Data Doctors Tech Tips

5G is coming! The 5G hype is in full swing in the wireless world. Also referred to as 5th generation wireless, 5G is just the latest buzzword but it doesn't really exist at the moment. Currently, there is no actual recognized standard for what will eventually be called 5G, just a whole lot of companies testing various technologies that they are hoping will be called 5G one day. So, when you hear anything about 5G, for the moment assume that it is just another overhyped marketing message trying to get a jump on something you may not be able to use for years. There is no doubt that the industry as a whole is working on much faster data for all your mobile devices, but for now, consider it speculation. If you have heard the pitch for 5G and thought about switching to another carrier just because they claim to be close to offering the next big thing, think again. Even when it does eventually become available, you really don't want to be an early adopter unless you enjoy expensive pain.

Every once in a while When I'm searching for interesting tech to talk about, I'll stumble across something truly amazing that can really make a difference. An app called 'Be My Eyes' is just that thing in my recent searches and it is a really cool idea. A socially focused inventor in Denmark created this amazing app that will allow blind users to connect with those that are sighted when they need help through the video connection. Sighted volunteers use the app on their end to 'be the eyes' for those with a visual impairment to assist them with small tasks, like explaining what a street sign might say, reading the contents in a can of food or checking the expiration date on a carton of milk. It is currently only available for iPhone users that would like to help others. The app allows you to volunteer by simply installing it on your smartphone. As part of the community, you earn points for helping others, which will elevate your level in their system, improving your opportunity to help others. If you'd like a great way to help others, checkout http://BeMyEyes.org and get the app.

Popular tech companies such as Uber and AirBnB have created what is being called the "sharing economy" which leverages the power of your smartphone. Now another startup called 'Roadie' is attempting to compete with UPS, USPS and Fedex with a platform they are calling a neighbor-to-neighbor shipping network. The service is setup to match people that need something delivered to another city with drivers that are already traveling between those same two points. They refer to them as 'gigs' which are insured up to $500 for the senders protection, so think of it as a package carpooling service. You simply post a 'gig' via the app by describing what you need to have delivered and where it needs to go which them allows 'roadies' (the drivers) to complete the delivery. The Roadie app allows you to track progress of the delivery and it even allows you to connect with your driver along the way. For convenience and safety, Waffle House locations are one of the first official Roadie meeting points where you can meet to exchange packages with some freebies offered for the drivers. If you dig the sharing economy and have something unusual that needs to get to another city, checkout http:\\Roadie.com for the details.

If you're a regular user of Microsoft Word, you are probably already familiar with something known as 'macros' which can allow you to work with large chunks of text that you use on a regular by assigning time saving keyboard shortcuts. We are all spending a lot more time on the web creating content, so using shortcuts in your browser can save you a lot of time. If you are using Google Docs instead of Microsoft Word on a regular basis, checkout the Auto Text Expander add-on for Google Chrome. It allows you to create shortcuts for long e-mail addresses, long sentences or other chunks of text you often use regularly. You can also create various signatures for various e-mail accounts that let you easily assign with your own custom keystrokes. For example, use the 'bizadd' shortcut for your business email address or 'persig' for when you use a personal signature in a message or just about anything you use on a regular basis. A great part of this utility is that once you have created a shortcut, it's available in any text field for virtually everything you use on the Internet. Check it out here: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/auto-text-expander-for-go/iibninhmiggehlcdolcilmhacighjamp

A great way to understand methods for protecting yourself online is to try to think like a hacker. A very valuable thing sold on the Internet underground is your personal info, which is why tricking users into allowing remote hackers into your computer is one of the most common approaches. But rather than targeting adults, hackers long ago figured out that it's much easier to trick kids which allows them to get to you. They often sneak malware programs in by pretending to offer free music, videos, games and programs that are usually expensive, which teens and kids are more likely to download. Guess why this approach is so effective? Because so many parents allow their kids to use the same profiles as mom and dad with complete administrative access which allows them complete control over your entire computer. If this is how you have things setup in your house, you should really make a change as soon as possible. You need to setup a completely separate account and limit the access for younger users which will minimize the exposure to your sensitive information. This is a really important security measure, so if you don't have a clue on getting this setup, have someone help you as each operating system is different.

From time to time, most of us find ourselves in need of basic graphic design work, but it's rarely important enough to spend the money on a professional, whether it's for personal or business reasons. If you don't own the software or find that you don't have the talent to do it yourself, check out a website called Canva ... like canvas without the s. Canva is really simple to use, because it's a template based tool that's also web based, so you don't have to install any software on your computer to get started. With Canva, you can create flyers, posters, business cards, blog graphics and even perfectly formatted Facebook Cover images or any other social media related needs, Canva is a great DIY tool. You begin by picking a design style, then you choose a template and make the changes to the text to fit your needs. You can use your own pictures or choose from their large library of professional images; some are free while others may cost a buck to use. It's a beautiful tool because it's easy to use, very cost effective and produces really great results in no time at all. If you lack the skill, money, vision and time to create professional looking graphics, Canva.com is worth taking a look at...that's C A N V A.com

Whenever a computer starts to slow down, often times too many people assume that it is time to get a whole new system. Now, if your cpu is really old, it probably makes sense to replace it, but for most of you there is a much more cost effective option to get the system running fast again. It's called a 'hybrid hard drive' and it is still one of the best kept secrets in the industry. There are three primary components in your PC that will determine just how fast it will run: the processor, the RAM and the hard drive. In every case, the hard drive will be the biggest bottleneck so opening it up will make an old system run like it's brand new again. AND it is much cheaper then buying a new computer. What really makes the hybrid hard drive system unique is that it matches super fast Solid State circuitry with a standard magnetic drive and stores the files and programs you use the most on the faster partition. If you do take this route, keep in mind that your old hard drive can become a backup drive by putting it in an external enclosure. If you are one of the many that is looking for more speed from your system, look into upgrading to a hybrid drive. It can save you lots of money and make your computer speedy again!

We collectively deal with the recurring challenge of what to make for tonight's dinner but often times we'll end up choosing from one of a group of regular meals in our rotation. If you're looking for a new 'spin' on this daily tasks, there's an app for that and it's called Dinner Spinner! The app is made by the famous recipe website AllRecipes.com and it starts with you selecting the type of dish you're interested in, like a salad or side dish or a main course and your main ingredient, such as pasta or fish. Then you include the amount of time you have to make the meal and then give the app a spin. I gave it a try by asking about main courses that includes chicken with under 20 minutes to prepare it and I got twenty five ideas, and they all looked pretty appetizing. While you are viewing the potential recipes, you will also get a list of suggested recipes from other users that also includes their ratings. If you're a little more adventurous, just try shaking your smartphone which will generate random recipes that you probably weren't even thinking about cooking. If you have any dietary restrictions, you can use the built-in filters to improve the results, life if you are only interested in low sodium, vegetarian, high fiber or non-dairy options. The app is great so Bon appand#233;tit! http://allrecipes.com/features/mobile/default.aspx

If you are the do-it-yourself type of homeowner when it comes to all those home improvement tasks, you already know the more tools you have on hand, the better off you are likely to be. Since most projects start with measurements and calculations, a smartphone app that may be a big help is Dewalt's Mobile Pro App. It was initially designed for construction pros so it is loaded with pro calculators, conversion tools and area calculators for both linear and sq ft calculations. It's also a useful resource on those construction related questions that come with an assortment of e-books and other information accessible right in the app. It will store your calculations for future projects or so you can share them via e-mail with others that helping you with your project. Whether you are trying to calculate the amount of concrete you will need for pouring a slab, how many sheets of drywall and studs you'll need for a room addition or how many linear feet of crown molding you will have to buy, the Pro App from Dewalt Mobile can help. This handy app is available for both iPhone and Android users and it's totally free! http://dewalt.cengage.com/MobilePro/download

We all love free apps on our smartphones, especially when they are so useful that we use them just about every day. You probably know that these free apps are often ad based to pay for the development, but there's something you should be aware of, especially for those on a limited mobile data play or have a constantly dying battery problem. It turns out that free apps that are ad driven can silently cost you by eating up your limited data and your battery in order to deliver those ads. Researchers at various universities reported that these ads in a lot of free apps can eat up nearly 80% more data on your data plan than similar apps that don't contain ads. They also reported that they used 22 percent more phone memory and 16 percent more battery life in order to constantly update new ads in the app. If you have a phone that runs out of power in the middle of the day or you are constantly going over your data plan, these free apps may beon reason why! Toss in the required permissions that many of them use which then adds privacy concerns to the situation. The next time you are trying to choose between a free apps and one that charges 99 cents, it may be worth it to avoid the hidden costs of those free apps.