Website Compass Magazine - Spring Issue

Spring Website Compass Magazine features everything you need to know about online streaming entertainment options.

 

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What Is Open Internet And What Does It Mean To You?
You may have heard the term Open Internet (or Net Neutrality) discussed in the news and wondered exactly what it's all about. To help educate you on this important issue, we're sharing this video produced by NTCA - The Rural Broadband Association. In it, Michael Romano, Senior Vice President of Policy, describes what Open Internet means and the implications the new FCC rules may have for rural providers and consumers.


 

We encourage you to take a few minutes now to watch.

 

 

Respect Copyrighted Material And Avoid Digital Piracy

With so many options out there for viewing movies and TV shows online, it can be confusing to find the real thing - content that doesn't involve copyright infringement. In addition, others could be using your Internet account without your knowledge to conduct illegal activities. It's important you understand that downloading pirated content through a site like BitTorrent is illegal and organizations are actively protecting these rights.

 

For example, the Copyright Alert System (CAS) is designed to help consumers understand when files may have been shared illegally on peer-2-peer (P2P) networks through their Internet accounts. According to www.copyrightinfringement.org, "artists, moviemakers and other owners of content join public P2P networks to see if the music, movies, and TV shows they've made available are being shared without permission and in violation of U.S. copyright law. If they notice that a file is being shared illegally, they notify the appropriate Internet Service Provider (ISP) and that ISP, in turn, passes on that notice to their subscriber as a Copyright Alert."

 

To avoid violating copyrights, follow these tips:

  • Watch for titles that are "too new to be true." Movies that have yet to be released in theaters, or which are still out in theaters, are not legally available online. If very recent titles are being sold or traded online, they are almost invariably illegal copies.
  • Trust your eyes and ears. In many cases, the quality of illegal copies is inferior with poor sound and can appear blurry or shaky.
  • Be cautious when websites make offers that are "too good to be true." Be wary of "free" content when searching for and purchasing downloads from unfamiliar sites; they typically indicate pirated product. Look out for terms like "Unlimited Movie Downloads," "100% legal," and "Millions of Files Shared." Offers for one-time or yearly fees with no details and no contact information should also alert you that you have entered an illegal site.

As you look for entertainment online, remember to be respectful of the artists' work and keep your downloading within legal parameters. 

SCAM ALERT- Fake Puppy Adoption Offers
Looking for a new pet? You may want to think twice about following up on an ad for an expensive breed of dog offered for a low price. These ads often appear with an irresistible photo of a puppy in newspapers or on websites, Craig's List, or Facebook. 

FEATURED APPS - These 3 Are Well Worth A Look


 

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2 TO VIEW - Amazing Videos You Need To See
Shattering The CD Speed Barrier

With "warp" rotation speed and a super-fast camera, the Slow Mo Guys capture CDs as they spin to the point of shattering.
"Don't Try This At Home" Bike Tricks

You won't believe the tricks performed all around San Francisco by urban bicycle daredevil Danny MacAskill. For him, it's all in a day's work.
GO PINTEREST-ing! - Cool Stuff For Your Boards
You haven't started pinning on Pinterest yet and you want to get started? If so, click here.
SITES OF THE MONTH - Great Sites To Check Out
Get Gardening
garden.org - Whether you're a seasoned gardener, or just planting your first tomatoes, you're sure to learn something from this National Gardening Association (NGA) site. Their mission is to provide educational garden programs to every generation. Check out the gardening articles, plant finder, how-to videos, and more. 
Simple, Easy Flight Finder
google.com/flights - Looking for an easy tool to help you find flights for your vacation? Google Flights offers straightforward functionality. Just type in arrival / departure locations, and dates, and you'll see options from several carriers. Choose the flights you want, then click the link to book directly with the airline. 
Master The Grill
foodnetwork.com/grilling.html  - Grilling season has begun, and Food Network Grilling Central is the place to be. Find recipes for burgers and hot dogs, chicken, seafood, and other mains, as well as for side dishes, frozen treats, and party food. Get tips on how to grill or find your favorite Food Network star or show. 
Best Garage Sale Tips
organizedhome.com - Sure, a garage sale might LOOK easy: put out a bunch of stuff, and sell it to people walking by. But, there are actually strategies for having a successful garage sale. For example, have yours early in the month - right after payday. Visit this site to get more great advice. 
THIS MONTH'S FAQ - Can My Computer Be Damaged During A Storm?
Question: I'm always a little concerned when it's stormy out. Is there a possibility bad weather can damage my computer?

Answer: Yes, a lightning strike can cause considerable damage to, or even destroy, computers and other electronic devices. Your house should be equipped with a Network Interface Device (NID), which is designed to prevent lightning from damaging wiring. You can and should also use an uninterruptible power supply (USP). But, neither of these precautions is guaranteed to prevent damage. The best way to protect your electronics is to unplug them during a storm. After the storm passes, be sure to start them up again to make sure they're operating properly 

�2015 Cornerstone Publishing Group Inc. 


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