Viewpoints Industry Reviews the Jobs Skills Gap in America

America has always been a place where the people think they have all the information they need in order to do the job they are hired for. Others think this is not so much true. Viewpoints Industry reviews the job skills gap in America.

Yes, America, we have a job skills gap. While most millennials believe they have all the skills they need to get the job done, they lack specific ones badly needed in the workforce: social skills. Social skills are those that help people get along with other people such as showing respect, being courtesy to others and loyalty to the company. Other skills needed are those specific to the job, the product or the service. Only 43% of Baby Boomer workers believe they have all the skills they need to do the job. ViewpointsIndustry TV knows that no one is too old to learn a new skill. Once we think we are too old to learn something new, we will make ourselves obsolete. Take time to enroll in a free online course in a subject which is interesting and useful. Sign up for a nearby workshop in a topic that moves you. No one is too young, too smart or too old enough to not learn a new skill to use now and later. Why wait?


——————————————————- 
Follow Viewpoints Industry TV on Google+ 
Visit the Viewpoints Industry TV Pressroom
Visit Viewpoints Industry TV on Facebook

How to Buy a New Computer for Less from Viewpoints Industry

Computers do not last as long now as they did before. To find and buy a new one, Viewpoints Industry proffers some suggestions about how to buy a new one for less.

A brand-new computer is much like a brand-new car. Everyone wants the latest, greatest model with all the bells and whistles. But no one wants to spend a lot of money to get it. Thrifty people know how to shop savvy for what they want for less money.

Consider what purpose the equipment is needed. If it is just for browsing the Internet, checking and replying to email, paying bills and other lightweight tasks, consider a computer with less bells and whistles.

Consider a refurbished laptop or desktop. Much like a previously-owned vehicle, it has been examined, cleaned up and problems are corrected. It runs just as well as a new one but costs far less. Conduct an Internet search on refurbished computer from the manufacturer desired.

Consider upgrading. Many desktops can be upgraded for far less than ditching the old and getting a new one. Add more memory to it or increase the hard drive space with an external drive. Ask friends and family who are computer smart for help.

Viewpoints Industry also suggests waiting for sales on the types of equipment wanted. These are when the best deals can be found and when consumers can save money of some spiffy new digital toys. Happy computer and laptop hunting, readers.

——————————————————- 
Follow Viewpoints Industry TV on Google+ 
Visit the Viewpoints Industry TV Pressroom
Visit Viewpoints Industry TV on Facebook

Viewpoints Industry – Best Things to Buy in August

August is the month when back to school deals are sweet. It is also the month when summer clothing and bathing suits and the like go on sale. Viewpoints Industry reveals the best things to buy in August and what to avoid.

Check state websites for the tax-free weekend on back to school supplies. Florida’s was last weekend. The tax-free weekend can save families a bundle on school stationary supplies, clothing, uniforms, laptops and more. The state website should have a list of what is tax-free during this time.

Summer essentials and outdoor items are on sale now. This means bathing suits, shorts, lightweight shirts, sandals, beach and pool toys, beach towels and more. Sign up for email alerts from favorite catalog companies and save even more. Stock up for the remainder of the summer and early fall when the weather is still warm.

Avoid big ticket home appliances like washing machines and dryers, holiday items, smart phones and tablets, and travel plans for the holiday season. Labor Day and Black Friday are creeping up quickly and this is usually the better time to get a good deal on large home needs. Viewpoints Industry suggests taking advantage of summer sales both in the store and online. Stash the money saved into a savings or retirement account and feel better knowing that you saved twice.

——————————————————- 
Follow Viewpoints Industry TV on Google+ 
Visit the Viewpoints Industry TV Pressroom
Visit Viewpoints Industry TV on Facebook

Viewpoints Industry on ID Theft Vigilance

According to the Identity Resource Center, there have been 368 identity theft breaches so far this year. That number is up almost 19% from the same time last year. Viewpoints Industry reminds readers how they can be more vigilant to protecting their identity.

More than 10 million personal records have been exposed in 2014. The Bureau of Justice Statistics found that 16.6 million American adults experiences ID theft in 2012. The same agency reports that there were 6.8 million total non-fatal violent crimes during the same time.  These are astounding statistics to ponder. How can the average consumer better protect themselves from identity theft?

Change user name and passwords to financial and credit card companies every month or two. Use a strong password combo which is longer than 8 characters, contains numbers, small and capital letters and a variety of symbols for each account.

Create an email address from one of the free sites like Hotmail to collect junk email and sale notices.

Never give your Social Security Number to anyone who has no need for it such as on an employment application before being hired, in a doctor’s office or in a store.

Review financial and credit accounts every week to be sure every cent is one you spent and one someone else did not. If you find a discrepancy, contact the institution immediately.

Viewpoints Industry TV learns that is takes about 9 hours to clear up ID theft issues, and some people who’ve been affected spent more than a day doing so.  In order to prevent the aggravating hassle of ID theft, remain vigilant when checking accounts online and in person.

——————————————————- 
Follow Viewpoints Industry TV on Google+ 
Visit the Viewpoints Industry TV Pressroom
Visit Viewpoints Industry TV on Myspace
Visit Viewpoints Industry TV on About Me

Viewpoints Industry – Save Money on Air Conditioning Costs This Summer

Weather forecasters predict this summer to be one of the hottest on record across much of the country. This means electric bills will be sky high as we try to keep cool. Viewpoints Industry TV offers some tips on how to save money on air conditioning costs.

Programmable thermostats are inexpensive to buy and easy to set up. They regulate cooling costs by giving the consumer the ability to set a day and time to turn on and off the air conditioning. There are a good many options to choose from in local home stores. Another way to control A/C costs is to find an app which allows the user to turn the A/C on or off when home, at work or on vacation. Many cable providers now offer this kind of service. It can save the average home about $250 this summer.  Check with the local electric company to see if they offer a discount or rebate on either oft these two energy savers. For every degree we turn the temperature down to cool off, our bill goes up about $24.  If none of the above are in the family budget, close the blinds on the side of the home where the sun shines in during the day. This should cool it off fairly well. Viewpoints Industry also suggests to check on window and door caulking. Be sure it is sealing cool air in and hot air out. Save money on air conditioning costs this summer so there is more to spend on vacation.

——————————————————- 
Follow Viewpoints Industry TV on Google+ 
Visit the Viewpoints Industry TV Pressroom
Visit Viewpoints Industry TV on Myspace
Visit Viewpoints Industry TV on About Me

Viewpoints Industry on How to Make a Tablet Your Go-To Device

The days are gone when a desktop computer was used for everything done on the Internet. Today, people are switching to tablets for almost everything from taking HD photos to getting their work done. Viewpoints Industry offers tips on how to make a tablet your go-to device.

Tablets are smaller, lighter and easier to use for almost everything done online. They are more convenient for reading and replying to email, watching TV shows and movies, game playing and paying bills. While the touchscreen keyboard takes some getting used to, there are third party keyboards and kick stands which make using it for heavy-duty typing easier. There are also many tablets available which run on both the iOS and Android platforms.

Apps for both platforms are readily available for the most often used programs from organizing photos to managing personal finances. People who use a tablet for work connect easily to corporate networks, are able to meet online and brainstorm and not be weighed down by a heft laptop. Tablets also come with a variety of cases and spare ports for plugging in USB drives, HDMI connectors and even printers. Viewpoints Industry TV encourages readers to take time to find the best tablet. Compare prices, features, platforms and apps to find the best choice. Tablets are the go-to device now. There are so many offered in a wide price range that finding one should not be too difficult.

——————————————————- 
Follow Viewpoints Industry TV on Google+ 
Visit the Viewpoints Industry TV Pressroom
Visit Viewpoints Industry TV on Myspace
Visit Viewpoints Industry TV on About Me

Viewpoints Industry and Why Hackers Want Your Numbers

(Your IP address can be hidden with browsers and software to hide it)

There are eight numbers we all have that hackers can’t wait to get their hands on. This is why it is imperative to be sure these numbers are safe and secure. Viewpoints Industry reviews which numbers they are and how to protect them.

Your phone number. A recent check online for my name yielded my cell phone number. This is why it is essential to unlist a cell or landline number from any directory, resume service or anyplace else that asks for it. Also, be careful when adding a phone number to social media sites which request it for verification. Is it really necessary when an email address works as well?

Dates and zip codes. Do you really want your birth date, children’s birth dates, Social Security Number, zip code, street address listed on the Internet?  These are also numbers that fraudsters want to get their hands on, and can, through the open cracks and seams online. Always go with the theory “less is more”. The less personal information provided the more protected your identity is.

PIN codes. It’s better to use a credit card inside stores and gas stations or at the gas tank since skimmers can easily grab your PIN code. The same suggestion applies to using the card inside where a camera could be hidden and record as you enter your code. This recently happened to a friend when the notified her that there was a breach.

IP address. While it can be somewhat easy for hackers to find it, there are ways to protect it. Unplug your wireless router, wait ten minutes and plug it back in. Your IP address changes every time you do that. There are also browsers which can hide the IP address. Find, download, install and use one.

Viewpoints Industry TV pinpoints these other numbers which can wreck personal financial data and your life: drivers license number, passport ID number, and health insurance policy numbers. Always monitor all financial, credit and health statements to be sure it is accurate. Report any discrepancies. Ask credit card companies and banks if they offer any ID theft products and take advantage of them. It pays to be vigilant when it comes to your personal and financial life.

——————————————————- 
Follow Viewpoints Industry TV on Google+ 
Visit the Viewpoints Industry TV Pressroom
Visit Viewpoints Industry TV on Myspace
Visit Viewpoints Industry TV on About Me

Viewpoints Industry on the End of Microsoft XP Updates

April 8 will be the end day for any security updates for users with Microsoft XP on their computers or laptops. Viewpoints Industry relays what this means to consumers and offers suggestions about what to do about it.

There are some computer users who take a nonchalant approach to operating systems and the seemingly endless number of security updates they employ. Now is the time to think smarter about them and finally spend the time and money to upgrade from Microsoft Windows XP. We remind readers that there have been four new operating systems from them since XP came out: Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8 and 8.1..

Bank ATMs are mostly run on the XP operating system, accordingly to NCR, the nation’s leading supplier of ATMs. They estimate that 95% of them run XP and only 20-30% will be fixed before the April 8 end date.

Viewpoints Industry TV suggests upgrading old computers or if that is not feasible now, at least upgrade to one of the newer operating systems such as Windows 7, 8 or 8.1. Even Vista is not considered all that secure today. When security holes are found by developers, they release a patch to fix it. There will be no more security patches for XP after April 8.

Hacking attempts and attacks have struck many name-brand corporations as well as small businesses and consumers. Why take chances on letting cyber sneaks into personal or business networks? Upgrade old computers and older operating systems.  

——————————————————- 
Follow Viewpoints Industry TV on Google+ 
Visit the Viewpoints Industry TV Pressroom
Visit Viewpoints Industry TV on Myspace
Visit Viewpoints Industry TV on About Me