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

How do I get my Wi-Fi to reach the back porch? We’ve all been there: You’ve been rocking out to a playlist that’s streaming on your phone, then you walk to the backyard and the music sputters and stops. Or maybe you have a “dead spot” in the guest bedroom on the second floor and can’t understand why your internet connection is so dodgy there. A weak Wi-Fi connection can be troublesome, but FTC has a solution for you. In your home, an internet signal is delivered via a cable connected to a small box called a gateway — aka...

Read More Make the Most of Your Internet With Premium Wi-Fi

Imagine a consumer opening his or her banking statement in hopes of booking that last-minute spring break vacation for the family and noticing thousands of dollars in unauthorized transactions. Not only is the vacation jeopardized, but also, potentially, the consumer’s identity. For millions of Americans each year, that scenario has become a scary reality. A 2018 online survey conducted by The Harris Poll indicates that nearly 15 million consumers experienced identity theft in 2017 with stolen funds totaling more $16.8 billion. With numbers that staggering, everyone likely has someone in his or her immediate family or workplace who has fallen...

Read More The 4 Most Common Types of Identity Theft and How to Report Them

Most Americans are eagerly counting down the days to their spring vacations — relishing the chance to get away from the daily grind, check out some new or old-favorite destinations, and forget about their work-related worries for a while. But soon-to-be vacationers aren’t the only ones who are excited about their upcoming escapes. Spring break also marks a golden opportunity for burglars, who know that, when school lets out for the annual spring pilgrimage, families’ houses are left abandoned as they hit the road in search of rest and recreation. Whether they’re headed to the beach, the mountains, overseas or...

Read More Avoid the Spring Break Break-In: 6 Ways to Make a Home Less Inviting to Burglars

Most consumers know to be skeptical of the email from the “Nigerian prince” looking for help securing the millions of dollars in inheritance money he’s due. And, for a wide range of fraudulent emails and internet offerings that are simply (and often wildly) “too good to be true,” the same can be said as today’s typical consumer is far too savvy to be so easily duped. But today’s cybercriminals have also grown more savvy and their email and internet scams have become more convincing. Here are five common and often very persuasive email and internet scams to keep your eyes...

Read More 5 Convincing Email /Internet Scams — and How to Avoid Falling for Them

By now, most users of today’s digital technology have heard of “the cloud” or “cloud computing” and many might even be unknowingly using it regularly, perhaps even on a daily basis. But large numbers of everyday consumers still might not fully understand just what the cloud is. Basically, “the cloud” and “cloud computing” refer to storing computer files and programs on external servers (usually located far away) rather than locally on a device’s hard drive, then remotely accessing the files/programs via an internet or cellular connection. In this sense, “the cloud” serves as a metaphor for the global network of...

Read More What Is ‘the Cloud’ — and How Can Consumers Use It?

Conventional wisdom suggests (as does scientific research) that technology and especially electronic gadgets such as laptops, smartphones and tablets can serve as a hindrance to quality sleep when used around bedtime. But sleep-deprived consumers shouldn’t ban all devices from the bedroom just yet because, when used appropriately, technology can also be a benefit for those trying to summon slumber. People seeking to capture more ZZZs should consider these seven ways technology can help them fall asleep and even support quality sleep once the Sandman arrives: By blocking blue light: Scientists have found that short-wavelength blue light emitted by many electronic devices’...

Read More 7 Ways That Technology Can Support Quality Sleep

First, the good news: Statistics from the State Law Enforcement Division show that the property-crime rate in South Carolina has been steadily declining since 2011. Further, each of the counties in the FTC Security service area — Clarendon, Florence, Lee, Sumter and Williamsburg counties — experienced drops in reported property crimes between 2015 and 2016 (the latest years for which figures are currently available). Unfortunately, of course, homeowners can never fully eliminate the possibility that burglars will target their property and belongings. But there is more good news for those seeking peace of mind — sensible steps can be taken to...

Read More 6 Features to Look for in a Home Security System

For music lovers on the move, streaming music services offer an attractive alternative to hauling a collection of CDs around, and they open up an easy avenue to finding new favorite artists. Subscription services from the likes of Spotify and Pandora offer a broad catalog of music — from the latest hits to golden oldies, with millions of albums and tracks that span the full spectrum of musical styles — all available with a few taps of the touchscreen. Further, the music can be played without having to buy it (rather, users pay a relatively low monthly fee, and some...

Read More 5 Top Streaming Services for Tech-Savvy Music Lovers

For many parents raising kids in the digital age, their children’s screen time can be both a blessing and a curse. Sure, when used correctly, the televisions, tablets, smartphones, video game systems (both in-home and portable), computers and the like can offer positive, educational experiences for their youngest users. And it’s hard to deny that they come in handy when Mom and Dad need a bit of a reprieve from their parental duties or want to keep the kids content and occupied — dare we say even quiet? — on a long road trip. But all of this technology also...

Read More 5 Tactics for Controlling a Child’s Screen Time/Fighting Internet Addiction