Extension Inbox from 2013
Technology has integrated itself so far into our daily lives that it is even making its way down the aisles at weddings. The concept may be a little difficult to embrace, but there are some aspects that may appeal even to traditionalists like me.
If family members insist on inviting the black sheep or other unwanted guests, couples can invite them to Skype into the wedding ceremony. Skype also can solve transportation challenges. I’ve heard of a bridesmaid who couldn’t make it to the wedding so Skype enabled a groomsman to carry her down the aisle on an iPad.
Obsessive-compulsives are not the only ones who should note that the second Monday in February is National Clean Out Your Computer Day. Cleaning a computer is a great way to speed up the computer, find files more quickly and prevent pesky viruses and spyware from taking control of the hard drive.
Mississippi is going "app" when it comes to attracting tourists to our state's historical and cultural treasures.
Many Mississippians are choosing to stay close to home and explore, while others from outside the state are choosing to visit for our natural resources and literary heritage, as well as to discover the birthplace of America’s music. It is easy in the hustle and bustle to forget the hidden gems just up the road from us.
Backing up computer data is not only a smart move; it can save the files, time and money in the long run.
I cannot count the number of times computer users have said to me, “I know I saved it, but I can’t find it anywhere on my computer. It just vanished.” While there is a small chance that your computer is evil and out to get you, the more likely scenario is that you saved the file incorrectly.
Daffodils are giving their last burst of color while the Bradford pear trees are blooming, signaling we have survived another winter. This time of year makes me do crazy things like host a tea party in my backyard for 15 preschool friends and their families, which means I have a lot of landscape work to do.
With spring just around the corner, many of us are contemplating when it will be warm enough to go fishing. But be aware that a dangerous form of bait lurks on the Internet waiting to hook you. This type of fishing is known as phishing, and the Internal Revenue Service reports that fraudulent phishing attacks are at an all-time high this year.
Alternative arrangements are needed before a death or other circumstances interfere with access to online accounts.
Typically, one person in the household takes responsibility for paying the bills online or managing the online banking account. However, if something happens to that person, the whole family’s finances can be in jeopardy.
Recent national tragedies have reminded us once again how important it is to stay in touch with loved ones and emergency response officials for breaking news. Being technology-ready before disaster strikes is critical to saving lives, connecting friends and family, and assisting first responders.
One of the best things about life today is the way technology allows people to stay connected across long distances.
Recently, a friend was unable to travel to a grandfather’s funeral. Along with other friends and family, we huddled around an iPhone and watched the funeral live using an app called FaceTime. We did it up right with flowers, food and stories galore. It was a unique way to bring family together to celebrate the life of a loved one.
Memorial Day is when many Americans take a step back to remember those who died in service to our country. Technology can bring us closer to those brave souls who died on the shores of Normandy or those laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery, even if time and distance separate us.
Don’t let lengthy to-do lists or holiday activities such as family picnics and long weekend getaways cause you to forget the reason we observe Memorial Day.
Much like personal computers and 2-year-old children, Android smartphones can throw their own versions of temper tantrums. Mine recently slowed to a crawl and became increasingly unresponsive.
Before I decided to send it off to that great e-waste landfill, I made one last attempt to revive its broken spirit. To begin with, I turned it off, waited a few moments, and then turned it back on. While an obvious first step, most of us forget that our phones run constantly.
Summer is in full swing, and the boys of summer are keeping us entertained in ballparks across this great nation. As college baseball winds up in Omaha and Major League Baseball heads toward the All-Star break, fans are turning to technology to enhance their baseball experience.
Technology hurts. Whether you’re banging your head on the desk in frustration or watching money disappear with the purchase of the new, must-have gadget, technology can hurt both physically and mentally.
Like many of you, I spend a great deal of quality time with my mouse and keyboard. During a recent workday, my wrist and forearm began to hurt so badly I had to stop altogether. Most of us know this type of pain as the beginning of carpal tunnel syndrome.
School-age children are filling up backpacks with pencils and crayons as they prepare for the first day of school, which will be followed closely by homework assignments to complete on home computers. Increased computer usage brings the need for parental supervision and vigilance.