Viewpoints Industry and Internet Speeds for the Country

Broadview Networks created a map of the United States which allegedly shows how fast the Internet is in each state. Viewpoints Industry shares that map and asks how fast is your Internet at home and work?

States in dark green are those with the highest speeds, such as Virginia. States in red are the slowest, such as Alaska. Delaware and Massachusetts tie for 2^nd place for being fast. Rhode Island and the District of Columbia round out the top five states that have speedy net service. California came in 20^th which is surprising since it is the home of Silicon Valley. Viewpoints Industry points out that it is not just the Internet speed that makes surfing the web easy. Fast downloads, movie viewing and game playing are far more enjoyable if the modem speed is fast, there is enough ram to enjoy those activities. Where you live also factors in to how fast the Internet will be. If you live in the city, it will be faster than living in the country. Look at the map to see how fast your state ranks on Internet speed. Then go online and find a service which can test your modem speed and streaming speed. Zippy web browsing is something everyone wants and not very often gets.


——————————————————- 
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 and What Happens to Your Online Life After You’re Gone?

Many of us know what will happen to our possessions, pets and mementos after we leave this life. There are wills and estate papers to sort that all out. But Viewpoints Industry asks what happens to your online life after you’re gone?

When an acquaintance was suddenly taken from this life not long ago, his Facebook and Twitter accounts stayed active. His many friends, colleagues and family members were grateful for that. It gave everyone a chance to pay homage and let his family know how much we all admired him and loved him. But the social media sites we all love to connect on have their own policies about what to do with the accounts when a user dies.

The Uniform Law Commission, (members are appointed by state governments to help standardize state laws), will soon endorse a plan that will give loved ones access to - but not control of - the deceased's digital accounts, unless specified otherwise in a will. It is therefore, a good idea to have written instructions in a will about who should have access to online accounts. Whoever is chosen can deactivate accounts or make other decisions about what to do with them.

Viewpoints Industry also reminds readers that most online accounts accessed by sharing the passwords. Perhaps this is a safer idea than attaching a sheet with log in credentials to a will, which can become public information. It’s up to you. Who do you want to access the files from your digital life when you expire?

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

Viewpoints Industry Offers Tips about Buying Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is a good bet if you are traveling overseas or on a cruise. But who can determine if one needs it or not? You can. Viewpoints Industry offers some tips about buying travel insurance.

There are four basic types of travel insurance:  trip-cancellation, baggage loss or damage, emergency medical care and accidental death. Do you need all of them?

Review all of the credit card policies you have to see which ones already offer travel insurance and what they cover. This is the best place to start since many cards have some type of coverage. Once you know what you need, it’s time to do some homework.

Baggage loss or damage and trip-cancellation are the most common reasons people buy travel insurance. Cruises can be cancelled days before departure. Bags can be misrouted easily enough. Be sure before you leave your house that you have some backup reimbursement to cover both.

Check homeowner’s and renter’s insurance to see if those types of insurance will cover any valuables (jewelry or electronics) on the trip.

Viewpoints Industry also recommends checking any health policies to see if and what they cover when traveling – especially overseas.

Go online and read as many reviews for the travel insurance company as possible then pick the one you think is best.

Once this information is known and you know what you might need while away, buy a policy that covers what you need and has an easy to access phone number to call when needed. Enjoy your trip knowing that you’re covered for a just in case possibility.

——————————————————- 
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 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

How the Older Generations are Finding a Job from Viewpoints Industry

It is hard for everyone from age 21 and up to find and land a new job these days. Yet, it seems harder for the older generations to gain employment. Viewpoints Industry reviews the different tactics the older generation can try to find a job.

It is hard to sit across from a job recruiter who is in their 20s or 30s when you are 40 plus years old. Every smirk, half smile and comment seems to say “too old for the job”. But there are ways to nip those perceived prejudices in the bud:

Get on LinkedIn and juice up your profile. Choose a great headshot of yourself. Review all the job entries you made on it and tighten then up. Add volunteer work and any projects which were successful. Search for companies you’d like to work for an follow any news they update. Ask questions. Be active and alert.

Improve skills or add new ones by taking free and low-cost online courses in your field. There are a plethora of great educational opportunities available. Take time and research them. Ask friends, mentors, former co-workers for recommendations. Add them to your resume. It shows that you have not been sitting around waiting for a job to land in your lap.

Your image matters. Viewpoints Industry TV learns that a positive attitude and a clean and put together appearance speaks volumes about how well a recruiter thinks you can handle the advertised job. Be a can-do applicant. Don’t snub your nose at a lower salary. Negotiate for more days off, flex time or work from home days. Finally, be willing to accept a temp or contract job until something more permanent becomes available. It helps pay the bills and helps keep skills fresh. Take charge of your job search with these tips and maybe, something good will come from it.

——————————————————- 
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 on Simple Steps to Protecting Your Privacy

(sign out on social media and other online accounts every time)

It seems like nothing is safe from possible hack attacks these days. Everything from smart phones to brand-name store customer databases are being broken into with personal info stolen. Below are some simple steps to take to protecting your privacy.

Password protect everything you can from smart phones to online accounts. Create strong passwords using a varied number of small and capital letters, numbers and symbols. Viewpoints Industry TV cautions readers to not use the same user name and password on all accounts.

Protect your good name. Add a Google Alert for your name and keep tabs on it. Do a search first to find out what variation of your name is most common on Google. It takes very little time to set up an alert and may prevent someone finding something not too flattering about you before you find it.

Sign out of every account you sign on to on the Internet. This is one of the most easily forgotten things to do. Sign out of social media sites, online financial accounts, email accounts and online retailer accounts. By doing this, you are reducing the opportunity someone else has of gaining personal information about you. And it is imperative to sign out when on a shared computer or a public computer.

Viewpoints Industry also suggests not giving personal information to anyone who asks such as department stores and medical offices. Keep your phone number, SSN, birth date and email private. Because you just don’t know what the person who took it, or overheard you give it, is going to do with it.

Protecting your privacy is essential in today’s digital and electronic world where the most cunning can get and use data that can harm you later. It’s simple and takes very little time to closing and locking the door on data theft.

——————————————————- 
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

Viewpoints Industry TV on the Dangers of Texting While Walking

Not only have we seen people who text and walk put themselves into danger, but a new study now shows that these multi-taskers are adopting a new and unhealthy gait.

Viewpoints Industry TV learns that people who walk and text at the same time tend to walk like a robot –stiff with necks tilted at an odd angle, they move more slowly, and swerve more which can cause them to become hurt if they run into an obstacle. Researchers put 26 experienced texters in a room and recorded their gait as they walked and texted. They learned that the texters walked off of a somewhat straight line. If done outside the study area, they would likely walk in to traffic, not see a curb and trip down it, or face other hazardous obstacles and possibly cause a sprained or broken ankle, or worse.

While many people believe that the text they receive and want to respond to are urgent, many notes, in fact, are not urgent at all. There is nothing more “urgent” than being aware of your surroundings such as traffic and traffic lights. Failure to notice a vehicle coming due to looking down at a smart phone can result in serous injury or death. Look up America. The traffic light changed. There is a pothole in the sidewalk which you are about to trip over. Your gait, your limbs and your life are far more urgent than the note from your friend about what time to meet tonight.

——————————————————- 
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