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I´m 54 years old here in 2020, and I´m still holding out hope for a better year than last. 53 was a challenging year in my personal life…among other bouts of adversity, my wife spent some time in the hospital and our home burned to the ground in the 2018 California wildfires.

Still, even with all the headlines about the only topic on Earth these days, I still find myself constantly grateful for what I have…whenever disaster strikes, I remind myself that as a modern day human being in a first world country, I have, experience, and enjoy more than did most people to ever live. I´ve a feeling something as simple as feeling the warm sun on your face on a leisurely walk to the farmer´s market is going to be a treat worth savoring in the coming months, and if that sort of thing is so delightfully contagious (which I certainly expect it to be, universal issues require universal reflection) there may be some good yet to come from these difficult and unfamiliar hours in human history.

Remote Work Revolution

In the meantime we´ll be working from home–always have, now we´re cool modern trendsetters–so not much has changed for us in the midst of the Great Office Exodus. I´ve been telling everyone who would listen to me long enough that remote work was the future of the modern office, and although I would have never guessed the big shift would happen so suddenly, it´s pretty hard to imagine most folks going back to commuting past their kitchens and wearing formal pants.

All jokes aside, as we discussed last week Big Tech is leading the way in the surprise remote work revolution, with industry titans such as Google, Microsoft, and Facebook all sending their employees home to cough on their laptops in private.

If you ask me, I think this is one of the necessary changes that sticks around after the crisis…other than mankind likely having the cleanest average hands of any species in the galaxy once this is over. I´m so excited about the possibilities of a truly mobile workforce that we would even be happy to help you get started pro bono…click here to get some free technical help directly from my secret underground lair, or if you’ve got a few free minutes this morning (of course you do) check out the ¨Brad´s Blog¨ YouTube channel for a detailed breakdown.

Budding Long-Term Relationships

If you´re trying to think of some nice indoor activities over the next month or so, it seems like a pretty good time to discover some new music or start following a podcast, yeah? Those are just two of the things on my to-do list, and when I eventually get around to it I´ll be wearing my Apple AirPod Pros…great sound and comfortable fit with excellent battery life, what more could you ask for?

Still, if you’re on the fence about committing to some brand new top of the line wireless headphones and want to see if there´s any more quality you could squeeze out of your current setup, consider giving Krisp a try. Krisp automatically removes background noise during calls and playback so you never have to look for a quiet room in a busy house again. Timely.

The Last Word 

Well, that´s about all we have for this week, but before I go I want to suggest something to those of us who might be having a tricky time adjusting to what appears to at least temporarily be the new normal: take a little break from watching the news every so often.

Obviously the smart move is always to stay aware and adjust accordingly, but constant anxiety can become a problem in and of itself…close that laptop, stretch for a few minutes…maybe light a scented candle, you’re worth it. Thanks as always for making time for ¨Brad’s Blog,¨ stay safe and keep it geeky!

The post Life is Greater When You’re Grateful first appeared on Archway Computer.

If it´s all fake news, nobody told Facebook. Along with House Zuckerberg, a veritable Mount Rushmore of Big Tech–Google, Apple, Amazon and Microsoft–have announced in the last few days that the majority of their employees in their respective tech hubs will be working from home in the midst of the developing outbreak.

Even without the endemic incentive of late, 2020 seems like an especially great time to work from home (not that location-independent offices were huge back in 1918), with the tools of the modern Internet making it easier than a daily commute by a fair margin.

If you´re considering making the transition to location independence I strongly suggest taking advantage of Amazon Web Services….usually this is where I would launch into an extended introduction and breakdown with my signature enthusiasm and flair, but this time around I’ve saved it for a video conference call with me! You can sign up for it here.

Some Like it Hot

Speaking of getting your new guest room up and running, you can hardly call yourself a respectable organization if you can´t even muster up a decent cup of coffee in the morning, and along with springing for the premium roast and wisely selecting your house creamer (I recall hazelnut being a polarizing standard in one of my old offices) investing in a quality coffee cup is essential. 

As you well know, I´m a tech geek, and so if you´re like me the Ember smart mug is the pick…honestly, once I found out a temperature controlled coffee cup existed the decision was easy.

The Food Court Comes to You

When you´re in you new home office curating your contact list (or finally clearing out that Watch Later list), lunchtime is eventually going to roll around…but running down to the local SaladWorks kind of defeats the purpose of your healthy home office…what´s a hungry team leader to do?

Enter HelloFresh…not only is it amazing for people with dietary issues like my gluten sensitivity, it´s also an outstanding resource to help bunker offices like yours get their everyday shopping done.

The Last Word 

All jokes aside, it´s easy to get some anxiety worked up with all the crazy headlines–¨Dublin Cancels St. Patrick´s Day Parades¨ would give anyone a solid double-take–and as a germaphobe before it was cool, I admit to losing just a little sleep over the whole thing…at least, at first. Dr. Drew Pinsky, long noted for his public health platform, helped me feel a bit better about the latest outbreak…a little perspective is always good. You can view it here.

Well, that´s about all for this enlightening episode of ¨Brad´s Blog,¨thanks for taking a break from refreshing the WHO website to check out my weekly ramble. Here´s to a productive, fulfilling, and healthy week in your new home office (or anywhere else)!

The post Self (Employment) Quarantining: Setting Up Your New Home Office first appeared on Archway Computer.

If you haven’t heard Windows 7 is going end of life on January 14, 2020. You can read about it here. But you have options. Many are using this as an opportunity to replace their computers. Some, depending on when you purchased your PC are entitled to a free upgrade. Others are paying to have their existing machines updated. 
One great way to go is to get rid of your PC’s all together and go with Amazon Web Services. If you do this your machine becomes a “dumb terminal.”
Finally Microsoft always has options to take your money and will be charging $50/year for continued security updates. 
If you would like the advice of Uncle Brad you can click here and schedule an appointment with me to talk. Don’t worry, we don’t sell any of these products – just my brilliance!
 

Views from AppliedNet 2019

In other news, this year’s AppliedNet was, as usual, well worth the trip. Being in the building as the latest developments in the industry emerge from the shadows of rumor into the brightest lights in the business is always a treat.

If you missed it, you can get a glimpse of the greatness to unfold by checking out my synopsis of the keynote speeches…it’s the next best thing to being in Vegas, kinda.
 

Tangible Regards

A physical card represents uncommon amounts of initiative and goodwill…it may be a relatively simple gesture, but the fact remains that someone took time out of their busy lives to address you and only you.  

Even though I’m often short on time, I’m still a believer in sending out greeting cards the old-fashioned way but may be short on time, and that’s why I like Postable. With Postable, you get designer cards addressed and mailed on your behalf, and you’ll get all the credit for what will surely be a rare treat for the recipient: seeing something worth opening in the snail mailbox.
 

In Shape, One App at a Time

If you ask me, you can never have enough workout apps…working out may almost never be fun, but your smartphone telling you how much progress you’ve made since last week sure can be.

Aaptiv is ideal for that role, delivering targeted guidance to achieve maximum results…whether you’re strengthening your core or improving your cardio, it might be provide exactly the digital push you need. You can even try it risk-free for 30 days by clicking this convenient link. 

The Last Word

Well then, that should just about do it for this exceptional edition of “Brad’s Blog!” As always, I want to thank you the reader for taking time out of your busy weekly routine to engage with my enthusiasm. I’ll be back around in about a week’s time, but if you want to have a compelling chat before then, my inbox will be as open this week as yours was today.

The post WIndows 7 Options, AppliedNet and Apps first appeared on Archway Computer.

There will always be a bit of that excited kid showing off a new toy on the schoolyard the very next day within my spirit, so I rarely write about a product that I haven’t had my hands on yet. Still, as someone who has an impossible time trying to be productive in noisy environments I’m so excited about the new noise canceling headphones from Bose I just can’t wait to share.

For years I’ve been standing by my trusty QC-35 headset (on sale this week at WalMartalong with other Father’s Day goodies) for its excellent noise management capabilities and unparalleled battery life, but according to some early reviews the upcoming 700 could be the new gold standard. At $400 they’re a bit pricey for some, but it is said that one of the most valuable things in the modern world is silence so to me they’re well worth the investment.

A More Stable Surface

The Microsoft Surface has had something of a rough ride since the debut of the line a couple of years back. Classic beta-test stuff plagued the early months of the release, which pretty much tanked consumer confidence in what should have been an absolute game-changer.

The Surface seems to be doing a little better now, all things considered…but when the most enthusiastic praise Consumer Reports can conjure up goes “reliability is now on par with most other laptop brands,” it may not quite be time to put the Surfacebook back on your wish list just yet…kind of a shame, it really is a slick setup.

Take It From Us

We never directly sell equipment–that would go directly against the independent spirit of Team Archway–but we’re happy to make recommendations…who doesn’t like telling other people what to do? If you’re interested in our opinions of some of the top names such as Dell, HP, and Lenovo, just click here for easy to read examination of what each has to offer.

iDeal for Your Nightstand

If you’re fully tied into the Apple ecosystem, this should be a useful little addition. The inexpensive 3 in 1 wireless charging station will quickly juice up your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods, and since it’s on Amazon, you can have it by the end of the week.

Man I love living in this era of human history.

The Last Word

Well, that should just about do it for this week! Thanks as always for not banishing my weekly rambles to the spam folder, I understand what a significant honor that is. I’ll be right back on schedule next week, but before then don’t forget to give dad a shout this weekend…the old man likes to feel special too, if only 3 times every 1000 days.

The post Bose Falls Even More Silent + Advice from Archway first appeared on Archway Computer.

Microsoft has been absolutely nailing its online productivity suite for years now, and it’s more powerful than ever before. 

How powerful, you ask? So much so that even the company itself acknowledges its traditional desktop Office as an inferior product, sort of like when you’re at the movies and the guy at the concession stand wonders aloud what kind of sucker buys a medium when a large is 35 cents more.

In any case, many people are surprised to discover just how much you can do with Office 365. I recently had a prospect that had been somehow convinced that they needed to buy a server just to have control over their email, and another who is thinking about hosting their email with their IT provider, both of which are bad ideas for reasons we went over before. 

What we haven’t discussed yet is that Office 365 provides solutions to both issues. That’s right, part of the Office 365 package is the connected version of Outlook, which provides a range of features including secure encryption for a fraction of what it costs to maintain an onsite server.

Another part of the package is that it’s delivered by Microsoft, so you never have to worry about bush league stuff like having one guy throwing everything into chaos by leave the company or having the entire system wiped by some garage hacker.

The Gift and The Curse

Like nuclear energy and non biodegradable plastic, the Internet is simultaneously one of the best and worst innovations ever devised by the human mind…which direction any of these go in is based almost entirely on how is handled by those who come into contact with it.

YouTube in particular shows both types of potential involved with putting the sum total of civilization’s knowledge at the fingertips of any toddler, and I’m sure I don’t have to tell the parents out there what kind of stuff is just floating around waiting to reveal itself with a single curious click.

Fortunately, there are reliable methods of limiting access to videos by setting parental controls, and this article goes into detail about putting them in place.

Theater of the Mind

There’s something about being educated and entertained at the same time that really helps the information stick. That’s why I love a well done documentary, and if you enjoy filling in dull moments at work by learning something new, this CNET feature on the best Netflix documentaries should get you through the week at least.

Dashing through the Snow

The Iditarod started off this week, and I have to say it always piques my interest. Perhaps it’s my inner 8-year-old adventurer that loves the idea of a team of huskies and their guide working as a team to brave the elements on a speed run through the frozen white north…nope, now that I described it again it still sounds cool to Adult Brad.
Anyway, I’m going to follow along with the race again this year as I usually do, and if you’d like to join me why not peek in on the live stream? It’s another perfectly valid way to kill time, and is even appropriate for children of all ages.
 

The Last Word

Well, that’ll just about wrap up the first “Brad’s Blog” of March, so thanks as always for making space in your schedule for the latest enthusiastic edition! I’ll be right back on schedule next time around, but if you have something you feel I need to share with the class before then, please don’t be shy about shooting me an email.

The post Office 365 Marches On first appeared on Archway Computer.

Last week I passed on some information on managing saved passwords in your browser for the sake of convenience, but this week I must share some knowledge shared with me by a particularly astute reader who may or may not have some background in…ahem…alternative data allocation techniques.

You see, it was brought to my attention by this individual (or group or AI) that saving passwords in your browser makes them ripe for the picking by cybercriminals. In fact their are apps for that. You can read about it here. 

Advanced Protocol

VoIP isn’t a product we sell here at Archway, but we certainly make frequent use of it. One of the phone systems many of our agents find most effective comes from The Kotter Group and is known as Bridge.

Bridge is a fully featured communication suite with all the bells and whistles, call forwarding, custom hold music, unlimited call queues, you name it. It also integrates with many popular AMS options, which is almost as important as allowing custom hold music.

Money and Power

With apologies to the eastern half of the country, this cold weather we’re getting in Southern California is getting to be unbearable.

We use a lot more electricity when it’s cold out for obvious reasons like hot coffee and Hulu, and if you’ve ever been curious about the amount of juice your appliances use in a given amount of time, this electricity monitor I found on Amazon is just great.

It connects to your appliance of choice and tracks usage as well as calculating expenses by the day, week, month, or year. One day soon I can envision a world in which you can ask Alexa how much electricity the devices she manages collectively use, which may become an awkward conversation.

The Last Word

Well, that’s about it for me this week, but before I go I wanted to show everyone that I am a man of my word, last or otherwise.

If you’ll recall, I lost a number of bets on the Super Bowl a little over a week ago, and so instead of wearing Patriots gear until well past the 4th of July, I have decided to consume my crow in one heaping helping in the form of a video extolling the greatness of Tom Brady, the single greatest man to ever bestride our humble planet.

I very much enjoyed making it of my own free will, and I think my unbridled enthusiasm for the project shines through.

Now that that unpleasantness is over I suppose there’s nothing to do but sign off, here’s to a happier ending next time around!

The post Enhanced VoIP and Password Protection and Brad eats Crow! first appeared on Archway Computer.

It’s a question I hear all the time…should we attach everything to the agency management system or not? Sure, get the most you can out of the solution you choose–I get it, software and subscriptions can get expensive fast for a small agency–but as a tech genius once said, do we really need to attach every cert we issue to the system?

If you’re asking me, the answer is no…at least, not if you’re using the right tools. We use Office-365 along with the tamper-proof archiving that Barracuda Essentialsprovides. With Barracuda Essentials, important emails are automatically indexed through retention policies you set, and can even be accessed when email services are unavailable with the mobile app. It’s like a file cabinet that doesn’t weigh 400 pounds and take a solid hour to search through.

Lazy or Clean: A False Choice

You might be surprised what you can throw in the washing machine. I learned browsing HGTV.com last week that everything from fabric car floor covers and plastic shower curtains to backpacks and yoga mats can just be tossed into the mix on laundry day. Just toss them in on low to medium heat depending on how much plastic is involved and voila, just like new.

Also, while we’re on the topic of domestic duties, one of the best things about the future in which we live is that we’ll probably be doing less of them.The Roomba has come a long way from the near-novelty it once was, with the latest version incorporating intelligent home mapping so you can choose which rooms get cleaned and when along with automatic bin disposal that automatically dumps the sweepings into a disposable bag for weeks at a time.

If they teach this thing to wash dishes and scrub tile, I’m never cleaning anything besides myself again.

Talent Borrows, Genius Steals

When I present at user groups one of my favorite jokes to lead with is “I see you couldn’t get Steve Anderson.” He’s earned a lot of respect from me for his takes over the years and I continue to gain a lot from his perspective.

This piece on why Google’s investment in Applied Systems is good for all involved–that includes you and me–is a worthy read, and you might want to subscribe to his podcast The Digital Broker as well. As the old saw goes, take it from someone who knows.

The Last Word

Well, it’s time to get the last fully productive month of the year off to a strong start, so I guess I’ll let you go now. Thanks as always for making the time for this weekly geekly. I’ll be back in your inbox right on schedule with fresh rephrasings of Steve Anderson’s thoughts. Have a great week everyone!

The post Smart Streamlining Your Agency and the Source of My Savvy first appeared on Archway Computer.

If you’re on the fence about selling your house this year, maybe you should consider making up you mind by the end of the month. According to Zillow, May is the best time of the year to have your property on the market, as on average homes sell two weeks faster and at a $2,400 premium as compared with other times of year.

Apparently May 2018 is an especially opportune time to sell your home, as late spring marks peak selling season in 14 of the 24 major regional markets and there has a documented shortage of listings for sale this year. That means means buyers are looking to close before the summer months hit, and their impatience could be your gain so quit stalling and pack it on up.

Airfare, More Fair

By now it’s not exactly a secret that airfare prices can seemingly change with the wind, so timing can also be key to scoring great deals on travel as well.

This comprehensive guide for tip-hungry travelers breaks down the best time frame to buy your tickets depending on the region you plan to visit…for example, if you have your sights set on a trip to the Caribbean, the best time to buy a ticket is about 200 days before your date of departure, and you can save substantially by flying out on a Tuesday or Wednesday.

Obviously, events taking place at the locale such as festivals and holidays can have an effect on the price of travel, so don’t expect to score a rock-bottom rate for a trip to Brazil during Carnival.

Still, shopping smart can earn you funding for a few extra perks during your vacation, so it’s well worth taking into account. Don’t forget to use Incognito Mode so the system won’t see that you’re too interested and jack up the price…they do that, you know.

Pod People

It’s not just hype…Apple AirPods are amazing, and the way they’re integrated into the features of the phone is nothing short of stunning.

I love mine, but if you want to read the review of a more widely recognized authority on Apple, this piece breaks down what makes them so great…for starters, the Charging Case delivers up to 3 hours of music time on a 15 minute charge…wow!

You may also be wondering how to keep a small white accessory that you jam into your ear and wear around the world clean, and the site was insightful enough to also provide a guide to keeping your AirPods looking and sounding factory fresh in this filthy modern world.

Community Connection

If you’re not on NextDoor yet, you should be.

This convenient community resource is designed as a social network for your neighborhood, and you can use it for marketing to local buyers just as easily as you can invite the entire neighborhood to a backyard barbeque with the service.

I sold my old workhorse truck with over 220k miles of experience within just a few days after trying a range of selling sources…I suppose it’s sort of like Craigslist without all the Craigslist.

The Last Word

Well, as nice as it was to chat with you fine folks again that’s about all the time we have for this edition of Brad’s Blog! If I have my way I’ll be right back in your inbox within a week, and if you stumble onto any sweet sales this week I’m always looking for ways to save money for the more important things in life like my Amazon wish list, so don’t be shy about shooting me an email!

The post Brilliant Buys and Savvy Sales first appeared on Archway Computer.

One Day at a Time (for 279 Years)

I’ve started looking into retirement options before it’s too late–or at least, that’s what I set out to do recently. Apparently if I want to maintain my standard of living after I punch the digital clock for the last time, I’ll be putting in full shifts on the job until the year 2,300.

Okayfine, it was only 2297 AD according the the online calculator at Wealthfront, but still…point is, my financial plan could use some fine tuning.

On a more encouraging note I’ve been talking to some of the younger members of Team Archway and some of my kids’ friends about maybe not waiting until the wrong side of 30 to start caring about retirement, and I was pleasantly surprised to learn they’re a little ahead of the game.

One name that kept coming up in these discussions is Acorns, an investment resource that not only enables the account holder to build up their nest egg with the money they haven’t dedicated to designer streetwear and DLC, but rewards their friends with monetary bonuses for every new sign-up. It’s a great way to be passively responsible, which can be just as good as the other kind.

Another popular tool among financially savvy teens and twentysomethings is next-generation brokerage Robin Hood, which promises all of the benefits of a professional investing firm with almost none of the associated overhead. Manage your portfolio from your smartphone in minutes, close the app, then check your notifications or get some swiping in…convenient enough for sure.

It seems like an intriguing prospect, but over the years I’ve found that brokerage fees don’t always deliver the bang for your buck and I’ve also come across some advice that actively managed portfolios actually tend to underperform, but I’m by no means an expert so if you want to educate me or just compare notes, you’re more than welcome.

Eyes on the Road

Ever see those crazy Russian dashcam videos with footage of collisions, incidents of road rage, and insurance fraudsters caught on candid camera? Well, the open road is a crazy place whether the traffic signs are in metric or imperial units, and so mounted cameras are fast becoming a necessity for the conscious motorist.

Owl takes the concept a step further, combining a high definition camera with an integrated smartphone app so you can monitor your vehicle whether you’re driving it or not. It can send an alert directly to you in case of a break in or even just a rogue shopping cart, and can transmit live video to your screen wherever you are.

As an added bonus, the camera is on even when your car isn’t, so if there’s a spectacular sunset or a streaker near your vehicle you can be the first to know (and share it online, as is Internet Law).

Methodical Management

In my experience, most commonly used agency management systems are well suited to keeping a handle on everyday operations such as processing, commission tracking, and of course, paying the bills. With that typed, they’re not always robustly equipped for the more directly sales related aspects of the game, and that can be problematic since studies show sales are correlated with profits.

That’s why we’ve scoured the marketplace to identify the best tools for agencies who want to sell more insurance and do it right–which I assume is most of yours. If you’d like to check out a few of the apps that we find indispensable to our work and most frequently recommend, click here to let me know and I’ll send you a list. Don’t worry, I won’t sell your info, what we have is more special than that.

Home is Where the Art Is

Scrolling through an album on your phone or posting it on your social media account is one thing, but I know I’m not the only one who misses physical photos…the allure of a moment in time made tangible. There’s just something so much more substantial about holding a picture in your hands, and although I guess you can just print it on paper. don’t you want to take a little more advantage of the future in which we live than that?

Enter Fracture. Fracture is a cool new service that enables you to have pictures printed on glass as a wall or stand mount, adding vibrant warmth and visual interest to your most frequently visited spaces. Being immortalized in a stained-glass window once required approval from the Pope and usually took place after your final birthday, but now all you need is a major credit card and you can enjoy it during your life. Isn’t technology great?

The Last Word

Well, that’s certainly a ripe and relevant installment of “Brad’s Blog,” wouldn’t you say? Thanks as always for joining me for this periodic presentation, I express my gratitude for not being sent to the spam folder often and I do mean it every time. I’ll be back on schedule next week, but until then if you want to chat or suggest a new topic, you know where to find me. Have a great week!

The post Brad’s 23rd Century Retirement Plan first appeared on Archway Computer.

Where’s My Jetpack?

We were told as children that in the future people would be wearing jetpacks and jumpsuits, but until relatively recently until now the most advanced developments in high tech apparel were those light-up sneakers my son insisted on having for the first day of second grade.

Now with wearable tech entering a boom period with the popularity of the FitBit and its descendents, I’m excited for the future of fashion gadgets. Apparently so is famed clothier Ralph Lauren, who is rolling out a special line of heated jackets for the US Olympic team.

The jackets feature a special “conductive ink” that transmits heat from the smartphone-sized power cell, keeping you warm and toasty on the medal stand or on the way to Whole Foods. Unfortunately they’re sold out for now, but the early success of the technology has encouraged the brand to take a closer look at large scale production, and I’m looking forward to it.

I still want my flying car, but that’s another gripe entirely.

A Zone of Your Own

The world of today is full of distractions…many of them of our own creation, but that doesn’t change the fact that they’re there. Noisli is designed to help you disconnect from everything but the task at hand using specially selected soundtracks. If you need increased focus to power through a tedious task or just want to block out the background and escape, this is the tool.

Keyboard Superuser

Oh, I see you’re still using a mouse for most of your input. How quaint. You must not really know how to work that keyboard. That’s right, there are actually a wide range of convenient controls integrated with your keyboard, from switching windows to toggling private browsing mode, even recovering that window you hit the “x” on when you thought you heard your supervisor coming.

Flights of Fancy

I’d like to take just a moment to reminisce about Concorde, Earth’s first supersonic passenger transport.

It’s hard to explain the sense of wonder that came with seeing this sleek and elegant bird appear on the scene for the first time in the early 70s. When I heard Concorde could zip from New York to Paris in under 4 hours, I thought flights to space from the nearest airport were just around the corner.

Of course, Concorde was eventually phased out due to a number of factors (with a triumphant spiritual return slated), but for me, the name itself will forever be linked with the spirit of travel.

Flight finder Concorde is mostly unrelated, but it does allow those who can never have enough passport stamps to search for cheap round trip flights on short notice. None will take you across the Atlantic in three and a half hours, but it’s tough to beat Boston to Shanghai for $500.

The Last Word

Well, that’s about everything I have this week, but as always thanks so much for making time for another exciting installment of “Brad’s Blog.” Believe me, I know you could be watching YouTube’s newest recommended videos or doing a sudoku puzzle right now, and your preference is appreciated. I’ll be back in your inbox on schedule, but until then don’t be shy about shooting me an email!

The post The Future We Were Promised and Super Keyboard first appeared on Archway Computer.

It’s amazing how the Internet and the proliferation of WiFi have transformed the face of home security. Where once it was a planned Saturday afternoon of watching a burly stranger come into your home and weave a web of wires, now it’s a simple matter of mounting a few cameras, possibly downloading an app. You can do it on a school night if you want.

What I really like about modern home security solutions is that you can monitor them from your smartphone–you know, that thing you take everywhere ever–and some, like the Amazon Cloud Cam that CNET took a look at recently, give you unlimited storage for surveillance as if 1080p recording and instant motion activated notifications weren’t impressive enough.

Centered Operations

Speaking of applications, it seems like everyone relies on at least a dozen to get through a typical day of emails and agendas scored to the correct personalized soundtrack. Enter Zapier, a convenient corralling resource that gives me the notifications I need the moment I need them.

Users can set up triggers to alert them when they’ve received a new email or an important attachment, or even set up a default action sequence. For instance, an email containing a Dropbox attachment can be set up to automatically add the file, then notify you of the update in a team collaboration tool like Slack. Slick and seamless, that’s the way we do it around here.

My Dollars At Work

While I wait impatiently for my new iPhone X to hit the doorstep–it’s been 10 whole days, that’s about seven weeks in tech time–I can at least admire the level of intelligent design that Apple has integrated into their latest non-digital installation.

Even the chairs that commonly decorate public spaces at the shiny new campus somehow cost 14 grand apiece, which I’m sure they can afford since I have likely financed one for them personally.

Electrifying!

You know that feeling of satisfaction you get when you turn the key in your ignition and nothing happens?

Right, no one does.

I myself have an old workhorse of a truck that runs fine once she gets going, but sometimes decides not to cooperate after an extended break…since I travel often, it became a big problem.

At least, it was before I discovered this nifty little lifesaver. It’s basically like that little portable battery pack you may have seen the most prepared person you know carrying, except, you know, it can recharge your car. It also powers up motorcycles and boats on a moment’s notice, in case you are Actually James Bond.

Even better, despite the surprising amount of packaged lightning cranked out by this capable little unit, it still tucks neatly into the glove compartment of your modified Aston Martin (or any car, really) and yes, it will also charge your phone and other small electronic devices.

Honestly, it’s worth the purchase just so you can say you have it.

The Last Word

All right, that’s about all I have for this week of high tech shenanigans. Thanks for taking time early in your week to engage with another compelling installment of “Brad’s Blog.” You can likely expect me right on schedule next time around, but until then I’m going to go instigate some bar bets with this crazy little power pack thingy.

The post Video Vigilance and 14K Chairs first appeared on Archway Computer.

This week marks the grand debut of the newest flagship lifestyle device from Apple, the hotly anticipated iPhone X. I’m sure even if you haven’t heard about its’ all glass display, wireless charging capabilities, and FaceID user authentication, you may have caught wind of its price tag of one thousand dollars–wait, press release says $999, sorry for exaggerating.

Of course, I’m obligated to have one…you know, for work or reviewing or something…so I suppose I’ll just have to crack open the piggy bank. At the very least, I won’t be forced to consider camping outside the Apple store…iPhone preorders kick off this Friday at 12:01am PT, and word from the core itself says that physical units will be in store by November 3rd, so everybody can get their money on one.

Camera Tricks

Oh wait, did I mention that the iPhone X starts at $999? Yeah, that’ll get you the 64gb base model, you’ll have to scrounge up another $150 or so if you want the big 256gb storage model, and I understand if that’s just over the line for some folks. I’m not sure it isn’t for me.

In any event, I’m sure you’ll want to maximize the storage space you do get, seeing as it literally comes at a premium, and so I was happy to stumble across this Lifehacker piece sharing a neat little tip to save precious storage by simply tweaking a camera setting. No one should have to choose between apps and photos, it’s a very basic tenet of our belief in smartphones.

Reclaiming My Time

You know, it’s not like all these apps I spotlight on a weekly basis just pop up on some news feed…I waste a lot of time sifting through the Internet to discover interesting things every so often, and although it’s always worth it when I do unearth a gem, sometimes I do feel guilty about spending 3 hours or so cycling between 10 websites waiting for something stellar.

Fortunately, after one such session on Amazon, I’ve found a resource that I think will help streamline my thought process when needed and help me keep focus, since only 7 out of 10 of those sites are work-related.

Focus@Will is a system that uses a scientifically formulated music mix adapted to your brain’s performance style, optimizing your cognitive abilities and increasing your productivity up to 4x. The effect of the system has been proven in studies as well as backed by at least 1 million successful users, and I’m looking forward to testing it out myself.

Pumpkin Patch

The Jack-O’-Lantern is a staple of fall festivities and a virtual requirement for Halloween, and with The Free Candy Masquerade less than a week away, crafty carvers everywhere are setting about putting fun and frightful faces on large orange fruits.

Of course, the drawback to using actual pumpkins is that leaving a harvested fruit outside in the elements for weeks at a time can surprisingly lead to spoiled produce sitting on your front step, which no one really wants. Fortunately, there are ways to keep yours looking spooky and not sad.

The Last Word

Well, that’s about everything in my bag of tricks for this week…thanks as always for making time for another exciting installment of “Brad’s Blog!” I shall return to your inbox by All Hallows’ Eve, which gives you a solid week to inspire me with a knockout costume idea, so fire away.

The post Maximizing Your Time (and Your iPhone) first appeared on Archway Computer.

Tale of Two Cities

It’s just about impossible to avoid the latest attack to grip our nation, particularly with last week’s AppliedNet event emanating from Las Vegas. It was particularly sobering to me because the city is typically a bustling neon playground for older children such as myself, and to have it torn apart by such senseless violence was chilling beyond words.

As for the AppliedNet itself, it was an event to remember…it was great to put a face on some of the people I talk at every week with this newsletter as well as talking a little shop with those we serve every day. If you missed out on the latest and greatest from the event, this neat little summary from Applied Systems wraps up some of the more substantial developments.

We also took in a live small-venue show from legendary guitarist Santana during our time in the city at the Mandalay Bay, and it was as enchanting as you’d expect.  I was going to share pictures from the event and the concert, and I’d typically be more excited about that but little did we know the absolute nightmare that was set to unfold in the city’s streets just days later.

My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected by this.

Archway Does it Your Way

When we say we don’t sell products like hardware, software, or VoIP resources, we mean it. We take this approach to avoid being tethered to any particular provider and enable us to provide more comprehensive services tailored to your needs as an agency.

No matter what your setup is, we can keep it running smooth as well as helping you navigate the vast array of products on the marketplace with zero favoritism. You get the best solutions for your system, we get the satisfaction of doing what the big guys can’t. Click here to learn more about what makes us so special.

Beyond Bars

Yaknow, when they show those coverage maps on cell phone service provider commercials, I always want to run one of those CSI “zoom in and enhance” routines because they never show the apparent dead zone that seems to cover my exact piece of Southern California.

Let’s face it, these days poor reception in a neighborhood is as much of a dealbreaker as a nearby noise factory or rumors of an actual poltergeist. I’m sure you know (possibly even are) a person who has considered not moving to a new place because of bad coverage.

That’s certainly one approach, but as for me I’ve held off on putting my house up on the market by switching to WiFi calling.

For iPhone owners it’s as easy as this link says it is, but I personally like to turn on Airplane Mode when I use it because the thing’s first instinct is to find and switch to cell network calling, however faint the signal and desperation is even an unattractive quality in smartphones.

Your Time is Now

Have you ever wished you were more productive, but then just kind of forgot about it and found something to binge on Netflix? It happens…but it doesn’t have to happen as much with an app I use called RescueTime. RescueTime helps you document and understand how your time is used every day, because clicking “refresh” on Reddit is not a healthy use of your lifespan.

The Last Word

All right, beloved readers…that’s about all for this week, but before we launch into our daily routines I just want everyone to take a moment to think about someone they haven’t spoken to in a while, then ask yourself why.

In times like these, it’s important to remember that our connections with people we cherish are what truly make us human, and there’s no substitute for time lost. Give your mother a call, message an old friend, end that silly quibble with a sibling…life is simply too short.

Until next week, everyone!

The post 5 Days in Las Vegas first appeared on Archway Computer.

Damage Control

I would say by now I’m sure you’ve heard all about the big Equifax hack that has left millions of social security numbers and other critical personal data vulnerable, but the media coverage for what may be the biggest digital security compromise in the modern era has been remarkably light.

Not that running around in circles and screaming would do anyone any good at this point, it’s just a bit surprising that this isn’t a bigger deal. In any event, this articledetails what’s going on as well as some sensible strategies for minimizing the damage in case you find out that you were one of the many affected.

Enter the X

On the other hand, I know for a virtual fact that you’ve heard that the iPhone X is making its anticipated debut and the early reviews are coming in.

The latest iteration of the flagship device shows off an upgraded screen along with the much-hyped FaceID integration and a few other bells and whistles…and you know what, I’m buying two.

Yes, you do care…that’s right, the second iPhone X is for you! Well, maybe not you specifically, but somebody reading this is getting a surprise upgrade…stay tuned for details!

Rewriting My Cookbook

I definitely count myself as fortunate to be living in our diverse and shiny future for a number of reasons, some of which don’t even plug in.

You see, I was diagnosed with Celiac disease a few years ago, and where just a decade or two ago that would have meant many familiar culinary experiences were totally off-limits to me. Now with all the advances made in dietary science, I can enjoy most of my favorite foods without sacrificing the enhanced energy and mental clarity that comes with my gluten-free diet.

Now, that’s not to say that I don’t still exhibit most of my signature absentmindedness on a day to day basis, as my friends and family can attest, but overall I feel great and it’s because I don’t have to choose between my health and my cravings. I know that some of your out there share my struggle, and so if you want a few of my personal tips, just send me an email by clicking here.

Of course, developing alternatives to my must-have dishes was a long and difficult process, but it was a lot easier thanks to people like the Gluten Dude. His presentation style can be a bit…over the top…but his information is solid and that definitely makes him worth a click for folks in our position.

Who Cares About Your Site?

Do you want to know who is visiting your website? Of course you do! Well, that’s one of the areas where public resources from Google don’t quite deliver, as their visitor tracking is chiefly centered around who visits your website through AdWords, but I think visualvisitor.com offers a much more comprehensive picture…let me know what you think.

The Last Word

All right, that’s pretty much everything in the bag for this go-round…thanks as always for making time for another enthralling edition of “Brad’s Blog!” I’ll be back around in six days’ time, cheers to a great week!

The post Equifax Hack Aftermath first appeared on Archway Computer.

It might be too little, too late, but I do at least find it encouraging that governments are at least attempting to catch up with the cybercrime epidemic with state-level security legislation. New York is lighting the way with a bill known as NYCR500, which applies to all agencies that transact business in the state or operate under a business license issued there.

 Of course, with new legislation comes new red tape, and even though the trade-off is probably worth it this time, that doesn’t make complying any less of a challenge for company leaders who are already pressed for time while…you know, running a business.

The good news is that the insurance association in your state may be able to assist you in navigating the trickier and stickier parts of the new guidelines in case you don’t actively enjoy filling out forms.

Becoming a Cyborg (kinda)

As with most humans, my eyes aren’t quite what they used to be…legal blindness is a ways off, but I find myself doing a lot of unprescribed squinting in my everyday life, and so anything that makes images larger and clearer is a big help.

That’s why I use my iPhone as a magnifying glass on a regular basis thanks to this handy little guide, and I’ve also gotten myself a little portable pair of reading glasses that slip into the back of a special iPhone case, because if I have to get old I’m at least going to do so futuristically.

Vintage Vicodin

Have you ever had a thunderous headache and fled to your medicine cabinet looking for answers only to find that your only medication is months out of date? Well, depending on the severity of the situation, you can at least consider taking it anyway.

That’s right, according to this Lifehacker piece, medication expiration dates don’t refer to a timeframe for the pills self-destructing or turning into pure poison, but how long the medication is expected to retain its full effectiveness, and so the dates are a lot earlier than they have to be.

It’s important to note here that this isn’t the opinion of some random blogger who spent an hour or too on Google, these are the results of a recent scientific study, the results of which are backed by FDA policy.

They stop short of telling people to ignore expiration dates entirely because wrongful death lawsuits can be very inconvenient for all parties involved, but the fact is that most medications are good for a lot longer than claimed, so those Bush-era Ibuprofen are probably fine.

Streets of Rage

Stop me if you’ve heard this before, but driving in LA can be somewhat troublesome at times. After spending a lot of time on YouTube watching unfiltered insanity unfold on Russian dashcams, I’ve decided that if the unexpected is to happen, it should at least be recorded.

As a result, I’ve been on the hunt for a dashcam system for a few weeks now, and this one on Amazon has a wide-angle view as well as night mode and built in Wi-Fi for instant uploading, and for 90 bucks you’re not going to get a much better deal.

It’ll really come in handy during my next impromptu Monster Truck rally on the streets of LA.

Coast-to-Coast Consultation

Okay, so I know the City of Angels is a frequent topic of discussion for me, but unlike the Red Hot Chili Peppers, I keep in mind that other areas of the country exist on a full-time basis.

We provide expert IT support to agencies across this great nation of ours to agencies of all sizes, and if you don’t want to fire your ‘computer geek’ brother-in-law for only knowing about 10-15 percent more than you, we can offer consultation to make him better at his job instead.

I do what I do because I have a passion for highlighting the full benefits of technology in our lives—surprise—and if you want to know a little more about Brad Ruben Consulting, this Google Drive doc has more information about it.

The Last Word

All right, that seems like a good run for this week. Thanks as always for making time early in your 5 day cycle for another fun installment of “Brad’s Blog.” I’m pretty sure you know when to expect me next, and I’ll try not to be watching crazy dashcam videos until then.

On an even more positive note, we at Archway are providing a personalized step-by-step guide to the process to our clients because they are special and therefore deserve better things.

The ever-helpful SueAnn is taking the lead on this project, so feel free to reach out to her here if you have any questions about the new legislation and how it affects your agency.

The post LA Drivers on Expired Drugs first appeared on Archway Computer.

Dante’s Infirmary

Well, I certainly had a mixed bag of a weekend. It started out on a real down note when our dog Dante was attacked by a pack of coyotes right in our backyard…he did the best he could to defend himself, but by the time I heard what was going on and ran out to help, he was already in pretty rough shape.

Fortunately coyotes are more scared of humans than I was of them, not that it wasn’t a pretty close contest, and they ran off immediately when I ran out brandishing my latest purchase from the Acme catalog…unfortunately, the damage had already been done and our Dante spent the next couple of nights receiving care at a medical facility.

Though of course it was well worth it to see him on the road to recovery after the incident, the fact is that patching our pet up wasn’t exactly cheap. The entire ordeal and its resulting expense has me wondering whether pet insurance is a good investment…can any of you tell me whether it’s worth it or recommend me some options? Dante thanks you in advance.

A Passage Back to the Place I Was Before

On a much more enjoyable note, I also spent some of my weekend at the Classic West festival in Dodger Stadium.

The big-name vintage rock jam session featured acts like Fleetwood Mac and the Eagles, and since I had never gotten the opportunity to see the latter with original lead singer Glenn Frey before he passed away, it was an experience a long time coming.

Their set was a touching tribute to the classic rock legend, giving country star Vince Gill the mic and even letting Glenn’s talented son Deacon take center stage for a few songs.

Here’s a pic of us at the concert along with a friendly reminder not to block the view of someone behind you by holding up a phone (or tablet, as I have actually seen) to record the entire thing.

It was a truly amazing event that I won’t soon forget, and I recommend anyone living on the wrong side of the country check out Classic East when it rolls through New York at the end of the month. It really made my weekend, which is saying something given its’ start.

Cracking Crackdow

Hey…just between us and this is totally off the record, but I’m sure we’ve all had some software that we couldn’t exactly produce the receipt for, right?

That cracked version of Microsoft Office you used once upon a time, the tax software you “borrowed” one spring, your “extended free trial” of Kerbal Space Program…it’s okay, you’re among friends. I won’t tell if you promise not to check my kids’ computers.

Surprisingly, many organizations are using software that’s pirated as well…in the age of infinite downloads, it’s pretty to stumble across something that shouldn’t be free even if you weren’t looking for it. I’m no whistleblower, but if your firm is “accidentally” using pirated software, the Business Software Alliance could cause big problems for you down the line.

Yes, just as Napster once set out to lock up teenage Linkin Park fans for their terabytes of stolen music, the BSA is cracking down on pirated software use by businesses, and it could happen to you…so read this to protect yourselves and accessories to your digital misdeeds.

Clientele Connection

It has perhaps never been easier for agencies like ours to connect with those we serve than in the digital age, and three tools in particular make it even more convenient.VisualVisitor offers browsing information for web traffic that would otherwise remain anonymous, and YesWare provides insights into how your emails and other outreach methods are performing.’

Of course, communing with the machines is a great way to collect raw data, but nothing lets you know who you’re dealing with like direct engagement. That meansLinkedIn is another important tool for us, and so it’s a good thing I recently found this cool little article spotlighting 21 nifty little tricks for getting the most out of the resource.

The Last Word

All right, that’s about all the new business we have time for today, so thanks as always for reading, but if you’re not quite sick of me yet, I’ve got one last nugget of good news: we’ve just overhauled the archives over at myarchway.com, and it now features every post from 2017!

If you have a few minutes you’re not using today, take a trip back down memory lane to relive all the gadgets and giggles from the front half of the year…you can even download them if you like, it’s freeware.

The post A Pirate’s Life for You first appeared on Archway Computer.

What Do I Think I’m Doing?

In case you didn’t know, this newsletter is a labor of love…any extra exposure or new clients we pull in by rambling about the wonders of the modern world are just a bonus.

Another thing we love doing that more directly keeps the lights on around there is developing tech insights for agencies, which is why we’ve been at it for the last 31 years.

You see, I’m just a tinkerer at heart…Erector sets were some of my favorite toys coming up because it was always a challenge to see if I could build exactly what I needed…a moon tank for the Green Army’s latest mission, a steel cage for Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em grudge matches…and I apply that same mindset to everything we do here at Archway.

I won’t lie, it can be something a tall task keeping the networks and digital resources of today stable and secure, especially when more people than ever are committed to doing the opposite.

That’s why we’re committed to delivering targeted tech services that our clients rely on to serve their clients. I envision it sort of like being Q to your James Bond.

Anyway, I suppose that’s enough about my childhood fantasies for one segment, so you can read more about what we do here, and if you want to take advantage of our free system review, you’re certainly invited to do that as well.

Mixed Messages

Be honest…your email isn’t anywhere near as efficient as it should be. How much time do you waste every morning scrolling through your 79 new messages to find the 4 you actually need to read or clicking refresh on your Facebook feed waiting on a reply to one you’ve sent?

If you’re like most, it’s more than you’ll admit to so let’s just skip to the solutions.

YesWare is a powerful email tracking tool that lets you know when your email was opened and where the recipient was on the globe, as well as what kind of device was used to open it. Great tool for measuring the impact of your outreach if you’re doing, say, a weekly newsletter.

Outlook is notorious for email overload since odds are you have, did, or will use it at work, and Sanebox is an option for keeping things tight.

Sanebox learns your reading habits over time and organizes emails by importance, “fate of the world” messages displayed prominently and staff summer vacation schedules and the like separated so you can just get to them whenever.

For later versions of Outlook,there’s Clutter, which  is a native Office utility that similarly prioritizes messages so you can spend less time reading email and more time browsing Amazon doing your job.

Smarter Suitcases

I’m always interested in smart luggage, and if you haven’t been sold on them yet, Bluesmart Series 2 is here to make its case, do you see what I did there.

In any event, this smart luggage is packed with features you didn’t know you needed, like a handle that automatically weighs the contents when lifted, an internal GPS for when the airline flies you to Phoenix and your bags to Portland, remote locking feature and a distance alert that ensures you never leave your stuff on a shuttle again.

Oh, and it’ll also charge your devices up to 6 times, because it wasn’t cool enough already. If you’re interested in the luggage I imagine Elon Musk carries, you can get a discount in the prelaunch by putting your email in here.

Alternate AppleID Access

Did you know you can manage your AppleID online? Not many people do, I like to bring it up at parties. You can change the email addresses and phone numbers linked with your account, add or change your trusted phone number for two factor authentication, change your password, shipping info and more…it’s true, I swear.

The Last Word

Seems like a good place to wrap things up, so I want to take some time as always to thank you for making time for the latest installment of “Brad’s Blog” today. I’ll be back on schedule next week as you doubtless know, so if you’re going to take any of those email filtration tips be sure to put this one on the highest priority.

The post Secretly Saving the World first appeared on Archway Computer.

Disastrous Deja Vu

*sigh* I had really hoped to lead off with better news this week.

Popular digital verification service DocuSign was just the latest victim of the cyberattacks that appear to be ramping up with the recent proliferation of hacker tools. This latest attack centers around phishing emails, or messages that appear to be from a legitimate sender but contain malware.

We’re crossing our fingers that none of our clients were affected, but naturally we’re standing by to put out any fires. In preventative  measures, this informative article talks  about ways to spot phishing emails before you end up on the hook. Probably a good idea not to open any DocuSign emails you weren’t expecting in the meantime.

Flights of Fancy

My secret desire to jaunt around the world on a private jet isn’t much of a secret any more to anyone who has been reading this for a while, and thanks to Jetsmarter I can stop buying those half a billion dollar jackpot Powerball tickets now.

That’s right, apparently the service is offering a free three month membership trial to what they term as “elite fliers.”Just email Jetsmarter with  proof of status (read: gobs of money) and see if you qualify according to their exacting standards of high class aerial passenger.

If your monies are a bit less significant…say, you just have a paltry $2 million or so to spend…a more economic option is the Cirrus Vision jet. The single engine, owner-piloted aircraft is essentially the Beetle of private jetliners, exuding a certain approachable quality that sets you apart as a particularly bohemian plutocrat.

Real World Problems

Of course, I’m stuck flying commercial until one of my fantastic patent pending ideas that I’m not going to tell you about takes off, but I have to say having my laptop along for the ride has always made suffering the indignity of airport security just a bit more tolerable.

I’m going to enjoy that while it lasts, because national security policies are quickly heading in the direction of “no one can bring anything anywhere,” and laptops are the latest target of these measures.

PCMag put  out a helpful little piece detailing strategies for working on a flight without a laptop, because there’s nothing we can really do about it besides complain online or choose other modes of transport.

I’m starting to prefer the teleporter we have at the office, but it’s patent pen—um, I’ve already said too much.

Everybody’s Free (to Wear Sunscreen)

I don’t know if you’ve seen the many pictures of me that float around the Archway media presence, but in case you haven’t noticed, I have pretty fair skin.

Okay, that’s understating it…my paleness scorches under light bulbs over 40w.

I don’t “tan” as much as “broil.”

Taking off my shirt on a sunny day has interfered with the performance of satellites orbiting the earth.

I sunburn easily, is the point I’m getting at here.

Still, regardless of your skin color sunburn is a peril just about all of us have to live with in exchange for beautiful summer weather, and if you’d rather not be peeling flakes of pain off your body after a day of fun in the sun, this Lifehacker article is worth a look.

The Last Word

All right everyone, it’s going to be a pretty busy week here at the offices as we work to sort out the potential aftermath of this latest high profile cyberattack, so this seems like a good place to wrap things up.

Thanks as always for making time early in your week for another high quality installment of “Brad’s Blog,” don’t forget to update those virus definitions…no, as in, “right now.”

The post DocuSign of the Times: This Week’s Big Cyberattack first appeared on Archway Computer.

Warning Shot Heard ‘Round the World

Sheez, I step out of the office for a few days and a massive cyberattack affects government utilities and services in dozens of countries around the world.

I’m not saying the two are related, but then again no one has ever seen me and Batman in the same room.

Anyway, the search for solutions is underway in the wake of what is probably the largest scale instance of cybercrime to date, but the silver lining is that the fiasco was mostly preventable.

Apparently, the hackers were able to use relatively simple tools harvested from US National Security sources to  exploit systems that hadn’t had their virus definitions updated. Turns out those annoying notifications and seemingly random shutdowns have a purpose.

It just goes to highlight the importance of maintaining effective protections on every computer within your network. At Archway we realize that all we can do is stay prepared and vigilant, so it really seems like a good time to mention our System Review Services.

Bypass the Block

Have you ever had several metric tons of opinion on a given subject and can’t quite start committing it to paper because you can’t even figure out how to start unloading it?

Creatives the world over fear the temporary cognitive paralysis that is writer’s block, and trust me, it’s a regular occurrence with me when trying to get this newsletter out early in the week, often before I’ve even had my first cup of coffee.

Still, failure to flow is less of an issue than it otherwise would be in my writing routine thanks to a book I read called The 5 Second Rule, and it’s had a appreciable effect on the level of focus I’m able to maintain when I’m not toying around with some thingy I bought online.

The Wonder of Flights

I haven’t explicitly praised Google for a while, have I? Well my latest reason to start loving the company that will soon own the world before it becomes mandatory is their Flights resource, which neatly compiles the vast majority of flights on a given day for your convenience.

Flights displays travel options from shortest to longest trip time or by price, and also offers a resource for travelers with flexible plans, with the ability to compare flight prices within a few days to receive the best deal. Simple and streamlined seems to be their specialty.

Picturesque Peru

Not that I’m having any trouble finding inspiration fresh off my trip to Peru.

I spent about two weeks in the South American hotspot soaking up the culture and getting a taste of local flavor…and I guess I got a little work done too.

Naturally I took lots of pictures, otherwise the trip never happened according to the Immutable Laws of the Internet…check ‘em out if you have a few minutes!

The Last Word

All right folks, that’s about all for this week. Thanks as always for making time early in your week for another compelling installment of “Brad’s Blog”…and in case you actually need another reminder…yeah, if you could go ahead and update your antivirus program, that would be great.

The post About that Global Cyberattack first appeared on Archway Computer.

Serenity Now

You know, I try to avoid discussions on the subject, but it seems every possible human interaction leads to an open forum on politics these days. I can’t get through so much as a supermarket checkout line without the clerk relaying the latest memes from Twitter, and I get it…I do. It is quite the remarkable time in American history…it’ll certainly be interesting to read the history books one day, and this is just a glimpse of how real everything is now.

All I have to say on the matter is continuing to act like the world has ended is pointless at best and a self-fulfilling prophecy at worst. We all want to see a positive direction for our country, and that can’t happen if we don’t just calm down and start talking realistic solutions to the issues that face us as a nation instead of running in circles screaming. Obviously it’s not an ideal situation for everyone, but we have to make it work for the children…or something.

High Security, Low Price

If you’ve ever considered adding an inexpensive wireless camera to your security setup, this is a pretty good option. It captures 720p video as well as audio, and has a wide-angle viewing range so you can cover the majority of a large space with a single camera, and also includes a motion detector that streams video live to your known when activated. For under 40 bucks you really can’t beat it, so if you want to feel more omniscient in 2017, head over to Amazon.

Smartphone Photography 102

Let’s face it…most of us suck at taking smartphone pics.

We’ve just collectively figured out that many images and all videos are best shot in landscape mode and not portrait mode because there are few televisions shaped like doors, and now we’re all working our way through basic photography concepts such as lighting and focus.

Don’t take any of this the wrong way, I was definitely in that boat as well…that is, until I came across this piece detailing how  to take professional quality pictures with your favorite lifestyle device.

Upgraded Underwear

I travel a lot, and one day recently I was trying to close yet another overstuffed duffel bag when I realized just how much of my cargo was simple undergarments like boxers and t-shirts. Think about it: if you’re traveling elsewhere for a week, you want 7 pairs of these things at the very least…more if you’re going somewhere warm, doing something active, or lack access to a washer.
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That’s why this product I’ve recently discovered has been a real lifesaver during those times where I’m sleeping in hotels for the better part of a month or so. ExOfficio underwear is designed for folks on the go, constructed with a lightweight, breathable and odor-resistant fiber that just needs a quick sink wash and air dry to becomes as good as new. A few pairs of these replaces over a week’s worth of standard skivvies,and I absolutely love it. Try ‘em.

The Last Word

All right, that just about does it for this week, but thanks as always for making yourself available for another enthralling edition of “Brad’s Blog!” I recognize that you have many choices in Tuesday morning entertainment, and appreciate you making this newsletter yours today. I’ll be back on schedule next week, but until then, remember that people are people too.

The post Underwear And Politics first appeared on Archway Computer.