2021 | FTC-I

Apr

13

2021

6 Apps That Can Help Users Boost Their Health

Today’s screened devices often get bad press for their tendency to keep users relatively inactive and this is largely for good reason. After all, too much screen time is widely accepted as a leading culprit in heavy TV watchers’ weight gain, regular video viewers’ long stretches of idleness and a collection of other unhealthy, technology-related habits. But such devices do not always have to be bad for one’s health and a long list of health-focused smartphone apps provide the proof. When looking for digital help maintaining a healthy lifestyle, health-conscious consumers can consider these six highly rated apps that can...

Apr

05

2021

Research Shows Kids’ Screen Time on the Rise During Pandemic

In the digital era, excessive screen time for children had already become a persistent and growing concern among American parents. And, perhaps predictably, new research shows the societal effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have only served to exaggerate the issue. According to an August 2020 survey conducted by Morning Consult, added time spent at home in an effort to curtail the spread of COVID-19 has led to a significant increase in the time American children are spending on screened devices such as smartphones, computers and tablets. Of the 899 parents with children ages 17 and under polled in the August...

Mar

29

2021

Mesh Network vs. Wi-Fi Range Extender — What Are the Key Differences?

Wi-Fi has become a nearly ubiquitous feature of the modern-day office, and for a large portion of today’s businesses having reliable internet coverage is downright critical to getting the job done. And of course, when it comes to Wi-Fi, having the signal to reach across the entire facility is ideal, leaving no areas uncovered or struggling with a spotty internet connection that could hamper workers’ productivity. But what is the best way to ensure full Wi-Fi coverage throughout an office? While there is a range of methods for getting an internet signal to reach all corners of a business’s property,...

Mar

22

2021

5 Common Cybersecurity Threats to Watch Out for in the Workplace

Most employees know to be careful when clicking on emails they receive from unfamiliar senders. But as cybercriminals and their tactics have become more and more sophisticated over time, it has grown harder and harder to recognize a scam. And as a result, the threats such attacks pose to a business and its systems continue to grow. Just how big are the threats? Consider this: According to a recent report by insurance carrier Hiscox, in 2019, the average cost of a single cyberattack on a business reached just under $200,000. And businesses of all sizes can be targeted. In fact,...

Mar

16

2021

5 Great Apps for the Great Outdoors

For many lovers of nature, one of the best things about heading out into the great outdoors is the opportunity to unplug and leave all the digital devices behind. And while this is a widely shared and well-founded sentiment, sometimes modern technology and Mother Nature can actually work well together, even if the day’s goal might be to get away from the hustle and bustle of connected life. Case in point: A range of smartphone apps have been created to take outdoor adventures to the next level by delivering benefits like educational content, navigational help and other value-adds, all accessible...

Mar

04

2021

5 Great Websites for Fact-Checking Online Claims

In the age of the internet and social media, a world of information and news updates has been put at consumers’ fingertips 24/7 … but as most of us are well aware, much of it is far from trustworthy. Especially in some social media circles, the spread of misinformation has become rampant, in some cases even leading to dangerous consequences. In fact, falsehoods and exaggerated claims have become so commonplace online and on social media, it can at times be hard to tell what is true and false anymore. Fortunately, though, discerning news consumers who want to double-check the accuracy...

Feb

23

2021

5 Web-Based Services That Can Help Businesses Add and Grow Their Online Retail

Even before a global pandemic forced millions of U.S. consumers to take their shopping activities online, e-commerce had clearly become a force to be reckoned with in the modern marketplace. In fact, with online sales of physical goods nearing $350 billion in the United States in 2019 alone, the e-commerce wave had already grown so large that business owners ignored it at their own peril, and the coronavirus has only served to make it even more prominent. Think about it: Even if today’s consumers end up shopping in person at a store, most perform at least some measure of online...

Feb

18

2021

5 Ways to Boost Productivity When Working From Home

For significant portions of today’s workforce, the challenges of the past year have forced an all-new reality: working from home. And while some workers are naturals at the telecommute and welcome it with open arms, others sorely miss the structure of the office and have struggled to maintain their productivity levels without it. There is good news for the latter group of workers, though. By employing the right technologies and taking a few deliberate steps to tailor a workspace that minimizes distractions, it is possible to clear the hurdles the home environment can create. Consider these five ways to pump...

Feb

15

2021

7 Everyday Ways ‘the Cloud’ Can Deliver Big Benefits

While the majority of today’s internet users have heard of “the cloud” and cloud computing, not all may be aware that it is more than just a business-focused resource. In fact, using the cloud can bring big benefits for businesses and individuals alike, and the technology offers a long list of helpful applications in both the professional world and in our routine daily lives. Many internet users might even be employing the cloud already without even realizing it. So just what is the cloud? “The cloud” refers to technology that enables internet users to store an array of files and...

Feb

08

2021

A Parent’s Guide to Children’s Screen Time: How Much Is Too Much?

In the digital age, it is a persistent question for parents, especially among those raising younger kids: How much screen time is OK for a growing child? This is certainly an important topic for parents to ponder as too much screen time has been linked to a range of problems in children. These can include increased risks for behavioral problems, obesity, insomnia, eye strain, headaches and neck and back ailments. Of course, screen time is not all bad. When used wisely, it can serve as a powerful educational tool. Additionally, it can be a great way to keep kids entertained...