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Topics to be covered in 2022
Based on a lot of feedback lately, this year the topics this site is going to cover are the results of many that have made purchasing decisions from television commercials that really only cover one side of these
purchasing decisions that are becoming more expensive that can raise some security concerns and in some cases, do you feel as if your the end user or the beta tester?
Sometimes it is better to ask questions first, than to purchase these items versus justifying the need for this purchase as if you came out of an Amway meeting. Many are willing to sell you the latest and greatest with very little end user support or lack of responsibility when you major purchase goes wrong (this is one reason why this site exists).
One topic that is getting updated right away, is about fitness tracking devices and fitness watches.
There are many choices out there. While they have good intentions for what they do, it can be concerning what they do besides going beyond a high tech pedometer.
While the page "It's a fitness watch, not a tracker watch" will still keep the same title (under the home menu option) it will be getting updated.
Another topic that is going to be discussed is wi-fi and how you may using it, abusing it, or being negligent with it.
While we are bombarded with a lot of great ideas for putting a "wireless" device(s) in our house for security and controlling the home, some should stick to using the devices with cables.
Many of you live in what is considered tech areas (Corvallis, Seattle/Tacoma Metro Area, the Bay area) that has many citizens (in these areas) that can exploit your home with these devices and security should be a concern.
Here in this Willamette Valley, Oregon State University is a school with 12 schools of engineering to it's name. If you live across the street from the school and wondering why you are getting hacked, it could be because of a doorbell or a smart TV that should be plugged
into a switch or router by an ethernet cable rather than using a wi-fi network (regardless of security).
Many of these device can have a back door to be hacked in when connected to wi-fi. It is better to assume it isn't a secure device for your home security or entertainment needs.
In addition, this website will be addressing GPS tracking fobs. While they are great to keep track of your keys, phones, and other devices, some have found ways to use these devices to track you on your way home from
a night at the bar attaching one of these to your car while following you home on the app on their phone.
Window 11 Upgrade
There is a page for the Window 11 upgrade, in the Microsoft section.
This upgrade is only covering certain processors. The web page should help to answer any questions you may have.
Not all USB (type C) chargers are the same
Many devices are using USB (type C) chargers these days including computers such as Chromebooks and Raspberry Pi's.
Just because these devices have the same end that will work with your mobile phone, doesn't mean that you should use them to charge your phone.
These computer devices require additional amps to charge their batteries or operate them that are higher than the amps used on your phone.
Using the wrong charger (not the one that came with your phone) can create the following:
Overheating
Cracking of the mobile device
Possible battery explosion
Voiding of the warranty because the approved charger wasn't used.
Amps are the killer to mobile electronics. Too many can destroy the device.
Be wise when charging your electronics.
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Welcome back to T-Mobile
Starting in May, wireless services have been switched from Cricket back to T-Mobile.
While Cricket has provided wireless services for 10 years, the decision to change was the result of the lack ot T-Mobile services, in this part of the Willamette Valley at the time.
With the introduction of 5g services, the service was expanded to this area provided reliable high speed data services.
There has been a work association with T-Mobile that goes back to Voicestream that still continues today that included testing of services that are used by customers.
During the Summer of 2022, the new OnePlus Nord N20 will be featured on this website for video presenations and other purposes.
Upgraded to Gigabit Speeds
With the twentieth anniversary of the website, the completion of gigabit bandwidth has been completed with the installtion of a Netgear Nighthawk CM1200 cable modem.
For the last two years, the network has been upgraded and improved to add routers and level 3 smartswitches to increase traffic and speeds at using gigabit ethernet connections. With the addition of the cable modem, this hardware upgrade has been completed.
Availability of Raspberry Pi 4 devices
The availability of Raspberry Pi 4 devices is in short supply again.
While there was a supply available in December, that supply has decreased. What is available is at higher prices (less than $200 for an 8gb model).
The exception to this rule is purchasing the model 400 series that includes the keyboard.
This device uses a different board (than the 4) that is overclocked and contains a heat sink.
One of these was purchased this year for a family member and will be featured soon.
Information about this model will be available on the website soon.