U.S. Ban on Kaspersky Antivirus

Kaspersky is a well-known antivirus provider, that has fallen out of favor in the US, over the years. It’s largely due to its perceived ties to Russia, whom the US considers a “foreign adversary.” In 2017, Kaspersky software was forbidden from use in any part of our government. And now in 2024, we’re about to … Read more

New Broadband Labeling Requirements

If you are shopping for internet service, you should know about the new broadband labeling requirements. The FCC now requires ISPs to clearly state speeds, pricing and other critical details about their services. These new Broadband Consumer Labels look like the FDA’s nutrition labels. Overall, the government is trying to make ISPs present their offerings … Read more

Checking the Air Quality Index

Our government has created a great resource for checking the Air Quality Index. AirNow was created by the EPA, NOAA, CDC and other government agencies, and is a simple information tool, without advertisements. Visit AirNow.gov at any time for local AQI info. And feel free to scroll down for more info on forest fires, AQI … Read more

Unclaimed Money

There may be some money out there with your name on it. All you have to do is claim it. This is not a scam. Unclaimed money, aka unclaimed property or abandoned property, is regulated and managed by consumer protection laws throughout the USA. Unclaimed money can be from a forgotten bank account, or a … Read more

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Dial 988

Starting July 16, 2022, there is a new number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988. This number will work across the entire USA. The old number, 1-800-273-8255, will also still connect to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Please read more about how the Lifeline can provide free and confidential support, and check out their … Read more

Free At-Home COVID Tests

UPDATE as of 9/27/2024: just like last year, our government has free at-home COVID tests for you. Get 4 tests through www.covidtests.gov at no cost (even shipping is free). Protip: There may be other methods, local to you, for obtaining free COVID tests. For example, my local library gives them out to patrons. You might … Read more

USPS Operation Santa

The USPS needs your help! Their Operation Santa program has gone national this year, and they need generous people to help them answer letters sent to Santa. This USPS program collects and posts Santa-letters from kiddos all over the USA. When you participate in the program, you can “adopt” a letter, respond to it appropriately … Read more

Text to 911

In case of an emergency, many parts of the USA support Text to 911. This technology allows you to contact 911 for help via text message (SMS). The FCC reminds everyone that you should place a voice call to 911 whenever possible. Much of the Shenandoah Valley((Warren County, VA has assured me they support this … Read more

CyberTipline

If you encounter child pornography on a computer or on the internet, please report it to the CyberTipline immediately. Do not attempt to copy, download or email any offensive content. That can get you in trouble and could contribute to the spread of the illegal material. The best website for reporting CSAM is the CyberTipline … Read more