Never trust a computer you can't throw out a window Steve Wozniak, the co-founder of Apple Computer, was probably thinking about inscrutable mainframes when he came up with this one. But on a hot summer day, do you have to sacrifice your physical security to open that window and catch a breeze? Here’s an inexpensive tip to improve your home alarm security system. Window sensors - the backbone of every smarthome alarm system Both do-it-yourself (DIY) and professional security systems rely on window and door sensors to keep your home secure. These little devices keep watch over your home and alert you when a physical breach has occurred. Builder installed or contractor installed systems use wired sensors while DIY or do-it-for-me (DIFM) retrofits use wireless sensors for easier installation. Both wired and wireless door or window sensors most often use the same technology. Reed switches are interesting devices and rely on magnetism to do their job. Tip: Are you looking for a smarthome security system you can install yourself? Check out this buyer's guide of DIY security systems for some ideas. How a door/window sensor works A window sensor consists of two small pieces. The main sensor device has all the electronics and a reed switch. The switch is a small glass tube with two small pieces of metal inside. When the metal pieces touch, the circuit is closed and the signal is sent by wire or wireless connection to the system …
Ethernet switch ports and why you need them
To reach a port we must set sail What FDR said about ships may be true, but for smart home gadgets, you just have to reach to the back of your network router. Except when you run out of Ethernet switch ports. Ethernet ports and why you need them Our home networks use both wired and wireless devices. A few home networks might be completely wireless, but most likely yours has a mix of both Wi-Fi and wired Ethernet connections. Wired Ethernet network connections have their own physical port that uses RJ-45 jacks and receptacles. Each Ethernet port connects to a single device. If you have multiple devices that need to be connected, you will need to have multiple Ethernet ports. You need one Ethernet port at each end of the connection. Your devices that use Ethernet will have that port - so half the problem is solved. But the situation at the networking equipment or central side of things, is a bit more complicated. One, and two, And three… At first network equipment like routers and Wi-Fi Access Points always had a single Ethernet connection. You were required to buy a separate Ethernet switch to connect everything together. Ethernet switches come in all shapes and sizes and with different sets of features. The simplest, or “dumb” switches, are nothing more than signal repeaters. Ethernet switches might have 2, 4, 8, 16, or more ports and multiple switches can be connected together for more capacity. If you want to …
Ultimate CCTV Security Camera Privacy?
Scared Yet? I just read another clickbait article trying to scare all of us about CCTV security camera privacy and security. This one mentions some research done by what I’m sure are some decent geeks that found an interesting tidbit. Looking at the Internet traffic coming from a smarthome security camera you can figure out if anyone is home. It’s an intellectually interesting premise. Cloud based cameras send video through the Internet to be processed and stored at a remote data center. The volume of data uploaded varies with the amount of visual activity the camera sees. Smart analytics can use this as a virtual footprint to see when the house is empty. The Hidden Agenda Why is this making news? There have been a lot of headlines about invasion of privacy and the lack of security in smarthome CCTV security camera systems. Including big names like Ring, Nest and a bunch of lesser-known, but widely used brands and systems. At the Apple Worldwide Developer’s Conference WWDC) 2020, Apple previewed a version of the HomeKit that includes facial recognition & alerts for your CCTV security camera. Apple has made privacy and security an integral part of their marketing efforts and corporate culture. This research suggests that even Apple HomeKit encrypted CCTV security camera footage is not really secure. Fuhgeddaboudit Nothing to see here - Literally! The practical, real-world implication of this kind of lab trick …
Working from home – three scary words
For many people, having their boss say “working from home” can be the most scary thing they have heard in the last few months. As someone that has a virtual office, or home office, or whatever you want to call it, I humbly present a few hard earned tips. Don’t worry, I’m not going to give you the sugar-coated, vacuous tips that every blogger, newscaster, and least-favorite son-in-law seems so willing to foist upon you. No reserve a special spot, keep to a schedule, don’t raid the fridge, maintain a work/life division and balance, or other touchy / feely stuff. And yes, I understand the irony of mentioning these hackneyed tips in a sentence about not mentioning them, but had to get that out of the way first. Fix your Wi-Fi A great, not just ok or even good, network is essential. Everyone is relying on the Internet for communication, entertainment, and work. This will cost a little bit of money, but there are affordable mesh Wi-Fi solutions and good wired routers so you don’t have to spend a fortune. Secret tip - If you need to fix a dead spot in part of your home, or maybe just want to convert part of the garage or yard to a quiet zone with Internet access, an Ethernet wire is still an option. A 50 or 100 foot length of Ethernet cable is really cheap. Just lay it down when you need it and roll it up when done so no one trips over it. It’s not pretty or elegant, but gets the job done when necessary. Do you have more devices to connect? …
Cord-Cutter: Live TV Streaming Services For 2020
Stop paying high prices for cable or satellite TV service by becoming a cord cutter. But don't give up watching live TV - news, sports, and other programs live, as they happen. Most of these services offer a range of free and subscription options. Most paid plans have a free trial period so you can check them out first. Each service has a different mix of included program content with upgrades available for an additional fee.Take a look at each service to see which matches your current broadcast, satellite, or cable service.As a cord cutter you may not need to replace all your current channels - just look for the ones you actually like watching. In addition to the following live television streaming options, you may be interested in these premium movie and tv show streaming services. Check out these hardware streaming devices that are alternatives to the built-in SmartTV apps that come with your tv or DVD player. Enjoy becoming a cord cutter! …
Cord-Cutter: The Best Media Streaming Devices for 2020
Stop paying high prices for cable or satellite TV service. Firstly, check out this list of some of the best media streaming devices to bypass the shackles of traditional Cable TV or Satellite providers. Secondly, choose a live tv streaming service for your favorite news, sports, or programs. Thirdly, don't forget the premium options for exclusive hit series and movies you can enjoy as a cord cutter. …
Cord-Cutter: Best Premium Online Video Services for 2020
You can stop paying high prices for cable or satellite TV service. Look at these affordable alternatives. You can sign-up for the free trial offer before you decide on a monthly or yearly subscription discount. Afterwards, you can add a live tv streaming service so you don't miss your local stations, news, or sports programs, too! Lastly, as a bona fide cord cutter, upgrade from the built-in SmartTV apps to one of these streaming boxes for better audio and video quality. …
Cord Cutter Quick Guide For For 2020
No, Not The Video Game You may heard the term cord cutter, but unless you are an avid tv nerd, you may not be familiar with the details. Here’s a quick introduction to help you get started. What Is A Cord-Cutter? This means discontinuing Cable TV service by disconnecting the coaxial cable feed coming into the home. Cord-cutting started as a counter-culture protest when techies figured out they could replace most of broadcast and cable television with cheaper alternatives. You can replace subscription Cable TV or Satellite TV without giving anything up. Cord cutters have several motives: Saving money - Cable fees have continued to creep upward. Fees for HD, multiple cable boxes, other add-ons, plus the phony mandatory service fees add up.Don't forget the and taxes and other mysterious charges that leave you stuck paying $50 to $100 for what used to be free broadcast television. More hardware viewing choices - Cord cutters want to watch TV programming on devices other than TV’s. Your smartphone, tablet, computer, and specialized electronics like video game consoles all make sense. Traditional TV viewing is limited to actual TV equipment only. A La Carte Services - Cable TV has a lot of additional services including sports passes, special interest channels, and local/regional shows. They are grouped into inflexible bundles which means you pay a lot more just to get what you actually want. Better Recording - Cable TV boxes with …
Logi Who?
The Ultimate Universal Remote Control? Logitech is the undisputed king of programmable universal remotes. They have sold millions of their popular Harmony line. These handy gadgets let you control your television plus a slew of related audio/video equipment from a single handheld device. The Logitech Harmony line is affordable offering different models with a range of prices. Starting with the Harmony Companion for only $149 which is a full featured system including both the handheld remote and the Harmony Hub that makes it all work. All Harmony products work with both Apple and Android smartphone apps. If you only want app control and don’t want the physical remote, the Harmony Hub is available by itself for $99. Not as crazy as it sounds - all Harmony remotes work with Amazon Alexa voice control or Google Home so that makes a voice-only solution at a lower price. Moving up the product line, the Harmony Elite for $349.99 adds a miniature color touchscreen built right into the remote itself and additional smart home integrations. With the touchscreen, you aren’t limited by the built-in buttons on the remote, and can select TV channels from colored icons with each network’s respective logo instead of having to remember channel numbers or names. Please note these prices are the nominal retail price and you’ll find better deals online at the usual suspects or your local big box stores. Not Your Basic Remote Control Logitech makes a lot (and I …
A Distinction With A Difference – T568A or T568B?
The Ethernet Wiring Conundrum Ethernet wired networking is an industry standard. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers has painstakingly defined specifications and standards for all aspects of Ethernet networking. Need an Ethernet cable or adding equipment to your home network? Just buy any Ethernet cables and connectors and your should be done, right? Unfortunately, it’s not that easy. As typical with standards, Ethernet has succumbed to that joke in Geek circles - “Standards are great. That’s why we have more than one”. IEEE 802.3 is the official spec for Ethernet, but there are many related standards and specifications. Let’s Get Physical (Connectors) An Ethernet cable is actually a set of eight copper wires wrapped together in a single outer insulated cover. Each of the eight inner wires is insulated themselves. The insulated cover on each wire is a different color to make it easy to tell the wires apart. At the ends of an Ethernet cable is a modular connector that makes it easy to install or remove a cable without a mechanical tool. Commonly referred as an RJ45 jack, it is made of clear or translucent plastic and does require a tool to install; a process know as wire termination. Plugging in an Ethernet cable just takes a gentle push and it locks into the mating socket with solid audible and haptic feedback. Removing the cable is just as easy, a light press of a small plastic tab releases the connector for …