An August report from marketing-research firm Nielsen confirms what has long been becoming apparent: Streaming television content is now the norm in the United States. More than half of American adults — 56 percent — now watch web-based TV content, the report says. The percentage is up from 48 percent in 2018 and 40 percent in 2017, exhibiting steady growth in the number of people classified as streamers. The attraction to streaming content is clear. With around 85 percent of U.S. adults owning a smartphone as of 2018 and with more media services and networks making their content available via...

Read More Continuing Its Rise, TV Streaming Hits a Major Milestone

Without passwords, much of the internet and its contents are unavailable to web users. And without strong security, consumers expose themselves to undue hassles, identity-theft risks and, perhaps most threatening and concerning, the potential for losing money. As such, the password serves an important purpose as a frontline defense in the cyber community web users create for themselves. Most people don't need the level of security applied to a corporate environment — however, good security and strong passwords are a must for all. Consumers should consider these five tips for stronger online security: Consumers should utilize online tools like password...

Read More 5 Tips for Stronger Passwords, Security and Security Answers

Whether a consumer is the type who must have the latest gadgets or who prefers to hang onto an outdated device for as long as it will still do the job, there comes a time with smartphones that an upgrade is imperative. And no matter which of these camps the phone owner falls into, a common question always presents itself— what should be done with the old device? As long as it’s still in working order, even a generations-old smartphone can find new life after being retired from day-to-day usage. Here are seven options worthy of consideration: A camera for...

Read More 7 Great Ways to Reuse an Old Smartphone

More than two decades ago, the World Wide Web became available to the public, linking together ideas, information and technology faster than the world had ever seen and fundamentally changing the way people communicate. But with great power comes great responsibility, especially as it pertains to monitoring the online activity of young internet users. As beneficial as the internet can be in consumers’ daily lives , it can also present the most potent forms of negativity and danger for children and adolescents when the proper boundaries and restrictions are not put in place. In today’s world, more and more devices...

Read More How to Keep Children Safe Online

Recently, FTC was awarded a combined six awards by readers of The Sumter Item and the employees at the company are humbled by the unbelievable level of support. Most recently the readers selected FTC for the following awards in the Best of Clarendon contest: Best Internet Service Provider Best Cable/Satellite Company Earlier in the year readers voted for FTC in the following categories in the Best of Sumter contest: Best Internet Service Provider Best Cable/Satellite Company Best Home Security Company Best Local Cellular Company FTC is proud to be a part of the communities it serves and the people who...

Read More The Voters Have Spoken!

In the modern business world, the internet has become a true force to be reckoned with and its influence and power have become nearly impossible for savvy business owners to ignore. The World Wide Web ranks among the top influencers of today’s connected consumers and an ever-growing share of everyday commercial transactions are moving into the online space. In fact, according to KPMG research, 55 percent of today’s consumers consult online reviews and recommendations before going through with a purchase and estimates indicate that e-commerce will account for 95 percent of all purchases by 2040. Of course, for these reasons...

Read More 7 Startling Stats That Highlight the Importance of Cybersecurity

For the dad who has it all, it can be a challenge to thank him with just one gift on just one day a year. This Father’s Day loved ones can raise the bar with functional tech gifts that are sure to leave dad speechless and have him tinkering for hours: Tile Combo Dad can stop the morning “phone, wallet, keys” search ritual with Tile. This nifty little lifesaver will help locate those important “misplaced” items, which in turn will stop a lot of frustrating interrogations on where those pesky keys went each morning. Dad can pop a Tile on...

Read More 6 Tech Gifts That Will Wow Dad This Father’s Day

Apple fanatics, rejoice. In spring 2018, the brand debuted an attractive new iPad option, a sixth-generation model introduced with a much more affordable price tag than previous models, an upgraded processor and so many features it can be overwhelming to even attempt to cover them all. For those looking to get the most out of this new 9.7-inch iPad, we’ve compiled a list of the best tips and tricks to maximize device usage with iOS 11 or later. Make Note-Taking Much More Efficient There’s nothing worse than having a brilliant yet fleeting idea, only to lose it while fumbling to...

Read More 4 Hidden Gems of the Sixth-Generation Apple iPad

In today’s modern world, computers play a role in nearly every part of consumers’ daily lives. In addition to the video gaming, word processing, homework and programming functions that the original personal computers primarily served, today’s laptops and desktops are used for education, entertainment, shopping, selling, banking, photo ands video storage, correspondence, travel booking … the list goes on for miles. And, for better or for worse, the more tasks and activities consumers use their computers for, the more personal information is stored on them. This is why, for reasons related to personal security, sentimentality and practicality, it’s important not...

Read More 4 Important Steps to Take Before Selling a Computer