Vinyl record albums peaked in the 1970s. But their sales plunged in the following decades as magnetic tape, CDs and streaming music advanced. Now, technological enhancements have breathed new life into nostalgia for vinyl albums and turntables. Back to the future Fans of classic vinyl albums and turntables can now enjoy the best of both… Read more »
Once upon a time, all televisions came in clunky wooden cabinets we set in our living rooms. Today’s thinner TVs offer much greater flexibility and can be placed in many locations throughout your home and its rooms. But where’s the best place? Here’s what you need to know about where to place your TV. Initial… Read more »
You probably use your dishwasher daily, so it seems counterintuitive that you must clean the appliance itself. But dirt and grime can build up in your dishwasher and keep it from working its best. Here’s our guide to cleaning your dishwasher. How to Clean Your Dishwasher Food waste and grime can build up in your… Read more »
Believe it or not, your washing machine can get dirty. You may be running loads several times a week, but particularly if you typically use cold water, live in a humid area, have hard water or wash heavily soiled clothes, you need to take affirmative steps to keep your washing machine pristine. Here’s how to… Read more »
Microplastics are possibly the most universal pollutant on the planet. Many are so tiny they can’t be seen without magnification. So what exactly are they, how can they affect you, and how can you protect yourself? Progress or poison? Plastics have become a mainstay of modern living. And because plastics are so universal, so are… Read more »
Digital photo frames are a great way to simplify your home decor while still enjoying cherished family photos. Benefits of digital photo frames Family photographs have traditionally graced mantles, bookshelves and walls. Today, a digital photo frame displays scores of photos on a single, elegant frame in crystal clear high definition. Here’s what you’ll love… Read more »
Fire can break out at your house even if you’re careful, so preparing ahead can save people and property. It’s a good idea to have fire extinguishers nearby and ready to use. Here’s a brief tutorial to arm yourself against catastrophe. Types of fire extinguishers and their use Should a fire break out in your… Read more »
Christmas and other winter holidays bring excitement and good cheer, but they also create waste: lots of it. It’s estimated that more than 1 million extra tons of trash go to landfills each Christmas. And many celebrations increase the country’s carbon footprint. If you’re concerned about the environment, take a look at our guide to… Read more »
Your home and business Internet service choices are limited if you live in a rural area. Speeds are slower than in the city, plans are pricey, and there are few providers. Fortunately, Elon Musk and Amazon are launching new technology in satellite delivery that should revolutionize rural Internet service. Country folks have limited internet choices… Read more »
When a friend or family member visits, you may gladly share your Wi-Fi password. After all, you know and trust these guest users. Unfortunately, that person’s device can unknowingly expose you to malware. The solution is to set up a guest account on your Wi-Fi. Here’s how it works. A gracious and prudent solution Your… Read more »
The growth in Wi-Fi usage means we’ve seen a steady decline in the number of cords from our devices. Yet we still must manage some unsightly cords hanging from the back of the desk, down walls and on the floor. Here’s how to manage cords effectively and attractively. Gather together There are two main sources… Read more »
Nearly every homeowner has experienced the maddening intermittent chirping of a smoke alarm, too often in the middle of the night. Though it may seem the chirp is just there to annoy you, it’s actually designed to alert you that your smoke alarm needs attention. Here’s how to stop a chirping smoke alarm That chirp… Read more »
Home appliances offer great convenience … until they don’t. So what should you do when that sleek new appliance has a defect? Doing homework pays off You can head off most post-purchase dissatisfaction with some online research before you buy. First, look for articles on “best” or “most reliable” brands. You may find reporting on… Read more »
Most homeowners deal with their homes’ electrical circuit breakers only when a breaker “trips” and lights or electrically powered devices stop working. But the circuit breaker box is a vital safety system and one of the most important components in any building. Let’s cover the basics of circuit breakers and how to manage them when… Read more »
The many choices for home security cameras can be bewildering. There are different types of cameras, different ways they are powered and different ways images are stored and viewed. Let’s bring some clarity to the security camera picture. Questions to ask yourself Installing home security cameras can provide peace of mind. Burglars and intruders may… Read more »
Sometimes the router in a home Internet system doesn’t cover all areas equally, leaving dead spots. If the simplest fixes don’t solve your problem, you may need a Wi-Fi extender or a mesh system. Check out our tips for bringing those dead spots to life. Try the simplest fixes first If your router is at… Read more »
Statistically, you are more likely to suffer expensive water damage in your home than a fire or burglary. Each year homeowners file more than $10 billion in water damage claims with insurance companies. Advancing technology offers monitoring and leak detectors that can sense and stop a leak quickly and spare your home big damage. Here’s… Read more »
As the COVID-19 pandemic rages on, scammers are preying upon people’s fear of the virus to steal their money and personal information. One way fraudsters do this is through contact tracing scams. Contact tracing is a legitimate method for limiting the spread of disease, but scammers are posing as contract tracers to rip people off…. Read more »
We all shut down our computers sometimes, if for no other reason than software updates require it. But what about your home server, modem, and router? Does your home network need to stay on all the time? Or are there advantages to shutting it down periodically? Advantages of shutting down The best time to shut… Read more »
