It’s hard to imagine a busier time in the typical family kitchen than during the holidays — when not only do the meals tend to be more elaborate, but they also serve the centerpiece of many family gatherings. Add in…
These days, seasonal merrymakers looking for new ways to celebrate the holidays don’t have to limit their festive flair to their attire, their homes or even the physical world — they can deck out their devices, their playlists and other…
Thanks for visiting Santa at our FTC locations. We hope you had a good time and are getting ready for the holiday season. Click here to purchase additional photos or photo gifts via SmugMug. Santa Photo Day Dates 11/18 Manning – Click…
There’s good reason the holidays are widely considered to be “the most wonderful time of the year.” During this season of joy, Americans’ generous spirits tend to shine especially bright and people seem to open their hearts — and their…
Most owners of smartphones know all too well that it’s easy to let that little screen take up big chunks of their attention and time — and even, many would argue, begin to take control of their lives. These devices…
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,…
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…
Whether a consumer is the type who must have the latest gadgets or who prefers to hang onto an outdated device for as long as it will still do the job, there comes a time with smartphones that an upgrade…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
For cooks and bakers nationwide, the fast-approaching holidays can bring an often-overwhelming list of kitchen-related to-do items, including grocery shopping, prep work, baking, cooking and cleaning, just to name a few. And, of course, with so many culinary responsibilities on…
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 FTC Santa Photo Days Nov. 19 – Nov. 30! Each day he will visit a different FTC location…
Sooner or later, that new smartphone becomes an old smartphone and needs to be replaced. Individuals who decide to sell their old phones need to be sure they remove all of their personal information securely before letting a new owner…
It’s a common problem of the digital age: You’ve got an account or app for nearly everything under the sun, and with each different one, you’re advised to create a unique password. This sounds like a great plan, of course,…
As summer winds to a close and the school year kicks off, you are probably making your way down a list of tasks to complete before the first bell rings. While you’re in prep mode, consider these tips to get…
Whether you are just starting to explore Amazon’s Echo and Alexa or you already have an Echo in every room of your house, you’ll want to know how to use Alexa to her full potential. Echo is the “smart speaker”…
10 Songs for Your Summer Playlist Wherever you play music — in the car, at the beach, around the house — these 10 numbers will get your motor running, your toes tapping and your lips moving. Warm up those pipes…
Most of you have experienced this modern-age nuisance before: Your caller ID indicates that you’re getting a local call, perhaps from a neighbor, a friend or, in some cases, even your own telephone number. But when you answer, you discover…
Sign up to receive exclusive FTC news and special offers.