Technology

Nine Unusual Uses of the iPad

Image via Wikimedia Commons

iPads may not be able to do everything, but iPad users are learning that the powerful little machine is capable of much more than they ever imagined. People are using their iPads to do everything from cooking dinner to entertaining friends. Here are nine things the iPad can do that you may not have thought of.

1. Grocery List. The iPad is easy to handle, so it’s perfect for taking with you to the grocery store when you do your shopping. It can store your recipes for your favorite dishes and keep track of your electronic coupons to help you save money on the grocery bill.

2. GPS. Your iPad can be taken in the car to help you get where you’re going. The GPS provides directions and even helps you find restaurants and gas stations along the way.

3. Book Reader. You can turn your iPad into an electronic reader that will let you scroll through the new best seller or your favorite newspaper or magazine. It’s more convenient to use your iPad than having to carry a separate unit just for reading like a Nook or Kindle.

4. Telephone. Your iPad can function just like the iPhone if you download certain apps like Skype, so you can use this gadget for almost every purpose!

5. Photo Frame. The gorgeous digital display makes the iPad perfect for displaying photos. Set it out on a bookshelf during a party and use it like a digital frame to show your favorite photos. It may be the most expensive picture frame you have ever bought, but great deals are available if you buy your iPad on eBay.

6. Jukebox. Another great use for your iPad is to play music at a party. You can program the list of songs you want, or play DJ and pick songs that make people want to get up and dance. It also works as a music player in the car for long trips.

7. Sketch Pad. Whether you want to design that new backyard garden or sketch the layout for the new kitchen, the iPad makes a great sketch pad. Then you can take it to the hardware or garden store to find the supplies you’ll need for the project.

8. PowerPoint Presentation. Need to make a sales presentation to a small group or have a proposal for a charity fundraiser? The iPad is perfect for playing PowerPoints.

9. Watch Movies. The iPad is also an excellent movie player and is portable enough to take in the car. The movie player is great for keeping kids occupied when you are on the run.

The iPad is truly a great invention, and we will continue to learn more about how to use it as new applications are developed. What unique ways do you use Apple’s new gadget?

Filed Under: Technology, Tips & Tricks Tagged With: ereader, iPad

Protecting Yourself While Online Shopping

Shopping online is akin to visiting the biggest mall you could imagine. Forget picturing the Mall of America; the Internet “mall” is like having access to thousands of stores located all across the world, in addition to all the ones you already know about.

That blue cardigan you saw in a magazine? That chocolate bar you had in London and still dream about? They’re all online, waiting for you to buy them.

Millions of people shop online regularly, even for basics like toilet paper. On the other hand, millions of people approach online shopping with trepidation. Unfortunately, scammers today have legitimized some of these concerns. You don’t need to fear online shopping, though; you just need to know how to protect yourself while you’re buying.

With these essential points in hand, you can take to the Internet and enjoy its bounty.

1. Visit Reputable Sites

Safety issues occur more often than not at smaller, lesser known sites. That’s not to say Suzy’s Quilt Supply in Duluth is a scam. It simply means that if you’re uncomfortable shopping online, start with the most reputable stores. Target, Nordstrom, Amazon, Orvis… these are big companies that spend significant amounts of manpower and money on security and safety.

2. Look for Privacy and Security

Reliable web stores will take steps to protect you while you’re shopping, no matter how big or small they are. Look for information on the site about their safety precautions. When you begin the checkout process, look for a small padlock icon in the bottom right corner of the screen; it tells you the site is secure. If things look dubious, hightail it out of there and find a store that cares more about protecting you. Also, consider taking steps to protect yourself by looking into identity theft restoration; sometimes misfortune simply happens.

3. Do Your Research

If you have doubts about a site, check up on it. Look for the company’s contact info and give them a call. Check with the BBB. Do a search for the store and see if other customers have posted experiences dealing with them. Are they positive? Was the product received? Was there hassle or smooth sailing?

4. Keep Tabs

Once you’ve taken all precautions and made an online purchase, keep tabs on things. Track your package if the service was offered. Print order numbers, scan your receipts, communication, and contact information. Check out your bank statements for dubious items, no matter how small, and act on suspicious withdrawals immediately. Payment services like PayPal are safer ways to pay for items, and they will dispute incorrect charges too.

The majority of consumers, when equipped with basic smarts and the above precautions, have a great time shopping online, with no problems at all. What steps will you take to protect yourself? Keep them in mind as you browse the world’s biggest mall. It’s pretty fun getting stuff in the mail, isn’t it?

Filed Under: Technology Tagged With: identity protection, identity theft prevention, online shopping, online shopping security

Internet Used to Connect to Small Business Owners Worldwide

It used to be that those who were poor had no possibility of moving up in the world no matter their ambition because they didn’t have any access to funds. With the Internet, that’s changed. Now “small business owners” can get help with funding by applying online.

Two Ways to Give

There are many sites online that provide this funding to those who need it. Those who want to apply, fill out an application online and wait. There are two ways to receive money for their project: one is through donations while the other is through microfinance loans. These small loans are then paid back to those who gave the money. What’s great about this funding is it can help people all over the world just by using PayPal. It could be a goat herder in Africa looking for a way to buy more goats or it could be someone in India looking to start a small business. It’s a great way to spread the wealth worldwide.

Vetting the Entrepreneurs

The most important thing when it comes to these micro-charities and micro-loans is being sure that the projects to be funded are legit. If donor is in the U.S., how does she know that the money she gives will be used for what the applicant claims it will be used for? The answer is that local groups in that area to confirm that the project is valid before the person receives the money.

Isn’t it amazing how technology has changed the lives of everyone worldwide? Just by going online, you can help someone in a far away country gain a better life.

Filed Under: Technology Tagged With: Business, PayPal, Small business

Childproofing Your Computer Requires Anti-Virus Protection

It is unavoidable that your child will be using a computer and be connected to the Internet. These skills are essential in modern society, and when they grow up, your children will be much better equipped to enter the job market if they have solid computer skills. Like with everything else, children don’t know everything there is to know to be safe, and with viruses, Trojans, and other potentially damaging threats to computers numbering in the millions, a program like PC Tools Free Antivirus will help protect your computer. Your child can then use it without posing a security risk to the whole family.

Risks from viruses include data loss, spam, and identity theft. Children and teenagers are more at risk from these because they don’t quite realize what sites are more prone to infecting computers. Many x-rated and r-rated sites harbor various malicious programs that unknowingly get downloaded. One way to protect your child is to set parental controls on the computer, but PC Tools Free Antivirus will constantly be on guard and monitor malware infections and each website visited. It also keeps updated on emerging threats that arise every day.

Other options include signing up with sites which offer tools that promote online safety, and Internet porn filters are an inexpensive option as well. Childproofing a computer requires careful attention to virus protection. While it can be obvious to you which sites to avoid, your child may be unaware of this threat or just be curious. Besides, it is not always apparent whether any particular site might be infected. A virus protection program is an essential asset, especially on a computer where your child might be clicking away at the mouse even while you are sleeping. To protect your computer, it is better to be on the safe side.

Filed Under: Technology Tagged With: Anti-Virus, Computer virus