links.
If your home is like most others these days it probably has surge suppressors plugged into the outlets that are powering a sensitive electronic device.
And some homes have one plugged into every outlet.
These portable surge suppressors are fine for protecting your computer equipment, flat panel TVs and other devices from moderate power surges.
However, if your incoming power line gets struck by lightning or a strong power surge you will likely be replacing many of those items the very next day. [Read more…]
Last week I received a heads-up from a friend that Xfinity was now offering 1.2Gbps Internet service in my neck of the woods.
I did a little checking around and discovered they are now offering Gigabit+ download speeds in most of the areas they currently service.