News & Blog | Page 2 of 12

Sep

08

2020

6 Ways to Tap the Brakes on Distracted Driving

With today’s array of handheld technology — some of which consumers take with them everywhere — there is no shortage of electronic distractions for 21st century drivers. And even for those who have spent decades behind the wheel, any of these devices can present quite a danger by taking drivers’ eyes off the road. In fact, according to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving was responsible for more than 2,800 U.S. traffic fatalities in 2018 alone. Many states and municipalities have enacted laws that make distracted driving a crime. But unfortunately, the allure of that ringing...

Aug

25

2020

6 Ways to Make a Smartphone Battery Charge Faster/Last Longer

Today’s connected consumer rarely goes anywhere without his or her smartphone. And for most smartphone users, getting through the day without this ever-more-vital technological tool could present quite a challenge — because beyond simply being a phone, the devices double for many as their alarm clocks, cameras, flashlights, GPS devices/maps, notepads, voice recorders and more. So, needless to say, it can create something of a personal crisis when a smartphone’s battery begins approaching empty and no outside charging source is readily available. But there are a number of ways to speed charging and prolong the battery’s time in the green....

Aug

18

2020

5 Great Research and Educational Websites for Upstart Investors

For those looking to put away some money for the future and (hopefully) see it grow, the stock market offers an attractive investment avenue that — while inherent risks certainly exist — can also offer long-term growth, especially among those who are willing to be patient with their investments. But for upstart investors who are new to the scene, comprehending some of the financial ins and outs required for informed investing — including terms and concepts such as “dividend,” “blue chip” and “limit order” that are commonly used to describe stocks, trading actions and market characteristics — can present a...

Jul

17

2020

5 Free Apps That Can Help Keep Kids (and Other Family Members) Safer

All loving parents strive to keep their kids safe. And, of course, concern for family members’ well-being extends far beyond the parent-child. While 21st century technology might present some new dangers and challenges such as phishing, online predators and other digital-age risks, it can also lend a helping hand when it comes to keeping an eye out for the health and safety of loved ones. For consumers looking to enlist the help of technology to help keep a watchful eye on their loved ones, these five free apps are worth a look: Find My Kids: This app offers peace of...

Jul

07

2020

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

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...

Jun

18

2020

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

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....

Jun

05

2020

Ways to Protect a Home’s Electronic Devices From Severe Weather

With the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season getting under way on June 1, the most prepared families are already working to protect their homes and personal property. And when the kind of severe thunderstorms that typically accompany hurricanes set in, the risk of an electrical surge in the home, along with the potential for damage to connected electronics within it, rises dramatically. Lightning does not have to strike a home directly to cause major problems for plugged-in electrical devices. A strike to or near a power line in the area can send a power surge into a home’s electrical system, which...

May

18

2020

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

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...

May

07

2020

5 Great Websites for Lovers of Live Music

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...

Apr

29

2020

FTC acquires Computer Systems of Sumter to form FTC IT Solutions

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...