Five Facts That Will Help You If You Lost Your Job During Covid-19

Click aqui para español- > Cinco consejos que lo ayudarán si perdió su trabajo durante el Covid-19

The Covid-19 pandemic broke out back in March, and it unexpectedly changed a lot of things in our lives. A lot of businesses had to close and stop their operations, which left millions of Americans unemployed. These are five facts that will help you to decide what to do if you lost your job because of Covid-19.

Your Feelings Are Valid

Finding yourself suddenly unemployed can bring a lot of challenging situations, especially when you have other responsibilities. Maybe you have to support your kids, spouse, or other relatives, and bills don’t pay themselves. All this can lead to you feeling stress, depressed, anxious, and worried. Don’t let anyone tell you you shouldn’t feel that way.

Your feelings are valid, and it is ok to have them. But you should try to control them and not the other way around. In other words, it is ok to cry if you have to, but don’t let those feelings hinder your life and instead use them to power a change in your life. Look for a solution that will work for your needs.

University Isn’t The Only Way To Learn

You should take advantage of this time without a job to update your skills and improve your resume. Nowadays, going to university or college courses isn’t the only way to learn. You have many other options like coding bootcamps, online courses, vocational training, and even self-study. Start researching the skills that are in high demand in your sector.

Once you know what employers look for, you can plan how you will learn what you need. There are even free options and resources. You can learn what you have to without spending any money. No matter what profession you choose—it can be teaching or front end development—you should continue learning throughout your career. The list of IT courses can be found on Bootcamp Rankings.

The Gig Economy Is Growing

The gig economy consists of all the freelance workers that work by project or ‘gig’. The most common of these workers are the ones that work online through online platforms like Upwork and the ones that work as independent workers with apps like Uber or Lyft. In the US, the total freelancing market is worth around $1 trillion.

If you take side jobs here and there and work on one-time projects for a few months, you are already part of the gig economy. But if not, you should consider doing it while you look for another job. They are a great source of temporary income, and you could find a market for almost any skill you have.

In this niche, the jobs best paid are the ones that required tech skills like web design or app development. But you can still make some money if you know a second language, know how to use photoshop, or even if you know how to design killer PowerPoint presentations.

Asking For Help Doesn’t Make you Weak

It is ok to ask for help when in a difficult situation. And asking for help doesn’t mean you are weak or that you can’t handle your problems. The strongest people recognize when they can’t face the challenges alone, and they ask for help. Try reaching out to friends and family for support. Don’t let your pride interfere with an opportunity that will help you survive the next few months.

A Career Change Is A Possibility

Now that you are unemployed, you can consider a career change. It can be something drastic like switching to a different industry altogether. Or you could simply transition to another career in your niche. This is the moment to explore those dreams that you never followed for one reason or another. Start researching to discover how to use your passion to build a business.

You could also consider a career change into tech. The tech industry offers great benefits and perks, high salaries, and the possibility of impacting society. And you can learn many of the skills with coding bootcamp or on your own with free coding courses.

In Summary

You should know that your feelings are valid, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. You can take advantage of this time to update your skills and improve your chances of finding a new job or just consider a career change to something you’ve always wanted to do. Also, university isn’t the only path to become a professional or learn a new skill. And you can start doing some gigs to have an extra income while you find another job.

Open Source Software

By the I.T Guy

Click aqui para español- > Programas de código abierto

As many people struggle financially due to economic strain from the pandemic and loss of work, access to technology to perform various tasks is still essential. Even when money is scarce, you can continue to use and enjoy tech tools and programs thanks to Open-Source software.

Open-source software is an alternative to paid software. These programs are created and developed by individuals who are coding enthusiasts. Open-source software is free to download and to use with no limitations. When programmers work on open-source software, they are giving their ownership rights up, so that everyone can use their code at no cost. Programming enthusiasts get a chance to work on projects that are “live” and that real people get to try, test, and use while the programmers’ skills get tested.

The open-source software idea started in the early ‘70s, but it wasn’t until the ‘80s that users got interested and began using these kinds of powerful software. Open-source software requires a license that protects the developer and its users. The GNU, General Public License, guarantees the users have the freedom to access the software without having to pay for it. Many developers include a donate button on their websites because some users who appreciate the programs and benefit from using them, feel compelled to pitch in to recognize the efforts of the developers but donating is not required.

Below you can see a chart that lists popular programs and their open-source alternatives. You will be surprised how well they work and how many free alternatives are available for expensive popular programs.

Smart Masks

By the I.T. Guy

Click aqui para español- > Mascarillas Inteligentes

With the COVID-19 Pandemic, people have been forced to wear masks to prevent infection. Many companies have created masks with filters, but a company in Michigan has developed a new mask with technology in mind. This tech-driven mask sanitizes itself automatically. The mask is called “Leaf” and it is a transparent mask made from 100% recycled biodegradable materials.

The entire leaf body is made from soft, biocompatible, lightweight Silicone rubber. The softness of the material is very close to the skin’s softness.

The product filtrates air as it comes into the mask and can be controlled from a smartphone. You can send a signal from your device to the mask to sanitize itself with the use of UV rays. The mask has a standard of N99 and has been approved by the FDA. The design is slim and flexible and fits well over a person’s face as it wraps around the skin.

The company assures that the mask is virtually indestructible and is made in different sizes for adults and children and will be produced in different colors to make it look more attractive.

By the end of July 2020, the company has raised $3,226,956 through crowdfunding. Production has begun and their shipping schedule is based on the different types people have requested with the high-end model, the Leaf PRO, being shipped in September.

It will be interesting to see how users receive this technology, if it fits their expectations, and if wearing these technological masks will become a staple until we are safe from the novel Coronavirus.

Contact Tracker Technology

Para español hacer clic aquí -> Tecnología de Rastreo de Contactos

By the I.T. Guy

As we start to reopen the economy while still dealing with high positivity of COVID-19, a new way of tracing contacts is becoming widely available. This tracing is driven by technology and it is not the official contact tracing managed by the Health Departments and the CDC. This is a public-driven, opt-in technology, which means user interaction is required. Users must download the app and register, and users must agree and consent to be traced.

How does it work?

Currently, there are two ways in which this tracing technology works. One is via Bluetooth. The users with the app need to be within 20 feet of each other, for at least five minutes for notifications to appear. The other is via location services. The app uses the smartphone’s GPS and the surrounding cellular towers.

iOS and Android devices have added recently a new option that must be enabled beyond the download of the tracing app and the opting-in. This security feature has been implemented to ensure that users are aware that this new technology is being used for tracking, so the extra step must be enabled for the app to properly work.

Using the location services for tracing allows users to look up the location prior to the visit and see if there are people that have been infected with Covid-19 at that site. The disadvantage of using location services is that there is no privacy, and users are being tracked by an unknown source.

When using the Bluetooth tracing option, users have more privacy, since they do not share their location with the app. The downside of this is that users must be at that particular location and it could take up to five minutes for notifications to appear that will signal that there are infected people at the location, which can be too long of an exposure.  

In European and Asian countries many people are voluntarily using massive COVID-19 contact tracing technology. It is likely that Americans would be reluctant to share their location and information voluntarily, as there are privacy concerns. Official government contact tracers find reluctance from people to share information when they contact them to communicate they could have been exposed to COVID-19.

Would you utilize this technology?

Top Six Conferencing Apps

By the I.T. Guy

Click aqui para español- >Las seis mejores aplicaciones para video conferencia

With COVID-19 our lives have changed in many ways, including the way we work. Ever since the pandemic started, we have seen many remote conferences, concerts, collaborations, TV shows, and meetings that are relying on video chat services. Here is a list of services that can help you communicate remotely right now and even after the social distancing orders are lifted. Some of the programs included here are completely free, while others offer paid upgrades. Streaming to Facebook and YouTube is also possible with some from these programs.

GOOGLE MEETS
Free
No installation required
Screen Sharing
Free call-in number
No streaming

 
ZOOM
Free
Installation required
Screen Sharing
 Free call-in number
No streaming

FACEBOOK ROOMS
Free
Does not need to be a Facebook user
Works on Messenger app or web browser
Schedule meeting on
Facebook
Filters
Up to 50 people with no time limit

JITSI
Completely free
No installation required (in browser)
Open source
Screen Sharing
Stream and record

SKYPE
Free
Software installation required
Can call local phone numbers with paid credit
Collaboration
Screen Sharing
No stream or record

Blue Jeans
Paid
Dedicated hardware available
No stream
Record
Screen Sharing

Technology during COVID-19

By The I.T. Guy

Click aqui para español- >Tecnología durante COVID-19

Shortages 
 
As the world undergoes one of its toughest times due to the Coronavirus, companies worldwide have experienced inventory shortages when it comes to hardware. This shortage is mainly due to the lack of production in China, and at the same time, the need for computers for remote use. Many companies are requesting their employees to work from home and avoid contact with others.

Internet

As we go through this pandemic, many internet providers have enabled “free” hotspots throughout cities and cellular phone providers have enabled the internet or removed the cap on cell phone data plans. This demonstrates that the internet is one of the best ways to keep informed and stay in touch. 

Robots
 
Robots have been used to disinfect areas without having to compromise peoples’ health. Robots have also been used to deliver food.
Remote work
 
Working remotely has shown companies a new way of operation. “VPN,” or Virtual private networks, are secure and safe connections. Instant message services like Skype, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom have shown an efficient way to collaborate.

Drones

Drones have proven to be of great help in the medical field. Drones have been used in highly infected countries to deliver medicine to the sick and are also used to patrol public spaces to make sure large gatherings do not occur.

10 Steps to Ensure your Smartphone is Safe

By The I.T. Guy

Click aqui para español- >10 Pasos para garantizar la seguridad de su teléfono inteligente

Personal devices run a huge safety risk, and identity theft is more rampant than ever. Your smartphone is how you manage half of your life. We use our devices for practically everything, from storing our contacts, to browsing on social media, to banking, to conducting business and checking emails. Here is some advice to make sure your identity and your information are protected.

1 Do not charge your device in public charging stations. There are rumors that hackers can now install fake charging stations to pull all your data from your phone. Instead of looking for power in public spaces, make the investment on a portable power bank. They’re affordable, easy to access, and give you added peace of mind.

2 Do not connect to unsecured Wi-Fi networks. If you find Wi-Fi networks that do not require a password, consider them unsafe and avoid connecting to them.

3 Use a strong passcode A six-character or more password with special characters and numbers is highly recommended. Make use of smartphone-enabled features such as fingerprint and face recognition to protect access to your Device.

4 Install an antivirus System. Norton, Avast, McAfee are all free antivirus systems that work well.

5 Keep the phone’s Operating System up to date. Many OS updates contain security fixes.

6 Track your device. Have a way to track your phone in case it gets lost or stolen. Find My iPhone for iOS and Find my Device for Android.

7 Make sure your cell phone locks automatically.

8 Use 2-factor Authentication.

9 Ignore Spam and Phishing emails.

10 Back up your data to the cloud. Both major Operating Systems offer this feature.

Apps for New Year‘s Resolutions

By The I.T Guy

Click aqui para español- >Apps para resoluciones de año nuevo

It’s a new year…after the holidays we are all trying to improve our self and set goals to be better than last year. How about using our smartphone to better ourselves? Free and easy! There are apps that can help us achieve this, so we might as well use this to our advantage. From organizing our lifestyles to losing weight, here are the top 5 apps for this year. One of the most useful apps is already in your device and that is your calendar. When used to the max, you can set reminders for everything from remembering your friends’ birthdays down to when you should eat your next healthy meal.

1 Calendar

Sync your schedule across platforms and devices, so you’re never without it.

Toggle from day, week, and month view so you always know what’s next.

RSVP to event invitations right from your inbox.

Plan for your goals with repeat scheduling.

Set goals that matter to you—and reach them.

Create reminders for time-sensitive tasks.

2 Runkeeper

Runkeeper is a GPS fitness-tracking app. Go for a run, walk, hike, or any activity really! You‘ll get a clear view of your training in real time with this fitness tracker app that not only tracks activity, but encourages you to get active more often.

3 Shopwell

Shopwell is a free iOS app that helps you maintain a healthy diet and is especially useful if you are allergic to or want to avoid certain foods. The app delivers ratings for a wide variety of food items specific to your profile, helping you find healthier alternatives to foods you like to eat.

4 Lumosity

Lumosity‘s cognitive training program is a fun, interactive way to train your brain and learn about how your mind works. Used by over 100 million people worldwide, Lumosity‘s program consists of science-based games designed to exercise memory, attention, speed, flexibility and problem-solving.

5 Plant Nanny

 Plant Nanny combines health with fun to remind you to drink water regularly.

The cute plant keeps you company every day by living in your phone.

In order to keep it alive and help it grow, you must give it water at certain periods of time.

Last Minute Gifts on Green Monday

By The I.T. Guy

Click aqui para español- >Regalos de último minuto en Lunes Verde

Okay, so we already know about Black Friday and Cyber Monday, but there is yet another shopping day that is not that well known. This day is called “Green Monday.” Green Monday, created by eBay back in 2007,  lands on the second Monday every December.

Green Monday is similar to Cyber Monday, as most of the sales are made online, but this day has become incredibly big because it is closer to Christmas Day. The name of the third-biggest shopping day in the U.S. was chosen because of the revenue provided in classic U.S. Dollar green, and because being online, it makes it an environmentally-friendly transaction.

Green Monday has reportedly generated more than $1.6 billion in sales each year. This day has also become extremely popular because it is the last day online retailers can guarantee that your purchased item will arrive before Christmas Day.

Make sure you take advantage of Green Monday for last minute gifts online. This year Green Monday will fall on December 9th.

Here, some gift ideas for your loved ones. Happy giving!

1 Bose Frames bluetooth audio sunglasses with open ear headphones, $160  

2 Panasonic spa-quality facial steamer, $49

3 GANNI ribbed knit lambswool beanie in lemon yellow, $60

4 Revlon one-step hair dryer & styling brush, $44 

5 Google Home Hub with Google assistant, $70

6 LARQ 17oz. self-cleaning water bottle, $79

Android vs. iOS

By the I.T. Guy

Click aqui para español- >Android vs. iOS

In today’s world, a smartphone is a necessity. One cannot be without it, as our lives have become dependent on the daily updates and information we receive through our smart devices. There are two major operating systems. One is the iOS created by Apple and the other is Android owned by Google. Android is open source which means it is a free software for anyone to use. iOS is closed source and can only be used with devices manufactured by Apple.

The two systems compete with each other, although they are very different. iOS is a custom operating system that works exclusively with Apple devices. On top of that, iOS is optimized for each particular device and model where it is installed, which allows for full use of the devices’ resources. Android, on the other hand, can be installed on any device that supports it, which makes it a more versatile software that many different brands can use, although its performance is more limited.

Here are some differences in the two systems:

iOS

Optimized for specific device

No viruses

Apps from Apple AppStore Only

Modification only through jailbreak

Limited customization

Stable OS

Constant updates

Free SMS between iOS devices

Free audio and video calls between iOS devices (natively)

Building Apps for iOS is a tedious process

Devices are costly

Android

Can be installed on almost any device

Free

Can get viruses

Apps from Google Play and third-party App Stores

High customization

Depending on the device the OS might not be stable

Building Apps is easy, and it does not have to be through the Google PlayStore

Devices can be inexpensive

The Basics of Wi-Fi

By The I.T. Guy

Click aqui para español- >Los fundamentos del Wi-fi

Have you noticed some routers have 2 signals?

They are called SSID and each signal serves a purpose. One is for speed, and the other, for coverage. Not all devices can see both signals because the 5 Ghz signal is a newer technology, but all of them use the 2.4 Ghz signal.

The 2.4 Ghz technology has been used for years. Before its use for wireless internet it has been used for cordless phones, microphones, CB radios, microwaves, and Bluetooth devices, among others, which makes it the most used frequency. 2.4 Ghz reaches a long range, but it receives lots of inference.

The 5 Ghz frequency is better because it has not been used as much and is currently dedicated mostly for Wi-Fi internet, though its caveat is a limited range. 

A new technology called Wi-Fi 6 is set to launch this year (2019). Wi-Fi 6 uses both bands, 2.4ghz and 5ghz, and cramps more channels in each band, which allows for faster speed and an expanded range.

Wi-Fi 6 is supposed to be up to three times faster than what we are used to, which will allow us to get the most out of our internet connection. Wi-Fi 6 also comes with new security protocols, resulting in a more secure connection for users.

Amazon’s Delivery Technology

By the I.T Guy

Click aqui para español- > La tecnología de envíos de Amazon

In April 2019, a video of an Amazon blimp went viral on social media with millions of users watching what they thought was Amazon’s newest method of delivery. In the video, blimps lowered drones and delivered packages to homes.

The video was not real, but what is real, it’s Amazon’s plan to deploy drones and possibly blimps in the future as they patented the idea back in December 2014. Tests have been going on for utilizing these drones for deliveries, but there are privacy issues and software development issues that have halted the efforts. 

Amazon is pushing for drone deliveries and expects to implement this system within the next five years. Blimps and drones are supposed to be capable of delivering packages not heavier than five pounds and deliveries should happen within 30 minutes of flight time from their deployment base.