This week on WELSTech we explore computer viruses and hoaxes as well as behavioral and software protection steps you can take to avoid falling prey to them. Martin shares a new challenge he’s part of, and we hear from listeners on everything from secure web sites to online manuals.

Virus Protection – Martin and Sallie discuss today’s phishing and social engineering hoaxes and the defense systems needed to avoid falling prey to them on your computer.

Episode 455 – Next week we close out the WELSTech security series with a discussion of all types of security policies. Release date: Wednesday, July 27

WELSTech is back with week 2 of our summer series all about security. This week we share a lengthy list of tools to assist with the important backup function. And we share a fun photo shout out from our edtech (a.k.a., teacher) friends at ISTE2016 in Denver.

Backups – Imagine trying to recover from the loss of your personal or work computer or mobile device. And then imagine how happy you will be if you have backups of your important data. Martin and Sallie share resources to help you set up a backup security blanket for your important data.

Episode 454 – The security series continues with a discussion of online threats and virus protection. Release date: Thursday, July 21

WELSTech kicks off the second of our summer series this week. During the month of July, the discussions will be all about security. For starters, we share tips and tools for securely managing your growing list of passwords including the use of password managers, taking the extra step of authentication and how to provide access to your accounts when you are gone.

Passwords – There aren’t many who don’t have a love/hate relationship with their passwords, and most lean heavily to the side of hate. Let Martin and Sallie motivate you to use good password hygiene and supply you with tools to make managing your passwords easy and secure.

This month’s WELSTech Photo Challenge is summer, outreach and Isaiah 52:7. Visit the challenge album!

Episode 453 – There’s no better time than now to setup a backup system for your important files. Tune in as Martin and Sallie tell you how. Release date: Wednesday, July 13

The month-long WELSTech series on “mobile ministry” concludes this week with some considerations for your growing digital audience of mobile device users. Are you serving up a great web experience for those smartphone and tablet users? We discuss a number of tools and templates that will help you to do just that.

Responsive design – Martin and Sallie finish up the June focus on mobile ministry with a discussion of web design that looks good on every screen size.

Read about Naomi Green’s contributions to the WELSTech Photo Challenge in the July issue of Forward in Christ magazine, page 22 (sneak peek).

Episode 452 – In July we’ll be talking about all aspects of online security, and we plan to start the conversation next week with a discussion on a topic we all know and love, passwords. Release date: Wednesday, July 6

The WELSTech summer series on “mobile ministry” continues with a fun discussion of the many ways mobile devices both make our lives easier and can help our ministries. Martin does an unboxing! Also tune in for some great community feedback, especially if you have a church or school library that needs to be cataloged.

Mobile devices – Martin and Sallie share tips for purchasing a mobile device and all the extras.

Episode 451 – Next week we wrap up the “mobile ministry” series with a discussion of mobile friendly web sites. Release date: Wednesday, June 29

The WELSTech summer series on “mobile ministry” continues as Martin and Sallie explore photography. The cameras we carry on our smartphones can be powerful tools for ministry. Listen in for good camera apps, tips and accessories. Plus, Sallie shares some TechSmith love, and Martin has a square jellyfish for his phone.

Mobile photography – As the old saying goes, the best camera is the one you have with you. And your smartphone camera may be just the thing you need to accomplish more ministry goals than you realized.

Episode 450 – Mobile hardware, operating systems (iOS vs. Android) and peripherals will be the topic of next week’s podcast. Release date: Wednesday, June 22

WELSTech kicks off our first summer series on “mobile” with a show all about apps…especially those apps useful for ministry. Pastors, teachers, and anyone interested in what a smartphone can do for them will find plenty of ideas. There are also mobile-friendly picks of the week and a review of an adventure-ready Bluetooth speaker.

There’s an app for that – After answering the Miss America question of the day, Martin and Sallie share loads of useful apps for public and personal ministry.

Pastor Emile Burgess from Trinity in Caledonia, WI shares his experience with a rugged, adventure-ready Bluetooth speaker, the ECOXGEAR EcoCarbon from REI

Episode 449 – The focus on mobile ministry continues with a look at all things about mobile photography. Release date: Wednesday, June 15

It’s summer, and WELSTech kicks off three months of lighter shows focused on three very practical topics sure to help some aspect of your ministry: mobile, security and publishing. Sallie finds a tool that will help you analyze your word choice habits, while Martin resurrects one of his favorite pieces of tech that anybody who does presentations might want to take a look at. Plus, there’s a brand new photo challenge with a summer “R&R” focus.

Here he is folks – Side by side at the Center for Mission and Ministry, Martin and Sallie look ahead to not one but three exciting how-to summer series planned for WELSTech.

Episode 448 – Martin and Sallie share an abundance of helpful mobile apps in week 1 of our summer Mobile series. Release date: Wednesday, June 8

Tune in to WELSTech this week for edtech sunshine in the form of SRCTC Jason Schmidt. The discussion topic covers a variety of outdoor and rainy day tech ideas for educators including geocaching, astronomy and coding. This show also includes excited news for Chromebook users, summer training opportunities and a site for purchasing low-priced smartphones and tablets.

Eeekk, a rat! – Martin and Sallie are joined by WELSTech’s SRCTC (Semi-Regular Classroom Technology Correspondent) Jason Schmidt, Tech Coordinator in the Bennington Public School District in the Omaha, NE area, for a discussion of outdoor and rainy day tech projects for the classroom.

Android apps, coming to a Chromebook near you

Enjoy this fun MLC Day video from Lakeside Lutheran High School, a new addition to the WELSTech Promo playlist.

Episode 447 – Martin and Sallie broadcast from the CMM with a preview of several upcoming summer series. Release date: Wednesday, June 1

WELSTech has something for everyone on this community feedback episode. Topics include social media strategy, mobile photography, Google Apps for Education, church bulletins and more! Martin and Sallie also share the latest news from TechSmith and Google, helpful tips on Excel and the Chrome browser and worship/bulletin artwork from WELS artists.

The listeners speak – Martin and Sallie share recent WELSTech community feedback.

Women’s Ministry Conference – July 21-23 at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary

Learn more about the upcoming Women’s Ministry Conference in this Together video update, saved on the WELSTech “Like’s” list on Vimeo

Episode 446 – Jason Schmidt joins Martin and Sallie for the last edtech discussion of the school year focusing on outdoor and rainy day tech for schools (and beyond). Release date: Wednesday, May 25