A caller asks about alternatives to cable for Internet and phone after her cable company increases prices.  We discuss DSL, and the use of VoIP services like Ooma and cellular base stations as alternatives to the cable phone service.  A caller Windows 7 wonders if he can use a Galaxy tablet to safely shop online with a credit card.  Plus, we give the recommended specifications for buying an upgraded computer: at least an Intel i5 processor or better, 8 GB RAM, solid state hard drive with at last 256 GB of storage.  We help a user with instructions on how to force a manual update to Windows 10 in light of recent news about a security flaw in the operating system.  A listener with an Apple computer wishing to upgrade her storage wonders about using personal "cloud" storage versus a solid state hard drive.  A listener looking to "cut the cord" with the cable company seeks a good streaming device.  We like the nVidia Shield device for this purpose.  Also the user suggests the use of PC Mover Pro software to upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10 with a transfer cable.  We also help with a discussion of routers needed if you are upgrading your router.  We also help a caller who wonders if his heavily using Internet household needs 200 Megabits of "fast" Internet service.  Plus, we give information about using OpenDNS to improve Internet security.  A caller adds that Google Voice is a great alternative for people cutting the cord for phone service from the cable company.  The only drawback to using Google voice and other VoIP services is that 9-1-1 service may not be available using an Internet-based phone provider.

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