Featured Articles

STAY ALERT

Mar 17 2021

STAY ALERT


		Do you sell items online using Craigslist or another online marketplace? Watch out for a new scam that attempts to use your phone number from the ad to scam others. Here’s how it works: The scammer contacts you about the item for sale and says something like, “There are lots of scammers on Craigslist these days. I need to make sure you’re really who you say you are, so I just sent you a six-digit verification code on your phone. Text me the code to prove you’re a real person.” If you send the code back, the scammer uses the code (which was actually generated by Google) and your phone number to set up a new Google Voice account. (They need a valid, working phone number to do this.) They’ll then use this new account that’s linked to your phone number to call or text future scam victims. This is typically not a scam that will cost you money or cause direct harm. The scammers’ usual goal is to merely use your phone number as a “verification number” to get additional Google Voice numbers, use it for other scams, get rid of those numbers once they’re used to scam victims, then repeat the scam over and over. To prevent being involved in this scam, do not enter any six-digit codes on calls or texts from Google unless you are the one who initiated the process and requested your number to be used on your Google Voice account. If you’ve already become a victim of the Google Voice Code Verification Scam, you need to take back your personal number. The process includes several steps, which can be found here.

SITES OF THE MONTH

Mar 17 2021

SITES OF THE MONTH


		Internal Revenue Service This will be a tax season like no other. Get the latest on coronavirus tax relief including changes to deadlines. Learn more…		Houseplant411 If you don’t have a green thumb, this site will teach you how to correctly choose, grow, and care for indoor plants. Learn more…		NerdWallet Get the most from your money with expert guides and tips, rate comparisons, smart calculators, and more. Learn more…

MUST SEE VIDEOS

Mar 17 2021

MUST SEE VIDEOS


		Mesmerizing Motion You’ll want to give a standing ovation to these seated dancers for their beautifully precise arms-only performance.		Panda-monium in the Snow Watch these playful pandas have fun in the snow at the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington, D.C.

TUTORIAL/FAQ

Feb 15 2021

TUTORIAL/FAQ


		Question: WiFi interference most commonly comes from three types of sources: Walls and floors blocking wireless signals The construction materials in your home can greatly affect wireless communication speed and range. Materials such as wood and glass don’t have much of an effect. However, denser materials such as concrete, brick, and metal can make it difficult to connect. These denser materials can also slow your network speed or even completely block wireless signals from reaching certain parts of your home. Large furniture items such as filing cabinets or bookshelves, as well as appliances like stoves or refrigerators, can also interfere with WiFi. Appliances and electronics emitting radio frequency interference WiFi interference can also come from other electronics and appliances that aren’t connected to your wireless network but use the same 2.4GHz or 5GHz frequencies to communicate. Examples include cordless phones, Bluetooth devices, wireless cameras, and baby monitors. Microwave ovens generate radio frequency noise as a byproduct, so if yours is located close to your WiFi router, you may notice a network slowdown or get disconnected only when you’re using your microwave. Other WiFi networks using the same channel as your own WiFi network Interference from competing WiFi networks is especially common in apartment buildings and other densely populated areas. WiFi networks broadcast on channels, so when nearby WiFi networks are set to use the same channel, they’ll constantly be competing with each other for limited bandwidth. Contact SRT if you experience the effects of network interference. Technicians may be able to overcome interference by moving, modifying or upgrading WiFi networking equipment.

CRAFTY IDEAS

Feb 15 2021

CRAFTY IDEAS


		New Uses for Old Records Have old records just gathering dust? Find out how to easily turn them into bookends, serving trays, bowls, or a clock.		Cardboard Box Transformation You just need some rope and a pillowcase to turn a cardboard box into a beautiful storage container for towels.