Wi-Fi has become an essential part of our digital lives that when you don't have access to it or have a weak signal it can leave you feeling frustrated and lost.  Dealing with weak Wi-Fi means you have to deal with the stress of kids who aren't able to learn distantly or play games.  It also means that you have to deal with slow loading websites and Zoom calls that freeze up or drop altogether. 
     A good solution to fixing Wi-Fi dead zones in your home is to get a wireless range extender.  The challenge is making sure you set them up to make them effective to reach all of the areas in your home.  Struggling with the concept of range extenders and how to set them up, check out my tips that will help you get a full signal throughout your home or office.
     What are Wi-Fi extenders? The best explanation of Wi-Fi range extenders is these are devices that take your current wireless signal in your home and extend it further than your router can reach. When installed properly, this allows all your smart devices such as your smartphones, laptops, tablets, and printers to communicate effectively.  
     The standard router is only designed to reach the area of a 2,500 square foot home or office and works best in open-air environments.  However, your home or office could have things that get in the way of your wireless that can disrupt and reflect your signals such as drywall, concrete walls, and ceilings. 
     You probably didn't know your appliances such as washing machines, microwaves, washing machines, and televisions send out electromagnetic waves that can play a major role in getting in the way of your Wi-Fi Signal. 
     Extenders can be a single device to extend your wireless signal or a group of devices that form a 'mesh' network that casts a Wi-Fi net of a wireless signal to reach all areas of your home or office.
     Weak wireless or slow internet? Many of you mistake slow Internet as weak Wi-Fi.  Check with your Internet provider first to make sure you are getting decent Internet speed.  Visit www.speedtest.net on your computer, smartphone or tablet while you are near your router to see what speeds you are getting. 
     If you are getting a download speed lower than 25 Megabits Per second, then you will experience issues with streaming movies, kids playing games and glitchy or dropped video calls. Sometimes an increase in Internet speed from your provider is all you need.  You also may have to switch providers if your current Internet provider can't offer you faster speeds.
     How can you find dead areas in your home or office?  Well, complaints from your kids and spouse are a good way, but an even simpler way is your smartphone. Your smartphone and the Speedtest.net app can help you identify those dead area. Once you get the app downloaded and you connect your phone to your Wi-Fi, do an initial speed test in the same room as your wireless router. 
     When the test is finished and you get an idea of how fast your wireless connection should be, take a walk around your home or office and pay attention to where the signal is weak.  Once you identify all of the weak and dead zones in your area, you can decide where to place your extenders, but first…
     The location of your router is very important. Just as if you were setting up a brick and mortar business, location is key for the placement of your wireless equipment.  If you have a single level home or office, you should have no issues with where to place your router and extender.  If your work or home area is multi-level, things get a little more complicated. When you set up your router, you want to try to make sure it's in a central location of your home or office. 
     A router that is in an attic or a basement can cause problems, especially if you have a multi-level home as the router's wireless signal has to travel through many walls. You need to make sure your router is also placed in an elevated location. Three feet or higher is the optimum level for your router.  I know you're probably tempted to place them on the floor to hide them, but that will do more harm than good.
     The location of your extenders is also important. When you set up your extender, you will need to make sure to place it within the range of the router. If you are creating a mesh Wi-Fi network, you want to make sure mesh connected items are within range of one another. 
     If at all possible, make sure you're placing your extender within the line of sight of your router.  If you're unable to do this and have to place them around corners or behind walls, make sure they are drywall and not plaster or concrete walls. You need to place your extenders at the same level as you would your routers.  
     Setting up Wi-Fi extenders can take a little trial and error to make sure you cover all of the areas of your home.  Also, when using extenders, understand that you will lose some speed as your extenders or mesh network is essentially repeating the signal from your router which can slow down your wireless connection. Once you get your extenders set up properly, you can relax and enjoy robust internet around your home or office.

Looking for More Useful Tech Tips?
     Our Tuesday Tech Tips Blog is released every Tuesday. If you like video tips, we LIVE STREAM new episodes of 'Computer and Tech Tips for Non-Tech People'  every Wednesday at 6:00 pm CST on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.   Technology product reviews are posted every Thursday. You can view previous episodes on our YouTube channel.  

     Want to ask me a tech question? Send it to burton@callintegralnow.com. I love technology. I've read all of the manuals and I'm serious about making technology fun and easy to use for everyone.
     Need computer or technology help? If you need on-site or remote tech support for your Windows\Macintosh, computers, laptops, Android/Apple smartphone, tablets, printers, routers, smart home devices, and anything that connects to the Internet, please feel free to contact my team at Integral. Reach out to us a www.callintegralnow.com or phone at 888.256.0829.
 

     The Missouri labor market’s recovery resumed in September 2020. Employment, seasonally adjusted, increased by 13,000 jobs over the month, and over-the year job losses from COVID-19 shutdowns dropped below 125,000. Missouri’s smoothed seasonally adjusted unemployment rate went down by 2.1 percentage points in September 2020, decreasing to 4.9 percent from an August 2020 rate of 7.0 percent.
     Missouri’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate has now been either below or equal to the national rate for 67 consecutive months. The national unemployment rate was 7.9 percent in September 2020. 
     The estimated number of unemployed Missourians was 146,051 in September 2020, down by 68,345 from August’s 214,396. The over-the-month drop is due in part to the unemployed workers exhausting their unemployment Insurance benefits and leaving the labor market. The change contributed to the 2.3 percent decline in Missouri’s total civilian labor force over the month. 
     Due to lingering layoffs from COVID-19 shutdowns, the September 2020 rate was still nearly 50 percent higher than the September 2019 rate. The rate had reached a record low of 3.0 percent starting in August 2018, before edging up a tenth of a point in November 2018 and again in December 2018. The rate had remained at 3.2 percent through April 2019 before decreasing by a tenth of a point in May 2019. It then began a slow increase, reaching 3.4 percent in October 2019, where it remained for the remainder of 2019.
     The rate was steady at 3.5 percent in January and February 2020 before the COVID-19 spike began in March 2020. The rate peaked at 10.2 percent in April 2020 before decreasing slightly in May 2020, then moving strongly lower in June and July of 2020 as COVID-19 restrictions were eased. The rate was unchanged in August 2020, and unemployment again decreased sharply in September 2020.   
     The state’s not-seasonally-adjusted rate was 4.3 percent in September 2020, down by 2.8 percentage points from the August 2020 not-seasonally-adjusted rate of 7.1 percent. The corresponding not-seasonally-adjusted national rate for September 2020 was 7.7 percent.  
     A year ago, the state’s seasonally adjusted rate was 3.3 percent, and the not-adjusted rate was 2.7 percent.
 

     Governor Mike Parson announced October 9th  that 39 Missouri libraries were awarded more than $870,000 through the Missouri State Library to help residents access high speed internet for telehealth and distance learning in response to COVID-19.
     “COVID-19 has created a massive shift to online services,” Parson said.  
     “Providing our public libraries with the means to meet the need for access to devices and high-speed internet will help close the connectivity gap many students and citizens are experiencing during this time.”
     Six initiatives were launched on July 2 as a part of the Rapid Broadband Deployment Initiative which uses the state’s CARES Act funding. The broadband funding for Missouri libraries allocated up to $2.5 million for this program. The Missouri State Library and Missouri Department of Economic Development reviewed and approved grant applications. 
     The program was designed to provide grants to Missouri’s public libraries for resources such as hotspots and Wi-Fi enabled devices in support of telehealth and students of higher education.
     The funds from this program will be used to establish hotspot lending programs, Wi-Fi capable laptops for patron checkout, and expanding bandwidth at libraries to accommodate additional network demands.
     Locally, Mid-Continent Public Library will receive $82,016 to  enhance their existing lending program with up to 215 hotspots .
     “We are thrilled to be the recipient of this generous grant, which will help the Library support students struggling to stay connected while attending classes,” Steven V. Potter, MCPL Director and CEO said.
     “Now more than ever, an internet connection is vital for all aspects of our lives—professional, educational, social—the hotspots acquired by this funding, along with the additional matching funds provided by Jackson County will allow customers to access the internet to attend classes and continue their post-secondary education during these very challenging times.”
 

     October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month which is designed to bring awareness to and end domestic violence. Domestic violence affects millions of people every year and includes, both women and men, of every status, race, religion, and culture. Most people think it just involves physical abuse but it also involves verbal abuse, stalking, and isolation.
     Unfortunately, as technology advances, abusers find new ways to continue abusive treatment through GPS tracking, text messages, email, cyberbullying, and social media stalking. As a technology expert, I am always looking at ways I can help people get more from the technology they use to increase there quality of life. 
    If you or someone you know is suffering domestic abuse through technology, here are some tips that can help you stop your abuser from harming you through technology.
     Abuse in any form is about power and control and technology can enable abusers to terrorize their victims from vast distances. My team and I have encountered victims of technology abuse over the years and it seems to be getting worse.  Most modern tech devices don't take much expertise to use and most features can be controlled from the abuser's smartphone. 
     A quick search of your computers, smartphones, and tablets can give your abuser access to your passwords for your online accounts. These can include,  social media, banking, smart home, and security, even your vehicle. They can even bypass being on your blocked caller's list by use spoofing technology to talk to you or leave threatening voice mail messages. 
     They can take control of your smart home locking you outside of your home or use your smart home hubs to harass you and your family. An abuser can log into your cloud accounts and download personal photos to use to blackmail you. They can also use GPS features on your smartphone, automobile, and fitness tracker car to track you and know your daily habits.  Social media can even be used as a means to control you as well.

Take steps to protect your devices from your abuser by following these steps:

1. Recognize the warning signs. 
     When encountering victims of domestic technology abuse, I always hear the same warning signs such as their abuser always knowing where they are and who they are spending time with. I hear other things as noticing that email and social media accounts being tampered with, emails that they didn't delete ending up in the trash can, people unfriended that they didn't unfriend.  There is also the sign of online accounts being logged into at times the person wasn't on or near a smartphone or computer. 
     What's worse, pictures that were taken meant for personal use can wind up on social media as a means to control or blackmail the victim. Take special note of when you log into your accounts and be very careful what you are sharing on your social media accounts. Most online services keep a log of when and where accounts were logged in, so you can also check account logs to see when your accounts were logged in.

2. Take an inventory of all of your technology. 
     In our digital age, everything is connected to the cloud which is why it's important for you to make note of all your gadgets.  Smartphones, computers (including your kids), smart home items, and your car could be used by your abuser. Take special care if your abuser gave you any of these items or set them up as they could have been configured to spy on you.
     Also, take note of any accounts that you may share and accounts you have shared your login information. Family accounts that come with Android, Windows, and Apple automatically update all devices when you make changes.  Apps and changes you make to your devices will be updated on all devices. This means your abuser could be tracking and harassing you with the information you previously shared.
     In your defense, you can use the family account settings to see if there are devices you don't recognize on your account.  If you see some, they could be your abuser's device.  

3. Check out the apps on your devices.  
     Sometimes an abuser will install software on your smartphone or computer that can track your keystrokes, your location, phone logs, and text message.  If you notice your smartphone isn't holding a charge like it used to, you could have what's called 'stalkerware' installed on your devices. 
     Also if you have any family tracking software installed on your devices, remember those can track your location as well.

4. Use a passcode on your devices rather than a fingerprint or facial recognition. 
     There are some abusers that have become wise enough to unlock your devices with your fingerprint or your face when you're asleep. Passcode technology is more secure, so if you're able to get rid of fingerprint or facial recognition as a login for your devices without arousing suspicion do it.
     Speaking of passwords, I know many of you are used to saving your passwords in email accounts, the note app on your phone, and even on cloud-based services like OneDrive, Google Drive, or iCloud, but you need to get out of that habit. These cloud-based accounts sync to the cloud so if your abuser has access to those accounts, they will see any changes you make to documents stored on your devices.

     Depending on your situation, you might want to wait until you make the following changes to your smart devices.  When abusers start to lose control of you and are no longer able to access your tech devices, their behavior usually escalates. Once you get into a safe place, you want to have a technology security expert check out your devices, but here are something you can do in the meantime:

1. Change the passwords for all of your devices and online accounts. 
     Seems like something most people would remember, but they don't.  Use the inventory of your tech devices and online accounts to help you change those passwords. When you change account passwords, your abuser may get notified which why it's important that you're at a safe place. 
     You should also establish new email and social media accounts (if you can't rename them) creating account names that do not tie into you in any way.  When you're creating those new accounts, make sure you set up 2-factor authentication on your accounts, which will alert you when there is unauthorized access attempted on your accounts.
     You should consider using a password manager such as the one built into your browser or LastPass. A password manager will help you generate secure passwords that your stalker won't be able to guess as well as helping you remember all of those new account passwords you will have to create.

2. Perform a factory reset of all of your devices. 
     It's important to perform a factory reset on your devices as this will wipe out any 'stalkerware' and device settings that are allowing your abuser to track your movement. Devices include desktops, laptops, smartphones, tablets, kids' devices, smart home, and even your automobile systems. For your automobile, you will have to call the manufacture to get this done. 
     Before you perform a factory reset on your devices, make sure you perform a full backup of the information on all of your devices. If you share a mobile carrier account with your abuser, you might consider dropping that account, leaving your phone, and creating a new account with your carrier.  If you're unable to do that, consider a prepaid phone plan.  

3. Change your privacy settings on your social media accounts.
     Believe it or not, your social media accounts such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Linkedin, Pinterest, Snapchat and TikTok can be found with a quick Google search.  If possible, change your name on these accounts to an alias (you should change your profile picture as well) to keep your accounts safe from the prying eyes of search engines. Take the time to change your privacy settings on your social media accounts on your computers and your devices to make sure you aren't sharing your friend lists and that your social media account will show up online and that the tracking features built into social media software and apps don't reveal your location.  You want to change the privacy settings for web-based email accounts such as Google as sometimes these accounts can reveal your physical location.

4. Use a service to remove your identity off the Internet.
     Data collection sites get your information from a variety of sources and it can be hard to track down every location where your personal information will appear.  Services like Unroll.me and Delete.me can make sure your personal information stays off the Internet. You can also send a request to Google, Yahoo, and Bing to have your information removed from search engines.

     If you suspect that an abusive partner is using technology to spy on you, seek help. Report the abuse to your local authorities. Visit a public location like a library, or your doctor’s office and ask to use their phone to call your local domestic violence shelter, the National Domestic Violence Hotline (800-799-SAFE), or the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800-656-HOPE).  If your calls are being tracked, call your local services hotline, like 211 or 311, and ask to be transferred to a local resource center. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

Looking for More Useful Tech Tips?
Our Tuesday Tech Tips Blog is released every Tuesday. If you like video tips, we LIVE STREAM new episodes of 'Computer and Tech Tips for Non-Tech People'  every Wednesday at 6:00 pm CST on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.   Technology product reviews are posted every Thursday. You can view previous episodes on our YouTube channel.  

Want to ask me a tech question? Send it to burton@callintegralnow.com. I love technology. I've read all of the manuals and I'm serious about making technology fun and easy to use for everyone. 
 

     For 25 years, Truman Heartland Community Foundation has been bringing people and businesses from our region together annually to celebrate the community servants and philanthropic organizations who make a difference in Eastern Jackson County. In this time filled with crisis’s, distress and divisions, this year’s event was a celebration and a call to action. 
     On Saturday, September 26, we hosted our 25th Annual Toast to Our Towns Gala. Presented by CommunityAmerica Credit Union and broadcast online to more than 80 watch parties, this dynamic one-hour program reminded us of the many ways that philanthropy strengthens our community. Together, with seven local mayors, Truman Heartland awarded the Citizen of the Year awards.
     Brent Schondelmeyer and Lee Williams were recognized as the Heartland Humanitarians of the Year. Speaks Chapels was honored as the Heartland Corporate Citizen of the Year. Junior Service League of Independence, celebrating their 75th anniversary, received the Heartland Service Award. Adam Kliethermes was awarded the Dr. Paul M. Thomson Professional Advisor Award.
     This inspiring group of honorees has devoted countless hours, financial support and resources to help bring about positive change in our community. Although they come from different backgrounds, with unique skillsets and philanthropic interests they are united by their willingness not only to lend a hand to help others, but with the conviction that it is a responsibility to do so. This was a reoccurring message from our honorees - the privilege and responsibility of giving back to the community.
     We also had a call to action from our 2020 Heartland Humanitarians, Brent and Lee. For more than 30 years, the couple has been working behind the scenes to drive community initiatives throughout the region. In their remarks they noted the many ways they are privileged, including race, education, opportunities, the transfer of generational wealth, and extraordinary friendships.
     They also announced that they have established the Racial Equity Action Fund at Truman Heartland Community Foundation. The fund aims to recognize, identify and address the racial inequities in our community. Led by an advisory committee, which includes a member of Truman Heartland’s Youth Advisory Council, the fund will make grants for the following purposes.
     Support community organizing efforts within communities of color that promote voter registration, voter engagement and community involvement.
     Support racial equity projects identified by the Truman Heartland Community Foundation Youth Advisory Council.
     Support projects that increase the diversity and effectiveness of public boards and commissions.
     Strengthen relationships among Eastern Jackson County residents, particularly across racial and ethnic groups.
     Increase awareness of resources and best practices related to advancing racial equity.
     Increase understanding or our community’s challenges with racial equity and race relations.
     Provide access to stories and diverse perspectives on the lived experience or racial inequity in Eastern Jackson County.
     I was very pleased to hear about Brent and Lee’s plans for this fund, yet another example of why they deserved to be recognized as the Humanitarian of the Year. Brent and Lee made the initial gift to establish the fund and I was pleased to make a grant from my CEO discretionary fund to support this effort. 
     The Racial Equity Action Fund has already received $19,000 in contributions and I know many others in our community will also want to support this effort.  As your Community Foundation, we are committed to strengthening the community and believe that we have a responsibility, like our honorees, to use our position in the community to promote initiatives that support collaboration to make immediate and substantial changes that will have a long-term impact in Eastern Jackson County and the surrounding communities.
     If you are interested in making a contribution to the Racial Equity Action Fund, I encourage you to visit www.thcf.org/donate/racial-equity. Truman Heartland donor advised fundholders can also make a grant from their fund to support the Racial Equity Action Fund.
     Our region is full of diverse and caring individuals. We are deeply grateful that we had the opportunity to come together as a community to celebrate this year’s honorees and inspire giving during this historic and challenging time. The Toast to Our Towns Gala would not be possible without the continued support from our generous sponsors and the Truman Heartland Community Foundation Board and Advisory Board members who helped plan this year’s virtual event.
     My sincere thanks to everyone in the community who supported our 25th Annual Toast to Our Towns Gala. And congrats again to all our honorees.
 
Phil Hanson is the President and CEO of Truman Heartland Community Foundation. Truman Heartland Community Foundation (THCF) is a 501(c)(3) public charity committed to improving the communities in and around Eastern Jackson County through cooperation with community members and donors. THCF serves the region with assets of more than $50 million and annual grants surpassing $4.8 million. For more information on charitable giving, visit www.thcf.org or call Truman Heartland at 816.836.8189.
 

     The Grain Valley Partnership welcomes two new partners
 
Hegagon Hair and Yoga
Puppy Love
​
For more information on business partners and upcoming events hosted by the Grain Valley Partnership, visit www.growgrainvalley.org.
 

​     Things don't last as they used to and that is true in a sense.  In our digital world, most computers, smartphones, and tablets usually don't last longer than a couple of years. When you have problems that occur with your smartphone, you're probably tempted to purchase a new one than to get it repaired. 
     Times are changing and more and more people stopping the trend of getting new smartphones every two years and holding on to their devices for three years or longer.  This is understandable with the average price of an Apple or Android smartphone starting at $1,000.
     If you take the right steps, you can make your smartphone last a long time. If you want to save some money on smartphone purchases and extend the life of your device, check out the following tips.

1. Reset your Smartphone Back to Factory Defaults. 
     If you start to experience problems with your Apple and Android smartphones, reset it.  Doing this will remove any virus, glitches, and other odd things that could be occurring with your devices and make it work as if you just took your phone out of the box.

     For iPhones: Find the reset option under Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings.

     For Androids: Go to Settings > System > Advanced > Reset options> Erase all data (factory reset)
     Keep in mind resetting your device will erase all of your information such as pictures, videos, documents and passwords so make sure you back up all of your information to Google Drive, Google Photos, or iCloud.

2. Get a protective case for your phone.  
     A broken screen or case can lead to an expensive smartphone repair bill. Your best bet is to get a protective case and screen for your phone.  You will drop it at some point and it's better to shell out $40-$50 dollars for a case rather than a $250 or more bill to repair your smartphone.  

3. You know you can replace the battery.
     Batteries are normally the first thing to fail on an aging smartphone. Batteries that are in smartphones only have a short lifespan, usually only lasting two years or a little longer.  Some models of smartphones allow users to easily change out batteries, but many newer models will require you to have a professional do it for you.
     When getting a replacement battery, make sure you get manufacture approved battery or else you will experience problems down the road.

4. Your smartphone can be fixed.
     A bad battery, cracked screen, phones dropped in toilets, they can all be fixed.  Most repair shops can take care of all of your issues easily, but keep in mind the repair might not be cheap ... but cheaper than the price of a new phone ... even if you're still under contract. Your jaw may drop if you experience a $250 - $300 repair bill on a smartphone, but remember you'll still owe for that phone even if you broke it.

5. Don't load up your phone with too many files and apps.
     When your smartphone starts to slow down, it could be a sign you have too much stuff on running on your phone.  Pictures and videos usually take up the most room, so it's a good idea you save your information with iCloud or Google Photo. Check to see if your phone storage is a capacity.  If it is, remove items to clear up some room and restart.

     Check storage settings on iPhone: Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage. You'll see a list of apps sorted by the amount of storage space used. When you select an app, you'll have the option of deleting it. You can also automatically offload any apps you haven't used in a while. Go to Settings > iTunes & App Stores and toggle on Offload Unused App. This will remove the app but leave the data behind, in case you want to reload the app at a future date.

     Check Storage settings on Android:  Go to Settings > Storage > Free up space. To delete an app, tap the empty box to the right to select and then tap Free up.

    If you have an Android phone, you have the option of adding a microSD card to your phone to give you additional storage.

6. Clean the charging port.
     If your smartphone isn't charging, the charging port is probably dirty.  With your phone being stored in your pocket or purse, it's easy to get dirt and lint which will block your phone's ability to charge.  A wooden or plastic toothpick is the easiest way to clean up your smartphone's charging port.

     Android and Apple normally support their phones for about 4 years so keep this in mind when owning your smartphone.  Eventually, newer software upgrades will force you to get a new phone, but you might as well use the above habits to experience a long life with your smartphone.

Looking for More Useful Tech Tips?

     Our Tuesday Tech Tips Blog is released every Tuesday. If you like video tips, we live stream new episodes of 'Computer and Tech Tips for Non-Tech People'  every Wednesday at 6:00 pm CST on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Technology product reviews are posted every Thursday. You can view previous episodes on our YouTube channel.  

     Want to ask me a tech question? Send it to burton@callintegralnow.com. I love technology. I've read all of the manuals and I'm serious about making technology fun and easy to use for everyone.

     If you need on-site or remote tech support for your Windows\Macintosh, computers, laptops, Android/Apple smartphone, tablets, printers, routers, smart home devices, and anything that connects to the Internet, please feel free to contact my team at Integral. Reach out to us a www.callintegralnow.com or phone at 888.256.0829.
 

     The pace of Missouri labor market’s recovery was essentially flat in August 2020. Employment, seasonally adjusted, decreased by 1,200 jobs over the month, and over-the year job losses increased slightly from upwardly revised July levels.
     The state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased by one-tenth of a percentage point from July 2020 to August 2020. 
     Missouri’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate has now been either below or equal to the national rate for 66 consecutive months. The national unemployment rate was 8.4 percent in August 2020. 
     The estimated number of unemployed Missourians was 215,249 in August 2020, up by 3,825 from July’s revised 211,424. 
     Missouri’s smoothed seasonally adjusted unemployment rate went up by a tenth of a percentage point in August 2020, increasing to 7.0 percent from the July 2020 rate of 6.9 percent. 
     Due to on-going impacts of COVID-19 shutdowns, the August 2020 rate was still more than double the August 2019 rate. The rate had reached a record low of 3.0 percent starting in July 2018, before edging up a tenth of a point in November 2018 and again in December 2018. The rate had remained at 3.2 percent through April 2019 before decreasing by a tenth of a point in May 2019. It then began a slow increase, reaching 3.4 percent in October 2019, where it remained for the remainder of 2019. The rate was steady at 3.5 percent   
     |n January and February 2020 before the COVID-19 spike began in March 2020. The rate peaked at 10.2 percent in April 2020 before decreasing slightly in May 2020, then moving strongly lower in June and July of 2020 as COVID-19 restrictions were eased. 
     The state’s not-seasonally-adjusted rate was 7.1 percent in August 2020, down by a tenth of a percentage point from the July 2020 not-seasonally-adjusted rate of 7.2 percent. The corresponding not-seasonally-adjusted national rate for August 2020 was 8.5 percent.  
     A year ago, the state’s seasonally adjusted rate was 3.2 percent, and the not-adjusted rate was 3.5 percent. 
 

     You go out to purchase a new computer because your old computer is running slower than it used to.  You think everything will be faster and easier once you get that new computer home, but you notice that your desktop or laptop computer lagging. I know there is a group of you who would make the statement 'You should have purchased a Mac', but in reality, most of you focus on price rather than system specifications when getting a new computer.
     Most people who purchase Mac don't have to worry about system specifications, but purchasers of Windows computers do need to keep an eye out for the right configuration.
So if you're wondering why that new shiny computer is running slow, it's probably one of these reasons.
     Before I list out the reasons why that new computer is running slow, I need to share that Mac and Windows computers are essentially the same on the inside.  I'm sure all of the parts on the inside of both computers come from the same factories in Taiwan. Apple makes a point to make sure they make their computer top of the line.  This makes purchasing a Mac easy, as all you have to worry about is what size screen you need or if you want a desktop or a laptop. 
     Windows computers work as well as Macs, but they are usually designed for different price points to appeal to users from all economic backgrounds.  The problem with this is that lower price Windows computers you purchase might not handle your high tech needs.  Regardless, Windows or Mac, here is what you should be searching for:

1. Not enough computing power.
     In many cases, that new computer you purchased may not have a fast processor or enough RAM. The processor allows the computer to process information.  The faster the processor, the faster it will run. RAM helps your computer do more at once, meaning you can have multiple files and programs open at the same time.
     When looking at computers don't focus on the brand name. Get a computer with an Intel i5, i7 or i9 processor.  As far as RAM, make sure your new computer comes with  8GB, 16GB or more of RAM available. How much you need is going to depend on what you plan on doing with the computer.
     For most people who use a Windows or Mac computer, I recommend at least 8GB of RAM, but 16GB offers a better computer experience.

2. You got a computer with an old school hard drive.
     Even though (SSD) or solid-state drives have been around for a while, there are some computer manufactures that will install older mechanical hard drives in computers to keep the price lower. These drives can slow your computer down because unlike SSD, the drive has to spin around to find your information like an old school vinyl LP. 
     SSD drives work super fast because there are no moving parts.  This allows your computer to start faster, find documents and files quicker, and just improves your overall computer experience.
     Even if your computer is a couple of years old, you might want to consider upgrading to an SSD.  The price of installation is a fraction of the cost of a new computer.  Plus, you can transfer an exact duplicate of your old computer hard drive to the new drive and you won't miss a beat.

3. Your computer came loaded with a bunch of unwanted software. 
     You won't see this with Apple computers, but Windows computers will sometimes come loaded with what's called 'bloatware'. Bloatware includes all of those useless trials and games that you will never use. 
     These third-party programs are a source of revenue for the computer manufacturer.  The best thing to so when you get a new computer is to completely uninstall this junk from your computer.

4. It was your Internet that was Slow, not the computer.
     With much of the work you do being on the Internet, it's easy to get confused if your computer is running slow vs a slow internet connection.  Visit Speedtest.net (www.speedtest.net) to check out your Internet speed.  You should have a download speed of 25 Mbps or higher to be able to take full advantage of video conferencing, emailing, file sharing, and more.

     Improved speed is the main reason you should invest in a new laptop or desktop computer. Don’t let a lagging computer disrupt your productivity. Follow the steps I have outlined every time you invest in new technology.
 
     Want to ask me a tech question? Send it to burton@callintegralnow.com. If you prefer to connect with me on social media, you can find me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter and watch great tech tip videos on my YouTube channel. I love technology. I've read all of the manuals and I want to make technology fun and exciting for you.
 

     Nina Ward launched KC Classic Gourmet Foods in January 2019 and found a home for her business in Grain Valley, after searching all over the metro for the right location. Ward’s son-in-law, who works in real estate, found the perfect location in Grain Valley for the specialty food product creator.
      With more than 45 years experience in the food and restaurant business, Ward is an expert at developing and manufacturing specialty food products, the focus of KC Classic Gourmet Foods.
     Ward grew up working in her family’s
Jose’s Family Restaurants in the Kansas City area. Ward’s family was “pure Italian” running a Mexican restaurant. Ward says this helped them “put a different spin on the traditional fare”.
     The restaurant’s taco sauce was so beloved, customers often asked for a jar to take home. This became the first product Ward helped place on grocer’s shelves, and the education she gained from the experience launched her businesses in specialty products.
     Ward develops creative products from premium ingredients with a focus on food for informal gatherings, perfect for cheering on your favorite team, or gathering with family and friends.  
     “My specialty is the gourmet cheese dips. They’re shelf stable and we have 9 flavors. We’ll have three new flavors by the holidays: a Sweet Potato Pie, Dill, and a Bread and Butter Pickle dip. The most popular cheese dip is the Raspberry Jalapeno Dip,” Ward said.
     KC Classic Gourmet Foods products can be found in 127 regional outlets, including Hy-Vee and Hen House markets.
     Ward also works with entrepreneurs to develop and distribute products.
     For more information on KC Classic Gourmet Foods or to order products directly from their store, visit www.kcclassicgourmetfoods.com or call 816-506-9023.