peter, Author at Geek Out Homes https://geekouthomes.com/author/peter/ Internet Of Things For The Home Tue, 24 Nov 2020 10:17:56 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.3 https://geekouthomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/GOH-Logo-150x150.png peter, Author at Geek Out Homes https://geekouthomes.com/author/peter/ 32 32 Securing Smart Devices https://geekouthomes.com/securing-smart-devices/ https://geekouthomes.com/securing-smart-devices/#respond Mon, 09 Nov 2020 08:55:07 +0000 https://geekouthomes.com/?p=1466 The post Securing Smart Devices appeared first on Geek Out Homes.

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Securing smart devices. This is usually an after thought for most people. However in today’s environment of data breaches and ransomware, the security of your smart home devices should be a top priority. With more and more internet Of things devices creeping their way into households, this presents more opportunities for criminals to gain access to your secrets and privacy. Therefore, you have to make securing your smart devices a priority.

One of the simplest and easiest ways to do this, is keeping the operating systems of your devices up to date. You have most likely seen your computer given you a pop-up message, saying that you have updates ready to be installed.  These updates are necessary and should be done. This is one of the ways that companies such as Microsoft and Apple the makers of your personal computer and Mac operating systems, patches security vulnerabilities they find.  To install these updates, all you usually have to do is restart your computer for the updates to take effect. Therefore, you need to keep all your smart home devices and their corresponding  apps up to date. If this is not done automatically, you should log into the settings section of your device or app and search for updates to install. This should be done on a regular basis. However, if you did not initiate this update you should verify it is from a legitimate source before installing. If you prefer, you can have your devices or apps set to do automatic updates. 

Another must have security feature is using antivirus protection. This is a absolutely a necessity on your computer, tablet,  and cellphones. Many people believe that antivirus protection is only used on computers, but that is not true.  Your tablets and cellphones should also be using antivirus protection, because many people use these devices to conduct banking and online shopping. You can usually buy a program that gives you protection on multiple devices.  

 if you install an antivirus protection on your computer, you would usually get a notification that the program is safe.

 

 

 

 

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Echo Show Ten 3rd Generation https://geekouthomes.com/echo-show-ten/ https://geekouthomes.com/echo-show-ten/#respond Sun, 08 Nov 2020 06:24:47 +0000 https://geekouthomes.com/?p=1438 The post Echo Show Ten 3rd Generation appeared first on Geek Out Homes.

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All-new Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen) | HD smart display with motion and Alexa | Charcoal

 

        NEW MODEL
Price: 
       $249.99 
  • The Echo Show 10 comes with a 10.1″ HD screen that is designed to move with you,  keeping video calls, recipes, and shows  in view. The speakers deliver premium, directional sound.
  • The 13 Mega Pixel camera with auto-framing and motion keeps you in the frame while you make a video call or take a picture.
  • It can also be set it up with compatible Zigbee devices or smart products without a separate hub.  Alexa can also show you your security cameras, control lights, and adjust thermostats.
  • You can remotely monitor your home with the Alexa app or other Echo Show devices with the built-in camera.
  • With Alexa you can play your favorite shows, music, and podcasts from Prime Video, Netflix , Amazon Music, Spotify, and more.
  • In the kitchen you can follow recipes on Food Network Kitchen, get unit conversions, set timers, add to your grocery list, making it easier for you to multitask.
  • You can also use Amazon Photos to display pictures on the home screen, in a digital frame. 
  • To help protect your privacy,  you can electronically disconnect the microphones and camera with one press of a button. You can also Slide the built-in shutter to cover the camera, and disable motion at any time.
  • I hope that I have given you enough information about the Echo Show 10, to help you make an informed decision, regarding the purchase of this device.

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Airpods https://geekouthomes.com/airpods/ https://geekouthomes.com/airpods/#respond Fri, 06 Nov 2020 15:43:46 +0000 https://geekouthomes.com/?p=1291 The post Airpods appeared first on Geek Out Homes.

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Apple AirPods with Charging Case (Latest Model)

Apple AirPods with Charging Case (Latest Model)


List Price $129.00
On Sale: $99.00  + FREE Shipping
The new AirPods combine intelligent design with Apple H1 headphone chip. 
They feature hands-free access to Siri using just your voice, and up to 3 hours of talk
time on a single charge.
Key Features : 
  • They are Automatically on, and automatically connected
  • Quick access to Siri by saying “Hey Siri”
  •  Double-tap to play or skip forward
  •  Charges quickly in the case
  •  Case can be charged using the lightning connector
  •  Rich, high-quality audio and voice
  •  Seamless switching between devices
  •  Listen and talk all day with multiple charges from the Charging Case.

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Ten Home Security Tips https://geekouthomes.com/home-security-tips/ https://geekouthomes.com/home-security-tips/#respond Tue, 20 Oct 2020 12:38:26 +0000 https://geekouthomes.com/?p=341 Home Security Tips
1. Lighting - All areas surrounding your home, should be well lit. There should not be any areas near your home that remains dark when lights are turned on.
2. Keep all exterior doors lock when you are not in the vicinity of the door.
3. Keep all windows on the ground floor locked, if your are not at home, or are in a different room for an extended period of time.
4. Keep all ladders which can be used to climb into windows, secured in your garage or a locked shed.
5. Keep your garage door closed and locked if you are not using it.

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  10 Home Security Tips 

 

1. Lighting – All areas surrounding your home, should be well lit. There should not be any areas near your home that remains dark when lights are turned on.

 

2. Keep all exterior doors lock when you are not in the vicinity of the door.

 

3. Keep all windows on the ground floor locked, if your are not at home, or are in a different room for an extended period of time.

 

4. Keep all ladders which can be used to climb into windows, secured in your garage or a locked shed.

 

5. Keep your garage door closed and locked if you are not using it.

 

6. If you are parking your car outside of the garage, keep your car doors lock.

 

7. Do not leave any valuables on your car seat or visible to prying eyes. This includes your garage door opener.

 

8. Install a home alarm system. This can either be self-monitored or a payed monitoring service.

 

9. Install outdoor security cameras. This will allow you to see your home’s exterior via a phone app.

 

10. Do not leave mail in your mail box for more than a day or two. Stacks of mail is a sign that you are away on vacation, or away from home for an extended period of time. The U.S. Postal Service, has a free program in place for you to stop your mail delivery service for a period of time. They will then deliver it on the day you specify. This service can be set up online.

 

If you use these security tips , you are well on your way to keeping your family and yourself safe.

 

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