The post Windows ‘Free’ Trials + A+ in iPhone first appeared on Archway Computer.

The post A New Hope first appeared on Archway Computer.

The post No Place Like Smart Home for the Holidays first appeared on Archway Computer.

The post Thankful for Tech: Cybersecurity and Line Jumping first appeared on Archway Computer.

I know, I know…I made a big show about retiring IT as a topic of discussion in this space just last week, but when tech comes to the rescue in any situation it is difficult for this lifelong geek to look away.

It´s encouraging enough to know that drugs like Remdesivir and the variety of vaccines in development are starting to show signs of success, but a real sign that we might be on the road to living in the future we were promised in so many works of sci-fi is the joint effort between Apple and Google to plague-proof our world with location-based tools.

For example, let´s say you were at the supermarket last Saturday picking up a few things and ended up within Bluetooth connection range (anyone who has ever used a speaker has an approximate idea of the radius involved here) of someone who reports testing positive sometime that next week…this exposure notification tool would generate an alert telling you that you may have been exposed and should get tested.

Of course, there are some privacy concerns. Anytime a bold new technology is rolled out as a response to a crisis, there is the chance that these desperate measures will be misused in less desperate times, and having your phone´s Bluetooth keep a record of other phones it has come into contact with could certainly have problematic aspects in the future. 

Still, the present is made up of some truly strange days, and so pretty much anything that gets us the outside world back in a recognizable form might be worth considering.

Turning Down the Temperature

In other news, it´s warming up fast here in Southern California, and I don´t know about you but there´s something very ¨Falling Down¨ about starting a sweltering Los Angeles day with a hot cup of coffee. 

That´s why I´m definitely looking forward to iced coffee season–gotta keep this sweet new coffeemaker gainfully employed through the summer–and this guide from CNET sheds some light on how to navigate the surprisingly unintuitive process of making it at home…don´t make the mistake everyone does the first time, just dumping ice cubes in hot coffee is no bueno.

Omnipresent Outreach

Outreach is essential to any company…well, almost any, I could really do without airlines I don´t even fly any more sending me emails about how much they miss me these days, blech. 

That typed, we´re in an industry where keeping in touch with our clientele is key to maintaining it, but spending all day sending out and responding to individual messages from hundreds of clients seems like the insurance business version of one of those drill sergeant punishments…you know, clean the mess hall with a toothbrush, sweep all the sunshine off the sidewalk, all that.

That´s why I rely on a product called Sakari to take a lot of the heavy lifting off my hands in that department…it has some pretty cool automation features for bulk messaging, so it makes life in this business a lot easier.
 

The Last Word 

All right, that´s about all for this week, assuming you got your Archway ¨Social Distancing¨ shirt, designed by my daughter and worn proudly by me here. If not…what are you waiting for?

Not only do all proceeds from the purchase of this shirt go directly to local crisis relief efforts, but it´s a real crowd-pleaser too. Let me tell you, I´m getting all kinds of amused mask crinkles and muffled chuckles during my essential errands these days…brightens up the day a bit.

In any event, regardless of what you´re wearing this workday…or not…here´s to a productive and fulfilling one for my much-appreciated readership.

Until next time!

The post Tech to the Rescue! first appeared on Archway Computer.

Listen, I’m done. I’m done writing about it, I’m done talking about it, I’m done thinking about it. 

The timeless Serenity Prayer looks inside to find ¨the serenity to accept the things we cannot change¨…well, at the moment there’s not a lot we can change about this strange new world we share.

However, it also asks for ¨the courage to change the things one can¨…and that’s where we can take positive action in this time of uncertainty.

After some deep reflection, I’ve come to the conclusion that the healthiest thing to do given the circumstances is to get back to work, in mind and spirit if not in body…with that in mind, I was lucky enough to secure an interview with someone I really admire. 

Steve Anderson knows I consider him an all-around good guy, but what he may not know until reading it here, is that I also think of him as a mentor. 

Steve’s thought leadership in the space of Insurance and Technology and his steady work-ethic has given me consistent guidance throughout my career. I’ve also learned a lot from his new book, an insightful examination of tech magnate and junior world leader Jeff Bezos.  Steve has a worthy perspective, and so I hope you enjoy the video interview. It’s definitely insightful and worth a watch. And maybe you want to subscribe to my Youtube channel while you are at it.
 

The Right Tools for the Job

There are CRM capabilities built into many agency management systems the same way there may be a pair of scissors built into a Swiss Army knife…only kinda. The fact is that in most cases, the native resources in this area tend to…well, suck. Enter Hubspot. At just 50 bucks monthly to get started, Hubspot will transform your agency sales process and likely pay for itself in no time…another worthy mention, where it will actually integrate with your management system is  Agency Revolution, which you should also give a try.

A Portable Pop-Up Party

…but enough about work, already! One lesson from early 2020 that I will be taking with me into my future endeavours concerns the importance of making the most of our leisure time, and so I´m already looking forward to grilling season. 

That’s right, summer is right around the corner, so I´m already scouting out this year’s addition to my outdoor kitchen. The lead candidate is this sweet collapsible model from Coleman…they named it the ¨Roadtrip X-Cursion,¨ which seems a bit redundant…but hey the thing folds flat for storage, wheels around as easy as a shopping cart, and pops up into a propane powerhouse in seconds so ya know what I can overlook it.
 

HealthWatch

In the meantime I´m going to have to offset all that impending grillmastery with a little extra attention to wellness…I´m not going to cut BBQ out of my life, just not gonna, so it´s probably a good idea to keep an eye on my overall health.

The right apps can go a long way in helping you monitor your habits…I personally use Sleep Watch and HRV Tracker on my Apple Watch daily.

In fact, there are quite a few Watch apps that can help you work around one vice or another–or become the picture of overall health, if you insist–and this piece from TechRadar spotlights a few of the best to come out so far in 2020.
 

The Last Word 

Well, that should just about do it for this week. Thanks as always for making time in your routine for another exciting episode of ¨Brad´s Blog!¨ I´ll be checking in again within a few days, but until then remember: we seldom control our circumstances, but almost always control our responses to them.

The post Mindfully Moving Forward with Steve Anderson first appeared on Archway Computer.

¨Social distancing¨ has become enshrined in the pop culture vocabulary of 2020 and beyond, but any nerd knows that we were doing it way before it went mainstream….so when my daughter came up with the concept for the shirt you see, I immediately ordered one for all of Team Archway…but I didn´t think it was fair to keep all the style and social media likes for ourselves…and that´s why we made it so you can get one of your very own!

Not only is this shirt an ideal attire choice for all the hottest and most exclusive video conferences of the season, ALL SALE PROCEEDS will go to the Feeding America program, so you can look good, have a laugh, and help the most vulnerable people in our country keep food on their tables through this unprecedented challenge. That´s a nice little bundle of wins.

Is There Such a Thing as Home School School?

It’s been a while since my last PTA meeting, but I can only imagine what it’s like to have school-age children sitting around the house just waiting to be educated, as kids do…it’s like some kind of endless snow day (or at least what this Southern California boy hears that snow days were like on the TV).

The students themselves may not mind the free time too much, but if you´re looking for a way to salvage some semblance of schooling between now and the usual end of the academic year, Rosetta Stone has stepped to the plate with a sweet offer. 

The language learning resource is offering free student access to its online tools for 3 months, and since your 3rd grader is probably going to slack off at some point in the next 90 days, it’s a good opportunity for you to pick up a few phrases as well, n´est-ce pas?

A Cavalcade of Concerts

While we can–and will–try to make the best of it, in some cases the reality of the current crisis is always evident. Particularly here in the LA area, the concert and festival season would typically be in full swing by the end of April, but with Mayor Garcetti recently making the pronouncement that Angelenos should probably not expect to amass anytime soon, it´s safe to say that this is not a typical year.

On the bright side, it is definitely cool to see big-time artists and creators still looking for ways to keep their fans engaged through these strange days, and this list of upcoming livestreams is proof that is we absolutely have to pick a time to be locked inside indefinitely, the Internet age isn´t the worst choice. Featured artist range from Snoop Dogg to the Grateful Dead and pretty much everyone in between, so you´re bound to find something worth a click and listen.
 

The Last Word 

All right, that´s about all for this week, but before I go I want to thank everyone reading this for taking the time to do so…it´s great to know I still have an audience with all this competition. I´ll be checking in with you in a few days, keep an eye on your inbox, but if you have something worth sharing for the next episode, a reader email always puts a smile on my face so shoot one over anytime!

The post Social Distancing Archway Style first appeared on Archway Computer.

The ability to work around our current circumstances and try to enjoy our ride around the Sun no matter what is a skill set that can prove useful in many facets of life…and so it was really encouraging to see so many friendly faces during our happy hour last Saturday.
25 of us showed up and it was actually a great time…humans are, after all, social creatures, and a little upbeat interaction can go a long way toward keeping up morale in a difficult and unpredictable time. I find myself even more sold on Zoom…it´s free to sign up, but the premium features are worth the investment.
 

Advantage: Wimbledon

These days pretty much everybody in the business is having to write half a billion emails daily explaining to clients that their standard policy doesn’t cover pandemics…it’s just not something most people think about on a day to day basis the way they might a fire or flood.

Most people, that is.
As one of the rare exceptions, the guy responsible for procuring insurance for Wimbledon apparently deserves a raise. That´s right, back during the SARS scare about 20 years ago, this person displayed a singular level of foresight in asking a single profound question: ¨hmm, but what if no tennis because pandemic?¨

And so, after what I imagine was many long conversations with the High Council of Wimbledon (made that up, but I said ¨I imagine¨), the tournament was insured against a global medical crisis at the cost of 2 million USD yearly.
Oh, how the other sports must have laughed…and then 2020 rolled around and foresight paid off to the tune of $141,000,000. 

Even the least mathematical among us can see a good bit of daylight between less than 40 million and almost 150 million, so kudos to Wimbledon Insurance Guy (WIG is what they call him… OK, I made that up too).

Hit the Couch Running – With Angela Adams

To say that the tools of the Internet will be essential managing the workplace of the near future is like observing that an advanced alien technology ¨runs on some sort of electricity.¨
You´re not wrong, it´s just that there’s a fair bit of missing information.
Fortunately we have people in the industry like Angela Adams–of Angela Adams Consulting, of course–to help fill in the gaps. She made this video full of actionable information about making a smooth transition to the offsite office, including helpful tips on managing a remote workforce.

The Last Word 

Well, that´s about all for this week! Thanks as always for taking the time to check out this essential edition of ¨Brad´s Blog¨…with so many options for how you spend your time now, I´m honored that you spent a little with me. Until next time, stay safe!

The post The Best Ability is Adaptability first appeared on Archway Computer.

Are you spending a lot more time with your laptop lately and wish you had a bigger screen? 

Well, if your local essential goods store specializing in oversized computer monitors has shut down for a bit, you may have an option already lying around at home: your television! This easy to follow guide from CNET details how to connect your laptop to your TV for a big-time upgrade to your laptop´s manufacturer-specified screen size…great for watching YouTube videos.

Definite DO.

Hey Look, a YouTube Video!

In a completely organic segue from the last segment, these last few weeks hanging around at Bradquarters has given me plenty of time to work on expanding my skill set, and one thing I´ve always liked doing but never consistently had the space on my schedule for is sitting down with the industry’s big thinkers and getting their unique angle on what we do. 

There are some people in this business with interesting ideas–we can be way more creative than we get credit for–and one of them is BJ Shacknowski, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer over at Vertafore. I got a few minutes of his time recently for a video interview in the latest ¨Brad´s Vlog¨ episode on my YouTube channel…if you have the time (that´s a joke, it´s the only thing we all have right now) I recommend you DO check it out.

Tuning Out

I don´t know about you, but I am just about done with the news for year.

You may know why.

It seems like so many outlets are focused on trying to grab attention with some ghastly figure or shocking footage rather than putting out actionable information…not that the media didn’t have a sickness for that long before we flipped the calendar to 2020, but this is the worst time for them to be at their worst and here we are. That’s why I made the decision about a week ago to cut the TV out of this conversation, DON´T let it bring that energy into your life.

Instead, I get my information and updates from here. No anchor histrionics, no breathless effort to get the worst news out first, just simple data and prediction models to help you make the best decisions in a strange time.

A New Perspective

Not heading down to my local watering hole for a few $11 drinks on a fairly regular basis has freed up some funds as well as plenty of time, so I decided to finally jump into a new hobby with both feet…check out my new drone!

The Mavic Mini puts precision control in palm of your hands with smartphone app integration as well as a low profile design that fits right in the palm of your–ah wait, just used that one–um, your pocket. Going outside just went from a definite DON´T to a (kinda) DO, what an investment.

The Last Word 

All right, that´s about it for this time around, but thanks as always for spending some time with me on this engaging edition of ¨Brad´s Blog¨, we might all have a little more time on our hands these days but I always appreciate yours. I´ll be back in your inbox before you know it, be great if you DO drop me an email before then!

The post Making the Most of It: Do´s and Dont´s first appeared on Archway Computer.

I’ve always taken pride in making sure the people I choose to join Team Archway are well taken care of, and that’s why I’m especially happy in this time to announce that we are looking for new members. We’re busier than ever these days, and there are plenty of people out there in need of a job so if you know anyone who was laid off and can help out around here, send them my way.

These massive shifts in the way we work–and even what we work on–are just the beginning of what looks to be a true revolution with far-reaching implications for the modern office. Wall Street Journal has some early insights on this historic shift in labor…it´s behind a paywall, but if you aren’t able to receive it email me here and I will send you a copy.

Protecting Your People

For other small-to-mid-size businesses, the effects of the current crisis have been much more devastating. I personally know a few people who own restaurants or service shops and aren’t sure how they’re going to cover payroll this month…that´s why I´m spreading the word about the Paycheck Protection Act, federal legislation designed to protect both worker income and the stability of small business…definitely worth looking into.

Voice of Reason

I’ve been avoiding the doom and gloom talk in this space for the most part…don´t think I’ve even used the 11-letter curse since this crisis began–and after reading this new piece from analyst Michael Fumento, I feel vindicated in my lack of panic. He´s been (correctly) projecting a less severe course for the outbreak since the beginning, and was kind enough to take the time to chat with me on Skype about his outlook recently…I found his perspective very refreshing.

The Last Word 

Well, that´s about all the new business from this week, but with the outdoors temporarily unavailable, we’re left to make the most of our time around the house…and that means it´s a great time for a house party! No, not that kind…a Houseparty, by the App Store. There will be games, plenty of wine (BYOB), and a few folks from Archway…gonna be a good time. If you´re looking to score an invite, just shoot me an email…hope to see ya there!

The post Building a Longer Table at Archway first appeared on Archway Computer.

We’ve all probably been watching too much doom and gloom unfold on our various screens, and the reason for it isn’t exactly surprising. You see, newsfolk have been saying ¨if it bleeds, it leads¨ on this side of the planet for generations, and there might be no better evidence of that marketing strategy than in the current crisis.

Just the other day I was reading an article about a 35-year-old who tragically passed away after being infected, and I began to clutch my pearls aghast until reaching the end of the article, where I learned he had severe asthma and was undergoing chemo for testicular cancer…not exactly the picture of health, pandemic or not.

Gotta be a scary time for people who always read the headlines and never the article.

Listen, there´s no question that coronavirus is not a good thing–who in their right mind and office wouldn’t be concerned–but the fearmongering that’s going around is almost as unhealthy and even more contagious. We don’t really know much about this thing…can barely nail down a mortality rate. That´s why if you´re like me, prone to a bit of anxiety even when things are going perfectly to plan, I recommend you do a periodic news cleanse…you’ll feel better, I promise.So instead of hearing how “it’s out of control” take a look at some raw data with this website and then compare it to the seasonal flu. It puts things in perspective in the US with a population of 330 million. 

A New Normal

Turning things off, then back on is a time-honored primary repair method. You do it with your phone when it’s acting funny, you do it with yourself when you need to ¨sleep on¨ a decision, and we’re doing it with our global civilization for a while.

Of course, we´ll need to keep our teams updated in the interim since our clients will doubtless have more questions than ever these days, and the Zoom conferencing app is a great way to do it. They even let you select a custom background for your chat, like ¨outside¨ for those who remember it fondly.

Learning to Let Go

If you´re managing a team that usually works onsite and is now checking in from their living room couch, you might be able to read the writing on the wall: your people are probably going to want to work remotely more often even once this whole thing blows over. I´m not going to go on and on about the best ways to be productive in a work-from-home scenario…that work has been done for me, remotely I might add.

However, if you´re going to press me for a single suggestion, I would submit Amazon Work Spaces for your approval. If you´re already using AWS for your office, you can save 5 percent monthly by also getting the Amazon Business Credit Card, pretty nice little perk. If you´re still on the fence about it and want to find out what the good word is, just shoot me an email and I can break it down a bit…I’ll be at the home office all week, obvio.
 

Inside, In Shape

I´ll be honest, one of my more consistent background worries during this lockdown period is that my workout regimen is toast…I´m worried that in a month or two, when I sit around the house I will sit all around the house. 

Between my beloved Apple Earbud Pros--legitimately a life changing product, pick up a pair at Best Buy while they´re still open and score a nice little discount by applying for a Best Buy card while you´re at it–and these convenient resistance bands that are a lot lighter than a pair of dumbbells, I´ll be all set to maintain the peak performance physique that today´s insurance industry demands.

The Last Word 

Well, that´s about all I have for you this week on the tech end, but before I go I want to leave you with some powerful positivity this week. 

Almost everyone is feeling the economic impact of the crisis, but just as in the days after the Southern California forest fires that claimed my former family home, the hardest times can bring out the best in people…like with this humble New Jersey pizza man who took out a $50,000 line of credit specifically so he could take care of his employees for as long as the shutdown lasts…we´re all in this together, and could use a lot more of that in the world we all share.

All right, I´m off my soapbox…for this time, that is. Stay safe everyone, catch you for the next inspired installment of ¨Brad´s Blog!¨

The post Working (Smart) from Home and the Power of Positivity first appeared on Archway Computer.

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.

There’s no competition for the big story this week: the coronavirus outbreak is going viral like few other events of the social media age. 

For now, things should be something like fine as far as I understand it.

The vast majority of people to be diagnosed with the illness recover–check out this Guardian piece to satisfy any morbid curiosity you may have about suffering through it–you but with the rapid transmission of the coronavirus, there’s never been a better time to hear your mother’s stern but loving voice echoing through the hallways of your memory:

“WASH YOUR HANDS!”

That’s right, a thorough scrub of the mitts on a regular basis throughout the day has been identified as a primary line of defense against the transmission of coronavirus (and general cooties, as you also likely learned as a child), and CNN has prepared a comprehensive breakdown of the latest techniques in pandemic-level hand washing protocol.

Supply In Demand

In a related story, the n95 filtration mask has become a household name over the past few weeks. Even though most people will never need one under any circumstances, they’ve been flying off of every brick and mortar shelf the Northern Hemisphere as well as a consistently sold out product on Amazon.

Listen, I totally get why people are a bit anxious about this whole thing.  read all the same news stories you did as well as everything I just wrote…there is some cause for concern, especially if you are committed to not washing your hands for some reason. 

Still, as this Lifehacker feature points out, with a worldwide shortage in medical-grade filtration masks (and some expected availability hiccups thanks to quarantines affecting production and shipping) might be best to leave those masks in stock for those who actually need them…like, say, a doctor in Wuhan.

Phone Plan Preppers

If you’re thinking about maybe spending a little more time indoors with everyone screaming and running around in circles these days, you’ll need to stay in contact with the outside world somehow…why not do it for less?

This website makes it easy to find an unbeatable price on services by comparing dozens of options to find the best option for you, and savings can go right into the hand sanitizer budget…that phone of yours is filthy, you know.

The Last Word 

All right, that should just about do it for this intently interested installment of “Brad’s Blog!” Thanks as always for making space on your agenda for a few minutes with your good buddy Brad…cheers until next time, remember to wash your hands!

The post Physical Anti-Virus for the CoronaVirus first appeared on Archway Computer.

Before we get started this week month year decade, I want to start out by wishing everyone out there a successful and fulfilling 2020 possible! 

(sidenote: isn’t 2020 the most fun year to type in a while?) 

It’s a particularly special time for me, as 2020 marks my 10th year of leading Team Archway and it’s been an interesting ride to say the least. 

Still, I’m saving myself some time during this latest lap around the Sun by realizing early that this is not the year I give up sugar, desserts, dairy or carbs…it’s one of the consistent themes of every New Year. Another regular realization that hits me around this time is that a lot of insurance agencies start wondering if they’re getting the best IT services out there.

That’s why we specialize in providing that level of constant care all year long.

Put simply, Archway’s focus is on helping independent agencies just like yours get the most out of the hardware and software they rely on every day. That means identifying potential problems before they transform into costly downtime, keeping your resources available to you so you can spend more time doing what you do best: growing your insurance agency.

If you’re still reading this, I’m appreciative of your time. If you would like a little of mine in return, you can schedule a 15 minute call with me by clicking this link. 

Happy New Year from all of us at Archway!
 

Habitual Line-Skipper

If this year is like most others, I’m set to travel abroad my fair share in 2020. One thing about traveling outside these United States is the process of returning home, and that means dealing with immigration…apparently I’ve been doing it the caveman way all this time.

My son (leave it to him, naturally) recently clued me in on an app that really speeds the process up for many people traveling in and out of the country, and fittingly it’s called Mobile Passport. The service allows American citizens and our Canadian counterparts to quickly move through the screening process through pre-registration…rumor has it that folks are getting through customs in under a minute.

Mobile Passport is not a replacement for your original travel documentation–there will certainly be someone around checking for that, don’t you worry–but the app is live in 27 of the country’s largest airports and 4 major cruise ports, and I for one look forward to wasting less of my life standing around in a glorified bus terminal waiting in line to wait in line.
 

An Audience With Angela Adams

If you’re not familiar with Angela Adams, you might have some homework to do. She is the undisputed queen of all agency management system consulting and accounting…we should all be so lucky to benefit from a bit of her insight. 

Fortunately, I’m exactly that lucky.That’s right, Angela is having a customer connect educational get together in sunny Orlando this February, and I am honored to be a part of the event…click here for more information!

Roaming Data

I know many of you are still using a data center for your hosting needs. TAM On-line is just one example of a high profile management system who will host your information in a data center (either one they own directly or a colocation or “Colo” facility). There are many IT providers that hold clients data hostage and make it difficult to leave.

According to a recent poll in this piece by Gartner, 80 percent of enterprises surveyed had plans to close their data centers and transition to a cloud service by 2025…even Apple, an 800-pound gorilla in any industry it touches, has abandoned the data center in favor of Amazon Web Services (AWS). 

That’s what we call a consensus.

The Last Word

Right then, I’ve got a packed agenda this week as the Western world shakes off the slack and dives into the first full week of 2020! I promise not to type “2020” anywhere near as much next week, but thanks as always for making time in this ten-year period for another inspired installment of “Brad’s Blog!” I hope to be back in your best inbox next week–not the one you ignore, the one with 4,186 “new messages”–and if you want to chat before then, just shoot me an email.

2020!

The post To Clearer Tech Visions in 2020 👀 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.

If you’ll be strolling the streets of Sin City when AppliedNet comes to town, odds are you’ll be leaving the event fairly loaded down with business cards…which, if you’re anything like me, you will promptly misplace. That’s why I love using the ClusterCards app…just scan the card (or cards, it can do multiple simultaneously) and watch the magic of technology as all the data is transcribed and saved, no typing required. It’s essential for conventions.
 

Scheduled Check-In

While I’m on the subject of apps, another resource I regularly rely on is called Checklist. Full disclosure, the non-free version is a little annoying–sometimes less is more–but for creating and keeping track of all those little daily details that would otherwise just slip through the cracks, it’s easy to use and very helpful.
 

Winter Weight Gain Is Coming

The Halloween decorations are starting to pop up, so that means Thanksgiving is like, next week and all the big winter holidays are just a few days after that. Every holiday season it seems like I go into the new year sporting a couple extra pounds, but this time around I’m aiming to get ahead of the game by dropping a few before the festivities. 

If you’re also joining a gym to counteract seasonal weight gain in the coming months and don’t mind the finer things in fitness life, I’d suggest you give this a click…with Equinox locations in NYC, Texas, and across Northern Cali, there’s a good chance there’s somewhere swanky to sweat near you.

I totally get that going to the gym can take more effort than most can muster after a long day of adult life, so a little extra boost can go a long way in helping you power through your routine. I get mine from Metagenics, a carefully balanced multivitamin formulated to offer increased energy and overall vitality, which doesn’t make running any more fun but can make it possible in theory.
 
If motivation is more your issue, weight loss contests are an excellent way to give yourself something to strive for…I’m trying to organize a few folks at Team Archway into a pool, but if anyone out there in the world of inboxes wants to get in on this action it could certainly be arranged. Just email me.
 
Of course, anyone devoted to a healthy lifestyle knows that the numbers on the scale almost never tell the whole story. I believe the key to a life well lived is one lived in balance, and that’s why my favorite book on diet, exercise, and overall self-improvement is Body for Life: 12 Weeks to Mental and Physical Strength. 

The book speaks so clearly to me because it talks about the small everyday tweaks that make a healthier you without having to turn your life upside down, which is perfect because it would be a tragedy for me to have to live 100 years without the occasional trip to the steakhouse or extra helping of gluten-free mac and cheese.
 

Bose is Back on Top

As someone who works from practically anywhere, headphones are as essential an office supply for me as a calculator is for an engineer. 

I’ve come and gone from Bose products over the years as competition has brought the best out of all manufacturers, but they’ve claimed the crown again with their SoundSport Free Wireless Earphones. Bringing together water resistance and an improved Bluetooth antenna together with that renowned Bose sound delivers something close to perfection, and in this business they’re worth every penny.
 

The Last Word

All right then, that’ll just about do it for this week! Thanks as always for making time for this inspired installment of “Brad’s Blog”…I appreciate it so much that I’m giving my readers a chance to enter the iPhone 11 giveaway we’re running to celebrate AppliedNet Las Vegas! Just click here to throw your hat in the ring…you’ll certainly know if you’ve won by the time you’re reading this next week.

The post AppliedNet Vegas and Getting In Shape for The Season first appeared on Archway Computer.

It’s the weirdest thing, seems like electric scooters are taking over the world. All across the country, names like Lime and Bird are filling the streets with these zippy little conveyances which you just pick up at a charging point and leave…well, wherever. There’s even a site called scootermap.com where you can locate the nearest one to your current location.

In fact, collecting the things after folks have had their fun has become a competitive business in and of itself, but that’s a separate conversation. For a quick overview, think tow trucks.
Anyway I’m more of an Uber or Lyft guy if I’m going to travel a distance worth wheels, but for just tooling around town I admit they are a hoot to ride. Just be careful…the ones I’ve ridden can really move, getting up to over 25mph, so I imagine a spill at speed would not be as fun.

An Outlet for your Tech Desires

“WiFi-enabled power outlet” kinda just sounds like a jumble of tech words like in sci-fi movies where “space” or “quantum” gets added to normal items to make them sound cooler, but the actual product is pretty slick itself. This model is an essential for smart homes, making it easy to turn your appliances into connected devices with set schedules and custom settings as well as allowing integration with Alexa.

Who Shall Rate the Raters?

If you’ve been reading this newsletter for more than, oh, 2 weeks, you know that I buy my fair share of stuff on Amazon. One of my favorite things to do is read the reviews…always a treat to encounter a 1-star review that stems from not putting in the battery.

Naturally, 5-star reviews can be just as dubious and this video from the Wall Street Journal succinctly breaks down the BS so you don’t fall for an unreliable paid endorsement from someone who’s not even famous.

Still, there are those of us who are committed to creating a more informed marketplace by providing honest reviews…Trip Advisors, elite Yelpers, and the like. 

If you have long dreamed of helping perform this important public service but don’t really want to spend any cash doing it, you’re in luck: by registering with Amazon Vineyou can get access to free products in exchange for a review. It’s an easy way you can give back to the consumer community.

Digital Dexterity

So you think you’re a pretty quick typist, do ya? Well, I did too until I took a typing speed test at Ratatype…I have been sufficiently humbled. If you’re also in need of a reality check, you can head over to take the challenge or alternately you can take advantage of a typing tutor in case you still type with only your pointer fingers like some people I know.

The Last Word

All right, that will just about do it for this inspired installment of “Brad’s Blog!” I hope you’ve enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoy writing it. Thanks as always for taking the time to connect with my perspective, hope to be back in your inbox on schedule next week!

The post Fast Fingers and Speedy Scooters first appeared on Archway Computer.

In case you’re not familiar, Jeff Bezos has been writing an open letter to Amazon’s shareholders every year since its’ inception.

Since the mind behind the world’s number one retailer has pretty much demonstrated beyond doubt that he knows what he’s talking about, every edition of the letter is the subject of extensive analysis from similarly inspired individuals because perhaps nowhere else are his beliefs about business, technology, and leadership more extensively articulated than in the 44,000 or so words that make up the anthology.

That’s why the other day I attended a presentation from Steve Anderson, a bonafide industry legend, that spotlighted his perspective on the Bezos Letters.

I found his insight illuminating, and what really excited me coming away from the forum was that Steve is working on a book about the wisdom contained within the Letters and what anyone can take out of the way Amazon does things…you can pre-order it here, and I’m setting aside plenty of time to digest it, hopefully discuss it with you.

Taking Stock of TheInventory

The most valuable things in this business and this world are those that help others, and TheInventory.com is a great destination for finding unbeatable deals. They don’t sell anything themselves–well, I guess they enjoy the site traffic–but they have become the definitive word on the best products in multiple marketplaces in a very short time. If you’re in the market for an upgrade to your lifestyle, check out this listing of their top 10 products.

Slim Down Your System

It’s said that what you don’t pay for in cash you pay for in inconvenience, and bloatware is one of the best examples of this concept. Bloatware is all those extra programs and utilities you don’t need and might have a hard time deleting to free up space, and inexpensive PCs, tablets, and smartphones come absolutely infested with it.

It’s a tradeoff many are willing to make–after all, Amazon once released an device that was about half-price as long as you were willing to watch random ads forever and it sold quite well–but luckily, in many cases we just don’t have to any more. If you’re fed up with the popups on your PC, take a look at PCDecrapifier, which is exactly what it says on the tin.

Settling In with SimpliSafe

In the process of settling into my new home I’ve been checking out a few home security systems, and most of my research points to SimpliSafe being the best option.

Not only is it compatible with up to 4 cameras and offer features like motion detection and remote monitoring, it’s also affordable and easy to set up, both of which deeply appeal to my interests. They even offer refurbished systems for the same performance at an even more appealing price.

The Last Word

Well, Team Archway is going to be holding down the fort at Accelerate most of the week, but I’m glad I got some time to talk at you anyway! Thanks as always for making time in your week for an enlightening edition of “Brad’s Blog,” if you’re in Cincinnati give us a shout at the conference and if not, hey, maybe enter here to win something cool anyway!

The post The Bezos Letters and Faster PC’s first appeared on Archway Computer.

Oh yes it’s that time of year again…in this business, the spring season is all about the NetVU! Well, I guess after the conference’s name change it’s “all about Accelerate,” but by whatever name the 3-day event kicking off May 21 represents one of the year’s biggest conferences.

This year the festivities come to Cincinnati, and although I don’t know much about “The Queen City”–including if anyone actually calls it that–I’m looking forward to meeting all my friends from Vertafore as well as putting faces to names I’ve heard and read so many times in the course of everyday communiques.

Actually, speaking of the folks over at Vertafore, I just remembered I did a little video for them after being named one of their 50 All-Stars in recognition of their 50th anniversary…always nice to do something a little special for my fans.

Okay fine, I’ll stop, but in any event you know whenever Team Archway hits the scene of a big conference we always do so with surprises in tow, and this time is no different. We’re giving away some pretty sweet tech gifts to celebrate another year being featured at the event, and if you want to get your hands on one all you have to do is enter at this link.

You don’t even have to attend the event itself to win one of these special prizes, although it would be great to catch you there…if you will find yourself in Cincinnati later this month, here’s where our booth will be located.

Love Your Local Library

Practically everyone could stand to read a little more, but if you’re thinking about buying that book, maybe don’t. This essential extension for studious Chrome users will automatically identify nearby libraries that stock the book you’re interested in, which is important because I feel libraries should remain relevant in the world of today…after all, they are one of the few public spaces where people can gather for fun without buying anything.

The Suite Life

Traveling with family is a way to get to know more about the people you’ve been close to your entire life…some topics come up on a visit to Berlin or Bangkok that just don’t pop up when you’re hanging around the house. If you’re planning a family vacation this summer, be sure to check out Suiteness, which catalogs and displays connecting rooms in hotels so you can be close in your travels without being too close in your travels.

Layover Logic

While we’re on the topic of travel, I want to share one of my secrets to getting the best rates on airfare: Skiplagged. Skiplagged is a clever little tool that not only shows the flight information the airlines put on their websites, but every stop in between so you can take advantage of the cheapest routes in ways they really don’t want you to.

Say you’re traveling from Chicago to Denver, which is a pretty popular route so the airlines can charge premium rates. What Skiplagged does is show you other options for reaching your destination, like taking advantage of a cheaper flight plan going from Chicago to Denver to Sacramento then just getting off the plane one airport early.  

It’s perfectly legal, but the airlines hate it because they want to charge you what they want to charge you so there. In fact, they’re currently being sued by United Airlines, which is one of my least favorite carriers so they have to be doing something right.

Kicking Ads on Chrome

It seems like ads are getting more prevalent with Chrome…not only is it annoying to arrive on a website and be greeted by an autoplay video, but they’ve really gotten bad about sucking up your computer’s processing resources. A buddy of mine suggested this adblocker and it’s worked wonders…my browsing speed is way up AND I don’t have to sit through 5-7 seconds of a Japanese shampoo commercial.

The Last Word

All right, that should just about do it for this week in geek! Thanks as always for not sending me to the spam folder, and because you’ve been such a great sport about me having your email address if you have any suggestions on future topics or just want to shoot the breeze a bit, my good inbox is open to you as well.

The post NetVU Accelerates, Google Makes Libraries Matter first appeared on Archway Computer.

It’s the end of March and that means it’s time to visit a familar place: last in my bracket pool. Another 50 bucks up in smoke day 1. I’m not sure how it happens year after year, but with my bracket most thoroughly busted I guess it’s only appropriate for this former UCLA Bruin to get inspired by his alma mater’s performance on the court this year and just give up.

Sorry guys, better luck next year.

In the meantime at least we’re getting some pretty stellar hardwood action, as anyone who watched Duke just barely scrape by a very game UCF squad bore witness to one heck of an athletic exhibition.

There’s a reason why the Tournament  is one of the highest profile sporting events on the calendar…the reason why these players aren’t paid something for the spectacle they create is less clear.

The Last Wallet

Although it may be a little lighter after the first few games of March Madness, I officially have the coolest wallet I’ve ever had…no, not Samuel L. Jackson’s billfold from “Pulp Fiction,” this sleek and streamlined beauty known as the Ridge Wallet. It just goes right along with all the other sculpted minimalistic portables I like to fill my life with.

I got mine in Carbon Fiber, but it comes in similarly indestructible materials such as titanium and anodized aluminum as well as a range of colors….heck, it might be the last wallet I ever buy with the lifetime guarantee the company offers.

Foresight for Seats

Getting airline tickets for a great price is a delicate dance…do you buy your tickets a year in advance when no one else is even thinking about that particular flight, or do you show up to the airport and gamble on a cheap standby ticket?

Like most things in life, the answer is somewhere between the extremes, and this Lifehacker piece suggests the ideal window of opportunity comes about 79 days before takeoff.

The Portable Photo Booth

If you’re as big on selfies as some of the kids at the office are, you’ll love the HP Sprocket Plus.

This pocket-size wireless photo printer (man, did you ever think you’d hear that in the days of Polaroid?) has a Bluetooth-driven app that connects with multiple devices so it’s a hit at events, and outdoes the competition by pumping up the printouts from the more common 2” x 3” size to a visibly larger 2.3” x 3.4” frame. At $129, it’s well worth purchasing for your next party.

The Last Word

All right, that’s just about all we have this week! Thanks as always for starting your week off with another enthralling edition of “Brad’s Blog!” I’ll be back on schedule next week, but before then be sure to update your version of Google Chrome if you haven’t yet…didn’t we just talk about this last week?

The post Breakable Brackets vs. the Unbreakable Wallet first appeared on Archway Computer.

With two high-profile crashes in the last few months, the FAA finally caved to well-founded pressure from the global community and grounded Boeing’s 737-MAX airliner.

According to the manufacturer, the issue boils down to a bug fix–excuse me, “software enhancement”–intended to correct certain behaviors in flight, but honestly updating the autopilot app isn’t enough to make me feel comfortable boarding one in the near future…just ask anybody who flew on a de Havilland Comet back in the 50s.

In any event, finding out how to avoid this aircraft completely until they work all the bugs out is just another use case for SeatGuru.

This informative resource is most often used to find the best seats on an aircraft using your flight number, but is also a reliable way to find out whether your airline plans on using a safe vehicle to put 40,000 feet of absolutely nothing under you. 

Wait-Lifting

Speaking of travel, as someone who accrues frequent flyer miles on a weekly basis, it’s tough to find time to hit the gym regularly. Fortunately a little stretching on short layovers can go a long way in keeping your body in decent condition, and I’ve found that working with resistance bands makes the effort even more effective.

These bands I found on Amazon are perfect for the purpose, and won’t weigh down your suitcase or slow down security checks like a pair of 20-pound dumbbells will.

An Exclusive Set from DJ Lexi

I’m really liking Amazon Music lately, specifically its integration with Alexa. The service is only $3.99 monthly for us Echo Dot owners, but everybody who subscribes to Amazon Prime can take advantage of their special $7.99 rate. I get my 4 bucks worth for sure…in fact I use it every day, and if you’ve ever been curious about what the soundtrack to my morning routine is you can check out my personal playlist.

Google’s Unfortunate Results

Google does a lot of things right, which is why AskJeeves doesn’t own 15 percent of the world, but the unforeseen spares no man or manufacturer. The company is currently dealing with a zero-day exploit (that’s IT speak for “nasty surprise”) that allows any website to read you computer’s local files, and I’m sure I don’t have to explain why that’s bad.

Of course, we are less defined by our oversights than how we address them, and so I’m happy to report that Google has stepped up to the plate by issuing a patch for Chrome that fixes the vulnerability.

Your version of Chrome will probably update automatically, but if you want to check and see if you’re on the updated version, just click the three vertical dots in your browser window, and go to “help” and “Chrome OS” to find out for sure.

It’s About Time

For whatever reason, we usually don’t find out about the ill effects of new technologies until well after they are integrated into our daily lives…I’m not sure we’ve decided whether something as low-tech as eggs will eventually kill you.

With that in mind, it shouldn’t surprise you to learn that the science on whether Bluetooth causes cancer or not is inconclusive. I mean, we’ve had asbestos for nearly 300 years and it’s only been in the last half-century that it’s been a hard pass as a building material.

What we do know is that the phone itself emits a lot more radiation than any Bluetooth-connected device, and so while I understand the concern, it might be just a bit premature to toss out those $300 AirPods.

The Last Word

All right, that’s about all for this week…I’m running a bit late so I really have to go, but not before I thank you as always for making time for what’s on my mind!

The post Small Bugs, Big Problems: Google and the 737-MAX first appeared on Archway Computer.

Well, if there’s one positive thing to be said about the Super Bowl, it’s “at least we didn’t go to the game”…as a particularly apt meme quipped, imagine buying a $7,000 ticket (plus airfare and accommodations) to see a Maroon 5 concert and a punting competition.

Attendees didn’t even get be creeped out by watching Alexa turn off the planet’s power grid by accident, which seems a shame.

Sure, Sunday’s decisive contest unfolded with all the excitement of a lower-tier high school football matchup, with both offenses struggling to muster the slightest bit of cohesion, but when it was all said and done the Patriots came out on top and my daughter was happy…even more so with her upcoming birthday not overshadowed by an exciting game.

Even so, someone at our party may or may not have napped through the 3rd quarter.

In any event, it’s hard not to congratulate the Patriots on some level…making an entire professional sports league monotonous and predictable over multiple decades is no easy task, and hasn’t been accomplished in the Northeast since that time the Celtics won the championship for 13 years straight. (Not a joke, can you imagine??)

I will have ample time to reflect on their greatness when I’m wearing various Patriots gear for the next month or so after losing all the bets…should be fun getting drawn into unmerited conversations about Tom Brady with total strangers.

Reclaiming Our Time

While we’re discussing word on the street, I’ve been hearing a lot about a product called Quiker and finally decided to give it a try.

Quiker is aimed at streamlining some of the more tedious aspects of running an agency…most of our clients staff routinely spends a majority of their time switching back and forth between Outlook and the agency management system, a process so enjoyable a friend rightly refers to it as “soul-sucking activities.”

In a welcome change of pace, Quiker works directly with AMS-360 to automatically document and categorize customer interactions. In fact, the site claims that using the inexpensive software can save an agency up to $7,000 yearly in lost time, not to mention untold mental wear and tear. It’s like not going to this year’s Super Bowl.

Laptops for Less

If you’re looking for a new laptop at a great price, you’ll find this next segment a lot more interesting than this year’s Supe–okay, I’ll stop. Seriously, I found this cheap Chromebook on Amazon for a friend and he absolutely loves it…a lot of bang for about 200 bucks. If you want some more options to consider, check out this CNET feature on 2019’s top picks for bargain-conscious tech shoppers.

Google Chrome Remembers

Creating passwords for your various accounts involves a delicate balance. By now we all know the dangers of a truly lazy choice like “password,” but I’m sure I’m not the first person to devise a password so secure that not even I can crack it…fine when Chrome has saved it for later use, less so when I have to enter it on another computer or in a linked app.

Fortunately, Google has thought of this.

If you, like me, don’t stand a chance in heck at mentally recording several random strings of letters, numbers, and characters to enter at a moment’s notice, there is a way to bring them up on demand as long as you’re logged in.

All you have to do is click on the three vertical dots in the upper right corner of the screen, go to settings, and then access the “passwords” tab, where an eyeball can reveal all to you. Got it? No? Well, here’s a little video that might help.

The Last Word

All right sports fans, that should wrap things up for this week! Thanks as always for making time in your regular routine for another illuminating installment of “Brad’s Blog!” I’ll be right back in your inbox on schedule next time around, here’s to another strong week for us geeks!

The post Cheap Laptops, An App Named Quiker , Life Without Football first appeared on Archway Computer.

I want to start out by congratulating our Los Angeles Rams on their upcoming trip to Atlanta for the Super Bowl! The game ended in somewhat controversial fashion–official seemed to forget he had a penalty flag at the worst possible time for the Saints–but hey, the referees didn’t blow a second half lead at home during the championship game so what can ya do.

With UCLA having a down year on the hardwood, the Lakers barely hanging on to their playoff hopes, and the Dodgers nearly idle in the offseason after a disappointing year, it’s good for the city to have something to cheer for. Time will tell whether the Rams can get through Brady and Co. to hoist the Lombardi Trophy, but the next couple of weeks in town should be especially fun.

Present Like a Pro

As anyone who has ever tried it knows, giving a speech isn’t as easy as it looks. When you’re trying to condense what can be an information-rich topic into quick little soundbites, it can be next to impossible to remember what to say, and more importantly, how best to say it.

Whether you’re planning on orchestrating a conference call or making a YouTube video, Teleprompt is an easy way to add polish to your presentation. What, you thought most people were actually memorizing these pretty pieces of prose?

The Slimmest Screens

If you missed the latest out of CES, boy did you miss a lot of sweet tech.

It´s barely the end of January, but I feel like it´s safe to say that this rollable TV will be one of the hottest gift holiday ideas this year. There’s no mistaking that we live in the future when you pull one of these bad boys out of your messenger bag during a layover. It even comes in a slightly less bendy wallpaper size so you can impress guests in the comfort of your own living room.

Please Do Not Insert Disk

The limitations of physical software as compared to connected options make themselves more than apparent in the latest Microsoft Office suite.

Office 365 delivers continuous updates and new features to users unlike its desktop-bound variant Office 2019, which is already attracting mixed reviews for its functionality. Still on the fence about whether to go digital? This feature from Windows Central goes over which version will give you what you need.

The Last Word

That should just about wrap things up for this week! Thanks as always for making time in your routine for this exceptional edition of ¨Brad´s Blog!¨ I´ll try to be back in your inbox on schedule next time around, but until then if you have anything compelling to chat about, don´t be shy about dropping me a line. Here’s to keeping our New Years´ Resolutions at least a few more days, January is almost over!

The post Feels Like the Future: Rollable TVs and Online Office first appeared on Archway Computer.

Next week’s Super Bowl has given me a surprisingly profound opportunity to consider the nature of happiness.

The buzz is palpable in the city as the Rams are poised to play for all the marbles for the first time since the Y2K scare, and since my daughter is both an LA native and football fan, I wanted to get her a jersey to celebrate the recent successes of her hometown team.

Of course, she’s a Patriots fan somehow, so she didn´t exactly appreciate the gesture.

In any event, I’ve taken a lot of bets in the leadup to the big game (I´m pretty sure I will have to dress like Bill Belichick for a solid month if the boys in blue and gold can’t manage to deny Touchdown Tommy his 6th championship) which only serves to reflect the level of emotional currency that fans across the nation have devoted to next weekend´s proceedings. 

Win or lose, it has long been my belief that happiness is a choice we make, an attitude we must consciously cultivate whenever possible. Dennis Prager agrees, in fact the respected radio personality says that we should wear a smile like we wear deodorant, and the guy generally knows what he’s talking about.

Beyond the extensive ribbing that is sure to come my way if the Patriots win–sports fans can be pretty creative in their ridicule–I had a real test in putting on a happy face a few months ago when our family home burnt to the ground.

Suffice it to say, I´ve learned a few coping mechanisms over the years.

One of the measures I´ve found most effective in fighting off bad vibes is simply to go outside for a while. It´s not just something your mother used to say, it´s backed by science…a recent study indicated that subjects experienced an improved mood with as little as 5 minutes spent getting some fresh air…maybe you could even leave your phone inside.Another proven way to boost your spirits after some unfortunate roll of the dice is byperforming a selfless act. For example, I fully plan on taking my daughter out for a nice dinner when her Patriots lose next Sunday, giving her the opportunity to leave a nice tip for the waiter. Gotta make lemonade sometimes.

Password Protection

Large scale data breaches were one of the big stories of last year, and 2019 shows no signs of this trend slowing. The most common way accounts are breached is through stolen passwords, but luckily there is a way to find out if someone besides you has matched your username to your password. This is why I chose an extra secure alphanumeric password for all my logins: CcNzFMnk0d.

Wait, pretend you didn’t read that last sentence.

Developing Technology

Remember when it was actually relatively difficult to get photos once they were taken? One had to go to a specific store that was often clear across town and actually wait hours if not days for the finished product.

Now it just takes a couple of clicks and swipes to get your photos printed at any CVS in the country thanks to a dedicated iPhone app. I miss shaking Polaroids just a little bit, but I have to say I like being able to order high-quality prints online…even found this sweet multi-pack of frames on Amazon to keep them all in.

The Future is Calling

Speaking of times long past, only readers of a certain age will recall when even making a three-way voice call required a level of technical skill and a bit of luck with timing and connection quality. Obviously times have changed, and now even setting up a multiple-person chat on FaceTime is a breeze. From busy signals to group video chat, man it’s been an interesting 20 years or so. 

The Last Word

Well then, that should do it for this week! Thanks as always for making space in the inbox you actually check for another exceptional edition of ¨Brad´s Blog!¨I´ll be back right on schedule with another heaping helping of geeky goodness, but until then remember, the good you do today may come back to you tomorrow.

The post Strengthened Security and Successful Smiling Strategies first appeared on Archway Computer.

Recovering from the fire is going about as well as can be expected, things are slowly getting back to normal.

After getting a new place, I´ve even been able to turn my attention to everyday concerns like the mail. USPS has finally gone digital, rolling out an Informed Delivery service in many test markets nationwide.

With Informed Delivery, the outside of your deliveries are scanned and sent to you the morning before they arrive, so if you have a big insurance check coming that day you get a preview.

Informed Delivery isn’t available everywhere in the country right now (you can check here to see if it has come to your area yet) but it’s a really nifty feature and best of all it’s absolutely free.

Convenient Client Contact

If you plan to be a successful agency, staying in constant contact with your clients must be a core part of your game plan. We like Simpltxt for the task…a 30 second sign-up process gets you access to a fully integrated service that lets your employees send messages to your customers anytime.
 

All you need is the recipient’s mobile number to get features like automatic correspondence tracking and message archiving, and since everything is associated with the same phone number, your customers don’t have to have your entire staff saved in their contacts.
 

Alexa, Augmented

Another thing I’ve managed to reestablish early in the rebuild is my relationship with Alexa.

That´s why I´m really getting a lot out of this Amazon-enabled Polk Audio sound bar. The sound quality is pretty darn good for a unit that doesn’t promise full surround sound, and the price is right…but here, don´t take my word for it.

Instead, check out this video of a crazy guy describing why he likes it, it would have convinced me if I didn’t already own one.
 

The Last Word

Well, I have some phone calls to make so I won´t keep you much longer, but thanks as always for making ´Brad´s Blog¨an essential part of your weekly routine. I shall return to your inbox in a few days time–if, of course, you will have me–but until then, remember that your success is always proportionate to the number of people you serve and how well you serve them.

The post USPS Joins the 21st Century and SimplTxt first appeared on Archway Computer.

After taking some time to process everything in the midst of the rebuild, I had a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.

One reason for my gratitude is the support of my sister, who has called me every day since the fire to see if I needed anything. I mostly refused–I’m a big boy and can do it myself–but after a week or so I caved and asked for t-shirts…never have enough of those, especially when you only have 4.

Well, she made it her mission over the last few days to fulfill my wish, and here are the stylish and easy to wear results…much love to Mrs Murtagh’s class for working to ensure I am adequately shirted for the holidays.

I also want to give a big shout out to my brother-in-law, who turned out some darn tasty BBQ turkey last week. Together, they’re a reminder what’s really valuable in my life.

Rapid Restocking

In this time of transition technology has been invaluable, and one of the things that has helped consistently make life easier is Postmates.

Postmates is something of a hybrid between Uber and Amazon Prime, allowing you to order almost anything from brick and mortar stores in your area and have it delivered to your doorstep, often in an hour or less. Gotta love being able to order office supplies and red wine with the same service.
 

Cord Cutting Á La Carte

Another utility that is really showing its worth in this scenario is streaming services. Sometimes after a long way of chatting with claims agents and filling out paperwork I just want to hang out in front of the moving pictures, and I don’t even want to imagine how much of a nightmare it would be to get cable in my various temporary dwellings.

That’s why I’m glad I cut the cord long ago thanks to the Internet. If TV series are your thing, Hulu has everything you need to finally stop paying that $200 bill every month, and my fellow sports fans should check out FuboTV for live action from the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL along with a selection of entertainment and sports programming networks.
 

The Last Word

All right geek scouts, I have a lot to get done this week so I´ll let you go here, but thanks for keeping that inbox open for this appreciative edition of “Brad´s Blog!” I will likely be back on schedule next week, but before I go I want to take some time to specifically thank eveyone who has reached out to me over the past couple, it really means a lot to me. Have a productive week, folks!

The post Still Thankful first appeared on Archway Computer.

As I begin to write this newsletter from a desk that is not my own early this Sunday morning, I have a lot in mind. By now I’m sure you’ve heard about the wildfires raging through California over the last couple of weeks, and if I’m being honest it feels a little odd to report that they have affected me on a personal level.

Over the weekend I learned that the home I was living in–spent years tailoring to my tastes, created countless memories in–burned to the ground, taking most of my worldly possessions with it. Here’s a before and after just to give you a sense of the devastation.

It sounds cliche, but you never really think it will happen to you.

I can’t help but feel grateful to some extent…I still have a car, a laptop, an iPhone, and 4 t-shirts along with the clothes on my back, so I do still own more than much of the world.

Still, between the mass murder in Thousand Oaks that took place just minutes from my former home and touched many members of the local community and the inferno that has consumed entire towns in the area, it’s been a tough week to say the least.

For obvious reasons I’ve had a lot of occasion to think in the last few days, and here’s some of what I’ve come up with:


1) Let your clients know – be over-insured. Earthquake insurance, fire insurance, flood insurance, redundant policies, every piece of protection you can possibly afford. The period after a catastrophe is not the time you want to find out you’ve been paying out to a half-assed insurance company for inadequate coverage. Fortunately that’s not the case for me.


2) The government will not always protect you. Couldn’t if it wanted to. In a disaster of this scale, fire departments are so overwhelmed that the chance of them saving your home once it’s threatened are near-nil. When they’re trying to save entire cities, your particular 3 bedroom ranch-style home is not the top priority. That’s just the reality.

Even in more common scenarios such as a home invasion, the robber will be gone long before the cops come. Additionally, I choose not to own a gun although I certainly can’t fault anyone who does keep one, so I recognize that if I am ever confronted by an armed assailant I’ll just have to keep my wits about me and navigate the situation the best I can.
 

3) If you DO want to save your home from a wildfire, it’ll take boots on the ground–yours. It’s a choice that carries real risk too…at least two individuals died trying in the Malibu area. Nobody is going to come save you if you get caught in the flames trying to create a DIY fire break, which is why I made the tough decision to prioritize my life over my lifestyle.
 

4) Have your data backed up on the cloud. I lost a few hard drives’ worth of information in the fire, and that’s going to be the easiest thing to fix by far: it’s all saved in the cloud.

5) People do pull together in times like this. I went to a McDonalds nearby after I heard the news and tried to pay for a group of firefighters in appreciation of their heroic efforts.

Not only would they not let me, they said three other customers made them the same offer. In the end, the cashier passed on word from the manager that all our meals were on the house.

Airbnb hosts in the area are showing their community spirit as well. All over the affected area, hosts are offering free stays on their properties to displaced people and families. It’s cool to see how technology is empowering us all to assist. Sometimes it’s the little things that can help keep us afloat through trying moments…this is a big part of why I believe in our species.

In any event, the show must go on and work is my therapy – it’s cheaper than the real deal…customers need to be serviced, my employees need to be paid. Team Archway is here for me, I am here for them, and we are all here for any of our customers who have also been affected by any tragedy.

Best of luck to everyone this week and beyond,

Brad

The post California Wildfires Hit Home first appeared on Archway Computer.

If you didn’t make it to AppliedNet in Nashville, I’m sorry to tell you you missed one heck of a show–and I’m not just talking about seeing Darius Rucker at the Grand Ole Opry.

Over 4,000 attendees were onsite for the big news about a new investment from a high profile company known only as “Capital G.” As an insider, I can tell you that rumor has it the big G is for Google and the deal is for 9 figures. That’s what we in this business call “real money.”

You’re probably going to hear a lot in the near future about what this means for the industry, but here’s my take on it: the fact is that Google has tried the insurance game before and failed…who knew insurance could be so complicated?

Well, independent agents like us know that as a matter of survival, and reading the tea leaves in their partnership with Applied tells me that they believe there is a place for the little guy long-term. Very insightful, and honestly refreshing.

Overshadowed by the big reveal were several significant announcements about updates to the Applied system itself, and you can get the SportsCenter version in this press release. Exciting times in insurance, no doubt about it.

And Now, A Word From God

While we’re on topic in Nashville, I want to discuss a little divine intervention that took place on the flight there. Just before takeoff, the pilot came onto the intercom to deliver some good news and some bad news.

The good news was that our flight would be leaving half an hour early, which was nice. The bad news is that the Internet and TV we were promised on our tickets wouldn’t be coming with us due to technical difficulties. That wasn’t so great.At least, it might not have been if I hadn’t recently downloaded Dennis Prager’s commentary on the Bible–starting, fittingly, with Exodus. Regardless of your religious bent, it’s a worthy read that offers poignant insights on the Bible’s enduring cultural impact.

Siri Gets Smarter

Siri is pretty useful right out of the box, but some of the shortcuts people have figured out for use with the digital assistant are pretty dang slick. Want to set Siri to automatically play your workout playlist when you get to the gym or send a text to members of a meeting if you’re running late? This feature from CNET shows you how.

The Last Word

All right, that’s about it for this week! Thanks just ever so much for taking time out of your busy early week schedule for another engrossing edition of “Brad’s Blog!” I’ll be back in your inbox next week, be sure to set a reminder with Siri.

The post Big News from AppliedNet – Siri Upgrade and a word from God first appeared on Archway Computer.

The aftermath of Hurricane Florence continues to affect residents of several states, with areas of the various communities still feeling the affects of severe flooding. The hurricane left over half a million homes without power and it will continue to be a long recovery process.

If you are looking for a relief organization to support in times like these and in the future you might want to consider Operation BBQ Relief. Founded by competition BBQ teams from eight states the provide meals to people affected by natural disasters in our country.

Age of XS

The debut of the iPhone X was something of a new beginning for the folks at Apple, representing a near-total reimagining of the original lifestyle device. Face scanning gave the iPhone X a new level of security (or just a neat party trick) and the edge-to-edge screen prompted a host of app redesigns. “The future of smartphones” was only the slightest exaggeration.

Now, the iPhone XS pushes the envelope even further, and if that’s not quite excessive enough for you, there’s also the iPhone XS Max…which is obviously the one I went with. It’s scheduled to arrive on my doorstep any day now, and I’m really looking forward to seeing what the absolute best Apple has to offer looks like.

I’ll probably do a review after I’m done playing with it for the first time, but until thenthis article breaks down the key differences between the XS Max and Samsung’s flagship Galaxy Note 9.

Streamlined Scheduling

The Microsoft Office 365 suite gets even better with Bookings, the newest addition to one of the industry’s most popular program packs. Office 365 Bookings offers a slick interface, allowing your clients to look for available openings and schedule appointments that sync to your calendar and cancel just as easily. No more no-shows, isn’t that great?In case you’re not using Office 365, TimeTrade is another outstanding option. It delivers many of the same client scheduling and appointment tracking resources of the Microsoft product, and adds integration with Google tools for a seamless experience on both ends. It’s a long way from the days of calling in to make reservations.

Screen Sharing in Seconds

Anyone who has tried to resolve a network issue with a technician over the phone or set up an impromptu meeting with an offsite partner knows how tricky sharing screens can be. Nobody wants to download some strange .exe file, or worse, spend money to make it happen. With ScreenLeap nobody has to do either, putting shared screen access at an accessible link for free. What a delightful combination of words.

The Last Word

All right, that’s about it for this wonderful week of geek! Thanks as always for making room for me in the email folder you actually check, if I haven’t told you I appreciate it lately, I do. I’ll try to be back on schedule next week, but until then please consider donating to Hurricane Florence relief efforts through Habitat for Humanity.

The post Operation BBQ Relief, Office Bookings, and the New iPhone first appeared on Archway Computer.

If you had issues with Amazon on Prime Day, you weren’t alone…a major malfunctionat the junction caused the world’s biggest retailer to experience problems with the site worldwide on its most celebrated sales day. The crash happened almost immediately after the start of the sale, and was linked to the sheer volume of visitors keen to take advantage of choice deals during the promotion.The fiasco was eventually sorted out, with Amazon taking well over an hour–an eternity in Prime Time–to restore reliable functionality to the site, but it probably won’t surprise you to learn that it severely impacted my shopping plans. I rushed the digital doors like everyone else, but instead of sweet gadgets at low prices, I was treated to pictures of Amazon employee pets…at least they were cute.

The Problem with Plastic

The impact of single-use plasticware on the environment is an issue that’s getting a lot of deserved attention.

In my community they’ve taken the step of banning disposable plasticware entirely…forks, knives, and straws are now verboten. I guess utensils made from other materials do the job, but how am I supposed to have a lunchroom-style spoon-cracking battle with a cardboard spoon?

That said, any efforts we can undertake to preserve our precious planet are worth pursuing, and a significant source of the disposable plastic problem comes from the fishing trade. You know that famous “garbage patch” in the Pacific, the one that’s three times the size of France? Turns out about 46 percent of it is fishing gear.

Humans are nothing if not a species of problem solvers, and so it’s always encouraging to hear about a set of Sapes that are working to tackle the big projects.Fishing for Energy is an organization that both works directly with fishermen to collect gear to be disposed and provides grant support for development of more efficient technology, because any problem with more than one cause requires a multifaceted solution.
 

Let’s Talk Google

If you’ve finally got that top-of-the-line smartphone paid off through your carrier and are thinking about switching your wireless service, keep an eye on Project Fi.

Google’s latest entry into our lives offers users access to a flexible service plan, charging a $20 base rate for unlimited talk and text and $10 per GB of data used…not a bad deal in an area with ample Wi-Fi coverage.

In somewhat of a surprise, iPhone owners can get in on the savings as well. Of course, there’s no official support (probably something to do with not pushing unit sales for their main competitor), but in a bit of irony, Google’s original service provided me witha workaround.
 

Robocall Resolution

While we’re on about phones, you may have noticed that spam calling has made a most unwelcome return into our lives. Robotic calls are one of the more annoying manifestations of human ingenuity, but fortunately for those who do not enjoy spam calling–hey, there’s a fetish for everything–there are effective solutions.

First thing you want to do is register yourself on the Federal Trade Commission’s “Do Not Call” registry, which is exactly what it sounds like. The laws here have teeth too, violators who make unwanted contact with DNC-protected citizens can be fined up to $40,000 per call/text/email/fax/carrier pigeon.

That should take care of most of them, but for those who aren’t technically breaking the law through some obscure loophole, you’ll need a more tailored approach. ThisPC Mag feature details various methods for eliminating spam calls once and for all, from blocking at the carrier level to screening for known robocall numbers with filtering apps.
 

The Last Word

Okay you crazy kids, that’s about enough for this illuminating installment of “Brad’s Blog!” I hope you’re enjoying an acceptable start to your work week, and thank you as always for making a space in your routine for my rambling rants. Hope to be back in your inbox on schedule next go-round, stay cool out there!

The post Saving the World One Straw at a Time first appeared on Archway Computer.

Speaking as a father, I know you probably haven’t picked out a Father’s Day gift yet even though dad’s big day is exactly a week from now. It’s okay, we understand you’re busy what with work and all. You should really call your mother more though, she worries.

Anyway, if you’re still looking for a great gift for your old man, allow me to assist: these slick wireless earphones incorporate dual microphone technology and customizable equalizer profiles so the classic sounds of The Big Bopper come through like never before.

Also, I know it took most dads I knew forever to make the switch to one of those newfangled electric tooth-brushes, and so another outstanding option for the man who has everything (that he could think of in 1963) is the quip electric toothbrush, designed as the perfect brush with carefully calibrated vibrations and a low profile design built to deliver a perfect clean.

Finally, like many classic patriarchs I take pride in never getting sick. At least if you count common annoyances like the cold or flu…did have a bout with a stomach virus on a trip to South America, but that’s another story.

I attribute my relatively clean bill of health to three things: regular exercise, a reasonably decent diet, and these vitamins, which are formulated to provide the supplementary dietary compounds that can keep men like me vigorous well past the ripe old age of 46.

Ad Astra

The human race lost a couple of very special members to suicide last week…it’s a difficult concept to contend with. I personally know people who have attempted to take their own lives. I also knew a few who have succeeded. It never gets any easier to talk about.

The nature of our existence–the full weight of the human condition–can be a curious thing, and as I’m sure I don’t have to tell you, your results may vary. There are no easy answers on this topic, but this line from Woody Allen often comes to mind: “life is divided into the horrible and the miserable.”

Hard to argue, but I like to think there are moments of happiness scattered around in there like the marshmallows in Lucky Charms…finding them can make our slow march to the inevitable much more bearable. Try to enjoy the ride while you can.

YouTube on Your Time

If you’ve ever found yourself frustrated because you can’t watch your favorite YouTube videos when you’re on a long flight with no Internet connection or deep underground in your secret lair, you’ll be happy to know there’s is a way.

This PC Mag article goes into detail about downloading videos for offline viewing…the hours will fly by as you watch your favorite TV show recaps, recipe videos, and dubbed movie scenes anywhere and anytime.

The Last Word

Okay scouts, that’ll just about do it for this week. Thanks for checking your email bright and early for this latest eclectic edition of “Brad’s Blog!”

I’ll be back in your inbox right on schedule next time, but if you want to chat about some geeky greatness (or hear that story about South America) don’t be shy about dropping a line!

The post Share-Worthy – Celebrate life and Dad too in this weeks Brad’s Blog first appeared on Archway Computer.

Like pretty much everyone else, I’ve had my NCAA bracket busted beyond recognition in the first couple of rounds.

With 134 such games in the books at tip-off, a 16 seed had to come out on top against a #1 ranked team one of these years, and nobody told the Retrievers of tiny University of Maryland-Baltimore County that they were 20-point underdogs in their opening round game.

UMBC fell short in their next game after a valiant effort against perennial contender K-State, their day in the sun did give us the enduring delight of their official Twitter account. On the court, I was impressed with the way both coaches handled the unprecedented situation…these are just kids, but the lessons they learn will last a lifetime so kudos to them.

This year’s tournament seems unpredictable even by March Madness standards, with 5 of the games decided by two possessions or less and even the rare overtime Tournament game. In fact, this is the first time I can remember all four #1 seeds falling before the Sweet 16, which softens the blow of my Bruins ending up among the early exits.

Surfing Excursion Included

Got a cruise planned and want to stay connected without spending a small fortune in daily satellite Internet fees? Well, if you have a phone with mobile hotspot feature, there just might be a way.

Most cruises stay relatively close to the coastline for most of the route to save on fuel costs, meaning you can use their frugality against them by using your LTE as a connection point so you can save your budget for those elegant a la carte dining options.

An Influx of Input

We use Crewhu to collect critical feedback from our customers and generally get an idea of how well we’re doing our job. I personally read every review that comes in, it’s a little time consuming but I feel the insight I gain is more than worth the effort.

As our team grows–we’re over 30 people now–I’m getting more response with it than ever before, and I’m happy to report we have a stellar reputation among the people we serve, which reflects their commitment to excellent service as well as my skill in hiring capable staff.

Declaring is Caring?

I was recently given a dose of constructive criticism, namely that I could be more vocal in my praise of the amazing techs that do the heavy lifting around here.
They’re the smartest team of customer focused technical people I have ever had the pleasure to work with. It’s just that “effusive” isn’t a word that’s often used to describe me.

In any event, I get that everyone likes to hear that they’re doing a good job, and this piece helped me consider how my leadership style comes across. Maybe this sounds like you?

The Last Word

Seems like that’s a fine place to put a bookmark in things for the week, so thanks as always for making space in your routine for the latest addition to the “Brad’s Blog” catalogue. I shall return to your inbox in six days’ time, your spam filter permitting. If you’d like to chat before that, hail my email and I’ll find the free time. Have a great week!

The post Busted Brackets and Cheap Cruise Connections 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.

The laws on the books are finally starting to catch up with the realities of the world, and the updated New York cyber reg laws are the most comprehensive suite of consumer protection policies ever put into place.

These regulations mean big changes for agencies, banks, and other agencies that ar based in or do business in the state, and I believe similar programs will be spreading nationwide to help combat the epidemic of cybercrime.

As always, Archway is ahead of the game, and if you need a little guidance for a smooth transition into the newly regulated digital marketplace, we’re only too happy to help.

Get in touch to take a look at the information we’ve compiled, and if you just want a list of cyber reg do’s and dont’s in this new climate, be sure to let us know in the Service Request field.

College in Your PJs (again)

It’s truly staggering the number of things you can learn in a few dozen hours online. You already know that you can become an amateur chef or world-class cup stacker just by watching the right YouTube video, but you can also learn skills that will help you in your professional life.

Udemy is an outstanding resource for education on an array of concepts in the world of tech, from ethical hacking to AI building. The courses are overseen by expert instructors and accessible for life so you can always brush up on your newly acquired sorcery skills.

Even better, until Thursday you can select the course of your choice for just 10.99…it’s worth doing just so you can say that you mastered Photoshop for 11 bucks.

But if you’re too lazy to spend the cash on a 23 hour SEO For Dummies course, (guilty) you can always reach out to my daughter, Hannah, who’s digital marketing agency, Creative House Social, specializes in all things internet.

Silver Linings eBook

Still not sure how the ending of Net Neutrality affects you personally? This piece from The Verge goes into detail about the everyday effects of the policy change, and although unintended consequences always loom in any major development, there are some positive aspects as well.

For example, AT&T is now able to offer “sponsored content,” such as unlimited streaming access to Hulu that won’t count against your data cap even with prepaid plans. At least in the early stages it’s more “different” than “bad” the way I see it, but let me know what you think.

Fully Loaded 

Okay, we’re all geeks here, right? I realize not everyone has the finely tuned sensibilities to fully appreciate the thought that went into preparing this guy’s travel bag, but I figure you folks will.

Just look at how thoroughly equipped he is: a laptop, two smartphones (personal and work, obviously), a high capacity power bank, a portable hotspot, and a full complement of chargers, adaptors, connectors, and other delightful devices.

As someone who frequently goes 12 hours without encountering a single outlet or free WiFi access point, it’s deeply satisfying to see such meticulous preparation for a trade show safari.

The Last Word

All right, that’ll about wrap things up for February! Thanks so much for continuing to make Brad’s Blog one of the leading weekly insurance and technology newsletters in your inbox.

Naturally I’ll be back in a few days with more geeky goodness, but be sure to shoot us an email if you need a little help navigating the new cyber reg atmosphere or even just want to chat. Have an amazing week!

The post Changing Cyber Regs and Internet Masterclasses first appeared on Archway Computer.

It’s really amazing to the sum total of human knowledge and a global communication device fit into your pocket, isn’t it? If we’re being honest, it’s sort of addictive…we’ve all seen that table of friends enjoying a night out with their smartphones, silently scrolling through their Snapchat.

You may have even been part of such a group, in which case you know the whole thing can go a little too far sometimes. Surprisingly, portable electric fun can even make it harder to focus at work, which is why I found this Lifehacker article pretty helpful. Turns out “Do Not Disturb” mode can be used to save you from yourself in a number of situations, if only for a little while.

More Show, Less Dough

If you’re looking to get the most possible value out of your streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon, a tablet is definitely the way to go. Just save a few programs using the “Watch Later” feature and your 8 hour flight just became a movie marathon.

I like to have a tablet specifically for streaming so I don’t have to take my office iPad or smart home control panel out into the world, and this piece from PC Mag spotlights the models on the market that offer the most bang for your buck.

At Home With Siri

I was really excited for the release of the Apple HomePod, the manufacturer’s answer to the Amazon Echo, but the early reviews are less than glowing.

Apparently the sound quality is fine–”superb,” according to TechRadar--but if you’re used to dealing with the intuitive Alexa, Siri’s limited functionality in the device leaves something to be desired. Nothing that can’t be patched, I suppose.

Still, if you’re full ensconced in the world of Apple, the HomePod is an essential addition to your arsenal, featuring a streamlined setup and automatic pairing with compatible devices. May be smart to wait a few weeks, in any event.

Your Laser Mouse is Cool, But…

If you’ve managed to make it through the last 5 versions of Windows without becoming one of those Power Users the menus speak of, it’s not too late to unlock your true potential.

This handy guide from Windows Central can help you discover nifty keyboard commands that make interfacing with your PC easier than ever before. It’s like a basic spellbook for computer nerds.

The Last Word

Well, that’s pretty much everything I have for this episode. Thanks as always for allowing me into the inbox that you actually check, and for making time in your week for this little labor of love. Have a great week, and don’t forget to go outside every so often, just to get a little fresh air and existential perspective.

The post This Week’s Upgrades for Your Life 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.

“…Pray That I Do Not Alter It Further.”

If I’m being honest, I myself am not a huge user of Facebook—I just cut out the middleman and share my vacation photos directly with you–but its power as a tool of connection with our clients is beyond any glib quip about social media so I’ve really come around on its usefulness.

Archway’s Facebook page has all the latest from “Brad’s Blog” along with targeted news and industry updates…we try to make it well worth a follow if you’re in this line of work. If you want to check it out or just want to learn my middle name, give us a visit at Professor Zuckerberg’s Museum of Online Oddities.

In fact, while we’re on the subject of The Mad Social Scientist, Facebook’s founder just recently announced the most comprehensive update to the Facebook News Feed that we’ve seen since you needed a college email address to sign up.

The changes will drastically affect how and where your network sees your posts, and of interest are early testing results that show business pages are experiencing up to 4 times fewer interactions with fans and followers and 2/3 less reach overall.

The shakeup is set to be finalized in the coming weeks and expanded to Instagram as well later in the year. Although the full implications remain to be seen, my guess is that savvy marketers are going to have to overhaul their approach to connecting with their customer base through Facebook, and that’s exactly what I plan to do.

Saving Facebook

In the wake of these massive changes to one of the biggest resources to social outreach, taking the time to maximize the effect of any content your customers will see during and after the transition could determine the success of your campaign for the foreseeable future.

In short, every post counts when we’re talking about the kind of reach reduction we just discussed, and that’s why having a social media expert is paramount to ensuring your social media presence remains relevant as Facebook goes out of its way to encourage the opposite.

The Creative House Social team has been anticipating this development for months now–and actually broke the story to me–and have devised some proactive strategies to help cushion the blow to your business outreach.

Full disclosure: the owner is my daughter, but she is still amazing at what she does and I’m excited to see her put her plans for helping businesses adapt to this seismic shift into action.

Delicious Diversion

With all this talk of shifting and paradigms and upheaval, it’s nice to have something in this world that remains consistently magnificent…Texas BBQ is one of those things. I haven’t met the brisket I didn’t like yet, but if you’re looking for an especially mind-blowing experience and find yourself in the Lone Star State, do yourself a favor and bring Kreuz Market into your life.

You name it, they have it…fresh made sausage, meaty beef ribs, succulent smoked turkey…if you’re a fan of BBQ, you owe it to your inner fat kid. They even offer home delivery to those without access to Texas, which I haven’t decided is a good or bad thing.

Humanity’s Final 5:00

It seems like we’ve been discussing the rollout of cashierless Amazon Go stores for a year or two now, and the first location has finally opened its automatic doors in Seattle.

This pioneering brick and mortar extension of the world’s largest retailer laughs at your primitive currency, your crumpled bank notes and jingling pocket weights. To purchase items at Amazon Go, you check in to the store using the Amazon Go app and scan your products at a turnstile. Cameras track your choices, and your account is charged when you leave.

It’s a fascinating step forward for automation, and although I don’t believe anyone truly knows what the long term effects of the declining human role in the workplace will be, it’s something we definitely have to start thinking about.

This piece from CNBC spotlights the perspective of noted futurist Elon Musk, and unsurprisingly, it’s a compelling read. His outlook isn’t the sunniest, but it’s honestly what people need to hear on the subject. The future is here, ready or not.

The Last Word

All right, that’s certainly enough food for thought this go-round. Thanks as always for letting this newsletter arrive to the inbox you actually check, and for enjoying this installment of “Brad’s Blog” (if I may be so presumptive). I’ll be back on schedule in about a week’s time, but if you have any thoughts you want to share on any of these groundbreaking recent developments or questions on how they affect you, shoot me an email and we’ll explore them together.

Until next time, my geek elite!

The post Facebook’s Facelift and Amazon’s Automation first appeared on Archway Computer.

The post The Flu Goes Viral first appeared on Archway Computer.

…and we’re back!

First things first: Happy New Year 2018 to all my readers! By now just about everyone is settling back into their everyday routines, which have hopefully been amended to reflect all those ambitious resolutions made just last week.

A simple alteration that has made a tangible impact on my quality of life was deciding to make stretching a priority. As the song says, “be kind to your knees, you’ll miss them when they’re gone,” and regular stretching goes a long way toward keeping all your flexy parts in good condition.

For full disclosure, I didn’t just start this on the 1st, but hey…it’s not too late to make a change and you might need some easy ideas.

A New Challenger Appears!

Getting to Know Alexa

The post New Year, Same Geek first appeared on Archway Computer.

For Your Family

I wish I could start off with better news, but this is important to me and could be to you or someone close to you as well.

My mother had herself a bit of a fall recently, and unfortunately she sustained some injuries including a concussion and blood loss in the incident so I spent some time consulting with some highly experienced medical professionals to get the clearest picture of the situation possible.

They really impressed upon me the dangers that concussions can present such as memory difficulties and even physical effects, and although they are common in household falls and other relatively minor accidents, they can’t always be detected by CAT scan.

Thankfully she’s making positive progress toward a recovery, but early detection and treatment was a substantial factor here. That’s why if someone you love has been the victim of a mishap and you suspect they may have had a concussion, this message from the Mayo Clinic could prove vital.

Check Out the Big Brain on Brad!

What Sorcery Is This?

The post Falls and Screen Shares first appeared on Archway Computer.

The post Talking InsureTech and InsureTurkey first appeared on Archway Computer.

California Wildfires

Before the fun and games kick off today, I have to take a minute to address something that continues to affect many of my fellow Californians.

Even though the pictures and videos from the disaster paint a dramatic image t’s hard to get a sense of the devastation that the ongoing wildfires have had on everyday people just by watching the news.

I was actually planning a visit to an area that has been affected by the frighteningly intense blazes to visit a prospective client. We had spoken a few times, and developed such a rapport that I feel like I already know her personally.

A day or two before the scheduled meeting, I was concerned about reports of power outages in the area–computers running on electricity and all–and reached out to her to make sure everything was set to run smoothly.

The news she gave me was honestly pretty terrible…not only had the outages temporarily shut down her agency, her home also burned to the ground in the disaster. The silver lining is that everyone was fine, but it’s obviously a less than ideal situation for her.

If you’re curious, the meeting had to be postponed, but I really hope for a better update when I finally do make her acquaintance official. Best of luck.

In the meantime, the California Fire Foundation does great work for the families of fallen firefighters in times like these, and since what they do is such an important part of keeping us safe in this state, I strongly believe in supporting them.

If you also believe that running toward a fire is one of the most heroic things a human being can do in service to his fellow man, you can learn more about the program here.

The post Slick Sales and Christmas Chromebooks first appeared on Archway Computer.

Hacking the Holidays

Tis the season…for email phishing and other scams. Unfortunately, cybercrooks are well aware of the increase in online activity that comes with this time of year, and with tools such as keystroke loggers and spoofed links in widespread use, it’s no surprise that a recent survey says at least 15 percent of people polled have had an active social media account compromised.

With this in mind, Google has a recent post on its official blog designed to help keep you from making some criminal’s Christmas. It spotlights the true pervasiveness of the issue, with over 25 million users victimized by email phishing and keystroke logging attacks. Here’s a tip: the IRS will likely send you a heavy letter if an issue demands your attention, and Gmail definitely will not ask for your password in a customer service message.

In all seriousness, cybercrime continues to be a constant struggle as the bad guys try to stay one step ahead, and a little vigilance goes a long way to helping keep your information secure.

Weekend Update

If you have friends with iPhones, you may have noticed they were having some technical difficulties over the weekend. Apparently a bug in one of the latest iOS builds causes some types of notification to temporarily send the processor into overdrive, heating it up until it overtaxes the system and forces a reset. So many Instaperfect moments lost to cruel fate.

The good news is that a solution is being rolled out in the form of the iOS 11.2 update, and this Lifehacker article goes into more detail about how to make it happen for you.

Sweet and Sour

We all have days where we could use a little extra juice, and when I need a reminder of how great life can be when you try really hard, I like this little Chrome extension called Momentum.

With Momentum, new tab pages are replaced with a display featuring a picturesque scene from some far flung destination along with a motivational quote and information like the time, date, and local weather. It’s an ideal blend of optimism and practicality.

…wait, what’s that you say? You don’t really go for all that incense and peppermints jazz? Well, fear not, you disappointed idealist…I have something for you as well.

Demotivators is a resource showcasing images best appreciated by those of us that realize there are more flakes and nuts than honey clusters in the cereal of life…it might not leave you pumped up to climb a mountain or run through a wall, but it is pretty hilarious.

Holiday Theatre

The holidays are the best time to watch and rewatch favorite movies, and instead of a traditional Christmas movie like “Die Hard,” I think I’m going to find myself taking another ride with this fun little movie called “The Big Sick.”

It’s based on a true story, and it follows a struggling Pakistani stand-up comic, an American grad student and their culture-crossing love. Without giving too much away, what I found so compelling about the movie is that the characters actually feel like people, and they manage to cover some pretty tricky topics like prejudice and the nature of family in a touching and mostly lighthearted way.

If you have the time to check it out, I definitely suggest it…it may not be directly a holiday film, but the types of connections explored and built in the film are the foundation on which these traditions are built, and I think it captures the spirit of the season more than most. It’s also free to watch for Amazon Prime users, which I assume is pretty much all of you by now, right?

The Last Word

Well, that should about do it for this week. As always, I want to express my sincere appreciation for everyone that has continued to make “Brad’s Blog” Archway’s highest rated customer newsletter. Expect me back in your inbox in six days’ time, and mine is open in case you want to drop me a line before then. Have a great week!

The post No Holiday for Hackers 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.