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Choosing the E-Reader for You

With most of us having so much time for work and play because of lessened commute time, we may find ourselves developing a hobby. Some of us have taken refuge in that almighty app called Netflix, where we pass hours in a day finishing full TV series or movie franchises. There are also people subscribing to hours of online fitness classes to shake off lethargy and make sure their fitness gains pre-COVID are kept and maintained. There are those who keep on enrolling in online classes to upskill and use this time to make themselves more marketable in the job market. Then, finally, there are those who go back to an old habit, like writing in a notebook, cooking, or reading. If you are one of those people who missed reading because you didn't have a lot of time during your work week to indulge in the written word, this pandemic may be giving you more time to go back and read as much as you want, from fiction to biographies, from crime thrillers to sci-fi and fantasy.

One thing you may be thinking of when wanting to read is how to get books when going to the library is not really an option and buying books isn't that smart when you don't have the space to put all these books. That's where e-books and e-readers come in handy. With everything in electronic files, you can indulge in your reading habit without having to think about the space your books will take up and without having to leave your place. E-readers have come a long way, though and there will be things to look for when you are about to secure one for yourself. Should you go for a Kindle? A Kobo? A Nook? Or should you just go ahead and download an e-reader app on your tablet or phone and use your device as your e-reader? There are pros and cons to that, so do weigh your options.

Consider the screen type

You need to obviously consider the screen of your e-reader because you will be staring at that screen for as long as you are reading. Screens of tablets and phones are not really effective in reducing glare and will therefore strain your eyes even if you are just looking at it for a short time. E-readers employ e-ink and other technologies that do not really give off a lot of light, so you can comfortably read from it even for long periods.

Traditionally, eBook readers have been equipped with two kinds of screens: LCD displays and eInk. Depending on your needs and wants, choosing a reader with one or another is a principal decision as the type of a display determines essential things about your eBook reader.

(Via: https://www.booknizer.com/articles/types-of-ebook-reader-displays.htm)

Consider its size

Considering you are at home most of the time, having handy and light gadgets may not really be a priority at this time. However, considering that you want to be comfortable while you read, you would need to consider if you can hold your e-book reader in one hand like how you hold a paperback book because a clunky gadget can make your reading experience more of a hassle.

You shouldn’t have to strain your eyes to read a book on a digital screen. Our picks all have a six-inch (or larger) display, so the reading experience will be similar to holding a paperback. E-readers let you adjust your book’s text size to your level of comfort, but screen size still counts.

(Via: https://www.rollingstone.com/product-recommendations/electronics/best-e-readers-kindle-alternatives-842785/)

Consider its battery life

In comparison to most other gadgets, you will discover that e-book readers are quite energy efficient. They do not even joke when they claim that a single charge will last most e-readers weeks, with Wi-Fi turned off. But then, don’t forget to check on this because there’s nothing worse for a reader than to be interrupted in the middle of reading a juicy book because the e-reader has juiced out. And there are also ways of extending the battery life of these hardworking gadgets.

Turn down the frontlight. Frontlights are the best thing to happen to ereaders since Amazon launched the original Kindle with free 3G, but you would be surprised by just how much of an impact they have on battery life. I was recently reading on Kobo’s original 6.8” ereader with the frontlight turned almost off, and that thing actually lasted through 4 ebooks before I had to recharge it.

(Via: https://the-digital-reader.com/2020/05/23/eight-tips-for-extending-the-battery-life-on-your-kindle/)

Most if not all e-readers are also equipped to display various documents, particularly those in the PDF format. But then, you can't view them on your e-reader if you've lost them, right? We can help you recover those missing files. Read on to know more about our services: https://www.harddrivefailurerecovery.net/mac-data-recovery.

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Be an A-C-E on U-S-B’s

In this age of connectivity where transferring data is almost second nature for the majority of us, three letters have skyrocketed in popularity - USB. The universal serial bus, whether they be connectors or cables, have been a ubiquitous ingredient in our lives. Particularly nowadays where everyone still pretty much prefers staying at home to work rather than exposing yourself to the virus, knowing a thing or two about USBs may be required but handy knowledge.

But then, there is also quite a lot of things related to the USB cables and ports that might prove to be quite overwhelming especially to those who are not really technically proficient. There's USB-A, B, C, mini-USB, micro-USB, and then USB 1, 2, and 3 (and even 3.1) that casual users may ask themselves if it is really worth knowing all of these. It is, so without further ado, here is everything you need to know about USBs:

Cables and connectors

Before you get overwhelmed, remember this: numbers for cable types (and their speeds) and letters for connector types. So, when you hear USB-A, B, C, mini- and micro, you are talking about the various types of USB connectors. On the other hand, USB-1, USB-2, and USB-3 refer to the data transfer speed of particular USB cables. As can be deduced by their names, the higher the number the faster the speed of data transfer. This means that nowadays, USB-3 is quite fast, and is already considered the standard when it comes to USB cables.

USB connectors come in different shapes and sizes. Most of the versions of USB connectors, including the standard USB, Mini USB, and Micro USB, have two or more variations of connectors.

(Via: https://www.computerhope.com/jargon/u/usb.htm)

Thunderbolt!

Like almost everything else, Apple likes to be different and quirky. Thus, the birth of Thunderbolt, which was, for most of its history, distinct from USB. That is, until Thunderbolt 3 happened, which uses a USB Type-C connector. So now, with the widespread use of Thunderbolt 3, the divide between Thunderbolt and USB may not be as obvious as before.

Designed in a collaboration between Apple and Intel, Thunderbolt is an alternative to USB that was brought to the market in 2011, but was initially shown off as Light Peak by Intel in 2009, running on a Mac Pro. Compared to USB, Thunderbolt aimed to offer considerable benefits, including multiplexing data lanes for PCIe and DisplayPort hardware together, namely mixing data with video, as well as a fast data rate of 10Gbps for each of two channels, 20Gbps in total.

(Via: https://appleinsider.com/articles/20/08/24/usb-3-usb-4-thunderbolt-usb-c----everything-you-need-to-know)

What's compatible with what?

When faced with the selection of 1, 2, or 3 cables, you should not really be worried as all these cables are compatible with any USB connector and technology. What is limiting is the connector and ports available on your device. Obviously, if your device has a USB-C port, then you cannot use a micro-USB cable on it. Same with a USB-C cable for a device that only has a mini-USB port. In other words, be more conscious of connectors and ports for compatibility rather than paying too much attention to USB cables.

On the other hand, you wouldn't want to buy a cable with a USB-C connector if either the device you're connecting or your computer doesn't have a port that will support that connector.

(Via: https://www.lifewire.com/differences-between-usb-c-and-usb-3-5077035)

We know that information ownership and connectivity is of utmost importance these days. Read on to see how we can help you recover lost data: https://www.harddrivefailurerecovery.net/laptop-data-recovery.

Be an A-C-E on U-S-B’s was first published to Hard Drive Recovery Associates

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Be Scam-Free in This Pandemic

More than phishing scams and ransomware attacks, various text scams have been on the rise again, even during these times of a pandemic affecting the entire world. You would think that this disaster affecting millions across the earth would make scammers and criminals more considerate and this, let them ease efforts on defrauding people who are already suffering as it is. But no, so many scams have become commonplace these days, much to the disadvantage of victims who are already coping with so many other matters.

But then again, it might be that these scammers are ahead in their game. They feel like with so many problems besetting people these days, they might be too distracted to realize that they are being scammed. Alas, that may be true because so many people are complaining of their bank accounts getting wiped clean of money when all they did was to respond to texts or emails coming from what looked like authentic departments of their banks. So now, we have a huge problem.

Why the rise?

The anxious mix of people getting distracted by pandemic news, being not in touch regularly with family and friends, and the general uncertainty of the situation makes us all the more susceptible to these scams. Of course, scammers have taken advantage of this situation by also playing to our paranoia, as some schemes are using contact tracing and the virus itself to force people into revealing personal information, leading them to get scammed easily.  On the other hand, with people’s finances not in the best shape these days, scammers have also found ways to fool people into participating in get-rich schemes to improve their situation, unknown to these victims that they are about to lose more money.

We all get distracted and stressed out: The boss wants that report by noon. The kids can't get the Zoom classroom to open while we're on a conference call. The dog is barking nonstop. Make the phone stop dinging and just answer the text!

(Via: https://www.lifewire.com/why-we-fall-for-texting-scams-and-how-to-stop-5077031)

Scam here, there, and everywhere

One scam in the UK involves a government agency sending SMS messages to people that they are eligible for government aid because of the pandemic and after being led to a legitimate-looking website, they will be asked of their bank details where the supposed government subsidy will be deposited to and passport numbers to facilitate verification. In the US, text messages informing shoppers of "packages" to be sent to them also victimized hundreds in August. Lately, fake recruiter emails and schemes where work-from-home opportunities are provided to job seekers who can deposit placement fees to scammer have also occurred.

Over the past two weeks, people across the US have been receiving text messages with wording similar to this: "[Name], we came across a parcel from [a recent month] pending for you. Kindly claim ownership and confirm for delivery here," along with a link.

(Via: https://www.cnet.com/how-to/avoid-the-new-text-message-scam-about-package-deliveries/)

Information is power

The fact that you are aware of these scams getting more popular and happening more frequently these days should already work to your advantage. Because you are conscious of these events, you should be more careful and exercise caution when receiving these text messages. Being skeptical about these messages put you more on the side of safety and should not hurt you. Of course, getting in touch with the companies where these texts are supposed to be from to verify is also a wise idea.

Legitimate delivery services usually leave a "missed delivery" notice on your door. If you receive a missed delivery notice, examine the form carefully to make sure it is authentic and only then follow their instructions. Keep track of what you've ordered so you have a better idea of what is coming and when. Don't click on any links; go to the delivery carrier's website directly, or log in and use the retailer's tracking tools.

(Via: https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/business/aroundregion/story/2020/sep/03/how-avoid-delivery-scams/531463/)

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How to Be an Ace Online Student With a Few Steps

The thing about being on lockdown and avoiding too much of the outdoors is that everyone it seems has lost track of time. In case you are one of those people who has forgotten what date and time of the year it is, this is a reminder to tell you that it is already fall! Yes, that picturesque season with beds of falling orange leaves covering the ground, cool weather perfect for sweaters but not too cold that you feel lethargic, and of course, school opening! Many, if not all schools are welcoming back students to their fold, albeit everything being a virtual event as nobody dares to endanger the young by getting them to physical buildings where the risk of getting sick is higher.

With schools virtually opening come memories that flood back the minds of office workers who had to adapt to work from home strategies only months ago. And just like that event in March, school children and hapless parents are beset with challenges once again as they must adapt to this "new normal" of virtual classrooms and online modules. And just like office employees, students will also surely get used to learning in this environment, if only the learning and adaptation curve will be to their advantage very soon.

Studying is hard, studying online is harder

Just imagine, as an adult, having to sit still and appear very interested in your Zoom meetings with your office team, resisting the temptation to click on that N icon on your device and finishing the next episode of Money Heist you have promised yourself to watch as soon as the day ends. If that scenario is that challenging to supposedly mature and level-minded adults, imagine how much of a challenge that would be to kids and teenagers who generally have attention spans that can only be rivaled by Dory in Disney's Finding Nemo movies. Confusion ensues when facial expressions and tones of teachers may be misinterpreted by children who may not be that equipped with enough maturity. Alas, there's the challenge of intermittent internet connections. What's a kid supposed to do?

But going to school on a laptop came with a litany of difficulties on day one: Parents were dealing with hangry kids who weren’t allowed to eat while on screen, demystifying confusing class schedules, and managing the various passwords needed to unlock an online education.

(Via: https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/09/16/metro/its-bizarre-its-how-were-doing-it-parents-students-adjust-virtual-classrooms/)

Where to study?

As with how adults had to face that challenge of having to work in the kitchen or in their beds during the early weeks of the lockdown, the same challenge is faced by students who may be more susceptible to getting distracted by even the slightest of triggers. Thus, just like the birth of a work-from-home space for employees, the must for a study space for schoolkids needs to be addressed.

Empower your child by giving him a say, says Karen Aronian, Ed.D., of Aronian Educational Design LLC, a firm that designs learning spaces. While some more-distractible kids may prefer a desk in their room, most preschoolers and elementary-age children want to be where the action is, Aronian says.

(Via: https://www.parents.com/kids/education/back-to-school/how-to-set-up-an-virtual-learning-space-at-home-for-kids/)

Equip 'em students with the best listening tool

There's the laptop or tablet for students to successfully attend their online classes, ergonomic and comfortable chairs and desks that can withstand these users who tend to be restless every three minutes, but there's another all-too-important tool they need to be successful in their online classes: noise-canceling headsets or earphones. After all, they need to hear their teachers clearly, and listening to their voices are more important in learning most subjects than looking at them. Thus, an investment in headsets is essential.

Are you going to be using your new headphones in a communal study area? You may want to check out the best noise-cancelling headphones. Love to work out before you hit the books? Then the best running headphones will give you the security and robustness you need.

(Via: https://www.techradar.com/news/the-best-headphones-for-students-our-top-picks-for-back-to-school-cans)

Meanwhile, if you have an extra laptop that you deem unusable because of some past accident, we may still salvage that for you. Read on to know more: https://www.harddrivefailurerecovery.net/fixing-a-corrupted-hard-drive

  How to Be an Ace Online Student With a Few Steps was initially published to Hard Drive Recovery Associates

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Do You Have the Tech Basics of Podcasting?

With the pandemic still in full swing, most of us have taken so many hobbies and activities that occupy us, allow us to pass the time, and in a way reminds us that there is still that big, outside world we can connect to and just can't explore for the meantime. Some of us have held monumental marathons on Netflix, some of us have explored skills in the kitchen, while others have honed their (or verified that they don't have a) green thumb. Yet others, to remind them of those days of commuting to work and having a drink with colleagues after office hours, continue to listen to podcasts that we have been loyal to even before COVID-19 disrupted our lives.

But then, has it ever occurred to you that you can also do a podcast? There has been a surge in the amount of content people publish. Whether it is to bring some semblance of normality in their lives or to remind others in their network what they've been up to in these boring times, sharing podcasts can be quite therapeutic and effective as a social activity these days. If you are currently thinking, "Why not? That sounds like a lot of fun," then maybe you should read on and check whether you and the people you want to do podcasts with have these already. Of course, it goes without saying that you would need an internet connection and a laptop or desktop computer in order to stream a podcast. Here are other items you would need:

Get a microphone A microphone is a must so that you can put your voice into the computer for recording. The variety of microphones run from affordable to high-end, and the good news is you really don't have to go for the more expensive mics to ensure great function. The more basic microphone models can also do a good job with reasonable quality. The thing to remember is to check the quality of the sound with the mic you are going to get. The better the quality, the more professional you will sound, the higher the likelihood of people listening to you. Suffice to say the basic mic or headset you use for Zoom and Skype calls may not really cut it.

Whether you’re picking podcasting up as a hobby or a new venture, one thing’s for sure: Low-quality equipment could make or break even the most compelling content, as otherwise interested listeners might be too distracted by background noise. The best podcast microphones will ensure rich, clear vocals, so even if you’re a one-person show, you won’t sound like one. (Via: https://www.rollingstone.com/product-recommendations/electronics/best-podcast-microphones-1061917/)

Get a headset A headset is a must if you are going to have a podcast with multiple participants. If you are doing a solo act podcast or if you’re not doing a reaction vlog or content that would require you to watch or listen to another person or piece of content, then a headset may not be necessary. But if you have a partner or you’re doing a reaction podcast, then make sure you have a great headset. Here is a look at the headphones one of the most successful podcasters is using:

When podcasting for up to three hours at a time, you are going to need a comfortable and reliable pair of headphones. While watching Rogan at work, I became curious as to which make headphones he and his guests were using. I even got a few messages from readers who wanted to know what Rogan had clamped on his head. (Via: https://www.forbes.com/sites/marksparrow/2020/09/06/which-headphones-does-joe-rogan-wear-when-podcasting/#739f5e863503)

Get recording and mixing software Recording and mixing software are musts if want to enhance your presentations. Podcasts that feature only one voice are good, but for adding elements that make your podcasts more exciting like intros and background musical score, then you need to have recording and missing software in the mix (pun intended-ish).

But, before you can record, you’ll need something to record and edit your podcast. That’s where a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) comes in, preferably one you know how to use that is within your budget. Most DAWs can record and edit, but the advanced features may vary from one to the next. Some programs only record audio, while others can automatically edit your audio through an algorithm. You can record, edit, and master your podcast manually, or you can pay someone to do it. (Via: https://www.premiumbeat.com/blog/podcast-editing-software-ranked/)

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The article Do You Have the Tech Basics of Podcasting? was first published to Hard Drive Recovery Associates

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Rolling in the Deep(fake)

In this era of fake news, it’s almost a given that you’ve come across videos like Jon Snow apologizing for the rather underwhelming finale episode of Game of Thrones, Mark Zuckerberg boasting of being the owner of people’s stolen data, and Steven Buscemi attending the Golden Globes wearing what people remember as Tilda Swinton’s gown. These videos have been our exposure to deepfake, the 21st century equivalent to photoshopped pictures. These videos are possible through artificial intelligence that produces fake images of events that have never happened. Most deepfakes have become tools for personalities to be embarrassed and have their reputations ruined, with some becoming effective in “fooling” unsuspecting viewers and in millennial-speak, “canceling” personalities.

Given how gullible we have all become to these fake videos, we need to inform ourselves of them lest we are fine with being unresisting victims. How they are made, how to know the difference between real and deepfake graphics, what the consequences of deepfake are, and possible solutions are some things we need to know. After all, there will come a time when technology becomes more common and accessible to just about everyone. When this time comes, deepfake will not only victimize celebrities and world-renowned personalities but even ordinary citizens like you and I. You definitely wouldn’t want to be left scratching your head when you fall target to a deepfake item.

What do you need to make a deepfake?

As of the moment, it takes a lot to produce deepfake. A standard laptop or desktop PC won’t do. You need a high-end desktop armed with professional-grade graphic cards and storage capacity. After all, one deepfake video alone may need a least 40,000 high definition pictures of the person you would like to be put in the video. HD photos are huge files that cloud storage is actually preferred. Fast computing power is also a must, or you will end up taking a month just to come up with a video that’s two minutes long. You also need tools and apps, which cost according to the quality of their outputs.

Right now, it’s actually not difficult to make deepfake videos, thanks to free apps and programs that allow even ordinary people to make them. Cost-free source codes and machine-learning algorithms are abundant online, and the only things you need to make yourself a video are time and materials.

(Via: https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2020/05/17/features/deepfake-artificial-intelligence-pornography/20200517190700189.html)

  Can you tell the difference?

Prior to 2019, when technology experts were asked how one can detect a deepfake, they will readily answer that it’s all in the eyes. Eyes in deepfake videos don’t naturally move, much less blink. After all, you can’t really see a lot of photos where a celebrity blinks or closes his or her eyes.  But then, deepfake technology is fast to provide solutions, so it was no sooner when the blinking weakness was revealed that a solution emerged.

It comes down to being super vigilant. Organizations can help by making sure employees undergo a thorough cybersecurity awareness programme that is updated frequently to inform them about the latest threats, and how to react.

(Via: https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/01/how-to-spot-a-deepfake/)

  Will deepfakes destroy the world?

Deepfakes are meant to embarrass, intimidate, and destabilize individuals. The best ones might send beloved celebrities into retirement or away from the limelight. Will it affect entire countries and societies? Not really, especially since a lot of countries have their own intelligence agencies that employ state-of-the-art security imaging systems. But deepfakes can definitely affect economic markets and voters, not to mention cause religious tension and other areas that are not directly under government control.

However, the ability to generate realistic simulations using artificial intelligence will, on the whole, be only a positive for humanity.

(Via: https://www.forbes.com/sites/simonchandler/2020/03/09/why-deepfakes-are-a-net-positive-for-humanity/#633d8cfd2f84)

  Is there a solution?

Artificial intelligence, which produces deepfakes, is also what can stop deepfakes. AI has also been proven to be effective in detecting deepfakes that feature celebrities because of millions of hours of available footage. Technology firms are now looking into how detection systems can spot deepfakes, whether or not they feature a known personality or not. There is also talk of having an online ledger system on a blockchain that will house original copies of videos, audio, and photos so that any file can be cross-checked for any manipulation.

In fact, the detection methods are similar enough to the methods used to make deepfakes that the research on detection inadvertently provides a roadmap for improving the fakes. Worse, the deepfake detection models themselves can be used directly in the deepfake generation process to improve their output.

(Via: https://www.brookings.edu/research/fighting-deepfakes-when-detection-fails/)

  On the other hand, if you are certain that you’ve become a victim of your laptop’s struggling hard drive, we’ll help you recover. If you would like to know more about hard drive errors and data recovery, read here: https://www.harddrivefailurerecovery.net/fixing-hard-drive-errors.

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Getting Financially Fit Even During a Lockdown

While our ancestors have braved pandemics before and we have also had our fair share of crises and dealing with them, I do not think the world has faced a disaster of this magnitude. The various ways we cope with the COVID-19 calamity are quite pragmatic, as this is the first time we are facing problems like this. There is no blanket, one-size-fits-all solution yet, so we try to manage the best we can.  But then, there may be suggestions on how we can secure our survival that we can all try and apply. Thousands are losing their means of income with mass layoffs happening daily. Businesses have contracted, with some deciding to shut off permanently.  We can try and extend a hand to everyone in need of help, but before we can do that, we need to look out for ourselves as well. After all, if we are not that strong ad secure financially, how can we help others?

Thus, with still months (and even years, according to some) to go before we adopt a “new normal”, let us assess ourselves and see whether we can be confident with our state of fiscal being. That way, we can ease mental stress, focus our energies on the more important things such as keeping physically healthy, and be our full selves so we can possibly have something to give other people. Here are some ways we can be assured of strong financial health during this COVID-19 crisis.

  Try to scrap unnecessary expenses

As you may already be working from home for the past weeks, if not months, try to do an inventory of your expenses since the lockdown started. See which areas you can cut down and calculate how much you can save. Be detailed down to the last cent. Remember, you should already have been saving on gas and transportation costs since you haven’t been using your car anywhere. But then, you might already have been using your savings to buy something online or add to the grocery budget. Set aside these savings instead of funneling them on things you don’t necessarily need.

There are ways to boost your saving skills while you’re stuck at home, though, to get your finances looking a little healthier (even if only to blow everything you have on holidays, pub trips, and fast food the second this is all over).

(Via: https://metro.co.uk/2020/04/24/simple-ways-cut-spending-save-money-lockdown-12604973/)

  Get reminded of how important an emergency fund is

Remember when you were encouraged to set aside a portion of your income so that you can have something “for a rainy day’? Well, that rainy day is the present, with people losing jobs and getting their salaries cut. If you don’t have an emergency fund, start as soon as possible. Three to six months of what you usually earn a month would be best practice for an emergency fund. And if you have this fund already, congratulations! Just make sure you don’t spend your emergency fund on frivolous and unnecessary things.

An emergency fund forms the basis of financial security in any household. Having one has become even more important in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. In case you haven’t created one yet, you have little time to lose. This emergency, like others, has come unannounced and has the potential to disrupt your finances.

(Via: https://www.timesnownews.com/business-economy/personal-finance/planning-investing/article/fearing-job-loss-or-health-emergency-due-to-covid-19-crisis-know-how-to-build-an-emergency-fund/577201)

  Get your budget game on

As you continue to meticulously list your expenses, you need to plan your finances as well. Categorize your expenses according to your basics that include food, utilities, rent or mortgage, and wants such as snacks, alcohol, subscriptions, and delivery services. You may consider trimming down the items on your “wants” category, especially if you don’t have an emergency fund and you don’t have incoming income in the near future.

Budgeting is essential, particularly at this moment. For the last decade, many have struggled from month to month and we often don’t know the full scope of what is going in and out of our accounts every day.

(Via: https://www.ipswichstar.co.uk/news/how-to-budget-for-coronavirus-lockdown-1-6580337)

  Hustle a side gig

You may still have a job, you may be anxious about how secure your job is, or you might not have a job anymore, but this lockdown presents the bet time for you to join the gig economy. Side jobs and part-time work opportunities abound during these times since almost all businesses are operating from home as well. If you know how to bake, get those muffins from the oven to your bank account.  Are you proficient in graphic design? Look into opportunities on social media and freelance websites. There’s no better time to monetize your skills and talents.

So, why not make the most of it and do something productive — like learning a new skill or taking on a new side hustle? Picking up a new side hustle can not only help you earn some extra dollars but also it could help drive away negativity to a certain extent during these troubled times. And, it always feels nice to do something productive, rather than sitting all day before the TV and mindlessly binge-watching whatever series you can get your hands on.

(https://www.sellcell.com/blog/15-best-ways-to-make-money-from-home-during-coronavirus-lockdown/)

Now, if you have a damaged hard drive on your laptop, get help ASAP! Don’t let water damaged laptop or lost documents that you need to recover add to your problems in this already-stressful time. Read on to see how we can help: https://www.harddrivefailurerecovery.net/how-to-fix-logical-hard-drive-errors.

  Getting Financially Fit Even During a Lockdown Find more on: The Hard Drive Recovery Associates Blog

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What Will the New Normal Be Like?

We are indeed living in some of the most interesting times. There have been some events in the history of the human race that has changed the way we live, that is true, but these happenings took years to effect drastic changes. Wars raged on for years before affecting the entire world, whole continents used to be spared from medical pandemics. Now, COVID-19 has affected each and single country directly or indirectly. In a matter of weeks, the way we lived has changed. What is exciting and a bit scary is that months from now when we will eventually come out of our lockdowns and quarantines, there is a huge possibility that there will be no going back from the way we live only months ago.

The new normal as pundits have coined the period pos-COVID-19, will indeed be new and will be markedly different from how we used to do things in February. The COVD-19 pandemic is one for the history books – so devastatingly major that we humans may already define our lives as everything that happened pre-COVID and months from now, post-COVID. This can be both good and bad. The environment’s condition has improved, we now have a deeper appreciation for personal relationships, health has become a priority. But then, freedoms we used to take for granted such as mobility and assembly have been curtailed. The new normal does have pros and cons to it.

Our current lockdown situations are serving as a dry run for the major effects the COVID-19 will eventually impose on our lives after its reign. The question is, are you ready for this “new normal”? Here are some changes you need to be aware of now:

Commerce and the nature of work

Not only has this pandemic changed the nature of business and work, it has forced some of its facets to mature. COVID-19 has created a survival of the fittest scenario among commercial and work practices, and what remains will not only survive, but will compose what will be the “new normal.” And we realize that some of our pre-COVID habits are actually impractical and don’t make sense, so that’s good. After all, there’s really no need to constantly use the ATM and get cash, drive to a store to buy things, and use your cash to pay for your purchases when you can have anything delivered to your house. Why waste an hour of two to commute to work when you can finish everything at home and even extend your work hours for an hour or two?

So, perhaps the conversation that we should be having as a society isn’t about where we are going to work after the post-covid dust settles, it should be how we are going to work.

(Via: https://www.forbes.com/sites/laurelfarrer/2020/05/12/the-new-normal-isnt-remote-work-its-better/#3df35cd82405)

  Healthcare gets the spotlight

Even before COVID-19 started wreaking havoc, the health sector has already been subject to huge structural pressures and undergoing rapid advances in technology. For one, the global population, particularly in Europe and East Asia is ageing, posing a major challenge to governments in ramping up efforts for elderly care and geriatric medicine. COVID-19 has been overwhelming healthcare facilities anew, not to mention presenting a new race for experts to produce a vaccine and medicine for it.

Healthcare workers are on the front lines of the battle against the pandemic, treating sick patients flooding hospitals. At the same time, the outbreak has brought to a halt many of the most lucrative parts of the industry, such as surgeries and procedures, threatening the financial futures of hospitals and leading to pay cuts and furloughs for workers.

(Via: https://www.businessinsider.com/whats-next-ceos-future-leaders-200-healthcare-covid-19-2020-5?IR=T)

  What are your priorities and where does the money go?

So, what happens to caring for people with other medical conditions? How will medical professionals in fields outside virology and pulmonology deal for their patients? Will the private sector step up and handle what the government cannot? Finally, will everyone, including and especially the government, recalibrate their spending habits and prioritize healthcare over other expenditures like food, leisure, and entertainment (for individuals and families) and education and defense (for governments)?

Households worried about their health and finances will save more and spend less. Companies will be less efficient and less global as they rearrange supply lines and bring production back to the U.S. to improve resiliency rather than to cut costs. Government involvement in the economy will be greater as officials place a premium on domestic supplies of medical equipment and other products deemed essential.

(Via: https://finance-commerce.com/2020/05/economic-new-normal-2-0-looks-long-perilous/)

  What happens to travel?

If there’s any sector that will be most adversely affected, it’s travel and tourism. Business and leisure travelers have been singled out as the primary cause of the COVID-19 pandemic and air travel has long been criticized for its poor environmental effects. With businesses opting to use video conferencing instead of sending people overseas and physical distancing being a commandment of the new norm, flights will skyrocket in costs, even if oil prices are at an all-time low. Leisure companies that serve the lockdown market and eventually, those who are more keen staying at home, will be the only ones that will survive.  Companies like Disney will have to find a way to invest in intangible services and away from brick-and-mortar assets that will continue to suffer losses in the foreseeable future.

Here, then, lies a bit of friction, and the Shanghai operations represent a bit of a microcosm of a larger issue. Disney’s earnings results this past quarter, as announced earlier in the week, showed the parks, experience and products segment at $5.5 billion in revenues, down 10 percent. That, of course, does not reflect the full impact from the pandemic. In the meantime, the company took a $1 billion hit to operating income due to the sales lost from the closures.

(Via: https://www.pymnts.com/travel-payments/2020/theme-park-what-disney-signals-brick-and-mortar-leisure/)

  How about you? Are you ready for the new normal? If you need assistance with recovering your files you may have lost pre-COVID, we can certainly help you on that. Read on to see how we can aid you in your document recovery and hard drive challenges: https://www.harddrivefailurerecovery.net/hard-drive-repair.

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Make Yourself In-Demand in a Post-COVID World With These Skills

If the death toll of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is not giving you serious bouts of depression, here’s something scarier: For the past month, 10% of the US workforce, or close to 15 million people do not have jobs anymore, also thanks to the pandemic. As of the end of April, over 26 million people have looked into unemployment benefits, and the figure is not showing any signs of decline. This is millions of us who are struggling on multiple fronts: how to stay healthy, how to pay the bills, and how to keep sane with everything that’s going on.

With the job market at its rockiest in history, laid-off employees may want to use this lockdown period as an opportunity to reassess themselves in terms of their careers, what they really want to do as work, what their skills are, what the job market needs, and what skills they can develop to make themselves more “marketable” when the “new normal” kicks in.

The same goes for you, still working reader. You may be “secure” in your current job, but with the way the world economy is going, no one is dispensable. The business and commercial landscape is evolving, all the more because of the COVID-19 crisis. Demands from companies are changing, and if you plan to stick around in the employed sector of the economy, you need to keep your skillset updated to these demands. It doesn’t matter if you are “not so technical” and past your prime; if you want to stay employed, you have to reskill, upskill, and get your available skills in line with what the market needs.  What skills are these? Take note of these skills that you need to acquire as soon as possible:

  Up your critical thinking and problem-solving skills

According to a Society for Human Resource Management survey, the top soft skill that is absent among candidates according to 37% of employers is critical thinking and problem solving. The chance of someone with demonstrated problem solving and critical thinking skills getting hired is very high, as they are valued for providing options and solutions when companies face problems such as the current one everyone is facing.

Employers say they need a workforce fully equipped with skills beyond the basics of reading, writing, and arithmetic to grow their businesses. These skills include critical thinking and problem solving, according to a 2010 Critical Skills Survey by the American Management Association and others.

(Via: https://www.dol.gov/odep/topics/youth/softskills/problem.pdf)

  Up your social media and digital marketing skills

With the current lockdown forcing businesses to shift to methods that do not require physical contact and the near future most probably seen to continue with this, efforts to encourage consumers to buy things have also shifted to online and digital.  Thus, in-demand skills involve search engine marketing (marketing that will allow your business to shine in Google and other search engines), search engine optimization (marketing that will allow your online assets (website, social media) to be optimized so that your business will rank high on search engines), and email marketing.

While certain industries like Travel and Hospitality and Retail were hit very hard and it felt like they may take a while to restart, many other industries it seemed could see a tremendous need and opportunity to invest in Digital Marketing technology. It is also clear that for others, due to the changing nature of their businesses (e.g. fast food becoming a delivery business), they would be forced to rethink archaic marketing strategies, tools, and processes that they have been living with.

(Via: https://martechseries.com/mts-insights/guest-authors/three-ways-digital-marketing-will-change-post-covid-19/)

  Up your AI skills

Jobs in artificial intelligence have been emerging through the years, and they will go further in popularity since COVID-19 discourages various practices such as working in physical buildings and people being physically close to each other. Moreover, AI has resulted in more efficiency in business operations, encouraging companies to be on the lookout for AI experts.

The most successful AI professionals often share common characteristics that enable them to succeed and advance in their careers. Working with artificial intelligence requires an analytical thought process and the ability to solve problems with cost-effective, efficient solutions. It also requires foresight about technological innovations that translate to state-of-the-art programs that allow businesses to remain competitive.

(Via: https://www.computersciencedegreehub.com/faq/skills-job-artificial-intelligence/)

  Up your data analytics skills

Skills in data analytics allow you to analyze raw data so you can discover trends, patterns, and recommendations that will prove crucial to businesses. Even now, data analysts and scientists are very much in demand to improve contact tracing and healthcare efforts and win the war against COVID-19.

The task of a Data Analyst is to process the varied data concerning the customers, the products, or the performances of the company, to release indicators useful for the decision-makers. Thus, the information provided by the data analyst enables companies to define the products to be offered to customers according to their needs, the marketing strategy to adopt, or the improvements to be made to the production process.

(Via: https://hackr.io/blog/become-data-analyst-with-no-experience)

  Computer software skills are also still very much in-demand. If you need expertise in document recovery because of compromised hard drives, we are here to help. Read here to add to your information bank on how to fix a corrupted hard drive: https://www.harddrivefailurerecovery.net/fixing-a-corrupted-hard-drive.

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Cache-Free Your Way to Device Spring Cleaning

Every time you browse a website for the first time, information from it is stored in temporary files, and these files are called cache.  Why is there cache, you ask? Isn't this a little invasion of your privacy because your browser or gadget retains some information about the sites you have visited? Shouldn't this be prohibited? Cache files, terrible as they may seem when it comes to your security, is helpful when it comes to your browsing speed. See, those temporary files allow you to load the website faster and directly the next time you visit it, leading to a more satisfying browsing experience from you since you don't have to wait that long for the site to load. If cache files are not present, the browser would need to connect to the site's server again for proper reloading.

But then, security is not the only downside to cache files, as helpful as they may be. They also slow down your apps and device systems since they use memory and RAM.  Besides, a good number of sites only get visited by a user once, so there is not really a necessity for the cache of these sites to be saved.  Now, the question is, is it a good habit to clear your device’s cache? The answer is yes, and regularly. Why?

You will not see all changes made to the webpage if you rely on the cache. If you frequent a website and are religious in clearing the cache memory of your device, the browser, or the app you are using will be alerted to fetch the webpage’s latest version all the time. Also, when you are using a device that other people may have access to, as mentioned earlier, the next user may get access to your information, as the cache can store information such as your payment modes (e.g., debit and credit card information) and log-in credentials. That’s an additional privacy threat!

So, how do you clear your cache? With a laptop, since most online activities are done through browsing, then clearing the cache of your web browser is the way to go. Otherwise, you can also clear the cache of your iDevice or Android device. Here’s how:

  Remove your cache in Chrome

Personal laptops run on Chrome. I mean, who uses IE or Microsoft Edge on their personal laptops? To remove cache on your Chrome browser, here are the steps:

To clear the cache and cookies in Chrome, you’ll need to access the browser’s Settings menu. There are three different ways you can get here.

The first way is to click the three vertical dots icon in the top-right corner of the screen, hovering over “More Tools,” and then selecting “Clear Browsing Data.”

(Via: https://www.howtogeek.com/661729/how-to-clear-cache-and-cookies-in-chrome/)

  Remove your cache in Firefox

Firefox is another popular browser. Here are the steps to remove cache when your browser of choice is Firefox:

Like all internet browsers, Firefox temporarily stores items (such as images) in a cache to help speed up browsing. If Firefox is your preferred browser of choice, you can choose to clear this cache manually by accessing your “Privacy & Security” tab in the browser preferences. Additionally, you can set up custom settings to clear the cache automatically.

(Via: https://www.businessinsider.sg/how-to-clear-cache-firefox?r=US&IR=T)

  Remove cache from your iDevice

Even if you’re an Apple fan, you can still benefit from a good cache clearing. Here’s how:

However, before you begin clearing your iPhone cache, take note that doing so will erase the data for any app whose cache you clear. This is what clearing your cache on an iPhone means: You delete data stored by apps. In many cases, your apps need this data to function properly, or to at least remember your preferences, settings, and any files you’ve saved to them. As such, before you clear the cache for any iPhone app, consider whether or not you may actually need its data.

(Via: https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/how-to-clear-cache-iphone/)

  Remove cache from your Android device

If you’re not a member of the Cult of Apple, then this is for you. But remember, clearing cache and clearing data is not the same.

While we often mention clearing cache and data in the same breath, they're two distinct actions on Android. When using the Spotify app, for example, it holds on to information like the artists you viewed outside of your library, album art browsed, and search history as cache. When the app cache is cleared, all of the mentioned data is cleared.

(Via: https://www.androidpolice.com/2019/10/03/clear-app-cache-data-android/)

  Now, if you got carried away with removing files that you put even the important ones in the Recycle Bin which you hastily emptied after, don’t fret. We have experts to help you. Read on to know what we will do to get you back your important files: https://www.harddrivefailurerecovery.net/data-recovery-near-me.

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Getting Your Cloud Knowledge On This Lockdown

Since a majority of us are working from home these days and so many pundits are claiming that office work will never be the same again (or at least in the near future), cloud services have become an integral part of the "new normal." With physical offices becoming passé, cloud storage has become the most suitable option for keeping data. Just months ago, storing data and online files for companies would automatically mean physical devices and in-house servers. But with offices currently located in the living room of a supervisor and a kitchen of a secretary, cloud servers have become a must for storage for various reasons. Accessibility and affordability are just some of the reasons why anyone should be knowledgeable about cloud drives.

For one, online document storage using a cloud is super user-friendly. All you need to do is drag and drop the files in the cloud storage and voila, your document has been "saved" or "uploaded". You can now access it anywhere as long as you have an internet connection and a device. You can also share your document with your colleagues and teammates by simply giving those you want to have access to the document a link. They can then download the file from their end, thanks to the link you shared. Of course, another benefit of cloud storage is that your files will not be compromised if your gadgets or devices get damaged. Afraid of losing all your beach photos because your phone got wet? Are you in panic mode because you dropped your laptop day before an important meeting? Not to worry if you have tweaked your settings to automatically save everything on a cloud.

Let’s have a look at your options available for the best cloud storage and which expert users constantly recommend:

Microsoft OneDrive

While Google seems to always edge out Microsoft in terms of innovation with online products, the latter can boast of holding its own when it comes to cloud storage solutions. One huge advantage Microsoft OneDrive has over Google or any competition in this field is its seamlessness with other products in the MS Office suite, So, if you are a heavy Excel, Word, or PowerPoint user, then OneDrive is your best cloud storage option.

If you’re more interested in integrating online storage with Microsoft Office then OneDrive is the way to go.

(Via: https://www.pcworld.com/article/3510499/google-drive-vs-microsoft-onedrive.html)

  Google One/Drive

The fact that so many people are on Gmail would be Google One/Drive’s main selling point. You can easily save attachments and everything you receive on your Gmail on your drive. Any attachments coming from you are also automatically saved on your Google Drive. How’s that for convenience? Moreover, Google is still rolling out some new features, assuring you and millions of its users that it is still on an innovation hot streak.

Google is rolling out a new “Privacy Screen” feature this week that will allow Google Drive users on iOS devices to use passcodes or biometric authentication to protect their files.

(Via: https://www.digitaltrends.com/news/google-drive-privacy-screen/)

  Dropbox

Aside from Microsoft and Google, one early player in the cloud storage game is Dropbox. Because it is one of the earliest in the market, many users have grown loyal to the product. Moreover, since Dropbox’s product offerings mainly focus only on cloud storage, people who want a no-frills, easy to use product with fewer bells and whistles prefer Dropbox.

Dropbox, a pioneer among cloud storage and syncing services offers synced desktop folders for anywhere-access. Though comparatively pricey, unique tools like its Paper and Showcase features distinguish the service.

(Via: https://sea.pcmag.com/backup-products/7600/dropbox)

  Apple = iCloud?

Of course, the cult of Apple users also needs to have a say with cloud storage. After all, the company has its own iCloud product that boasts of seamless integration with the company’s gadgets. But then, as with its other products, the iCloud is constantly seen as having great form but not as great when it comes to features and benefits.

Because it integrates so seamlessly with all of Apple’s products and services, iCloud really is the best cloud storage solution for someone who is all-in with Apple. And I do mean all-in: All your computers are Macs, your mobile devices are iPhone or iPads, you work in Apple’s productivity software (Pages, Numbers, Notes), and so on.

(Via: https://www.macworld.com/article/3273416/the-best-cloud-storage-services-for-apple-users.html)

  But if you have difficulties with document recovery in your igadget, let us help you. Read here to know about your options on recovering files you may have lost: https://www.harddrivefailurerecovery.net/an-external-ssd-can-help-speed-up-your-old-imac.

    Getting Your Cloud Knowledge On This Lockdown is republished from Hard Drive Recovery Associates

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Making Yourself Mentally Strong in a Crisis is Possible

We are living in tough times. While we started off thinking a lockdown is a novelty and having fun with it (Imagine not having to go to the office to work? How cool!), we have settled into the reality where people are away from each other, we are prohibited to gather, and we aren’t allowed to travel. Suddenly, this lockdown has become such a bore and hassle that we have forgotten the fun side of everything. Before, we considered what’s happening like a little inconvenience. After all, we are only asked to stay indoors as our contribution to the world overcoming this crisis. But then, everything has started to lose significance and meaning. What started as a fun and even ideal set-up for most of us working has become something that has affected our mental state, big time.

Since we can’t meet up with friends physically, we’ve lost our rhythm, we can’t blow off steam by engaging in outdoor activities, our stress and anxiety levels have gone haywire. We may be suffering from simple cabin fever, but then, there surely has to be something more to what we’re experiencing now.  What can we do to get back our “sanity”? How can we keep our heads together and come out thriving even when the COVID-19 crisis is through?

Build positive habits

Think of what your life will be like once the world shifts to the “new normal”. Would you still want to wake up at 10 in the morning and go through the rest of your day in pajamas and uncombed hair? Surely not! Continue good habits you’ve had prior to the lockdown, such as your early morning jog and a healthy breakfast after. You will have to tweak some elements of your habits like doing a home workout instead of a jog, but you get the idea. They say you form a habit after doing it for 21 days straight, so if you start developing one now, you should have enough time to make your system get used to it. Before you know it, you will keep on doing the activity without even thinking about it.

The thing is, habits are pretty important right now. They’re a big part of how able we are to cope. More than ever, we need to look after ourselves, mentally, physically and emotionally.

(Via: https://www.tes.com/news/coronavirus-lockdown-wellbeing-4-ways-maintain-positive-habits)

Extend yourself

Nothing can set your head straight then feeling a sense of accomplishment because you have helped another human being. Doing something good for your community doesn’t require you to leave the corners of your home. Check out volunteering opportunities that would usually be posted on social media and see where your skills can take you in making a difference with other people’s lives.

It’s a rare win-win proposition in a bleak landscape: In helping other people get through this crisis, you can help yourself in equal measure. “It’s a way of reframing your existence,” says bioethicist Stephen Post, “getting out from the negative vortex and feeling free to do something that is meaningful.”

(Via: https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/helping_others_can_help_you_cope_with_lockdown)

Unleash your creativity

Remember the days before the worldwide lockdowns when you thought about an art project and thinking maybe you can go ahead with it only if you had time? Well, you surely have a lot of time on your hands these days, so why not keep yourself sane by applying your creativity in your daily activities? Go ahead and start your art project or get your creative juices flowing with your cooking, crafts, or even with just how you arrange your furniture and appliances at home.

Lockdown could turn out to be one of the most creative times for humankind, says Ms Mann, author of The Science of Boredom. After all, William Shakespeare allegedly wrote King Lear during a plague, Sir Isaac Newton reportedly formulated the theory of gravity in quarantine in the 17th century, while Alexander Pushkin wrote some of his greatest works under lockdown in 1830.

(Via: https://www.ft.com/content/75e4231a-7a5c-11ea-af44-daa3def9ae03)

Accept the Struggle and Emerge Better

It is a common practice for everyone to appear strong and be positive during times of crisis. But then, in our efforts to make everything appear fine, we sometimes overdo it by sweeping anything that resembles negative emotions under the rug. Is this really healthy? Not. There will be moments when we struggle, maybe because we know of someone who suddenly got tested positive of the virus, or a mom struggling with homeschooling her kids. Whatever these struggles are, we should acknowledge them and not let them get bottled up inside. What’s more important to staying mentally stable these days is to acknowledge our challenges and working through them instead of ignoring them or pretending that everything is fine when it is obviously not.

What I would like to say is it is OK if you are feeling overwhelmed, fearful, emotional, and freaking out. These are normal reactions of our brain that is trying to find solutions for us in this atypical time. You don’t need to force yourself to be ‘positive’ if you can’t.

(Via: https://welldoing.org/article/covid-19-lockdown-mental-health-ok-not-be-ok)

Another thing you can do to keeping mentally fit is addressing challenges right away instead of letting them fester until they become unmanageable. If you have problems regarding lost data in your laptop, we can help you right away. Don’t wait for everything to blow up by reading here: https://www.harddrivefailurerecovery.net/external-hard-drive-recovery.

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Know Some Not-So-Good Points of VPNs

There have been a couple of circumstances when I encountered the term “VPN”. The first time was when I read about people downloading movies en masse in the late 2000s. “Experts” in the field of piracy then advised those who want to download stuff to use a VPN so that their identities can be masked and the authorities would not be able to trace their illegal activities. I had a friend forward to me a copy of a movie he downloaded illegally, and the quality was so poor that I didn’t bother finishing the film and waited for it to be released in theaters of my little ‘ol town. Suffice to say that first experience didn’t warm me up to this VPN thing everyone else seemed to be enamored.

The next time I heard of VPN was when I started playing Pokémon Go. One of my friends who also played the hottest game at that time had “caught” so many Pokémon, even those I only read of as available in other parts of the world. When I asked him how he got this monster that players can only catch in Japan when I know for certain that he hasn’t even taken a plane ride in his life, he nonchalantly replied, “VPN”. And so, I tried this VPN thing for myself. Apart from the game, I noticed my browsing speeds were at a snail’s pace.  Right there, I decided virtual private networks are not my thing.

If you are considering installing a VPN on any of your devices, take note that they also have a number of disadvantages. With all the hype you surely may have heard about VPNs, there are some things that may make your web experience not that pleasant. It is up to you to weigh the pros and cons, but for now, let’s look closer into the cons.

You will encounter issues in speed

As I remarked earlier, a VPN may decrease your internet speeds. As a VPN works hard to encrypt your network traffic that should result in your improved security and anonymity, it also will use more resources and may time more time. Thus, the introduction of some overhead can slow VPNs. You may find ideal VPN services that strike a balance between security and speed, but prepare to shell out some cash for that, because these services are paid.

There are many reasons for a slow VPN, starting from your device’s limited resources to the encryption method used and everything in between.

(Via: http://techgenix.com/slow-vpn/)

  Your VPNs can stalk you

Some VPN service will give you access to their private servers to provide you with enhanced services such as improved speed and security, but at a price: your data. This can be hidden in their fine print when you agree to their services, and who has the time and patience to read the fine print? So you have to be aware that if you’re getting free private connection for cents, chances are high that they are tracking your activity.

VPNs that log your data may choose to do so for their own gain, like bad free VPNs, or they may be forced to log for other reasons, like some kind of restrictive country law.

(Via; https://www.androidauthority.com/what-can-vpns-do-with-your-data-874846/)

  VPN Security for Business Users

Businesses usually benefit from VPNs because they allow remote employees access to the network of the company. This is especially beneficial nowadays that people are working from home and afraid to go outdoors least they want to get the COVID-19 virus.   But then, the company’s network admins may not have a lot of control over the devices that remote employees use to connect to their network, which is obviously a security risk.

Yet while VPNs could effectively enable and secure remote access in the past when most work was done onsite within company walls, their use has become increasingly risky in a world that includes a preponderance of virtual workers.

(https://www.pipelinepub.com/Security-and-Assurance/VPN-security-threats)

  100% Anonymity? Not Really

Even die-hard users of VPNs can still have their identities revealed. If your DNS leaks, or your VPN gets disconnected while you are still browsing, or if your VPN provider has agreements with government agencies that your information may be forwarded in the interest of national security, then you may not really be anonymous after all. Just know that VPNs aren’t really the Alcatraz of web user identities that they claim themselves to be.

You could argue that a VPN has a bad name in some circles. Connecting in a secure and anonymous way does protect some nefarious individuals who are transmitting illegal software, child pornography, copyrighted movies, and other illicit material. However, that view of a VPN is completely false.

(Via: https://www.tomsguide.com/features/how-does-a-vpn-protect-your-privacy-and-anonymity)

  While you need to exercise a bit of caution when using VPNs, so must you with important documents. If your system got hacked because you used a cheap VPN, we may help you with recovering files.  Read more to see your options on data recovery with your laptop here: https://www.harddrivefailurerecovery.net/laptop-data-recovery.

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Why Not Take Advantage of a VPN?

Unless you’ve been stuck in the 1990s computer knowledge, you’ve surely encountered VPNs. Virtual Private Networks are private networks that exist because two (or more) locations need to be connected with each other so that it would appear and they would work like they are in the same network. For us non-technical people, when a VPN is created, people who have access to it can be far from each other and they can use it to access the network itself or another network (that be a public one). Businesses use VPNs so that their private networks can be more secure and so that remote employees, as in people who are not working near or are connected to the network in their office, can have access to company data that are hosted in those office networks. This benefit is highly popular nowadays, with lockdowns forcing employees all over the world to work from their homes.

For individual users, VPNs can be relied on if you want to be anonymous while you are browsing. VPNs are also known to do a good job in securing your data when you are using networks that have poor security, like free WiFi public networks. Thus, when it comes to assessing the pros and cons, you might get swayed that VPNs do provide more advantages than disadvantages. But then, if you are considering using one, you may need to really know what these pros are so that you can maximize its usage.

VPNs provide enhanced security

VPNs primarily encrypt all your network traffic, so its transmission through the network is very secure. Thus, when you are using an unsecured network like WiFi hotspots in malls, airports, and libraries, using a VPN can prevent eavesdroppers on that network you’re using from seeing your traffic and therefore they cannot steal confidential data stored in your devices such as your credit card information or passwords.

Along with being able to hide their IP address and location, users of VPNs also have their personal data hidden, thanks to some sort of encryption system. (Via: https://www.information-age.com/how-vpn-improve-cyber-security-posture-123487910/)

VPNs allow you to bypass geo-restrictions

Do you get frustrated when YouTube doesn’t allow you to view the video you so want to watch because “it is not available in your region”? with a VPN, you can forget about these frustrations as a VPN gets all your network traffic through a tunnel, which makes it look like you are accessing the web from another location (the VPN’s), not your actual location. Thus, if you want access to sites that heavily put geo-restrictions on their content, a VPN can transform you into a ghost and give a free pass.

VPNs change the IP address a website sees and can fool them into thinking you're from a different region or country. If successful, you'll pay the price intended for that country, which can be less than the price for your real location. (Via: https://www.choice.com.au/electronics-and-technology/internet/internet-privacy-and-safety/articles/bypass-geo-blocking)

VPNs allow you to download anonymously

Your ISP can put you on a watchlist if you are a heavy downloader because you are maximizing their service to inconvenient levels. When you use a VPN, your IP address can be masked, so you will appear as if you’re accessing sites and torrents from other locations. Your ISP and even some government agencies may not be able to track you. But beware – make sure you only download legally.

To secure your internet connection for the purpose of safety and privacy, it is wise to use a VPN when you download (or do anything online, for that matter). (Via: https://vpnoverview.com/privacy/downloading/anonymous-downloading/)

VPNs allow businesses to let their remote employees work efficiently

As mentioned earlier, VPNs allow connected users to access a network as tough those users were on a local network. If you are a remote worker from home in this lockdown period and would like to have access to files from your office network, ask your IT guys for VPN access.

Another advantage of remote access VPNs is that they provide companies with an affordable way to secure data sent by offsite employees. (Via: https://www.techradar.com/vpn/remote-access-vpn)

If you are working from home and need help with recovering lost data, we can also help you. Read on to know how we can be of assistance with your hard drive woes: https://www.harddrivefailurerecovery.net/how-to-fix-a-hard-drive.

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Stay Busy and Get Rich With Some Side Gigs This Lockdown

Two months into lockdown because of the coronavirus, most of us have may have already realized that spending the entire day watching TV shows on Netflix and playing video games can only be good for weeks or a month at most. Vegging out and doing very minimal stuff for days, a scenario most of us may have dreamt of before this pandemic broke, has already started to feel like a drag. We don’t have friends to support us with their physical presence, and there’s only too much “we’re with you in spirit” anyone of us can handle. But then, there are ways we can turn this downtime into something more productive.  Not that we’re encouraging you to be active or work yourself bone-tired every single day until the end of the lockdown period (although that’s another idea you might want to explore), but why not look into adding to your skillset and exploring side hustles during this time?

Securing a side gig or two is a great way to make yourself productive this lockdown period, not to mention get yourself extra income. With the world economy currently in very tumultuous waters, it doesn’t hurt to be in a secure financial disposition, something which income from side jobs can help you with. Not sure where to start? Here are some areas and skills you may want to look into.

Consider web development and design

There are so many opportunities available for skilled people in the field of web development and design nowadays. This is because the nature of web design and development work is predominantly online, which favors the current situation of remote work. You can develop and design a website everywhere, as long as you have a trusty device and a reliable internet connection. Get your skills in this lucrative sector by enrolling in online classes ASAP, and soon enough you can get jobs and earning a lot.

Web developers work independently as freelancers or with company teams to create websites. Depending on the job, these professionals may focus on front-end development, which involves designing sites and producing content, or back-end development, which involves writing code to make website features work.

(Via: https://www.computerscience.org/careers/web-developer/)

  Sharpen your pens (or dust off your keyboard)

As everything, especially businesses, require an online presence nowadays, an endless amount of work is available for content writers who can fill blogs, websites, white papers, and social media accounts with content. If you have great grammar, can be interested or can stir up interest in just about anything, and can whip up blog posts, articles, and social media posts at a drop of a hat, then, there is a wide array of opportunities waiting for you. Get your keyboard (or your pen or typewriter if you’re old school) ready!

In fact, freelance blogging helped me go from earning $1,600 per month to earning more than $5,500 per month. This profession was my golden ticket to bigger and better opportunities.

(Via: https://thecollegeinvestor.com/16898/the-ultimate-side-hustle-14-ways-to-get-paid-to-write/)

  Get your millennial game on by being a YouTuber

If you’re a good communicator and don’t shy away from the spotlight, why not develop your YouTube channel? With almost everybody staying home and not having a lot of choice but to entertain themselves with online content, there’s never been a perfect time to grow a follower base. Not only will you be getting some cash if you successfully grow your channel, but you can also share with the public (or at the very least, those who watch your videos) the things you are passionate about. Isn’t that a great way to keep sane this anxiety-inducing season of COVID-19?

But if you want to gain a steady increase in followers or at least publish decent content that get a good number of views and likes, you’ll need to do more than just become a contributing member on YouTube.

(Via: https://www.adorama.com/alc/10-tips-for-starting-a-youtube-channel)

Why not start a social media career?

If you’re one of those people who can’t ween themselves from checking their Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram feeds every 5 minutes, why not turn this obsession into a cool career? You can manage an online community, posting on a company’s Facebook account, or inform followers of a certain social media personality of what’s new? If you’re strategic enough to think of ways and tactics to grow these social media assets, you are for sure in demand.

Fortunately, working in social media builds a broad range of transferable skills. Research, analytics, creativity and communication all provide strong foundations for social media managers thinking about their next big career move.

(Via: https://sproutsocial.com/insights/social-media-careers/)

  Now, if the important documents you need to secure some side gigs have gone missing, we can help you recover them. Otherwise, if you think your laptop has been compromised, read on: https://www.harddrivefailurerecovery.net/can-you-recognize-a-hacked-computer for more information.

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The Costs of Ransomware

Businesses, beware! Ransomware attacks have developed through the years, with attackers implementing more covert and advanced techniques, while at the same time learning from the mistakes in implementation that occurred in earlier generations of attacks. Moreover, a number of attacks have become more devious with a new component that involves data leaks, which in turn makes companies vulnerable, as they are exposed to graver threats than traditional data loss that used to be the only threat posed by ransomware.

So, how has ransomware threatened so many institutions?  How has it evolved into a more threatening event? Are businesses ready and have they equipped themselves with the necessary tools to combat these attacks? Finally, can the government do anything about this, since there have been some government institutions that have been affected?

Not just business, but whole towns!

The trends that have been prevalent in 2019 indicate that not only will these attacks be more present, but they are likely to happen more. And this will not only affect businesses, but also entire towns. In fact, it has been reported that for every six towns in the state of Massachusetts, one is a victim of ransomware.

Many towns recovered their files from backups, but at least 10 handed over taxpayer money to hackers to unlock their data, records obtained by the NBC10 Boston Investigators show.

Inside the Bay State, a handful of attacks against cities and towns have garnered widespread attention, though the problem may be more prevalent than many imagine.

(Via: https://www.nbcboston.com/investigations/1-in-6-massachusetts-communities-hit-by-ransomware-attacks/2076600/)

  The academe is not spared

Even higher institutions of learning have also fallen victim to cybercriminals peddling ransomware. Niagara University had to cancel classes on the second week of February as their computer system came under attack. The university’s IT personnel discovered on February 12 that ransomware attacked has caused some of its email servers to lockdown.

These attacks can be very serious, like the attack which crippled Erie County Medical Center recently. Some companies have been driven out of business because they can't gain access to their own computer systems.

(Via: https://news.wbfo.org/post/niagara-university-recovering-ransomware-attack)

  The new danger

What sets the new wave of ransomware cybercriminals apart from the older generations is that they have taken extortion to a new level by exposing data that they stole online and threatening whole batches of data if they do not get paid by the companies in exchange of unencrypting the data they got.

The Italian foods company Fratelli Beretta saw all the data exfiltrated from 53 systems (a total of 3GB) posted online by Maze. And more recent victims have had smaller dumps posted. Stockdale Radiology, a radiology clinic in Bakersfield, California, saw screenshots of affected systems and data from the clinic's fax server posted—including patient data transmitted from another MRI clinic.

(Via: https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2020/01/dozens-of-companies-have-data-dumped-online-by-ransomware-ring-seeking-leverage/)

  Recovery comes with a price

Not only is being victimized by ransomware an expensive experience, but recovering from it is also more expensive as well.

It’s getting more and more expensive for victims of ransomware attacks to recover. The average cost more than doubled in the final quarter of 2019. According to a new report from Coveware, a typical total now stands at $84,116. That’s a little over double the previous figure of $41,198.

(Via: https://www.forbes.com/sites/leemathews/2020/01/26/average-cost-to-recover-from-ransomware-skyrockets-to-over-84000/#13d42db413a2)

  It can close your shop

A few businesses have become bankrupt because of ransomware. This is because ransomware can cost a business their data, cash, and accounts, which in turn will make their customers look for other options. Direct costs in the form of ransom cybercriminals can reach thousands of dollars, and more losses are incurred because of indirect costs. But then, there are ways businesses can adopt to lessen their risk.

But you can limit your losses if you take precautions before someone tries to attack you. Those precautions can include protecting your networks and computers from being attacked, preventing the attack from proceeding and allowing you to recover if the attack was successful.

(Via: https://www.forbes.com/sites/waynerash/2020/01/29/how-to-reduce-your-chances-of-getting-hit-with-ransomware/amp/)

  While a ransomware attack might make you feel helpless, trying to recover lost data shouldn’t. We can help you with our full suite of services. If you have a Mac, click here to see how we can help you.

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Samsung’s Updated Flip Phone Gets Teased in the Oscars

The Oscars on February 9 was one for the books. For the first time in its award giving history, the Academy gave the Best Picture recognition to a movie that is not in the English language and produced outside the USA. Parasite, a South Korean film about a poor family trying to infiltrate the lives of a rich family also took home trophies for Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best International Feature Film.

But then, that wasn’t all South Korea’s appearances during the televised (and streamed) ceremonies. During one of the commercial gaps, another South Korean brand claimed the spotlight, none other than phone maker Samsung. To tease its upcoming unboxing event, Unpacked 2020, to be held on the 10th in San Francisco, the phone giant showed off its next foldable phone to the delight of the TV viewers. Not to say that Samsung still doesn’t have foldable phones, as it already has. Looking back, their first release of the foldable phone in September last year, had people wax nostalgic, although a lot were still unimpressed with their fragility.  But whether you’re a Samsung-stan or not, the ad sure got a lot of people talking!

Did the ad show anything new?

From the 20-second ad, we saw the device’s homage to retro fashion. The clamshell clicks are there, but there also seems to be the addition of new things like the degree of opening that would allow for facetime-style chatting.

The ad shows the flip phones from all angles, opening and closing while the Comic Strip sounds of Serge Gainsbourg and Brigitte Bardot pop and crackle in the background.

(Via: https://techcrunch.com/2020/02/10/samsung-teases-videocalling-on-its-next-foldable-during-the-oscars/)

  But wait… what was that?

So basically, the ad tried to make retro-chic again, and that for sure appeals to a lot of people on the lookout for a phone that brings them back to both the 1906s (Bardot and the quirky soundtrack allude to that) and the glorious 2000s when everybody had a clamshell phone. But then, eagle-eyed viewers of the commercial were able to spot a disclaimer.

One thing that became clearer though is what will happen to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip’s screens across the globe: They’re gonna get fucked up fast.

https://thenextweb.com/plugged/2020/02/10/samsung-galaxy-z-flip-phone-oscars-trailer-had-some-weird-small-print/)

  One tall phone

Other than the ad, some pictures of the Galaxy Z Flip (yes, that’s what the phone is called) were also leaked and the first impressions centered on how long the model is and how there’s a crease in the center where the phone folds (pretty much the point of the second entry here).

Now, considering that plenty of renders and even a brief video claiming to be a hands-on with the Galaxy Z Flip have already surfaced, a few new pictures may not seem like much of a big deal. But they do appear to clear up a few rumors, including what a monster of a phone this guy is.

(Via: https://gizmodo.com/leaked-photos-confirm-samsungs-new-flippable-phone-is-o-1841533311)

  Sizing up the competition  

Of course, when we talk about foldable phones, it cannot be helped that people will mention the brand that is almost synonymous with clamshell phones – Motorola. With this trend of flip phones re-emerging, Motorola’s new Razr has been touted as the more durable option, especially with complaints of the Samsung Flip having a flimsy screen emerging during its launch last year.  But then, is the Razr as durable (aka flip-able) as it is marketed to be?

But problems started to arise the minute the test began when the FoldBot couldn't even close the phone all the way with each fold. Four hours of folding and unfolding later, and the phone wouldn't even close at all.

(Via: https://sea.mashable.com/tech/9037/motorola-razr-fails-cnets-durability-test-breaks-after-only-27000-folds)

  Motorola fights back

Not to be silenced, Motorola releases its own video proving that once and for all, the Razr is still the king of foldable phones.

Motorola responded with a statement and the below video, which shows its own folding machine fully opening and closing the phone. The FoldBot only partially closes the phone before opening it again.

(Via: https://sea.mashable.com/tech/9044/motorola-puts-out-a-foldable-razr-test-video-in-response-to-durability-concerns)

  You might get excited with these clamshell phone offerings, but one thing that can surely unnerve you is when you lose files and data If this happens to you, don’t fret – we’re here to help you. Click this website to know more info.

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