The FBI recommended yesterday that we all restart our routers to keep our home networks secure. This is not a joke nor something to ignore.
How do you restart your router? Check out this 30-second video.
Why should you do this? To disable Russian-linked malware
When should you do this? Immediately.
Their recommendation is also to change the password on your router and to update the firmware if any updates are available.
Both the video and the accompanying news item can be found here - http://abc7news.com/technology/video-how-to-reboot-your-router-to-avoid-malware/3531630/
And, yes, I restarted our router as soon as I saw the news story on TV yesterday morning. I didn't even think twice about doing it!
Tuesday, May 29, 2018
Tuesday, May 22, 2018
Business hours?
I'm in Kansas City this week with two long-time friends from college and several times we have wondered about business hours of a store or the best time to go to a restaurant.
We've found the Google app on our phones to be very helpful!
We've simply "Googled" the name of a business, clicked on it, then expanded the view to locate the business hours of both stores and restaurants. As part of those results there is usually a chart to show the "Popular times" of the day or week, so we've planned our visits occasionally.
The same search can be done using your browser at home. Often, those results automatically appear on the right-hand side of the window. Or, you can always ask Siri or Alexa to help you. :-)
We've found the Google app on our phones to be very helpful!
We've simply "Googled" the name of a business, clicked on it, then expanded the view to locate the business hours of both stores and restaurants. As part of those results there is usually a chart to show the "Popular times" of the day or week, so we've planned our visits occasionally.
The same search can be done using your browser at home. Often, those results automatically appear on the right-hand side of the window. Or, you can always ask Siri or Alexa to help you. :-)
Tuesday, May 15, 2018
Health websites
You are probably familiar with several of these websites, but if not, please take a few minutes to look at them. There is so much information on the internet, it is good to know where you can go to find high quality and reliable information on health issues.WebMD - webmd.com
Their articles are authoritative and are often written by doctors and easy to read!
Mayo Clinic - mayoclinic.com
Get the basics or click on the "in-depth" tab for more information. Resources include slideshows, videos and resources for further reading.
National Institutes of Health Senior Health - nihseniorhealth.gov
Basics, risks, treatment options, and additional resources for further reading.
Medicare - medicare.gov
The government has created a wonderful website for Medicare. Compare medical and drug plans. Find medical facilities and doctors. The "Care and Support" section has great information on health issues, too.
Their articles are authoritative and are often written by doctors and easy to read!
Mayo Clinic - mayoclinic.com
Get the basics or click on the "in-depth" tab for more information. Resources include slideshows, videos and resources for further reading.
National Institutes of Health Senior Health - nihseniorhealth.gov
Basics, risks, treatment options, and additional resources for further reading.
Medicare - medicare.gov
The government has created a wonderful website for Medicare. Compare medical and drug plans. Find medical facilities and doctors. The "Care and Support" section has great information on health issues, too.
Tuesday, May 8, 2018
Free Annual Credit Reports
I mentioned this right after the Equifax breach last fall, but in case you haven't done it yet---
Did you know that you can get free annual credit reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion (the three major credit reporting agencies) at https://www.annualcreditreport.com/ ?
It is STRONGLY recommended that you do this to make sure you recognize all accounts that have been opened in your name.
Our financial adviser recommends staggering our requests. For example: We get one from Experian, four months later we get one from Equifax, and four months later we get one from TransUnion. Four months later, we go back to Experian. Put the reminders on your calendar.
If you did not put a lock or freeze on your credit reports after the Equifax breach, this is something you really should consider doing......beginning today.
Did you know that you can get free annual credit reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion (the three major credit reporting agencies) at https://www.annualcreditreport.com/ ?
It is STRONGLY recommended that you do this to make sure you recognize all accounts that have been opened in your name.
Our financial adviser recommends staggering our requests. For example: We get one from Experian, four months later we get one from Equifax, and four months later we get one from TransUnion. Four months later, we go back to Experian. Put the reminders on your calendar.
If you did not put a lock or freeze on your credit reports after the Equifax breach, this is something you really should consider doing......beginning today.
Tuesday, May 1, 2018
Google Flights
Before you book your next flight, take a look at Google Flights.
The website will check major airlines and provide information on the cheapest flights, best days to travel, etc. and even alert you when prices are about to change or have changed. It will even check alternative airports that may have better prices. If you want to receive alerts about price drops, changes, that is an option, too.
Sound like something you might be interested in using? Check out this article for more information.
The website will check major airlines and provide information on the cheapest flights, best days to travel, etc. and even alert you when prices are about to change or have changed. It will even check alternative airports that may have better prices. If you want to receive alerts about price drops, changes, that is an option, too.
Sound like something you might be interested in using? Check out this article for more information.