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What is a password management system? In our town, where the vast landscapes stretch far and wide, it's easy to overlook the significance of digital security. However, as our lives increasingly intertwine with the online world, protecting our digital presence has become vital. To help you navigate the complexities of online security, look at password management systems: a powerful tool that can enhance our online defenses. A password management system is a user-friendly software solution...
What is 4K and why do I want it? In recent years, the world of television technology has witnessed a rapid evolution, and one term that has gained prominence is "4K." If you've been shopping for a new TV you may have come across this term. But what does it actually mean? Let's explore the world of 4K and understand its significance. 4K refers to the resolution of a television display. Traditional high-definition (HD) TVs typically have a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels. In contrast, 4K, also know...
What is a firewall, and do I need one? In today's increasingly interconnected world, safeguarding your digital assets and personal information is paramount. One vital tool in the realm of cybersecurity is a firewall. At its core, a firewall acts as a barrier between your computer or network and the vast expanse of the internet. It monitors and filters incoming and outgoing network traffic, determining what data can pass through and what should be blocked. Essentially, a firewall serves as a gate...
How do I get started making a podcast? Podcasts have taken the world by storm, offering a unique platform for sharing stories, discussing ideas, and connecting with people around the globe. If you're a high school student interested in creating your own podcast, or an industry specialist wanting to get your word out there, we've got you covered! Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started on your podcasting journey. Choose a Topic: Begin by brainstorming subjects that genuinely interest...
What does the FI in WI-FI stand for? Wi-Fi has become an essential part of our daily lives. The "Wi" enables us to connect our devices WIRELESSLY to the internet. But have you ever wondered what the "Fi" in Wi-Fi actually stands for? Let's embark on a journey of discovery and unravel the mystery behind this peculiar term! "Fi" in Wi-Fi stands for "Fidelity." Now, I know that might sound a bit technical but fear not! I'll break it down into simpler terms. First, let's understand what "wireless"...
What is the Cloud? Do I need it? Have you ever heard of the cloud? No, I don't mean those fluffy white things in the sky. I'm talking about a different kind of cloud – the digital one. In the world of computers and technology, the cloud refers to a big network of servers that are connected to the internet. These servers store all kinds of data, like your pictures, videos, music, and documents. Now, you might be wondering why you would want to store your data in the cloud. There are a few r...
Q: How do you keep a laptop battery good? A: Your laptop battery is like a little power plant that helps your computer run. It's important to take good care of your battery so that it lasts a long time and doesn't stop working when you need it the most. Here are some tips to help you keep your laptop battery in good condition: Keep your laptop cool: Your battery works best when it's cool. Try to keep your laptop in a cool place, away from direct sunlight and other sources of heat. You can also...
Q: What is a laser? A: Imagine a birthday party with a large group of ten-year-olds who have been eating candy since they showed up, and they are all in a hallway with one closed end. The kid at the far end of the hallway jumps up and sees that the cake has been brought out. Once that kid starts running for the open end of the hallway saying there is cake, the rest of those ten-year-olds start running with him directly for the cake without spreading out. That is a very rough analogy of how a...
Although I’ve lived in a small Western town for 30 years now, I have never known much about one of its fundamental institutions, the service club. Many small-town residents still center their lives on Lions, Elks, Rotary, or similar organizations. Not me: I’m not a joiner. Yet as our national culture moves farther away from such settings for broad discussions, I worry that I’m part of the problem. A while ago when I was asked to speak at our local Rotary Club, I hesitated, picturing white guys...
Did you see the two military helicopters fly down Legion Avenue on Saturday, April 8th? Whitehall residents Lilly and Tim Schober along with nine other members of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) flew over Whitehall in a pair of UH-1 Huey helicopters just after the Easter Egg Hunt. As a part of the CAP, Lilly and Tim have the opportunity to participate in orientation flights on military aircraft. When asked about her experience, Lilly said "I was nervous because the doors were open, but I really...
Q: Why is there no sound in space? A: The short answer is that there is no air in space. Sound travels by air molecules bumping into each other in a domino-like fashion. Without air, there is nothing for the sound energy to bump into, so it could not travel. Unlike sound waves, light waves can travel through a vacuum. Light travels as both waves and particles, or photons, and is part of the electromagnetic spectrum. Photons travel at the speed of light, or roughly 156,000 miles per second or...
Q: How can I improve my online privacy? A: Your internet data is your private information. There are ways to intercept that data leaving your information vulnerable. One of the many ways to improve your internet security is to use a VPN. A VPN or a Virtual Private Network is a tool that allows users to access a private network securely and remotely. A VPN works by creating an encrypted tunnel between the user’s device and the VPN server, through which all internet traffic passes. This tunnel e...
Q: What is Dolby Atmos? A: American engineer and inventor, Ray Dolby developed Dolby Laboratories and the Noise Reduction system in 1965. In the 1970s Dolby Stereo was invented which created surround sound by using four speakers. Dolby Laboratories released Dolby Digital in 1992 which utilized six channels instead of the four used in Dolby Stereo. This is often referred to as 5.1 surround sound. The “5” indicates the number of standard speakers which includes a center, left, and right for the...
Q: What is Artificial Intelligence? A: Artificial Intelligence, or AI is a hot topic in the news recently. In fact, last week’s Tech Question column was written by a powerful new AI platform called ChatGPT which stands for Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer. Before anyone goes bananas and hides in their bunker from the robot uprising, that sort of thing is not happening…yet. AI has been around for a while, in fact the first presentation of AI was given at a conference in 1956, so it is not...
QUESTION: Do I really need to eject the USB Drive? ANSWER: USB drives are a popular tool used to transfer files between computers, and they have become an essential part of our daily lives. However, many people make the mistake of removing the USB drive without properly ejecting it from the computer. This may seem like a small issue, but it can have serious consequences. When you plug in a USB drive, the computer assigns it a letter and begins to communicate with it. During this communication, t...
Q: Can I turn on my coffee pot with my computer or smartphone? A: Yes! Welcome to the Internet of Things (IoT)! Many devices are being made “Internet Enabled.” Refrigerators, washers, dryers, and even coffee makers now have computers in them that can connect to the internet. These smart devices are connected to apps on your phone, or through a website, you can log onto with your computer. These apps and websites are created by the appliance manufacturer and give you many options to monitor and...
QUESTION: What part of my computer is most at risk to viruses? ANSWER: There are many ways viruses can infect your computer system. Being connected to the internet is amazing, however, it comes with risks. For information to flow, digital doors must be opened, but that presents opportunities for criminals to come through those doors. Cybersecurity companies constantly work on keeping criminals out, while allowing good information to flow in. However, the most vulnerable link in the entire chain...
QUESTION: Do I really need to change my passwords so often? ANSWER: The short answer is yes, but there are several things to consider. Online security and vulnerability does not have a yes or no answer, it is a question of how much security you want or need on a long scale of vulnerability. Your password is like the key to a door. How well you protect that key will depend on the value of the contents behind that door. Something valuable like access to your bank, confidential business...
Q: My laptop fell...broke...got run over, etc. Can I get my information from it? A: The short answer is, in many cases, yes. All computers, including laptops, are made of several individual components. The hard drive is the component that stores all your information and is hidden inside the shell of the laptop computer. Standard hard drives are built robustly to keep the sensitive parts protected from impacts. Even if the rest of the laptop is destroyed, if the hard drive survived, it can be...
On Wednesday, January 25, 2023, the Whitehall elementary 4th grade spent the day cross-country skiing at Homestake Lodge. After getting their skis and some instruction, they hit the trails for some outdoor fun. Skiing wrapped up with students challenging teachers, chaperones, and each other to race the obstacle course. The day ended with hot chocolate and tired kids....