I’ve run into a few this week so I thought I would mention it. When buying a new computer, most manufacturers include a trial version of Norton, McAfee or anther reputable anti-virus that usually expires after 30 days. You don’t have to renew or purchase that security product but you should at least have something. If you let the subscription lapse you put yourself at risk for malware to take over your PC. I personally recommended Microsoft Security Essentials. Its a free anti-virus from Microsoft that is automatically updated. So if you purchased a new computer recently and aren’t sure if your protected, click on the anti-virus icon in your system tray and look for subscription status. If its says your expired, give Microsoft Security Essentials a shot. Make sure to remove the old anti-virus first though 🙂 If you need any help, give me a call! – Justin
Monthly Archives: April 2012
How to ditch cable for online streaming.
Last summer I made the effort to get rid of my cable in favor of online streaming. I started looking for set top boxes and all of them had similar features but at the time the only one that all the apps that I wanted was the Roku.
The Roku had all the apps that I was looking for. The big three were
1.) Netflix
2.) Hulu
3.) Amazon Video On Demand.
Roku 2 XS 1080p Streaming Player
The Roku box had all the apps listed above that I wanted and they add more all the time. Some of the neat ones they have added since then was HBO Go (Great for all the True Blood Fans) and Angry Birds the game. Its wireless so as long as you have a wireless internet connection at home you can connect and stream instantly. To hook it up to your HD TV you only need 2 cables. The power cable and a HDMI cable (Recommend: AmazonBasics High-Speed HDMI Cable (6.5 Feet/2.0 Meters) – Supports Ethernet, 3D, and Audio Return [Newest Standard]
). That’s it! The roku comes in a few different flavors but their Roku 2 XS model has all the features and comes with Angry Birds preloaded too.
Netflix
Netflix is known for their DVD rentals but when they released there streaming service they become an industry leader. They have the widest selection of Movies and TV shows available. It’s priced at 8.99 per month and is also available for your Andriod, iPad and iPhones too!
Hulu
Hulu is a collection of major TV networks that banded together to produce a great service.Most of the major networks have a presence on Hulu. MTV, USA, NBC, CBS all have there shows available the day after original air date. A must have if you enjoy network TV. It’s priced at 8.99 per month and is also available for your Andriod, iPad and iPhones too!
Amazon is actively adding more and more TV shows as they can. Nearly everything available on Netflix is also on Amazon. But Amazon also has the benefit of their Prime membership. Not only do you get the online video streaming but you also get free 2 day shipping when you order anything from their website. Every since I joined prime I have been doing alot more shipping with Amazon and loving it!
The Down Side
Not all shows are available with these services. 90% of my shows that I watch on regular basis can be found with them but in some cases I would have to wait for the season to be over and available on DVD.
Possible Savings
My cable bill for TV with DVR was around $100 per month. If you add up the cost of the yearly Amazon prime, Netflix, and Hulu subscriptions that would be approximately $295 annually. Compare that to $1200 for you annual cable bill for a savings of $905 per year!
If you have any questions or need help setting up a Roku, give me a call at 814-580-8324!
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Thanks!
Justin