How social media played a role in the measles outbreak

How social media played a role in the measles outbreak

Many medical breakthroughs of the past few decades can be attributed in some part to contributions from technology and the internet. But did you ever think that it would be the internet that might be possible for sending us backward when it comes to fighting disease?...

Best parental control apps for monitoring kids’ smartphones

Best parental control apps for monitoring kids’ smartphones

If your kids have smartphones, you know that it’s a full-time job trying to keep track and control their usage. According to recently released data from the National Institute of Statistics (INE), 94% of 15-year-olds have a mobile phone, 86% of minors are on the...

Home office tech fails – and how to avoid them

Home office tech fails – and how to avoid them

Working from a home office has a lot of perks, but if you don’t set up your technology correctly or follow certain safety protocols, you risk annoying, expensive, or even disastrous consequences. Here are some of the most common tech fails that occur in home offices –...

How to spring clean and streamline your home office

How to spring clean and streamline your home office

If you’ve been so busy working in your home office that you can’t remember the last time you updated or organized, it’s time to let spring cleaning fever take over. We channeled our inner Marie Kondo to bring you these tips for streamlining systems and getting your...

How to access the stars from your home

How to access the stars from your home

In an era of news saturated with celebrities, scandals and lots of drama, take a break from it all by accessing these “real news” resources to learn about current advances in space technology that are flying under the radar, but important to know. (It’s a good way to...

Using the internet to reduce paper waste

Using the internet to reduce paper waste

One of the best spring-cleaning tools you can use right now is… the internet! Using online services to cut back on paper is a great way to declutter your home or office. Plus, you’ll also be helping the environment. Did you know that Americans use more than 90 million...

Best travel apps for a smoother, less stressful experience

Best travel apps for a smoother, less stressful experience

From the time you start planning to the moment you’re back home and scrolling through all your photos, travel apps are a great way to make your next vacation or weekend getaway a breeze. Whether it’s spring break, summer vacation, or a weekend getaway you’re thinking...

Technology advances to watch for in 2019

Technology advances to watch for in 2019

The only thing constant is change, and that’s definitely true when it comes to technology. If you’re wondering what the future holds for us in 2019, here’s a few things that tech experts are predicting will affect our homes, lives and businesses. Cyber-attacks move...

What is internet throttling and how do I check for it?

What is internet throttling and how do I check for it?

Did you know that ISPs are required to disclose certain aspects of their service to their customers, including things like data throttling? Here’s what that means, and why Softcom will never participate in blocking or throttling internet access for its customers....

When it comes to wireless – the future is now

When it comes to wireless – the future is now

Twenty years ago, a lot of people were just starting to get comfortable making the switch from pagers to cell phones. Things like real-time video chats and self-driving cars were only seen in big-budget movies. Fast-forward to today and people are using phones,...

Softcom policy on Chinese telecom equipment protects customers

Softcom policy on Chinese telecom equipment protects customers

There has been a lot of concern recently about telecommunications companies building their networks with gear made by Chinese telecommunications companies – namely, Huawei and ZTE. The concern centers around the Chinese government installing backdoors in the equipment...

What is the FaceTime bug and how it affects iPhone users

What is the FaceTime bug and how it affects iPhone users

The news went viral this week when a FaceTime bug was discovered that made it possible to listen in on, or even see someone, during a Group FaceTime call, even if the person receiving the call didn’t pick up. There’s a temporary fix in place, with a permanent solution...

How to pick the right internet service for you

How to pick the right internet service for you

Everyone loves to clear out the clutter when it comes to New Year’s resolutions. Here’s a new take on that: Make sure you’ve got internet service that isn’t a mess by using our checklist to identify what it takes to make sure you’ve got the very best. Understand your...

What internet speed do I need?

What internet speed do I need?

Signing up for internet service is easy. Deciding on the speed and level of service you want? That can be the hard part. Some of the most frequently asked questions we get are about understanding the difference in our 4G LTE plans, especially when it comes to...

How the government shutdown is affecting your online activity

How the government shutdown is affecting your online activity

You’ve probably been hearing a lot of news about how the government shutdown is affecting people’s jobs, travel and life. But did you know that it’s also affecting the safety and efficiency of your online activities? Here’s what you need to know. When government shuts...

How to find the best rural internet service provider for you

How to find the best rural internet service provider for you

If reliable internet is a priority, then finding the best provider and services near you should be too. If you live in Galt or communities throughout Sacramento and San Joaquin Counties area, we’ve got you covered. If you’re from outside our service area, though, and...

How to tell if you’re a victim of a phishing scam (and what to do)

How to tell if you’re a victim of a phishing scam (and what to do)

Tis the season for lots of emails sharing news of sales, specials and fantastic deals. But are they all on the up-and-up? It’s easy to overlook phishing emails, and possible you might accidently click on a link that could cause trouble. If you’re suspicious – good! A...

Your NaNoWriMo survival guide

Your NaNoWriMo survival guide

If you ever dreamed of writing a book, now might be a good time to finally get it done. Why? November is National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo to those in the know) and there are some amazing resources online to help you get it done. The beauty of NaNoWriMo is that...

How Facebook’s recent hacks affect us all

How Facebook’s recent hacks affect us all

Stolen passwords, illegal hacks, election fraud – this may sound like a crime drama, but what we’re really talking about here is a short list of Facebook’s recent troubles. With more than 2.23 billion monthly active Facebook users around the world, even if you’re not...