“Family” collection
Navigate the intersection of family life and technology with expert advice on household gadgets, digital parenting, and home safety. This section focuses on tools and strategies that enhance family connections and simplify domestic logistics in a digital-first world.
HTD Tech Briefs
View all →January 11, 2013
How To Disable Java in Chrome, Firefox, Safari & Internet Explorer on Mac OS or Windows to Prevent 0-Day Exploit
If you have been reading any of the Technical publications online, you will probably know that there is currently an exploit in Java that affects most internet browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Safari and Internet Explorer on systems that have Java installed. This is being called a zero-day or 0-day exploit which essentially means that there is a security vulnerability in…
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January 11, 2013
A New Year Means New Security & a Google Nexus 7-Inch Multi-Tablet Twitter Party Giveaway with Trend Micro – #SecureNewYear
I am hoping that this New Year is already off to a great start for all of you, apart from my plumbing issues and a flu-ridden child, our family has been enjoying 2013 thus far. And as most of the celebrations should have died down by now, here's one more that you might want to attend. For the past year,…
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January 7, 2013
Jumping Into January – What I’m Missing & What I’m Not and Why It’s Relevant
Who would have believed what a busy month January 2013 would be. As is customary for me, I can barely see the end of my nose, the end of the day or the end of an article. How the heck can I look through a month and plan ahead? Honestly, I wish that I had actually planned ahead a bit…
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December 28, 2012
13 Security Resolutions for 2013 – Follow Them or Get Hacked!
With just a few hours left in 2012, it's time to think about ways to make 2013 an even better year. I'm sure that all of you are planning on going to the gym about 20 times a day, or eliminating all fat from your diet, or working to become Time Magazine's Person of the Year for 2013. I wish…
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December 21, 2012
Reacting To and Remembering the Tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary – Cast of Dads Podcast #55
A week ago today, innocent children, students and educators were horrifically gunned down at Sandy Hook Elementary School. I don't believe that anyone will fully understand the "why" but all of us have been struggling to comprehend it as well as be able to talk about this event with other adults as well as our children. The Sunday after this…
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December 18, 2012
Why and How Ballerinas Break In Ballet Pointe Shoes
With the holidays upon us, ballerinas of all ages become a bit more inspired. One of the primary reasons is that various renditions of The Nutcracker are being interpreted and performed widely, from local community dance groups to large scale professional productions. Whether you are "into" ballet or not, you simply cannot help being sucked into this magical story. For…
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December 14, 2012
The Loss of Innocence
Innocence was lost today, not just in Connecticut but across the world. Our future was tragically and horrifically gunned down in yet another act of senseless violence. After 9/11, our nation changed. We became paranoid, more careful and we thought, safer. Today's events prove otherwise. Violence can come from anywhere, from strangers or from people that we know. It can…
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November 29, 2012
As a Blogger or Brand, Why is Continuity Important?
Having just completed my 7th year of blogging, I have learned quite a lot. What started for me as simply a way to both help people and provide insights on a variety of topics, now has become part of my life and my persona. As my website has matured, I have uncovered nuances and patterns along the way, but I…
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November 27, 2012
Klutz Teaches Kids About Basic Electronics While Setting Up Booby Traps Around the House
As part of my ongoing effort to remain as much like a child as possible, I was intrigued to set up some "Gotcha Gadgets" that would allow me to play 20 tricks on my kids. I wanted to set up trip alarms and motion sensors that would fart when someone opened a door, or set up a push-button applause machine…
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November 25, 2012
How Safe is Online Shopping? Tips to Get Ready for Cyber Monday and Beyond
Personally, I hate shopping. I do though, like the act of giving gifts. There is something always great about spreading joy to friends and family during the holiday seasons. My wife is a bargain hunter and loves the "sport" of the deal hunt. She went missing on Black Friday only to reappear a few hours later with lots of great…
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November 21, 2012
And We’re Back! Thanksgiving Episode #54 of the Cast of Dads Podcast
It seems like life got the better of us Cast of Dads. We have been on a bit of a hiatus as we get our crazy lives in order...well, who's to say that our lives will ever be less hectic or in order for that matter. But we wanted to get together to record an episode right before Thanksgiving. So…
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November 19, 2012
Silent but Effective – ESET Cybersecurity for Macintosh
I don't know how many different types of Anti-Virus or security software I have tested over the years. I would guess that it's in the 20's. There are a lot of great providers out there, some paid and some free. Those people who have computers but don't have ANY anti-virus software are destined to a severe, brutal and ugly day…
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