BBM – Let Your Major Be Your Guide

Winterize Your Home: 10 Tips

1. A smart thermostat is worth the money!

Winters can be brutal in the U.S. Last year my husband and I began thinking in earnest about having a smart thermostat installed in our home. We have had our new smart thermostat for three months and we are seeing a sharp decrease in our energy bills.

2. Eliminate drafty areas

The U.S. Department of Energy states that almost 30 percent of energy consumption in homes is due to drafty doors.

Several years ago we took care of our drafty doors by placing draft excluders on the bottom of our inside doors. Draft excluders can be premade or you can make one by taking old towels, rolling them up and placing them against the bottoms of the doors. What a difference they have made!

3. Don’t forget to install storm doors and windows

Living in the northeastern part of the U.S. we get some brutal winters. Several months ago, we had to install a storm door and windows. We couldn’t do the job ourselves, so we hired professionals to do the job. My husband and I are happy that we took this action because it has considerably improved the energy efficiency in our home.

4. Be on the look-out for gaps

I didn’t realize it until my husband mentioned it; but we were losing a lot of heat from the gaps around our door frames and windows. As we checked out the windows and doors, I was amazed at the cold air coming in. Our rooms are much warmer now and our heating bills are less costly.

We have also checked other areas in our home where cold air was coming in. We now follow a rule that many have done for years. We light an incense stick and move it around the wall and windows; areas where there are tiny gaps. If the smoke begins to waver, we find a leak and then seal it up.

5. Insulating is the way to go!

For a home to be comfortable and warm during the winter, it must be properly insulated. We live in a home that is well-insulated but if your home is not properly insulated, place quality insulation between walls and where there are large gaps around the window frames.

6. Don’t forget the pipes

As you winterize your home, keep in mind the pipes. Most importantly, a lot of energy can be wasted with hot water pipes.

You see, if pipes are not insulated, heat will escape. Our water heater is in a location where insulation is not necessary; however, if your water heater is in the basement where it is cold, purchase some pipe foam and install it over your pipes.

7. Cleaning is necessary for optimal performance.

Cleaning is necessary for almost everything in your home, especially your furnace filter. It is important to change your furnace filter often, every three months. My husband checks our filter every two months and we also have a HVAC company that checks our new furnace twice a year. Dirty filters can clog up your heater and make it work harder than it should.

8. Energy use needs to be monitored

You can tell how much energy your home uses with an energy monitor, smart meter or smart plugs. In addition, you can also see how much energy your homes uses with weekly and monthly reports. When our new furnace was installed last September we were given statistics on how much more effective it would be and we see the difference in our monthly bills.

9. Dress for the Season

Many like to wear summer attire during the winter; however, when you do this your thermostat has to be raised in order to feel comfortable and warm. Instead of wearing summer clothes, pull out your sweaters, pull on some thick socks and enjoy the season.

10. A Chimney Balloon is energy saving

Currently, my husband and I don’t have a chimney but when we did and didn’t use it, our home was cold because the chimney pulled heat right out of our home. What we should have done was install a chimney balloon. It could have saved money on heating bills and prevented heat from escaping our room.

How to Securely Erase Data from Your Mac and External Drives

No matter what you do on the internet, there will always be a hacker waiting to intrude your computer. This fact holds good whether you are using a Windows system, Linux or Mac. You can ask a professional connected with securing networks and individual computers and they will advise you to install a good firewall. You can also pick a shredder to delete the files that are of sensitive in nature if you want to protect the system further. In fact a well-designed shredder is a very relaxing way to enjoy the benefits of your computer.

So, how do you securely delete the folders and files that you want no one to find, in a Mac system? Good news, you don’t have to pay a dime for this software package. They are available on the internet for free. They will permanently delete your files and make it unrecoverable as well. Conventional deletion of files, however, doesn’t come by default as most users want to recover deleted files at some point. So, deleting permanently is an option in these software. With that in mind, let us take a look at these shredders for Mac in detail.

MacClean 3

MacClean 3 is easy to find Mac shredder on the internet. It comes with many features to delete unwanted files, folders and bits of data here and there. Its use of latest technology and services serves the intended purpose of cleaning your computer thoroughly without leaving any trace of the file to be deleted. What’s more? This software has privacy and security protection to prevent anyone from accessing the files that are temporarily deleted. With all the state-of-art elements, you are in hold of an incredible shredder for free. Then there is an eraser option to remove outdated files in standard, safe and top security modes. In essence, MacClean 3 has all the features that you are looking for in a basic Mac shredder.

CleanMyMac

CleanMyMac is another shredder that is popular among Mac users on the internet. Conventional erasers do not actually remove or delete the files you don’t need. Instead, they store the access points to these files that can eventually be recovered by anyone well-versed with the internal working of your system. Shredder like CleanMyMac, on the other hand, will remove these access points to deleted files and replace those files with random data. This makes the files impossible to be recovered or restored. When it comes to shredder, CleanMyMac provides one of the easiest ways to remove your unwanted junk from the computer. In addition, these files are not accessible by any means through third party app or software as well. So, you are in a position to have the files successfully and permanently deleted from your computer system. All these, without paying anything. This shredder is truly a great find on the internet.

Permanent Eraser

Another shredder for Mac users is Permanent Eraser – easy to remember and does the task without fail as indicated by the name. It is one of those few shredders that was designed after many updated versions of shredders inundated the market. When Apple enhanced the security for its Mac systems by introducing special feature of overwriting data a number of times through US DoD pattern, MAc OS 10.3 was firmly secured but some of the later devices needed stronger level of security. Permanent Eraser was then introduced as a result of this need. This shredder uses Guttman Method of shredding where the data files are overwritten thirty five times or more, scrambling the original file, lessening the file size and eventually detaching it from the system.

The Most Useful Chrome Extensions Ever Made

Google Chrome is a free, powerful, and modern web browser which after installing it can accommodate additions to its capabilities or capacity, represented by its broad variety of plug-ins and add-ons known as Chrome extensions. Here are the five most useful, effective, Google Chrome extensions that you can download.

1. Xmarks

It is an add-on for bookmarking. It synchronizes across multiple web browsers and computers. For instance, Xmarks allows you to bookmark a web page from your PC at home; after you enable Xmarks on your PC, at work, you’ll be able to view the page at work. Your bookmarks will synchronize to a common Xmarks account activated through multiple web browsers. This Chrome extension is essential if you have two or more web browsers, as well as two or more computers.

2. AdBlock

If you hate seeing promotional advertisements and pop-ups when visiting a web page, the AdBlock is the ad blocker you need. AdBlock makes all the ads on the web pages you are visiting disappear, and gives you unhindered access to the content that you want to see. AdBlock not only blocks the ads, but it also blocks the advertisements from being downloaded, which heightens your browsing security. Also, this makes your web pages load faster. So, whenever you need, a clean browsing without any hassle, then AdBlock should be your number choice.

3. DayHiker

DayHiker is a helpful Google Chrome extension; it’s a small Google Calendar that helps you in staying on schedule by placing a small icon on your chrome browser. It connects with your tasks and schedule in Google Calendar and puts them into a single small window. Useful drop-down lists showing your tasks, schedule, and calendar arranged in the icon on your Chrome browser bar. Also, DayHiker has pop-out windows capable of adding events as well as organizing event alarms.

4. Google Mail Checker Plus

This extension allows you to get notifications, delete, read, or listen to emails, without even opening your Gmail account or inbox. It’s customizable; you can choose to customize your options of viewing custom label notifications. Also, you have the choice of running the Google Mail Checker so that you can get new email alerts through the popup preview email window. You don’t have to leave your current tab to get access to your emails. That is an easy and convenient way to stay updated on your emails. So, no more split-second updates and constant push notifications that you are used to, you should try the Google Mail Checker Plus, and you’ll love it.

5. RSS Subscription Extension

Google Chrome is not capable of subscribing to and monitoring the RSS feeds. This extension takes care of that; it auto-detects RSS feeds that is on the page that you are reading. After finding one, it adds a button and allows you to click on it, preview the content on the feeds and subscribe to RSS feeds. We do not know when this option will be included in the Google Chrome browser; until that time comes, you will need an RSS Subscription Extension if you want to detect and subscribe to RSS feeds when reading your favorite site.

To conclude, you can use these important Google Chrome extensions for improving your internet browsing. The Chrome Extension store has so many available plugins for Google Chrome browser that you can pick from, ranging from the simplest email monitors to the more complex productivity apps. However, these five useful extensions will make your browsing experience to be pain-free and customized.

https://chrome.google.com/webstore/category/extensions?hl=en-US

How to Build a Shed Easy As Can Be

A cool wooden shed can be a much-needed storage space for any homeowner, or you could use it as an artist studio. These simple instruction will have your wooden storage shed up in no time. The wooden shed we are constructing has a door, fix window along with a stylish apex roof. These instructions could easily be applied to most shed assembly kits.

Before you begin any project, read carefully through the instructions twice then gather all needed tools and materials. Please carefully adhere to all safety precautions with regard to eyewear as well as power tools so you can be safe.

The Shed Kit

The size of shed the homeowner selects shed to be based on their needs and space allotment. They also should consider what all they will store in the shed with regard to space. Please allow ample time for the shed to arrive in case of order error or missing parts.

The Shed Base

This is almost as important as the shed itself because the base provides stability to the shed, and allows water to flow away from the shed bottom. If homeowners skimp on this step then the shed will not last as long. The shed based can be made of either cement pavers, blocks or plastic. The shed base needs to be level to allow the shed to be square and plumb.

The Assembly

Please note you can drill pilot holes to make the process easier, and have a helper to help hold the heavy pieces. If you can’t find a helper, then you can use braces to hold pieces in place.

Step 1. Place the center of the shed floor in the center of the shed base. Then mark the center point of each edge of shed sides. Lift the side shed piece ( without the window ) attach it to the back shed panel. Next, attach the other side shed panel in the same manner. Next, attach the front shed panel, and adjust to make all pieces a good fight.

The Roof Assembly

Step 2. Attach the roof support beam in place, and notice it has a slotted groove to fit in. This is a good point to check that the door opens properly. The L bracket is used to secure them to the beam.

Step 3. The roof panels need the pilot holes drilled according to directions while on the ground, then with nails or screws secure the eases to the panels. Attach the roof panels one at a time while making sure they are secure. The inner support bean should all be square at this point.

Step 4. The finished roof is made of special roofing felt. Roll out the roof felt and cut the felt to the size of the roof panel. Please allow for an overhang of a few inches of felt. Nail down the felt with some overhang at the gables. Attach the side and gable shed panels to the base with screws or nails provided. Repeat on the other shed roof panel.

The Window Installation

Step 5. Attach the roof fascia to the piece that mirrors the roof apex. Secure each corner trim piece. Now, we are going to install the window. Most shed windows just slide into the frame. Expect the hinges to fasten into place once the window is inserted.

Step 6. Attach the windowsill into position for a fixed window design. Nail on the cloaks in order to secure the windowsill. Move to the inside of the shed, and secure the window glazings which further secures the windowsill, then place the beading over the window glazing. Take off the special covering from the window glaze.

The Door Assembly

Step 7. Some builders pre-assemble the doors onto the panels, but other times the door must be attached to the hinges. Put the door in place then attach with screws plus any bolts. Please check to ensure the door is level and plumb before attaching the screws or nails. Next, attach a padlock to keep your items secure.

The Finishing Touches

Step 8. Your shed is complete at this point, or you can seal the woodshed with a quality oil, paint or stain that will protect the wood from the elements for years. You can also install shelves and organizers inside the shed to keep it neat and clean.

In conclusion, the shed easily came together over a few hours with the help of a few friends. Now you can enjoy a spacious storage shed for your tools and or garden supplies. The apex style roof is a nice design feature to keep it interesting. The fixed window allows natural light to shine into your shed. The door has a lag-bolt and pad-lock design for security. These instructions can easily be applied to other basic woodshed assemblies.

Looking for an impact driver for your DIY projects? The most common DIY cordless drill is the basic cordless drill, and a cordless impact driver is like a basic cordless drill with a torque upgrade, it contains a different mechanism to drive the bit, so it can only use bits with a hex shank.

Online Backup vs. Cloud Storage Services: Which Do You Need

Technology is rapidly changing how things are done in our world. Not long ago backing up your computer files meant choosing which storage system offered the most capacity among magnetic tapes, floppy disks, flash, hard disks or RAID setups. Times have changed, while the above options of data storage and backup still exists, the endless possibilities of technology has created a much efficient system of achieving all this. One technology that is revolutionizing things is the cloud technology.

Whereas the cloud present unlimited opportunities, the different options has made it quite difficult for users to pick the best option. With no best-fit-for-all product, telling the differences between an online backup and cloud storage package is the only option a user has when it comes to preserving their crucial data. The following article will come in handy during this selection process.

Definition of an Online Backup Service

To most people, online backup service and cloud storage are interchangeable. Nothing could be further from the truth. As its name suggests, an online backup service is a software or service that enables a user make similar copy of their data and save them on a secure off-site server. Online backup service are most preferably used to back up computers as it they make it easy to retrieve the data should anything happen to your computer. A key characteristic feature of online backups service is that they are quite affordable and present a wide range of options to choose from.

However, like every good thing, online backups have their drawbacks and inasmuch as they do not limit it to its functionality, the drawbacks are disadvantageous to the user. You will note that with online backups it is quite hard synchronizing your data. Additionally, with online backup you are only restricted to retrieving your data to one computer. Some users will also argue out that this service is also limiting when it comes to its storage, however this is subject to debate. The common online backup services include CrashPlan, Carbonite and Backblaze among others.

Definition of Cloud Storage Service

When defining cloud storage service Dropbox is a perfect example that comes to mind. Unlike online backup service, cloud storage service entails storing your data on an imaginary online box. In a nutshell cloud storage services is a like a portable online flash drive that you can use to backup and retrieve your data anywhere you want regardless of the place you are at and the computer you are using.

This is not all; developers have made it even easier, now cloud storage services are not online accessible through websites but also through mobile apps. This has made it easy for most users to go mobile with their data. Cloud computing also allows synchronization and sharing of data easily. Take note users can now download and make changes on their data and then upload back without tampering with other sets of data. On the sharing part, instead of struggling with huge files, cloud storage services allows users to send a secure link that allows other users access the files.

Cloud storage service too has its drawbacks the biggest one being limited storage. You can however upgrade the storage capacity at a cost which to most users is always expensive. The common cloud services include Dropbox, OneDrive, Syncplicity, Google Drive and Apple iCloud to name but a few.

Decision Factors

Telling the distinction between online backup and cloud storage is not merely enough. For you to get to the most suitable option for you, you will need to narrow down your option to how yourself. Choose an online backup system if; your work does not entail you using your data everywhere you go or if you have a single or multiple computer and they are not dependent on easy other.

For users who are constantly in touch with their data, that is sending reports, memos or any other data type; cloud storage system will come handy. You will also find the mobile app service very timely to whatever assignment you are doing more so when you are on transit.

Finally, there are users who might see the need and want of both options. This quite possible, while online backup will allow you to preserve the most treasured moments, cloud storage will give you the flexibility to carry them wherever you go.

Truth of the matter is that data backup is storage. By knowing which option works best for you, you will be able to eliminate redundancy hence saving yourself lots of money.

The Ultimate Android Data Recovery Guide

In todays age of technology one never knows when their digital device may fail. Regardless if you’ve got a tablet or smartphone, there’s still the potential for losing important data. From something as simple as accidental deletion or an issue with your memory card. However, there is an Android recovery tool that’ll retrieve any files which have been lost. Depending on what method you choose to take, it’s not guaranteed that they’ll all be found. Do not panic though, because we are going to introduce you to various Android recovery software that’ll help. Which works with most Mac’s and personal computers as well. The decision about which program to choose is ultimately up to you.

The Top Five Recovery Tools

Aiseesoft FoneLab Android – Compatible with Mac and PCs
Android Data Recovery Pro – Compatible with Mac and PCs
Dr.Fone Android – Compatible with Mac and PCs
MobiSaver for Android – Compatible only with PCs
Remo Recover for Android – Compatible only with PCs

Those Who’d Benefit From Android Recovery Software

There are several reasons that you should get a file recovery system. Such as, when valuable files, photographs, messages or videos have been lost from a tablet or phone. Especially if you don’t have anything to back them up. In this case, you are better off trying an information recovery program.

Here is a check list for potential Android data loss situations:

You get locked out of your Android Device.
A device that has internal damage due to the MicroSD card which is attached.
You are unable to root your Android device.
The accidental deletion of files, pictures, e-mails and other important information.
The loss of files and data due while you upgraded or reset, your operating system.
You had information that went missing preceding ROM flashing.
As well as a variety of other reasons.

Helpful Tips on Finding an Android Data Recovery Software

There’s numerous Android recovery tools that are available, and it takes someone who is tech savvy to completely understand what to look for. Here’s the various factors we use to choose which ones would work best.

Security – The most important thing we look for is safety, for instance, if the program is free of any viruses or malware, and will not damage any of your Android files. This is so it will only carry out read-only procedures which occur during the scanning process. This a common procedure performed by all data recovery software.
Recovery Options – If the information you’ve saved went to an external memory card (such as MicroSD) or it was stored in your devise’s internal memory, most recovery software is able to handle both of these options. As a matter of fact, we’ve had the ability to sort through most programs, retrieving only those which recover data from a card or removable disk.
Supported File Types – An ideal data recovery tool has to be able to handle a variety of files, like messages, contacts, photographs, audio, videos, call history, documents, or information from third party applications, such as (WhatsApp).
Compatibility – It is important that you make sure the Android recovery software you’ve chosen with your particular device. For instance, Sony Xperia, Samsung Galaxy, Google Nexus, HTC, and various other Android devices. It should also be compatible with your computer’s operating system as well. Such as, Windows and Mac OS X, which is required while you are running the program.
Technical/Support – If you should have any technical questions or concerns while installing the software, you ought to have the ability to search on their website and see what the options are. Or there should be some type of contact information where you can receive support from, such as live chat, a phone number, or e-mail address.

The Five Best Android Recovery Software of 2017

We’ve chosen five of the most reliable choices according to the information listed above. Before proceeding, you will want to make sure that it’s compatible with PC/Mac.

1. Aiseesoft FoneLab Android – Voted as being the best free Android data recovery software that’s available today, Aiseesoft allows you to retrieve important files, precious photos and other important information. Talk about quick and efficient, you’ll get back lost your lost data in no time.

2. Android Data Recovery Pro – Equipped with two kinds of recovery modes, quick recovery and deep recovery, giving it the ability to recover 8 styles of file formats from the entire line of Android devices. Just as it’s name suggests, the deep recovery process retrieves every thing that’s of the utmost importance to you.

3. Dr.Fone Android – Rated as the greatest recovery software in which to have, Dr.Fone is compatible with over six-thousand Android devices and eight various types of files. It’s incredibly easy to use, as a matter of fact, even those with limited computer knowledge can figure it out.

4. MobiSaver for Android – Another Android recovery software which scans your device with lightning fast speed, efficiently retrieving your personal data. Speaking of fast service, it does such a quick job of recovering information, it’ll make your head spin.

5. Remo Recover for Android – Designed specifically for retrieving information from Android devices, Remo has the capability to recover data from both the internal and external memory of your phone. Giving you back all that was lost in record time.

Other similar self-helping data recovery tips, visit here.

Simple Tips to Prevent Social Engineering Attacks

Social engineering is one of the most common ways hackers attack their victim and steal your identity. One way they this is to trick you into downloading malware so that they can then take over your computer. Thus, they can gain access to all of your private information such as financial records, email account, passwords, and the list of possible things they can steal is basically everything confidential that you have on the computer. There are things you can do on different mediums to ensure its safety against hackers.

Email

Phishing is a technique used for identity theft via the email. The emails that they send usually have links that give them the desired access to your computer. This is so incredibly common that a good rule of thumb is to just not click on an emailed link unless you know for a fact that someone you know well actually sent it to you. But even if the URL claims it is from such a person, it is not sufficient since hackers can hack your friends and send these emails to you on the pretext that it is from them. If you do not have actual confirmation from that person that they did indeed send the email, don’t open it. But that isn’t the only thing you shouldn’t do in the email world for security reasons. You also should avoid at all costs transferring private information over the internet.

Phone Calls

The safest thing to do is just to not take phone calls if it is a number you don’t recognize. If the number claims to be attached to a company that you do trust, contact the company directly to find out if this number is legitimate. If you do happen to take the call, be extra alert for them trying to trick you into giving them confidential information that means giving your money. Also, don’t reveal any of your passwords if they ask for it. It is a real red alert if they ask for a password since a legitimate business will never do so.

Flash Drives and DVDs

Probably the best and safest policy is to never or rarely trust a used storage device, if it is one that you just found somewhere. Planting “lost” flash drives and DVDs everywhere is one of the most popular tricks of hackers. They often infect these items with Trojan horses so that the virus can help them take over your computer. The best thing to do in situations in which you have any question about it is to throw it away.

Online Dating

There are several different popular stories that are popular. These stories are scams that try to convince you that are really rich and that they want to share their wealth and life with you. They do this only to trap love seekers in their web. There continue to be more fictional stories made and scammers are doing well via this route since there are a whole lot of lonely people out there who are looking for love and security. These scammers are great at saying anything their victims wants to hear. Once they lure in the victim, they lay out a plan to meet and then say some money is necessary for some reason. After you have transferred the money you will never hear from them again. If you happen to be one of these lovelorn victims, be alert and be tipped off when they ask for this money and then break off contact ASAP.

Social Media

This angle is much like the scamming that goes along with online dating. These scammers also play on the emotions of their victims. This even more dangerous because most people have a lot of information about their lives on their. For instance, they have information about your job, your family, your friends, and your hobbies. Scammers can and do use this information against you to lure you into their trap. Based on this information, they will send you a “helpful” link that is really malware in disguise. You can avoid these problematic situations by designating your profile to be private against strangers. Just make it open to people that your friends and family.

Differences Between Hardware & Software Firewalls

According to a recent survey by NCSA Cyber Security, more than 40% of Americans don’t know what firewalls are, and whether or not their PC is firewall enabled. This guide will help you understand the necessity of a firewall and how to choose the right one for your needs.

What is a Firewall? And do I need it?

If you’re an internet user, you’re constantly under the risk of some hacker accessing personal or financial data on your PC. When your PC is connected to the web, it continuously sends and receives information in small units called packets. A firewall acts as the first line of defense between your computer and the cyberspace. A firewall stops unauthorized access to your computer by filtering these packets to check if they meet a particular set of rules, thereby allowing or blocking data. This prevents unscrupulous hackers from stealing financial and personal data from your PC such as passwords and bank information. There are two types of firewall: hardware and software.

As the name suggests, the Hardware firewall is tangible and is usually purchased as a stand-alone product. It is a small, portable metal box installed with software that blocks unauthorized traffic, and has a minimum of four ports to connect to other computers. It is easy to install as you just plug into your computer like you would any other peripheral device like a printer or scanner, and configure a few settings. It is also less vulnerable to hackers because it is not on your PC. To ensure optimal protection, it is highly recommendable that you test your hardware firewall configurations. This can be done by using a firewall testing online service or purchase a third-party firewall test software.

On the other hand, the software firewall is highly customized and installed on your PC, like any other software. It allows some control over its protection features and depending on the type of software firewall, can protect against a myriad of common e-mail worms and Trojan programs. It is advisable to use a software firewall that runs in the background and uses the minimum amount of system resources. It is also recommendable to install and download updates of the software firewall from the developer.
So, which firewall is best for me?

A hardware firewall is best suited for businesses and large organizations, with more than 6 PCs because it is more cost effective than buying multiple licenses of the software firewall and installing them individually on each PC in the network. For home use, the software firewall is ideal because it is easy to install and customize even for a computer novice. Additionally, some software firewalls give the option of parental control, and one can limit and manage the websites accessible to their children, including specific text and photos.

For maximum protection, the ideal internet security option would be a combination of both software and hardware firewalls as they can run complimentary functions and give you greater protection in your personal computer or in any other gadget.