With many communities reopening, it's important that you know how to continue to stay safe from the coronavirus. Whether you're going to head back outside or you prefer to continue to shelter in place, there are some steps you need to take to reduce your exposure to COVID-19 and to lower the chances that you will spread it to someone else.
     Regardless of how much of a threat you think this virus is, keeping yourself and your home sanitized helps everyone out. To help you out, I've put together this handy reopening toolkit to help you.
 
1. Wash Your Hands and Keep Them Moisturized.
     The most important step to lower your risk to COVID-19 is to wash your hands. Do this after you cough or sneeze, use the restroom (public or private), and when you're leaving one place to another. Regular soap and water will do as long as you perform the 20-second wash (remember the whole bit on social media of saying your ABCs while washing your hands?)
     If you don't want to spend your time searching out soap, hand sanitizer will do in a pinch. Keep in mind that using soap and water is much easier on your hands. You should probably moisturize your hands once in a while as well, to keep them from getting dry and brittle.
 
2. Wear a Mask or Not ... Your Choice. 
     The CDC recommends that you wear a mask when you're out and about. Not everyone will like this advice, but it's not about keeping you safe, it's about keeping others who at a higher risk safe from the virus. If you don't want to wear a mask, make sure you at least practice good social distancing when in public places.
 
  
3. Clean and Disinfect Your Keys and Credit Cards.
     Did you know 1 in every 12 bank cards and one in seven-dollar bills are contaminated with germs? This goes for your car keys as well. It doesn't do you any good if you are washing your hands but not disinfecting items you will carry with you and use when you are out and about. You could wipe your keys and credit cards with disinfecting wipe after each use and wash your hands or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer after handling money. 
     You could also consider purchasing Phone Soap (www.phonesoap.com). If you follow my blog, hopefully, you know about this wonderful device that uses UV Rays to thoroughly disinfect those items like smartphones as well as keys credit cards and money.
     To further minimize your risks, when making purchases while you are out, you should consider using retailers that have a no-cash policy and that are using contactless pay systems such as Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, and Square wireless payment systems.
 
4. Clean and Disinfect Your Home's High-Touch Surfaces.
     It's important you understand that cleaning and disinfecting are two separate things. Cleaning means you removing dirt and grime from surfaces. Disinfecting is the act of killing germs and viruses.
     Researchers have discovered the coronavirus can live on surfaces like plastic and stainless steel for up to three days, so it's important that you are cleaning and disinfecting surfaces in your home at least once a day.  
     Everyone's house is a little different, so think about the surfaces you touch the most. Not sure what surfaces are considered high touch, here's a list:
Light switches
Doorknobs
Table surfaces
Kitchen and bathroom counters
Toilet seats and handles
Kitchen and bathroom faucet knobs
 
     Now that you know what to target, you have several options. You can use Clorox bleach wipes (if you can find them) to properly disinfect.
     I'm a green guy, so I will always recommend eco-friendly products like Pure and Clean's Surface cleaner (www.pureandclean.us). Pure and Clean doesn't use harsh chemicals to make sure your home is disinfected. If you prefer making your own solution, you can mix 50% water with 50% of a solution of 70% Isopropyl Alcohol.
 
5. Don't Forget to Clean and Disinfect Your Tech Devices.
     Tech devices such as smartphones, laptops, tablets, remotes, keyboards, mice, and portable gaming systems are high-touch items. Unlike your high home items, you can't use bleach or vinegar on these items as they can ruin the device.
     Instead, you want to stick with the eco-friendly Pure and Clean Surface Cleaner or your homemade solution of water and rubbing alcohol. When you clean your tech items, always use a microfiber cloth to avoid leaving scratches on your tech toys and like your household items, let the cleaning solution sit on your device for at least 3 minutes so they are properly disinfected.
     If you want an easy way to clean all of those gadgets at once consider purchasing Home Soap. From the makers of Phone Soap, this device is large enough to hold smaller laptops, tablets, phones, remotes, and more allowing you to disinfect all of those tech items at once.
     Also, to keep the germs off your smartphone, consider purchasing the Tech21 Anti-Microbial Case (www.tech21.com) This case promises to reduce the number of germs and microbes that grow on your phone.
  
  
6. Consider Enabling 'Contract Tracing' on Your Smartphone and Tablet.
     Keep in mind that a virus doesn't spread itself, people spread a virus which is why Apple and Android have teamed up to develop Exposure Notification. This technology combined with specific apps, will help the authorities notify you if you have come into contact with someone who has tested positive for the coronavirus.
     You also have the option to able to update your status if you test positive. The whole process is supposed to be completely anonymous, but there have been concerns about the amount of information that will be shared with Apple, Android, and the government if you use this feature.
     Only 3 states have signed on board for this service, but it's my recommendation that it becomes available in your area and you find yourself venturing out more and more, that you enable this feature on your smartphone and tablet.

     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.

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. My team of friendly tech experts are always standing by to answer your questions and help make your technology useful and fun. Reach out to us a www.callintegralnow.com or phone at 888.256.0829.
 

​     I hope everyone is doing well with this quarantine. My wife and I both run essential businesses, so life hasn't changed much for us.
    I know it's tough, but remember that we are all in this together working towards keeping everyone healthy. At this point, you've probably run out of things to do while you're isolated at home, so I've come up with some tech-related spring cleaning tips to help you pass the time.
     These tips aren't mandatory but can help add a little more organization to your life.
1. Organize and digitize those old photos, slides, and videos.
     Remember that project of collecting those old photo albums and making them digital? Now is a great time to make that happen. You can use your all in one printer to scan in photos from that photo album. Have photos that are stuck in the cellophane of the photo album? Use the camera from your smartphone to make them digital.
     Videos are a little tricky, those you will have to send off to have them converted to a digital format. Looking for a place domestically to send them? Check out Ken Smithers with Picture This Video (https://picture-this-video-inc.business.site/). This 'Video Archeologist' can convert videotapes from any format to digital. Once you convert those photos and videos to digital, you can use Google Photos to backup and save those precious memories...you can even share your account details so other members of your family can enjoy them as well.
     If you're looking to have a complete collection of your photos and videos, consider downloading them from your Facebook account.
2. Update (or create) your LinkedIn account.
     Doesn't matter if you've been laid off, any spare time is a good time to update your LinkedIn account. Don't have one? It's time to create one. When you send your resume and cover letter to prospective employers, the first place they will check you out is on social media, specifically LinkedIn.
     When making changes to your profile, update your job information and make sure you upload a professional photo.
 
3. Speed up that slow computer or device.
     Yes, you probably don't have any place to go, but there's no need for dealing with a slow device. With technology, less is more. Start by limiting the number of items that startup with your computer, phone, and tablet. On computers, you can disable programs that startup when you turn it on.
     With smartphones and tablets, you want to close out some of the apps that are running in the background. If you have an older computer, consider upgrading the hard drive to an SSD or solid-state hard drive.
 
4. Take advantage of that free credit report. 
     I think cyber crime has affected all of us. You need to keep on top of your credit score by using free tools like Credit Karma (www.creditkarma.com) or Annual Credit Report (AnnualCreditReport.com). Keeping on top of your credit lets you know if criminals have access to your personal data.
5. Update Your Devices.
     I know most of you have put off updating your devices because they are a pain in the butt. Now that you have the time, download those security updates you've been putting off for your Windows, Macintosh, Smartphone, or Table. Security updates are posted to protect you from the latest threats.

6. Erase yourself from people search websites.
     No one wants their personal information on the web, but in our digital world personal data is king. There is no limit to the organizations that are selling your data to advertisers and businesses. You can pay a fee to services like DeleteMe.
     You can also go through the task of deleting old email accounts, eliminating social media accounts you don't use and writing to Google to remove your information from websites. It won't happen in a day, but you can regain control of your privacy.
     As I stated, these aren't technology tips that are required. You can choose to do them or not do them. Of course, it will be of great benefit to you if you follow these tips and at the very least, it will give you something to occupy your mind so you don't succumb to quarantine Madness.

     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.

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. My team of friendly tech experts are always standing by to answer your questions and help make your technology useful and fun. Reach out to us a www.callintegralnow.com or phone at 888.256.0829.
 

​     Everyone across the nation is working from home and to alleviate that feeling of isolation we are all relying on video conference. With this wonderful piece of technology, we can check in with our teammates, consult with our customers, communicate with our family and have virtual happy hours with our colleagues.
     Before you jump on the video conference and start using a particular piece of software, there are some things you need to take in to consideration like what is the best software application for you and what things you need to have in place before you use video chat.  Follow my tips to find out what things you need to have in place.


How fast are you surfing the web?
     Before you even begin to think about streaming video, you need to get a good idea of how fast your internet is at home with your land-based Internet and your cellular provider. Get in contact with your Internet provider to find out what your plan is and if you're getting unlimited Internet, especially if you're wanting to stream video from your smartphone.
     Why? Video uses a LOT of data and if you're on a limited plan, you can burn through your data quickly.  Once you confirm you're not on a limited data plan, visit Ookla's Speedtest (www.speedtest.net) or download the app to your smart device. This service allows you to check out your current Internet speed so you can compare it to what Internet speed plan you are paying for and if your speeds are consistent.
     Fast, reliable Internet is important.  When you run the test, the most important number is your download speed which should be at least 20 Mbps (Megabits Per Second) or higher.  The faster the download speed, the faster you can stream video on your computer or phone. You can also use it to troubleshoot if you're having connectivity issues with your Internet provider.  

What do I do about 'Zoom Bombing'?  
     Zoom Bombing is the act of an unwanted participant joining and interacting in your video conference. These interlopers can display offensive images and use offensive language. They can also send the participants files to infect their devices with malware and ransomware.  They can also get access to your Zoom cloud account if you store your recorded Zoom videos in the cloud. With the rise of 'Zoom Bombing', the issues of security have popped up, making many people rethink their strategy for video conferencing. 
     You can continue to use Zoom, but you want to take the following steps if you do:

1. Add a Zoom meeting password
2. Disable File Transfers
3. Disable "Join Before Host"
4. Change Screen sharing to “host-only”
5. Disable the feature to Allow removed participants to rejoin”

Do you mind if people listen to your video conversations?
     Depending on what type of information you plan to share during your video call, you want to be selective about which service you use. If you want your video chats secured, make sure the service you're using has end to end encryption.
     Simply put, end to end encryption allows your chat to be secure and private. Without it, there a possibility your conversations can get into the hands of people who want to steal your personal or business data. When using video conferencing apps that use End to End encryption they will use more of your Internet data.

Universal appeal.
     When considering video conferencing software, you want to consider software available on every platform.  For example, Apple's Facetime is one of the oldest video chat software around.  It's easy to use and it offers end to encryption. It's perfect for secure connections with customers and family members that have iPhones, but sorry Apple users, we still live in a Windows world and not everyone has an iPhone.

What are your choices?

1. Zoom. 
     You can't talk about video conferencing software without talking about Zoom.  It's easy to use and it's available for every tech device on the market.  For most users, the features offered in a free account are more than enough for video calls and webinars from 2 to 100 or more connections. One of my favorite features includes the ability to share your screen during video calls and the fact you can record video from your calls. 
     End to end encryption is automatically enabled in Zoom chat, but you need to enable end to end encryption for video by going logging in to your Zoom account then going to 'Meeting Settings', then navigate to 'end to end encryption' and slide the switch from off to on.


2. Google Hangouts Meet.  
     If you have a Gmail account, you have access to Google Hangouts. This popular video chat app allows you can share documents, links to websites, your screen, and images. Like Zoom, you can join from any tech device and you can talk to up to 250 users if you have a paid GSuite account.  Unfortunately, Google Hangouts video is encrypted, but it does not have end to end encryption.

3. WhatsApp.
     WhatsApp is probably the most used chatting app on the planet and it has a video chat feature as well. Video calls only work through the iPhone and Android app (so no video calls from a desktop computer). It also has end-to-end encryption which will keep those calls secure.  It isn't a robust as many of the business video chat platforms, but it is good enough to chat with friends and family or a small group of up to 4 people

4. GoToMeeting.
     This is a great video conferencing solution when you need to work with several co-workers and can support up to 150 people.  It works with both Windows and Mac computers and most smartphones. GoToMeeting is powerful enough that you can create personal meeting rooms allowing more than one meeting can take place. It's the only program that allows you to share your mouse and keyboard with the people you are conferenced in with.


5. Cisco Webex.
     Like GoToMeeting, Webex lets you create multiple conferencing rooms, share your screen and send files back and forth. You are able to host up to 200 people, save the video of your presentation and you have end to end encryption for your sessions.

6. Skype/Skype Meetings/Microsoft Teams. 
     Skype has been around forever, but depending on which version you have you are limited on what you can do.  If you have Free Skype, you can video conference from any device and talk with up to 50 people.
     If you are paying for a Microsoft Office 365 account, you can use Skype meetings which allows you to talk up to 250 people and share your screen and files as you can with GoToMeeting and Webex.Skype stands out because it lets you connect with landlines and mobile phones, eliminating the need for everyone you want to meet with to have access to the Skype software. In case you were wondering, Skype does have end to end encryption.

     With most of us working from home, it's important you take the proper steps to figure out how you are going to connect with family, friends coworkers and customers.  Before you jump on the video chat bandwagon, take the time to find out which one is going to work best for you.

     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.


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. My team of friendly tech experts are always standing by to answer your questions and help make your technology useful and fun. Reach out to us a www.callintegralnow.com or phone at 888.256.0829.