Mid Century Fiber

  Lithium-ion batteries, powering everything from smartphones and laptops to electric cars and wearable devices, chances are that if you have electronics in your home at least one device will be powered by them. While these batteries offer convenience and portability, there are also risks associated with lithium-ion batteries. 1. The Basics of Lithium-Ion Batteries What Are They?  Lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable energy storage devices that use lithium compounds. Why Are They Popular?  These batteries are compact, lightweight, and can store a significant amount of energy. Commonly Found in:  You’ll find them in smartphones, tablets, cameras, power tools, electric vehicles, and more. 2. The Risks: Why Safety Matters Lithium-ion batteries are generally safe when used correctly. However, certain factors can lead to hazards: Physical Damage: What Happens:  If a battery is physically damaged (due to impact or puncture), it can lead to internal short circuits. Risk:  

 Streaming isn't all about watching the latest Netflix movie or series on Amazon Prime. Music streaming is increasingly popular as terrestrial radio listeners numbers continue to shrink . If you are completely new to music streaming or just wanted to see what your other options are. Here is a brief rundown of some of the most popular streaming apps out there and how you can tune in. Keep in mind that most feature multiple membership tiers to choose from, including a free tier. All prices below are for the entry membership.  Spotify: Spotify is a favorite among listeners. It offers a vast music library, personalized playlists, and a user-friendly interface and a robust amount of devices it can be installed on including Roku streaming devices.  Cost: $10.99 per month How to Use: Download the Spotify app on your device. Sign up for an account (free or premium). YouTube Music: YouTube Music combines audio tracks with music videos, it currently boasts a catalogue of over 100

In our ever-interconnected world, we leave behind digital footprints every day. These footprints can be restaurant reviews, social media profiles, or old forgotten email addresses. Ghost-Hacking involves exploiting footprints of the deceased for fraudulent purposes. Let’s take a look at what we can do to protect ourselves and our loved ones. What Is Ghost-Hacking? Ghost-hacking, also known as “ghosting,” doesn’t involve breaking into your account. Instead, scammers use the accounts of your deceased relatives or friends. Here’s why they do it: Spam and Scams: Hackers may access your loved one’s Facebook account to send spam, scam messages, or malicious content to their contacts. Identity Theft: They might steal personal or financial information associated with the deceased. Nefarious Purposes: Cybercriminals can misuse the account for various illicit activities. Steps to Protect Your Deceased Relative’s Facebook Account Memorialize the Account Facebook offers a feature to memorialize a

  Streaming can be expensive, and downright confusing when you start to compare different streaming providers, trying to decide which service has the most bang for its buck. That’s why the idea of getting thousands of channels from all over the world for one low monthly price is so appealing for so many. However, let’s investigate what those services are, and how they could end up costing you in the long run.   1. Financial Loss Legitimate streaming services often come with a hefty price tag. Understandably, the allure of cheap or free alternatives is strong. Illegal IPTV streams promise substantial discounts, making them tempting for the budget conscious. But here’s the catch: these services operate outside the law. When you sign up for an illegal streaming service, you’re essentially placing your hard-earned money at risk. ·         Unregulated Providers: Unlike legitimate platforms, illegal IPTV providers lack regulation. They can vanish overnight, leaving you high and dry. Im

       In honor of National Something on a Stick Day, let’s forget about food, and instead look at two streaming sticks and compare which one is best for you. 1. Features and Content Roku Streaming Stick Pros: Extensive Channel Selection: Roku boasts a wide array of channels and apps, including both free and paid options. Device Variety: Roku offers various device models, allowing you to choose based on your preferences. Free Content: Enjoy a wealth of free content on Roku. Cons: Limited Voice Assistants: Roku only works with Google and Alexa. Amazon Fire TV Stick Pros: Amazon Prime Integration: If you’re an Amazon Prime member, Firestick seamlessly integrates with your membership. Alexa Compatibility: Firestick is ideal for those with Amazon Smart devices. Cons: Smaller Channel Selection: While Firestick offers a decent range of channels, it falls short compared to Roku. Less Free Content: Roku outshines Firestick in terms of free content availability.

           These days managing passwords has become a critical task. From online banking to social media accounts, we rely on passwords to secure our digital lives. But let’s be honest: remembering complex passwords for every site can be a challenge. That’s where password managers come in. What Is a Password Manager?      A password manager is like a digital vault for your passwords. It securely stores your login credentials, generates strong passwords, and helps you organize and access them effortlessly. Here’s why you should consider using one: · Enhanced Security: Password managers create and store unique, complex passwords for each of your accounts. No more reusing “123456” or “password”! · Convenience: With a password manager, you only need to remember one master password. It handles the rest, auto-filling login forms and saving you time. · Cross-Platform Access: Whether you’re on your laptop, smartphone, or tablet, your passwords are accessible across devices. · Secure Sharing:

          In honor of Alfred Hitchcock Day, let’s explore the top 5 Hitchcock classics (according to me) available for streaming,  and as always if you need help with anything streaming or smart home related you can contact us at 309-778-8611 or by emailing us at   OneSource@midcentury.com 1. Psycho streaming on: Peacock A Phoenix secretary embezzles $40,000 from her employer's client, goes on the run and checks into a remote motel run by a young man under the domination of his mother. 2. Rear Window streaming on: Peacock A photographer in a wheelchair spies on his neighbors from his Greenwich Village courtyard apartment window, and becomes convinced one of them has committed murder, despite the skepticism of his fashion-model girlfriend. 3. Vertigo streaming on: Peacock A former San Francisco police detective juggles wrestling with his personal demons and becoming obsessed with the hauntingly beautiful woman he has been hired to trail, who may be deeply disturbed. 4. North by Nort

            Did you know that in a 2022 Gallup survey only 32% of Americans said they got “excellent” or “very good” sleep?   Regularly getting less than 7 hours of sleep can, over time, harm your health. In fact, sleep shortages are linked to depression, heart disease, lowered immunity, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. Luckily, smart devices aren’t just for turning on lights, opening garage doors, or asking your devices random trivia. Here is how smart devices can help you manage and improve the amount of sleep you get. A s always if you need help with anything streaming or smart home related you can contact us at 309-778-8611 or by emailing us at   OneSource@midcentury.com   Sleep Tracking Devices:  Wearable devices like smartwatches and fitness bands can monitor your sleep patterns.  They track metrics such as sleep duration, restlessness, and deep sleep phases. By analyzing this data, you can identify areas for improvement and adjust your habits accordingly.  Screen Time Managemen

      Streaming services aren't just for movies and TV shows these days. A video game streaming service allows you to play games without owning a console or a high-end gaming PC. These services provide access to remote hardware, allowing you to play games on various devices you already own. In honor of National Video Game Day, let's go over the benefits to these services and provide some examples of services you can try out today! Some of the benefits to these services include: Cost-Effective: Subscriptions often provide access to a wide range of games at a fixed monthly fee, which can be more economical than purchasing individual games. Game Variety: Subscription services offer a diverse library of games, allowing you to explore different genres and titles without committing to full purchases. No Hardware Constraints: You can play games on various devices, including PCs, consoles, and mobile devices, without needing high-end hardware. Instant Access: No need to wait for do

  It’s National Cut the Cord Day, a celebration that encourages us to break free from the shackles of traditional cable TV and embrace the streaming revolution. Television has been a faithful companion to households for decades. From black-and-white classics to high-definition dramas, it has entertained, informed, and connected us. But there was a time when our viewing options were limited to a handful of channels, contracts, carriage disputes and service interruptions all courtesy of traditional cable and satellite companies. Fast-forward to the mid-2000s, YouTube emerged, allowing users to share all sorts of video content. Apple’s iTunes service followed soon after, letting subscribers download TV shows and series. And then came the game-changer: streaming technology. Between 2006 and 2009, streaming services like Amazon Video and Netflix stepped onto the scene. Suddenly, we had more shows and movies than we could possibly watch at our fingertips. Hulu, CBS’s tv.com, and other platfo

  National Change Your Password Day is celebrated annually on February 1 st. It is a reminder to change your passwords regularly to keep your personal information safe.  Password security is a crucial aspect of online safety. Passwords are the first line of defense against cybercriminals and their access to your personal  data.  Over 86% of data breaches involve stolen passwords , take these steps when creating a secure password. 1.     Length: Use a password that is at least 8 characters long.  Longer passwords are more difficult to crack than shorter ones. 2.     Complexity: Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.  Avoid using easily guessable information such as your name, birthdate, or phone number. 3.     Uniqueness: Use a different password for each of your accounts.  This way, if one password is compromised, your other accounts will still be secure. 4.     Avoid common passwords: Avoid using common passwords such as “password”, “12

  Need some help finding what to watch? Here is a selection of the top trending shows in movies across four of the most popular streaming services, and as always if you need help with anything streaming or smart home related you can contact us at 309-778-8611 or by emailing us at   OneSource@midcentury.com     Netflix:   The Hill The story of Rickey Hill, who overcomes his physical disability and repairs his relationship with his father in a quest to become a major league baseball player.    Hulu: The Good Mother A journalist and his pregnant girlfriend attempt to track down those responsible for the murder of his estranged son. Together, they confront a world of drugs and corruption in the underbelly of their small city in upstate New York, where they uncover an even darker secret.  Amazon Prime: Fast X Over many missions and against impossible odds, Dom Toretto and his family has outsmarted, and outdriven every foe in their path. Now, they confront the most lethal opponent they'v

     Everyone knows that fiber internet is the fastest internet you can get but did you also know it's the most reliable in all sorts of weather? Here is why and as always if you need help with anything streaming or smart home related you can contact us at 309-778-8611 or by emailing us at  OneSource@midcentury.com        Other forms of internet such as cable or satellite cannot compete with fibers speed or reliability due to major differences in how their networks are planned and laid out which leaves them vulnerable to a multitude of issues. Unlike these types of internet, Mid  Century fiber lines are buried underground. This protects your fiber line from the wind, rain, ice and even the sun.        Thunderstorms with high winds, and wintery mixes that blanket everything in sheets of ice can easily pull-down trees or their branches damaging both your home and cable lines leaving  you without internet until a repair technician can be dispatched, sometimes days later. Being buried

  Need some help finding what to watch? Here is a selection of the top trending shows in movies across four of the most popular streaming services, and as always if you need help with anything streaming or smart home related you can contact us at 309-778-8611 or by emailing us at   OneSource@midcentury.com     Netflix:   The Single Moms Club A group of single moms is brought together after an incident at their children's school.    Hulu: Power Book III: Raising Kanan Set in South Jamica, Queens, 1981, this prequel to Power revolves around the coming of age of Kanan Stark.  Amazon Prime: Invincible Mark Grayson is a normal teenager except for the fact that his father is the most powerful superhero on the planet. Shortly after his seventeeth birthday, mark begins to develop powers of his own and enters into his father's tutelage.  MAX: Smothered  Sammy and Tom meet on a night out at karaoke and start a no-strings-attached affair for a limited time on the condition that they will

  Need some help finding what to watch? Here is a selection of the top trending shows in movies across four of the most popular streaming services, and as always if you need help with anything streaming or smart home related you can contact us at 309-778-8611 or by emailing us at   OneSource@midcentury.com     Netflix:   The Equalizer 3 Robert McCall finds himself at home in the Southern Italy, but he discovers his friends are under the control of local crime bosses. As events turn deadly, McCall knows what he has to do: become his friends' protector by taking on the mafia.   Hulu: The Creator Amid a future war between the human race and the forces of artificial intelligence, Joshua, a hardened ex-special forces agent grieving the disappearance of his wife, is recruited to hunt down and kill the Creator, the elusive architect of advanced AI who has developed a mysterious weapon with the power to the end the war - and mankind itself.  Amazon Prime: Saltburn Struggling to find his pl