#TechTuesday – Social Apps Your Teens Use

Teens will always find ways to use technology to socialize. Once upon a time, it was party lines, then chat rooms, and now apps.

In this week’s #TechTuesday episode on WTAM 1100 Newsradio, Bill Wills and I discuss a recent New York Times article on the range of new social media apps teens are using, including video messaging and anonymous sharing networks.

For parents who are not sure where to start with online safe behavior, I recommend bookmarking SafeKids.com and ConnectSafely.org.

In particular, consider printing out family contracts for online safety as a way to discuss the topic with kids and teens and ensure everyone understands rules and boundaries for their online behavior.

Every parent will have different approaches to their kids, but it’s important that you have these discussions early so that you can keep an ongoing communication about topics like cyberbullying and other unsafe behavior or threads online.

#TechTuesday – Increasing iPhone Storage

As smartphone use grows, so does the amount of data they produce. Whether it’s juggling photos and videos taken during trips, or movies and music to entertain while out, the amount of storage your phone holds is an important factor in how useful it is.

In fact, one of the first recommendations we have for those shopping for a new iPhone is getting the most storage you can afford as most modern smartphones don’t allow internal storage to be expanded easily or at all.

If you’re running out of storage, you can look into options like making use of flash drives with a Lightning port connector (such as the PNY and Leef) connect directly to your iPhone’s data port for access.

Other options include Wi-Fi enabled portable hard drives.

And definitely consider protecting your data through the use of cloud services, including Apple’s iCloud but also 3rd party services like Google Drive or Dropbox.

#TechTuesday – Smart Dorms

College students tend to rely on a lot of tech for school, and for them, the hot new trend is the smart dorm. It’s like a smart home away from home.

Back to School savings at Best Buy include up to $150 off select computers, plus students can save an extra $100. Visit the Best Buy Student Deals page for more information.

Products mentioned:

#TechTuesday – Wi-Fi Troubleshootingh

Has your Internet been slow? When troubleshooting, it’s important to remember that for many devices you’ll need to check two different connections: your wireless network and your broadband access.

For this week’s #TechTuesday segment, I discuss how to check your Internet speed with Bill Wills of WTAM 1100 Newsradio.

Recommended Internet speed test sites:

  • geeksquad.com/speedtest
  • www.speedtest.net/
  • www.measurementlab.net/tests/

#Tech Tuesday – Auto Tech

U.S. roads are getting more dangerous because of distracted drivers. The right tech, however, can help make sure you arrive safely at your final destination.

In this week’s #TechTuesday segment Bill Wills and I discuss tech for your car to help keep your eyes on the road.

#TechTuesday is heard on Cleveland’s WTAM 1100 Newsradio Tuesdays at 7:50AM.