Posts for tech

Is there any reason to use a VPN at home?

Technology

VPN

If you want to improve your security and privacy while on the internet, make use of a VPN. In this time and age, everyone should be using a VPN. The reason is that in a world whereby everyone is on the internet, security is paramount. Nowadays most people are always on their phones or their computers. Here is why you should use a VPN at home:

1. You can be able to download torrents.

People use torrents to download pirated movies. Some other people use it for legal reasons. Internet providers have a hard time knowing who is doing the right thing. As a result, they end up restricting all users from downloading torrents. If you use a VPN, it becomes tough for your internet service provider to discover you are the one downloading torrents.

2. You will be able to bypass your government’s internet censorship.

Some countries do not offer free internet to their citizens. A good example is China’s Great Firewall. Such nations limit internet access and block specific websites. In most cases, the sites that are restricted are harmless. Therefore, if you want to break this barrier, get yourself a stable VPN.

3. Your voice chats will be private and secure.

Voice-over-IP (VOIP) applications do not allow encryption of chats. As a result, your online chats may be overheard. Since you do not want that, a VPN can deal with that. If you are using Skype, the moment you enable your VPN, your conversation will be between you and the other party.

4. You will get full access to Netflix.

The main reason why people pirate content is that they do not get access to streaming sites like Netflix and Hulu. Such websites have copyright agreements that deny people access. If you love watching movies, a VPN can solve this issue. Since a VPN can change the IP address of your computer, you are free to access all the content available on Netflix.

5. Google will not be able to track you.

People love Google because it is free and easily accessible. What people do not know is that Google knows everything them. Google stores all your information when you browse. To avoid any form of embarrassment, get a VPN and hide your IP address.

6. Your privacy is a right.

Nowadays, using a VPN is becoming a basic internet practice. Even if you are an ordinary citizen and think that you have nothing to hide, a VPN can be helpful. In case you are looking for a stable VPN, consider visiting VPNs R Us. You will be able to review a variety of VPNs, and select the best one for you.

Conclusion

A VPN is not all about video streaming and downloads; it is more than that. Take your time and research all the available VPNs online. Make privacy your priority when you are online.

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Tech Trends For Small Businesses That Dominated In 2017

Technology

Image of eyeglasses, pen, two touchpads and financial documents at workplace with businessmen handshaking on background

Image of eyeglasses, pen, two touchpads and financial documents at workplace with businessmen handshaking on background

Technology continues to have a dramatic impact on the way that small businesses operate. The internet and mobile devices have had a particularly significant effect, as they are changing how business market their products and interact with customers. If you want your business to remain as competitive as possible, it’s important stay up-to-date with the latest technological trends. In this guide, we’ll share the biggest tech trends for small businesses in 2017. Understanding these trends will give you a head start for 2018 and will help ensure your business remains successful.

  1. Social media became even more influential

The growth of social media over the past decade has been nothing short of spectacular. There are now more than 2 billion monthly active users on Facebook, 300 million on Twitter, and 800 million on Instagram. In 2017, many small businesses began using social media to achieve new goals including:

  • Improving brand awareness and advertising new products
  • Promoting sales and special offers
  • Providing customer support
  • Increasing web traffic
  • Promoting content marketing campaigns

This tech trend is expected to continue in 2018, with more small businesses using social media daily.

  1. More small businesses used crowdfunding

Crowdfunding is a fundraising method where you obtain many small amounts from many different people. In 2017, many small businesses began using crowdfunding to fund new products or business ventures. Crowdfunding works very well if your business has a loyal customer base and allows you to try new things with less risk. Using crowdfunding is also easier thanks to new crowdfunding platforms like Fundable, IndieGoGo, and GoFundMe.

  1. More small business allowed workers to work remotely

Allowing some employees to work from home on a part-time or full-time basis can be very advantageous to a small businesses. There are cost savings associated with having less staff in the office, including lower utilities costs and equipment costs. Employees who have the option to work from home also tend to be more productive and effective. Many workers have better job satisfaction if they can spend a little more time at home as well.

In 2017, more small businesses became aware of these advantages and began allowing some employees to work remotely, often via the Internet. With excellent productivity gains and cost savings available, remote offices are sure to remain popular in 2018.

  1. Online subscriptions boomed in popularity

In 2017, more small businesses started using online subscriptions. Consumers pay a small recurring fee and in return, they are provided with a service or product on a regular basis.  Online subscriptions are now being used for everything from razor blades through to wine and vegetables. Websites like PayPal make it simple for businesses to sign customers up to a subscription service.

  1. Small businesses are using more payment methods

Most small businesses have already integrated electronic payment methods like PayPal into their day-to-day operations. In 2017, more small businesses began integrating new payment methods like Square, Android Pay, and Apple Pay. Some small businesses are even starting to accept cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum. Adding more payment options gives consumers more flexibility and increases the likelihood that they will follow through on a purchase.

  1. Small businesses began outsourcing additional technologies

Traditionally, small businesses would provide support over the phone or face-to-face. The advent of the internet allowed business owners to also provide support via email. In 2017, more small business owners began providing support via other channels including like social media, video chat, and text chat. These technologies allow for immediate interaction with a customer, which the customer finds very satisfying. They can also be performed remotely and at a very low cost. Small businesses also started using other remote technologies like hiring a small business accountant in Melbourne, Miami, or London, which can help businesses around the world. This trend helps minimize in-house costs and allows companies to focus more on their mission, so it shows no sign of slowing in 2018.

  1. Small businesses jumped into content marketing

Content marketing is one of the most effective forms of marketing right no.  It involves the creation of high-quality content that is shared both online and offline. Creating valuable content for others to enjoy can establish your business as an industry leader, attract more visitors to your website, and improve brand awareness. The best part is that content marketing is very affordable. Many small business really increased their content marketing initiatives in 2017.

  1. Data security is being taken more seriously

We saw many large security breaches in 2017, which resulted in the loss of millions of customer records. Many of these breaches involved large companies like Bell Canada, Yahoo, LinkedIn, MySpace, and Target. These attacks severely tarnished the reputations of these companies and in some cases, led to lawsuits.

Governments around the world introduced legislation that would force companies to be more careful with user data.  In the EU, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is set to come into force in 2018, which compels businesses to be more transparent in the way they collect, process, and secure data. Small businesses are particularly vulnerable to data security breaches. Many small business owners began to take cybersecurity much more seriously in 2017 — a trend that will continue in 2018.

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10 Fun VR Experiences Everyone Should Try

Entertainment, Technology

Available in many formats and affordable for the first time, there’s no reason to not try out the hottest technology to have hit the gaming industry in recent years. Virtual reality consoles provide a great range of different experiences to cater to varied interests and gamer types. Whether you’re looking to have your socks scared off, or want to walk alongside extinct animals, VR gear from Oculus Rift and HTC Vive have you covered. Of course, gaming isn’t the only type of experience you can have through VR. Increasingly, this technology is being used for educational purposes, relaxation and as an aid in decision making.

VR

Virtual Holiday

Ever struggled to decide on your next holiday destination? The glossy paradise-promising photographs of travel magazines don’t always give the full picture. What if you could see, in real time, the outside of the hotel you were thinking about booking? What if you could check the weather at those exotic beaches before arranging an impromptu getaway? Vacations can cost a lot of money, and getting a taste for what you can expect in advance through VR will help tourists make better informed decisions.

Horror House

The scenario may be virtual, but the fear is real. Exactly why humans are so fascinated by horror has long been a subject of debate but, regardless of the reason, the fact is that being scared is something most of us enjoy to some degree or another. Through VR, we can experience something that is halfway between walking through a haunted house and watching a scary movie. Choose a horror setting, whether it be an abandoned mental asylum like that in Catatonic, or a creepy dungeon labyrinth like that in Minotaur’s Maze, and let the adrenaline rush hit you with the comfort of knowing you’re actually safe at home in your own living room.

Job Simulator

Most schools try to give their students an insight into different career paths – a task that’ll be made easier with VR job simulators. Even if you’re not planning on switching jobs, you may always have secretly dreamed of being a pilot or music producer. We know from the enduring popularity of games like the Sims and Second Life that simulations provide an enjoyable escape for most people; the chance to become their alter egos. VR simulations, besides being fun, could also become invaluably useful in the training of medical students, trainee pilots, or students in other fields where extensive training is required before qualification.

Underwater

Unless you’re lucky enough to live some place where it’s possible to swim with dolphins, seals, and other majestic sea creatures – then you’ll probably love the realistic marine life simulations offered through VR. Get inside a shark cage, go searching for a Blue Whale or discover pretty coral reef at the ocean floor. Whether for relaxation or education, VR swimming experiences are thoroughly enjoyable.

Casino

Most people are attracted to the glamour and thrill of gambling at casinos – but not confident or good enough to bet with real money. Whilst a huge choice of online poker sites may have provided a solution in offering poker in the comfort of one’s own home and for a smaller budget, the experience doesn’t quite compare to that of being amidst neon, cocktails and an ecstatic crowd of social gamblers. VR will help bridge the advantages of gambling online with the appeal of being at a real casino. With games like Lucky Night, players can gamble online but still study their opponents’ body language and present their own poker persona to other gamblers from all over the world.

Zombie Apocalypse

We’ve all questioned it – how long would we survive a zombie outbreak? Hopefully we’ll never have to find out, but we can feed our curiosity with an action-packed VR shooter experience in a post-apocalyptic zombie world. The best VR games for zombie lovers right now include Dying Light, Zero Latency and Arizona Sunshine. Choose your weapon and buckle up – it’s time to activate survival mode.

Space flight

We’re living during an extraordinary time when regular space flight is a feasible prospect on the horizon. Unfortunately, even if we live long enough to see frequent and casual space flight become a reality, we’ll be unlikely to afford it in our lifetime. There’s another way for you to get closer to the stars though. You guessed it – virtual reality space flight. Go on exploratory missions to new solar systems, or command epic space battles in games like Farpoint.

Dinosaurs

Unless some scientists, ignoring the moral of Jurassic Park, take nature into their own hands and recreate dinosaurs using 200 million years old DNA – then chances are we’ll never get to walk with the magnificent beasts that roamed the planet for so long. Virtually, it is of course perfectly possible – and amazingly realistic. Games like Back to Dinosaur Island and Robinson: The Journey offer breathtaking experience such as watching stegosauruses graze or the less peaceful activity of running away from a hungry T-Rex.

Time travel

An exciting and educational experience that will enhance history lessons and let nostalgia-lovers live out their time era fantasties; time travel is one of the most hotly anticipated experiences offered through VR technology. Go to the gunslinging Wild West or peace loving 60s and maybe even change (virtual) history through the far-spanning implications of your decisions.

Clearly there’s an array of experiences to be enjoyed through the ground-breaking advancements of VR, and the technology is only going to get more immersive in the coming years. Whether for leisure or study, there’s a title to try, or a developer working on one to release in the near future.

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Tech and Gear Essentials for the Digital Nomad

Men's Style, Technology

I am excited and proud to have to write that I am proudly part and parcel of the digital nomad movement. Concisely, I belong to the group of people that rely on technology to earn their living and who are always on the move. You might find it tricky that we rely on technology yet keep moving. However, we are witty enough to understand our lifestyles and, therefore, select a style that suits us. So, allow me to introduce the typical tech and gear essentials that we, digital nomads, mostly use.

Camera gear

I have a collection of photos comprising of close to a million images, collected over four years. We love to keep memories of every place that we have been to, thus, the camera. However, we do not go for the normal cameras: we prefer motion lenses, waterproof mirrorless cameras, and those that print photos on the spot.

Laptops

What is technology without a computer, really? Well, we do not carry PCs along with us, rather, we (or I) prefer laptops. Laptops are light, powerful and self-contained. As long as we can find them the power, they give back wholeheartedly.

Smartphones

At times, the laptops, too, become too big for some occasions. For instance, at some meetings, or when at a basic party, some of us still need to check our emails, update clients and remain aloof with what we do. In such instances, we use powerful smartphones to do that for us. Compromising our demanding careers is never an option for us.

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Portable power packs

I think this should have been at the top of my list: portable power sources. Well, here we are. In some cases, we are never sure about where our next stops will be. Therefore, I, just like everyone else, carry several portable power banks. These have to be very efficient such that one can have hours of uninterruptible power. If you have two or more, the better.

Wireless devices

Wires can inconvenience a digital nomad in many ways. At times, they tangle up everything in my bad, sometimes, they make the bags too huge. Worst of all, they limit freedom. In my case, I prefer using a wireless (Bluetooth) mouse, ear set, microphone, speaker, modem and keyboard. Wireless devices are easier to manage but require more power, and, if you are careless, you need more money to keep replacing them!

eReaders

Who said nomads do not have libraries or do not read the news? I love books, yes, but, I hate the fact that they take up a lot of space, can be cumbersome and are hard to find. In our nomadic world, however, we have eReaders that allow us to access just any e-book or newspaper and read them, anywhere! Call me the man that carries all the books in the world in his backpack!

I have not, of course, exhausted the list of what we, digital nomads, carry with us. Today I capitalized on the tech gear bit. Next time, I will discuss more of what we carry: like clothes and food.

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