Year: 2020

These days — especially in personal communications via text, in posts on social media and even occasionally even in work-related scenarios — the emoji has become a common (and powerful) way to easily share thoughts or feelings within a digital conversation. After all, as the old saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words. But these digital icons depicting smiley faces, teasing winks, loving hugs and a long list of other emotions aren’t always appropriate and can be frowned upon in official business communications. So when is it OK for denizens of the digital world to employ an emoji...

Read More Emoji Etiquette: When It’s OK to Use Them, and When They Should Be Avoided

For parents who feel the time is right to give their child a cell phone, the move can be a great way to allow an adolescent to enjoy some newfound personal freedoms and, at the same time, learn some tech-related responsibilities. Simultaneously for the parents, giving a child a mobile phone offers a constant, direct line of communication and a way to stay abreast of a child’s location at any time. Often, though, the move can inspire a common finance-related concern among parents, a fear that the child’s data usage on his or her new toy/tool could break the bank....

Read More Tips for Keeping a Kid’s Cellphone Data Costs Under Control

Even the best chefs know how helpful it can be to have an extra hand in the kitchen. After all, once all the prep work is done and the cooking begins, there can be a lot to keep track of and tend to, especially when preparing a larger meal for bigger gatherings. Fortunately for modern culinary enthusiasts, the cooking help doesn’t necessarily have to have hands or even a heartbeat. With the advent of the internet and smart technology, a range of kitchen-focused smart devices can offer a digital assist. Cooks looking for some extra help in the kitchen should...

Read More 5 Smart Devices That Can Ease Life in the Kitchen — and Won’t Break the Bank

For music lovers, being able to hear a favorite band or artist’s songs is more than just a luxury — it can be a vital part of getting through a tough day (without blowing a gasket anyway). And, of course, there may be no better way for fans to experience their favorite music than by attending a live performance. But sometimes schedules, finances and other obstacles can get in the way, preventing attendance of a must-see show. There’s good news for today’s music fans, though. While catching a performance in person might not always be a possibility, the wonders of...

Read More 5 Great Websites for Lovers of Live Music

FTC is excited to announce the acquisition of Computer Systems of Sumter DBA Palmetto Point of Sale and Entre’ Computer Center. The collaborative venture will be called FTC IT Solutions. FTC Chief Executive Officer Brad Erwin said the addition of Computer Systems of Sumter and its services are the perfect expansion to FTC’s product lines of Internet, Wireless, Voice, Security and Digital TV. “Information Technology and the supporting services is a growing sector,” Erwin said. “Communications is information and information is communications. We are excited to have Steve Curtis (Computer Systems of Sumter president) and his team join the FTC...

Read More FTC acquires Computer Systems of Sumter to form FTC IT Solutions

The state Public Service Commission wants to remind residential and business customers served by the 803 area code that the new 839 area code will soon be added as an overlay to the region to ensure a continuing supply of telephone numbers. An overlay is the addition of another area code (839) to the same geographic region served by an existing area code (803). The Commission ordered an area code overlay for the 803 Area Code on July 26, 2018. An overlay does not require customers to change their existing area code. Beginning May 26, 2020, new telephone lines or...

Read More New Area Code for Customers Within 803 Region

Whether it’s due to long hours at work, unanticipated errands/responsibilities arising, the gym closing or other unforeseen events forcing a change of plans, sometimes fitting a workout into the daily schedule just isn’t in the cards. But for today’s connected fitness seekers, their gym doesn’t necessarily have to be open to get a workout in. Fitness Focus – FTC Now Channel 26 First, for FTC Digital TV customers, several choices are available. They need only go to FTC Now, Channel 26, from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. Mondays to Fridays or from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturdays and...

Read More 6 Great (and FREE) Apps for Working Up a Sweat — or Bulking Up — Outside the Gym

When kids stay home from school — for whatever reason — it is in everyone’s best interest to keep their education on track. After all, the mind stays sharper when it’s kept active and educated. And fortunately for parents raising children in today’s digitally driven world, the opportunities for learning outside the classroom are quite abundant for anyone with an internet connection and a digital device such as a tablet, a laptop or desktop computer, or even a smartphone. Here are six great examples of free websites that parents can turn to for educational resources when their kids are home...

Read More 6 Great (and FREE) Online Homeschooling Resources for Keeping Kids’ Learning on Track

Netflix gives viewers so much to choose from when they finish all seasons of their favorite shows. But which ones to choose? Fans could try a site such as netflixroulette.net, which will pick shows at random. Or check out these popular choices. “The Witcher” Fans who are into “Game of Thrones” but might like “Lord of the Rings” a touch more will love this show. It’s got major riveting fight scenes, but not such a dour storyline and mood. Geralt (Henry Cavill) stirs the imagination. He's one of three compelling main characters who knows how to swing a sword. It's...

Read More Top 10 Shows to Binge Watch on Netflix Right Now