Data Doctors Tech Tips

Cameras that use thermal imaging are able to detect infrared light even when it's dark, allowing you can see things 'thermally'. There's been a recent increase in these devices that work with your smartphone to turn them into thermal imaging devices but they're pretty expensive. But now, for around $200, you can convert just about any iPhone or Android device into a thermal imaging device with the 'Seek Thermal' camera. The three inch device just plugs in at the power connector on many popular smartphones allowing them to shoot video or capture photos in the dark. These images are going to be grainy, low in resolution, but you'll be able to see if something is lurking in the dark. This thermal imaging capability also allows you to see where pipe may be clogged, where hot air might be escaping or check the surface temperature on just about anything. If you have been curious about this technology but the price was too high, checkout Seek's devices at http://thermal.com

Cloud-based file storage is available everywhere these days: iCloud, Google Drive, DropBox, OneDrive and many more. They typically start you out with some free storage that ranges from 5 to 15 GBs, which is enough for users that don't generate much content. But for all those avid smartphone photographers and videographers, that isn't nearly enough. The majority of companies use the "freemium" service model; they give you the basic offering for free and charge for premium options. If you have topped out on the free limit of your cloud storage mainly because of all your pictures and videos, I have some great news for you. Google updated its 'Photos' app and storage system so now you can get unlimited storage for absolutely free. Both Android and iPhone users can simply install the Google Photos App to start using the unlimited storage service. Google isn't over-compressing your smartphone pictures or video like they did with Google+ either. Get this app now especially all you frustrated iCloud users out there!

Surveys are an important process for just about any business and because of that, there are numerous options available. Popular options such as https://surveymonkey.com provide plenty of great features, but unless you need to send surveys out on a regular basis, it's probably overkill. Anyone looking for a simple option should consider the free and easy option through Google Docs. Using Google Forms, you can create solid surveys using 9 different optional question types which include common text, checkboxes and multiple choice questions. It allows you to randomly shuffle the order of the options to help with the quality of the data and include required questions. Once the survey has been created, you just use the associated URL in an email or a web post to start generating responses. The results are gathered in a Google spreadsheet which allows you to sort the collected data for generating reports. The next time a simple survey is something you need, checkout https://Google.com/forms

When news breaks of just about any event, most of us jump onto Google to try to get up-to-the-minute details. Most users believe they can trust the results that come up from a Google search, but I am here to tell you that you can not and should not, especially with breaking news. Malware creators routinely target breaking news seekers with fake news sites, often with claims of having exclusive images of horrific events. Google is doing its best to monitor and kill this type of scam, but frankly it is virtually impossible to catch every single thing that gets thrown at them. The easiest way to avoid these scams is to use your trusted news resources instead of doing a general Google search. Save your favorite news sites in your browsers bookmarks or use smartphone news apps from your favorite news sites. Scammers will always study our actions so they can target us, so this is one action that you should consider changing!

Have you heard? Zuckerberg is giving away all his money to one thousand lucky users Facebook. He is getting rid of forty five billion dollars and if you'll just copy and paste this message, you could get a pile of money! It's simply amazing how so many of our friends can still fall for these outlandish hoaxes by becoming copy/paste zombies when they see a post that they think everyone should know. A big part of the problem is that far too many users assume that if their friend posted it, the info must be true and OK to repost. A single misguided post can get out of hand in a hurry when lots of mindless users become copy - paste Zombies. We have seen this mistake so many times that we decided to create an amusing warning video that we post whenever we see our friends or family posting things they didn't bother to checkout first. The next time you see a friend or family member turning into a copy/paste zombie, feel free to post a link to our video warning yourself which I have posted at DataDoctors.com/radio https://youtu.be/vR-UuGz0U2E

I have been reminding everyone constantly to turn on two-factor authentication for your important online accounts because it's an extra layer of security against breaches and other exploits. You are used to using 2 factor authentication with your debit card because you have to have the card itself and the associated PIN. Could you imagine having a debit card that did not require you to include a PIN...well that is essentially what you're doing if you don't turn on two-factor authentication on your online accounts when it's available. Once you activate it, a thief that gets their hands on your username and password would also need to steal your smartphone in order to gain access to your account. It is also an excellent warning system because you'll know if someone has stolen your login info. Virtually every major online web service or bank allow for this protection. If you help seeing who supports it and how to activate it, I've got a link posted to a site with a comprehensive list at DataDoctors.com/radio https://twofactorauth.org

If you have to use reading glasses in order to use your smartphone you know that keeping track of them is a recurring source of frustration. The solution for most of us is to buy a bunch of reading glasses and spread them all over the place. Wouldn't it be convenient to actually keep your reading glasses with your beloved smartphone all the time? The people over at ThinOptics had this same idea, so they created something pretty awesome: a phone case that hides a superthin set of reading glasses in it. The flexible optical eyeware doesn't have any arms; they simply clip to your nose but stay put, which is what makes them thin enough to be stored in the smartphone case. They offer options that will work with Apple or Samsung phones or offer a universal option that will attach to the back of any case. The kits range from twenty to forty dollars, so it's an inexpensive solution to the common question of 'where did I put my reading glasses'! Check them out for yourself at http://ThinOptics.com

A while back, I discussed a truly wireless security webcam called Arlo from a company called Netgear. They are battery-operated Wifi enabled cameras that eliminate the need to connect to a power outlet, so they're able to be used just about anywhere. Well now other companies have jumped into the game including the much more cost effective cameras from a company called Blink. Blink offers the identical technology with wire free motion-detecting, night vision, HD cameras but at half the price of the Arlo options, so wireless monitoring of your home or rental properties just got a lot cheaper to achieve. Not only is the starter kit cheaper, but adding additional cameras is as well, so you can monitor a greater area for the same money. With either system, your smartphone is your system monitor so it eliminates the need for you to pay for traditional monitoring. If you happen to be looking for a cost effective way to setup video monitors, checkout: http://blinkforhome.com

Have you ever noticed that you're more productive while working at a coffee shop then when you're at home or the office cubical? You many think that it's the caffeination that's making you more productive but it's more likely the ambiance! Researchers have studied the possibility that the ambient noises common in coffee houses can make you more productive or creative. For many, a really quiet or really noisy environment can be less productive, so that ambient background noise at your favorite coffee shop just right. You can test this theory out for yourself without ever leaving your home or office because there's a website and an app for that! A resource called http://coffitivity.com has created a great way to replicate the ambient noises found in coffee shops, cafeterias and campus cafes that you can use whenever you're trying to be more productive. If you find the website helpful, you can also download their mobile app to your smartphone so you can take the productivity sounds with you wherever you travel. Some people have even started using Coffitivity to drown out the distracting noises in their work environment!

There is a hidden, but essential element that allows us to navigate the Internet referred to as a 'DNS server' that plays a huge role in getting us to the websites we seek every day. 'DNS', which stands for 'Domain Name System' acts like a 'data traffic cop' giving your computer directions whenever you tap out a web address. The default DNS settings for your connection are generally determined by your Internet Service Provider, but you there are many potential benefits when you change those default settings. Reliability and Internet speeds can often be improved and if you have kids in the house, it can allow you to lock down undesirable content or malicious websites for your entire household. My go-to options is OpenDNS because it's fast, FREE, reliable and simple to setup. It provides complete control over what anyone using your wifi has access to no matter what device their on. You can use this great tool by changing the DNS settings in your router (home or business) so that all your users have the performance and protection you decide to setup. If you aren't sure how set things up, check the support website for your specific router for instructions. The link to setup OpenDNS is at: https://www.opendns.com/home-internet-security