Valerie Roy, Author at FTC-I

Nov

29

2022

What Is Fiber Internet

Fiber internet is a broadband internet connection that uses fiber cables, which are more efficient than traditional communication wires, to relay data at increased speeds with reduced lag times. This modern technology allows for internet speeds of up to 1 gigabyte or more, improving download speeds by as much as tenfold over other high-speed internet options. Fiber optics are not only faster (they can send data at 70% the speed of light) but they are also less susceptible to the effects of severe weather, resulting in a more reliable internet connection. Fiber is the single fastest means in the world...

What Are PBX and Hosted PBX Systems?

PBX, short for Private Branch Exchange, is a private telephone system that combines an internal telephone network with advanced features for making and receiving external calls. Among its many benefits, a PBX system allows users to easily communicate both internally with business colleagues and externally with the outside world by direct-dialing phone numbers and extensions. PBX also enables businesses to have more phones connected to the system than there are phone lines devoted to the system. Because of this versatility, PBX is one of the most popular types of business phone systems in widespread use today. The telephone system’s reliability...

Nov

22

2022

How Much Screen Time Is Too Much for Kids?

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? Most experts suggest that for children it should be limited to two hours or fewer per day with many studies suggesting that more than an hour a day is too much. Classroom and homework is not included in these limitations, which apply only to recreational usage. It is one thing to know how much screen time is too much, but it is another to know when it becomes a problem and when to...

Nov

18

2022

Coming soon: 8 days of HBO and CINEMAX for free!

With Thanksgiving among its highlights, November is already a month that is strongly associated with giving thanks. And this November, FTC is giving its subscribers even more reason to put some gratitude on the menu this fall season! Beginning on Nov. 22 and running for eight days through Nov. 29, FTC Digital TV is serving up a free preview of premium channels HBO and CINEMAX. So, whether those feasting on the “freeview” enjoy action, suspense, romance, comedy, drama, horror or all of the above, they will have plenty of on-screen options to choose from (and reasons to give thanks) during...

Nov

16

2022

Ways To Improve the Wi-Fi in Your Waiting Room

With little effort, minimal investment and a multitude of benefits for a business, adding fast, secure, and reliable Wi-Fi is the best way to improve the waiting room experience for customers. A speedy Wi-Fi connection allows waiting room guests with a smartphone, laptop or tablet to work remotely, complete online chores like paying bills, check the news or enjoy their favorite online entertainment options. They can even fill out required forms on their own devices while they wait. But as most consumers are aware, not all waiting rooms or business Wi-Fi connections are created equal. Businesses looking to boost the...

Oct

26

2022

What is a static IP address, and why would a business need one?

Simply put, a static IP address is a non-changing internet address. Much like a physical street address, a static IP address can tell other computers or servers on the internet exactly where a specific computer is located or connected to the internet. Since the static IP address does not change, external devices and services always know where to find a server. This is useful for many small businesses that have internet-related needs, like in-house or managed web hosting, email and FTP servers, remote access to corporate networks, and videoconferencing. Dynamic vs. Static IP Addresses Most devices’ IP addresses are dynamic,...

Oct

25

2022

Here Comes Santa … and He’s Bringing a Surprise Guest!

He’s jolly, he’s bearded and he’s coming back! Santa is suiting up to pay a special visit to the FTC stores for Santa Photo Days Nov. 7 – Nov. 22. And this year, he’s bringing Mrs. Claus along with him! Each event day, Mr. and Mrs. Claus will visit a different FTC location from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., and customers can have their photos taken with the Christmas-season power couple. So get in the Christmas spirit and bring a big smile because Santa and Mrs. Claus are coming to town! Santa Photo Day Dates Nov. 7 Sumter – Wesmark...

Oct

24

2022

How To Get on the Do Not Call List

How To Get on the Do Not Call List & What To Do When It Does Not Work By now, many are fed up with incessant and unwanted telemarketing calls and have put their phone numbers on the National Do Not Call Registry. The federal database, which was started in 2003 following the passage of the Do-Not-Call Implementation Act of 2003, requires callers making sales calls to personal phone lines to refrain from contacting the individuals on the list. As of 2022, the registry included nearly 244 million phone numbers. So what steps should those people on the list who...

Oct

20

2022

How To Protect A Home’s Electronic Devices From Severe Weather

Our area has already experienced a taste of severe weather and lightning this year. Whether we see more storms or get a break until next year, we can always count on tropical weather in South Carolina. While many homeowners worry about the severe wind and water damage associated with storms and hurricanes, lightning-caused home electrical surges and the subsequent damage they inflict to connected electronics are often overlooked. Even if the exterior of a home escapes a storm unscathed, the residents could still face thousands of dollars in damage if their electronics are “fried” by a surge. Lightning does not...

Sep

30

2022

How Information Technology Improves Business Processes

By installing and maintaining the newest hardware and software, local Information Technology (IT) services can help boost business productivity, including streamlining inventory, increasing efficiency, enhancing security and speeding up the delivery of the final product or service. In today’s modern marketplace, it is hard to think of a business that does not employ some sort of digital-age, computer-powered technology, either to get the job done or to do it more effectively. Of course, not every business can afford an IT staff or has enough work to justify a full-time employee. Fortunately for South Carolina businesses, FTC offers local IT help,...