Are you one of those who cannot seem to live a day without their precious computer?  If so, you’d better make it an effort to properly maintain your unit in top working condition.  If you do not take care of your computer properly, there are many unfortunate things that might happen to your computer such as a hardware malfunction may occur – maybe your cooling fans are making weird loud noises lately whenever you turn on your computer or it may have seemed to stop working altogether.  You might also be one of those people whose computers will suddenly restart without warning or worse, the dreaded blue screen of death will pounce on you when you least expect it.

Computers may not have a life of their own, but they can still become “sick” (due to viruses, hardware failure, etc) if not properly taken care of, and if it gets worse, they may also be inevitably brought to the “hospital” (in this case, the service center for repairs).  

Just like humans, the life expectancy and functionality of a computer deteriorates if not given the proper attention, maintenance and care.  Nowadays, when almost everything we do is done digitally, a malfunctioning or broken computer is something that you never would want to happen anytime.  In order to prevent this dilemma, you need to know some tips on how to keep your computer at home always clean and running well:

1.  When it comes to computers, dust is your mortal enemy. One of the most essential things that you can do to help protect your computer is to always keep it away from dust and dirt.  You can give your computer a good dusting by means of vacuuming it regularly and properly (use the blower function).

2.  Never set your computer on top of a carpet.  This is because carpets easily harbor and produce dust, dirt and bacteria as well as they are known to significantly produce lots of static electricity.

3.  As far as your computer is concerned, smoke is also your mortal enemy.  Cigarettes or anything that produces smoke can cause tar formation that can quickly coat fans and clog heat sinks, which in turn can cause your computer to overheat and wreak massive damage to other components.  Similarly, using your computer next to an open fireplace or burning incense near your computer can cause serious damage as well.  Smoke can really cause your computer to break down, so it is best to keep it away from all types of smoke.

4.  LCD screens are prone to getting covered with dust, dirt, hair, pet dander, fingerprints and unknown matter.  LCD screens are fragile, so you need to know how to properly clean it without damaging it yourself.  The cheapest and safest way to clean your LCD screen is to use a very soft cotton cloth that is lightly dampened with water.  You can also opt to buy special one-use wipes available in electronic shops. Never clean your LCD screen with any glass-cleaning products or other chemicals.

5.  If you value your computer, then canned air is your best friend.  Even if you frequently clean your computer unit, you can never keep it as clean as you would like it to be, as computers are filled with fans that eventually sucks in and blows out all the air in the room.  Canned air contains compressed air that can be blown out of a straw at high speeds to effectively remove dust from your computer.  Make sure that you do not blow the dust INTO the computer.  Instead, remove the cover of your computer, and blow the dust away from it.  After that, vacuum the surrounding area.

6.  When you are assembling your own computer or you have a computer internal component that is in need of a replacement, invest in computer parts that are of very good or high quality as they are less likely to break down easily.  Buying high-quality computer parts from a reputable company such as NMBtc.com ensures that you really get your money’s worth.

If you follow all of the guidelines listed above in taking care of your computer at home, you will be assured that your computer will be able to perform well and it may even serve you for a long time.  Most computer users agree that the best way to make sure that your computer will run efficiently and smoothly for a long period of time is to simply exert some effort (and probably spend a few bucks) in maintaining your unit.  Do not hesitate to spend a bit when maintenance time comes, as it is much better than having no choice but to be forced to buy a whole new computer, right?
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We all love our cars! Those machines we use to go around the metro and we will do anything to convert those to eye candies. Lots of customizations are available like upgrading muffler, springs, tires, decals and body kits etc. But have we stopped for a while to put useful techie upgrades? More than beauty is brains, so time to enhance your car’s technology!

There are lots of ways to enhance a car’s functionalities. Let us dive into these different aspects of upgrades for that techie feel!

Entertainment Upgrades

Usually, cars will only have AM FM radio tuners, but not video entertainment equipments. Consider adding LCD screens on your dashboards and/or in front of passenger seats. The screens may be installed with TV receivers or for that high tech feel, consider combining them with DVD or Blue Ray players for watching movies on the go!

Also, have you thought about upgrading the quality of radio station signal reception? Try to have satellite radio receivers! When you travel too far away from a station’s home base, the signal breaks up and fades into static. With satellite radio, signal strength for all radio stations will be guaranteed undisturbed no matter what the distance throughout the globe.

Then to fully utilize your video and radio upgrades, consider upgrading your sound system. Look for those high performance speakers and amplifiers for that heart pouncing sound experience in your car that will surely make others take notice!

For that added ease of music integration, consider installing adaptors to be able to install iPods in your car. The iPod is perhaps the most versatile music player so utilize it install it in your car for the best music player experience.

Navigation and Communication Upgrades

Here are some of the most useful upgrades your car may have. Cars will always have their primary use of getting around the metro, so consider upgrades that will aid in navigation or communication.

For real time help in navigation, the ever popular GPS will always be the best choice. Consider installing a GPS receiver that has great maps to ensure a hassle free travel. Installing internet services inside your car is perhaps the wisest upgrade as it will not only provide entertainment, but it may also serve as communication and navigation support for your car as there are messenger and Google Maps apps available. Blue tooth technology may also serve useful, more so if you have wireless video and audio players for that wireless file transfers. Then for that ease of getting inside your car, why not go for keyless car entry? Install the receiver in your car and simply have the wireless key inside your pocket and approach your car to unlock the doors! No need for those button presses for that hands free unlocking experience.

Future Technologies

The possibilities do not stop here. There will be more technology that will come our way to further enhance our vehicles. One most valuable soon-to-come upgrade is perhaps the collision avoidance system. The system will consist of sensors that are placed within a car to warn any danger that lies ahead on the road. Other information such as near by car speed and distance may be relayed to the driver, and even additional stuff like speed needed to be reduced for going around a curve may be included. All of these combined will ensure maximum precautionary measures for the driver to take for that safety feature.

There are also Google and Apple applications out there to quickly access navigation, voice actions and other features while driving. Android and Apple mobile phones can be used as hands free navigation and infotainment devices. Even Microsoft has developed in car hardware with Windows software to aid in navigation.

The most promising future upgrade is perhaps the automatic driving system, Autonomous drive feature for cars will have the ability to let the driver just sit back and relax while the car detects its surroundings and road conditions for it to roam by itself towards a human chosen destination! Now how is that for an upgrade!

So there! Have enough cash? Tired of those common car upgrades that enhance a car’s body? Try to have any of the mentioned upgrades and you will surely get your money’s worth! Having these useful and unique upgrades will surely make more heads turn. 

Guest article written and submitted by Mike, a TechPatio reader – thanks!

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The world wide web has certainly changed the way how we live nowadays.  We might not actually realize it, but many of us are shopping, socializing, studying, banking, playing and even working online.  In order for us to perform all these things (and it is the norm that many of us need to do these things at the same time), we typically need a fast and reliable broadband connection.

What Does Broadband Mean?

Broadband is known as a high bandwidth connection to the Internet.  It is quicker and easier to utilize than the conventional telephone and modem because information can be transmitted and downloaded much faster than ever before.

The word “broadband” is what people tend to describe fast Internet access.  According to Wikipedia,

“Internet access is the means by which individual terminals, computers, mobile devices, and local area networks are connected to the global Internet. Internet access is usually sold by Internet Service Providers (ISPs) that use many different technologies offering a wide range of data rates to the end user. Consumer use first became popular through dial-up connections in the 1980s and 1990s. By the first decade of the 21st century many consumers had switched away from dial-up to dedicated connections, most Internet access products were being marketed using the term “broadband”, and broadband penetration was being treated as a key economic indicator.”

What are the Common Types of Broadband that are Available Today?

There are actually many types available worldwide, but below are the most common types of broadband connection:

1. DSL Broadband

• Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) is a technology which delivers broadband connections over conventional copper telephone lines that are already installed to offices and homes.
• DSL lets you to download web pages, graphics, text, video and music in real time.
• DSL broadband can be further categorized into two:

1. Asymmetric DSL (ADSL)

• With ADSL, the information is downloaded more quickly than it is uploaded.
• ADSL is typically the suitable option for homes and small businesses.

2. Symmetric DSL (SDSL)

• With SDSL, the downloading of information is about the same speed as its upload speed.
• SDSL is typically the suitable option for medium to large businesses that send huge volumes of information.

2. Cable Broadband

• This type of broadband connection is delivered to your computer by means of a cable.
• Cable companies are the ones that provide cable broadband Internet services.

3. Wireless Broadband

• This type of broadband connection is the suitable option if access to DSL or cable broadband is unavailable.
• Wireless broadband can be further categorized into two:

1. Fixed wireless broadband

• This type of broadband connection is delivered to your computer by means of radio signals instead of cables.

• This type of broadband connection is delivered to your computer by means of other technological devices such as portable modems, mobile phones, USB wireless modems, or other mobile devices.

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As a small business owner, you’re doing everything you can to make your online presence the best it can be. And without incurring extra expenses. In addition to installing that new DS3 line, which gave you more bandwidth at a lower cost, you should also explore some of the cool tools the web offers. Combined with your new juiced-up internet abilities, these 5 web tools will help you boost productivity, save time and money, and connect with the people most important to your business—your clients:

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In the past 30 years, mankind has made great strides with technology. The internet, which was first created as a government-only network in 1982, is now easily accessible on everybody’s mobile phones. With that capability, we are able to do so much more than ever before. For instance, your home security system can now be controlled right from your smart phone or computer; all you need is the right, integrated security system. With wireless home security devices, such as the LifeShield system which we will use as our example for this article, you can have full access to your home security, day or night, with their remote monitoring application.

Benefits of Remote Monitoring

Whether you’re at work, on vacation or just out running errands you can see whatís going on at your home in real-time. You can see what time the maid service left or what time the kids came home from school. You can even check on your pets with access to video footage and camera snapshots. You’ll never have to second guess the safety of your home or family again.

LifeShield’s mobile application also gives you full control over your system so you can arm or disarm your alarm even when youíre not home. These features are great for families on the go or for those of us who need a little more convenience in our lives. LifeShield’s remote monitoring is also very easy to set-up. Because the system is integrated, it comes with everything you need. All of the system components are wireless, so set-up can be completed in about an hour. You wonít even need an installation technician to come to your home!

What is Wireless Security?

Traditional home security systems can be hard-wired or wireless. However, more and more burglars are outsmarting older hard-wired systems because there are no extra layers of protection. All they have to do is cut your phone line and your home security is useless. LifeShield’s wireless systems are different. Their cutting edge technology gives you four layers of backup protection so your home is always secure. This wireless technology also makes your system very easy to set-up and customize. You can select which areas of your home you’d like to protect with motion sensors, glass-break sensors, environmental sensors, in-home cameras, etc… Your options are nearly endless.

Perhaps the most intriguing feature of LifeShield’s security system, and that which makes it unique in its field, is the web-based LifeView application that comes with it, which allows homeowners to easily check in on their homes any time of day from anywhere in the world, via smartphone or laptop computer. As technology continues to advance, home security will inevitably follow – and that’s a wonderful thing!

Guest article written by: Max Oser is a not-so-secretly obsessed with celebrities and pop culture. He likes to add his own opinion to stories, and look at them from a different angle. He also likes to write about general lifestyle topics, such as home improvement, safety, and social media.

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Using the cloud to store files and information online, rather than storing them in a hard drive is becoming more and more popular amongst business owners, but what are the main advantages of storing files online?

Flexibility

When you store files on the internet you can access them from wherever you are in the world which offers greater flexibility as to where, when and how you work.

Renting office space and housing staff can be expensive but cloud computing can eliminate the need for an office as everyone within a company can share documents and files and collaborate online easily.

As well as offering flexibility as to how work is carried out, most cloud computing providers will only charge you for the space you use, so you won’t be spending money unnecessarily. However if you need more space to implement new projects you can get access to it easily which will help your business to develop more effectively.

Accessibility

Using cloud computing allows anyone who has permission to access files via the internet. Organising files is easy and it’s simple to choose who has access to your files which helps maintain security.

Development

When you use the cloud you can gain easy access to software and applications and won’t need to download to your hard drive which will make utilising new software quicker and easier. In addition you’ll be offered online trouble shooting and support so you won’t need to invest in extra IT services.

In addition to having greater access to new computing innovations you’ll save money by eliminating the need for software for PC’s, servers, and upgrades. You’ll also be able to run applications without using services internally which will cut your power usage and reduce costs.

Using cloud storage can have so many advantages for companies but at the least it will make collaboration easy which can only improve and develop your business.

This article was written by: Tom he works for the top cloud storage providers Egnyte. Egnyte are a great online storage company that also specialise in B2B file sharing.

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YouTube has the biggest collection of people airing their views, showing their artistic talents and making a name for themselves. Similar to a written blog, these YouTube vloggers attract followers which increase their stardom in the YouTube community.

Here are ten YouTube stars:

Amanda Baggs

Amanda Baggs is an autism rights activist who published a video about her experience of suffering from autism. Her video caught the attention of CNN. An inspiring video that shows how she uses various sounds and items to express herself.

Jack Vale

Jack Vale is a firm YouTube favourite for his hidden camera jokes. He pulls pranks and records the public’s reactions, with hilarious outcomes. He’s pulled pranks on celebrities at the Grammy awards, which will have you rolling on the floor with laughter.

Jodie Rivera

Jodie Rivera was number one for the most subscribed female from 2008 to 2010. She has over one million subscribers and over 350 million video views. Her videos all include songs and events. She studying opera and has performed on several US productions. She has won numerous awards and has appeared in a range of US magazines.

Kip Kay

Kip Kay has over one million subscribers who follow his interesting “how to” videos where he shows you how to change everyday household items into funky gadgets. An example is one of his videos shows how to turn an average torch into a laser light.

Lauren Luke

A self-taught makeup artist with 468,000 subscribers. She teaches subscribers how to use make up for various styles as well as make up inspired by celebrities such as Leona Lewis, Jennifer Lopez and Avril Lavinge.

Photo by "branestawm" @ Flickr

Ray William Johnson

Ray William Johnson is the most subscribed vlogger on YouTube with 5.3 million subscribers and 1.7 billion video views. He runs commentary on viral videos and reviews and criticises them all. His videos are called Equals Three and are firm favourites on this video channel.

ZDoggMD

ZDoggMD is a doctor who works in California and has made YouTube videos including music and comedy around various medical issues from everyday problems faced in the hospital to medical conditions.

Shane Dawson

An American actor, comedian and musician who was ranked fifth for most subscribed. He makes comedy videos impersonating celebrities and spoofing television series’ and music videos.

Ryan Hinga (Nigahiga)

Ryan Hinga is known on YouTube for his comedy videos which have been viewed 1.1 billion times. He has 5.2 million subscribers. He started by loading videos of him lip-synching songs in 2006 which has his account suspended for copyright infringement. Since then, he now posts video blogs and behind the scene movies with his friend Sean Fujiyoshi.

Natalie Tyler Tran

This is the most subscribed Australian YouTube addition doing funny skits and monologues acted out by herself. She was twenty sixth most subscribed with over one million subscribers and 406 million videos.

Making videos online has become as popular as writing blogs online, these people make a name for themselves by airing their views and showing their skills through video blogs and YouTube is the biggest platform where they can place them to be viewed by the public.

Guest article written by: Jonny D has been involved in social marketing for a range of brands and currently works on behalf of Ladbrokes Roulette.

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British Gas, known as UK’s largest supplier of energy, is starting to roll out a new Smart Meter that is guaranteed to forever change and revolutionize the way we consume energy, with the main goal to not only produce cleaner and greener electricity, but also to help customers save a fairly significant amount of money!

What Exactly is a Smart Meter and How Does It Work?

A smart meter is a device that is more advanced than an electricity monitor as it can accurately read and measure your actual, total gas and electricity consumption each day.  With a smart meter, you can clearly see how much you are spending, say, for instance, when you leave your heater or air conditioner on at night.  You can control your energy usage via a user-friendly energy monitor, online or through their smart phone app.  Obviously, if you can really see how much energy you’re using, then you will make it a point to make some small changes that will enable you to use less energy and therefore save money on your bills.

The readings from the smart meter are then sent automatically to British Gas per day via wireless technology (similar to a mobile phone).  You will receive an accurate energy bill statement without ever having to submit meter readings anymore.  Furthermore, smart meters are linked directly to your bill, which means that you only pay for what you use.

When it comes to energy consumption, a British Gas Smart Meter can produce a more accurate reading that is very convenient for customers.  Smart meters allow consumers to have more control over the amount they use, and if there is lesser energy consumption, then there is an assurance of a more environmentally-secure future.

Benefits of Using a Smart Meter

1.  If there is awareness in what you’re using, then you can think of ways how to save. With the in-home display, you can constantly keep an eye on your energy usage in kwH, CO2, pounds and pence, and you can even access historical usage to see how your consumption is changing over time.  Also, you can see what you are spending on different appliances.  When you know how much energy each appliance or gadget is using, you will be able to think of simple ways how you can save significantly on your energy bills.

2.  You will have total control of your energy costs. Since you will have a more accurate idea of how much your next bill statement will be, then you will no longer have to guesstimate and it will make budgeting easier as well.

3.  Receive accurate bill statements, with your meter no longer having to undergo meter readings. Each day, the smart meter installed in your home sends to British Gas a regular and accurate information regarding your energy consumption.  Not only will you have accurate bills sent to you, but also you will no longer be disturbed by the meter reader and be subjected to meter readings.

Rumors citing Concerns about the Use of Smart Meters

There have been rumors citing a list of concerns about the use of smart meters, including potential danger from radiation, a risk to privacy from the wireless signals, and a concern that the meter might cause electricity bills to increase.  Anti-smart meter advocates have set up websites, organized petitions and convinced lots of municipalities to either stop or delay the smart meters.  Many people have expressed their doubts and concerns based on the rumors they have been hearing from others, and what the government is trying to do is to provide them with the facts so that they can make an informed and valued decision.

In the case of radiation exposure, smart meters only broadcast several times per day, and living near a smart meter for 20 years would expose a person to the same amount of radiation as that of a 30-minute cellular phone call.

To make people feel at ease with the smart meters, an official from the United Nations Organization has publicly announced that smart meters are actually not a major concern, and the concerns being addressed against the use of smart meters are merely rumors.

Customer Feedback

British Gas has interviewed 15,000 customers about what they think of the Smart Meter.  Below are some of the things they frequently say:

• They realize that they are looking at the in-home display more often than they ought to, because they find it very useful in showing where exactly to save on energy.
• They like how very easy it is to use the in-home display, which allows them to understand and control the amount of energy they use.
• Overall, they claim that the Smart Meter is truly making their lives easier by totally getting rid of the hassle of meter reading and estimated bills.

Smart Meters In the Future

As of now, British Gas has already installed smart meters in 160,000 homes in the UK.  The government of UK plans that by the year 2019, each and every home must have smart meters installed. The smart meter’s accuracy allows consumers to calculate energy use all throughout the day, across the country.  Simply put, this plan aims to reduce energy usage in the whole UK territory.

To stay up to date on British Gas and their Smart Meter rollout, you can follow them on Facebook: www.facebook.com/britishgas

This is a sponsored post on behalf of British Gas.

Viral video by ebuzzing
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Photocopiers can have a negative impact on the environment. Older photocopiers represent clunky, energy hungry pieces of equipment that generate high electricity and repair costs for owners, while also producing additional costs for paper, toner and ink. Moreover, photocopiers emit ozone and carbon monoxide into the atmosphere, which contribute to global warming. Toner and printer cartridges that are thrown away after use can also leak toxic chemicals into the earth. These problems can be reduced by attempting to minimise the environmental impact of photocopiers. Some of the best ways to do so include:

1 – Ensuring Energy Compliance

More recent photocopiers should feature Energy Star stickers and ratings that demonstrate their compliance with European regulations on clean energy. In most cases, new photocopiers will be built to reduce emissions and provide features that can save on ink, paper and wastage.

2 – Double Sided Printing

A good time saver and once that can prevent you from wasting paper, double sided printings is particularly ideal for long documents. Double sided printing can also be used for flyers and memos to restrict the amount of paper used on a daily basis.

3 – A Full Recycling System

A large amount of photocopier paper is thrown away, even if mistakes are small. A recycling system should be in place to ensure that any waste paper is properly recycled, or reused within the photocopier for other purposes.

4 – Turning a Photocopier Off at Night

A simple but effective way to save money and energy, turning a photocopier off at night will reduce the amount of emissions produced. Other office items like computers or printers should also be switched off.

5 – Use Digital Photocopier Features

Many photocopiers now have features that enable you to set it to ‘wake up’ or go into standby mode at different times of the day. Having these settings programmed into the photocopier will make it easier to remember when to switch it off during periods of inactivity.

6 – Try to Avoid Unnecessary Copying

You do not always need to copy documents, especially if you end up with multiple or excess copies. Make sure you know what the minimum order is for a photocopy before using the copier.

7 – Send Emails

Emails can often be a quicker and more reliable way to send information than photocopying and sending letters. Check to see that your office or workplace isn’t using a photocopier for unnecessary tasks.

8 – Invest in a Single Copier and Printer

Combined photocopiers and printers save on the amount of space that you have to use in the office. A combined photocopier and printer will also save on energy, paper and ink and toner cartridges.

9 – Recycle Toner and Ink Cartridges

Many shops and manufacturers now accept recycled toner and ink cartridges. These can be taken into shops and exchanged for small amounts of money, or can be packed together for collection.

10 – Use Recycled Paper

Savings can be made on office supplies by buying recycled paper, which cuts down on the amount of new deforestation being carried out. Recycled photocopying will not lead to reduced image quality.

Guest article written by: Experienced copywriter Christina Appleworth, currently working on behalf of BTS Ltd, reviews methods of minimising the environmental impact of photocopiers. For photocopiers and multifunction printers visit www.bts-ltd.co.uk today!

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Here’s how the Internet works: Imagine you sitting at home, writing a message to a friend in another city. You write that message on a postcard and deliver it by post, shortly after it arrives at the recipient and everything is okay.

But underway, how many people do you think might have read your message? And do you care if anybody did read your message?

Well, most likely nobody did – but they could if they would.

The carrier (post office and mail man) can easily read your message, it’s not encrypted or locked away in any way, it’s there in plain text, wide open. They can easily see what you wrote – and to where you are sending it.

Anybody else can see it too, but only if they have the right means to do so, ie. they must know how to “sneak a peak” somewhere along the route of your postcard.

That’s pretty much how it works when you send an e-mail. Your Internet Service Provider can easily read it, along with most other traffic that goes through your Internet connection. And everybody else who has the means (usually hardcore computer geeks) can read it too.

Now, that doesn’t mean you need to get paranoid, because let’s face it, you’re probably not that interesting to spy on, compared to so many else, right?

But still, wouldn’t it be nice knowing that whatever traffic goes from your computer through your Internet connection, and out on the Internet, cannot be traced easily back to you or seen by everybody who has the means to do so?

The answer is quite simple: IPVanish – and it’ll cost you $10 a month, including a ton of other features.

With IPVanish, you get access to 39+ servers in 15 countries worldwide. That means, if you’re surfing from Europe but you want to listen to Pandora Internet Radio, you will simply use your VPN subscription and tell the software that you want to make it seem as if you’re based in the United States right now – and Pandora will let you in and happily play music for you. If you visit Pandora from your Internet connection in Europe, without VPN or any other kind of voodoo magic, they will tell you “sorry, we don’t support your country”.

That’s just one great thing about VPN. Another great thing is encryption. The connection between you and the VPN server is encrypted with minimum 128bit (256bit in most cases), giving you complete privacy.

Want to hide your ass on your smartphone? Easy, just enable VPN on that too.

Don’t have anything to hide, don’t care if everybody knows what you’re doing? That’s good, most of us probably feel that way, but that doesn’t mean VPN can’t be of use, like in the case of Pandora Internet Radio, or Netflix, or Hulu, or many other services that only works in certain countries, even if you’re legally paying for those services, they will only serve you if they can see your computer is located in certain countries, and that’s where a VPN service will help you out – it simply makes it seem as if you’re somewhere else.

This article was merely an introduction to VPN and my favorite VPN provider, IPVanish. In upcoming articles we will focus on how to get it working, the security and much more, so stay tuned and be sure to subscribe to RSS feed and/or follow on Facebook / Twitter.
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