Electronics Articles

Article / Updated 05-27-2022

Amazon's Kindle e-Reader does a great job of displaying eBooks — including your own personal PDFs, if you are using a Kindle 2 or Kindle DX. The only problem is finding out how to copy a PDF from your computer to the Kindle. (And few things are more frustrating than having an e-Reader that doesn't read your own documents!) Luckily, it only takes a few easy steps to move a PDF file from your PC or Mac to your Kindle. Locate the PDF file either on your desktop or within the file browser. Connect the Kindle to your computer via USB cable. It should appear in your file browser (such as Finder on Mac or Explorer on Windows) as if you attached an external USB drive. Locate the "documents" folder within the Kindle. You can do this within your file browser by opening the Kindle icon/folder and then navigating to the "documents" folder. Drag and drop the PDF file from the original location to the Kindle "documents" folder. If you have an older Kindle, you can still read the text from PDFs on your e-Reader — after you convert them. Amazon will do this for a small fee, or you can look for freeware utilities online. For newer Kindles, you may still want to convert the PDF so that you can take advantage of the Kindle's text manipulation features (like increasing/decreasing font size).

Article / Updated 05-27-2022

Connecting your PlayStation 3 to a wireless network is the first step to joining in the world of online gaming. Almost all versions of the PS3 (all except the 20GB) have a built-in wireless capability. Many of today's most popular games operate entirely over online game servers and those that don't usually have an option for online game play. When you connect your PS3 to a wireless network you can play against other online gamers around the world. Online gamers can participate in tournaments and operate in team with each other for a whole new game experience. All you need to get started is a wireless access point. Turn off all your network equipment (modem and router) as well as the PlayStation 3. Leave all equipment off for two full minutes. Turn on your modem and router. Make sure that your wireless router is connected to the Internet and broadcasting a signal. Use a PC to ensure that all router settings are complete before turning on the PS3. Turn on the PS3. Select Settings→Network Settings on the XMB and click the X button. Now you’ll need to provide your router’s security settings. If the PS3 is connected to a modem using an Ethernet cable, the wireless function will be turned off. Choose Internet Connections and select Enabled. Then scroll to Internet Connection Settings and press the X button. If you receive a message saying that you'll be disconnected from any current Internet Connection, say Yes to move on. Select the Easy option and press the X button. Try the Easy setup first; if that fails then you can always go back and try the Custom settings. Select Wireless and press the X button. Then select Scan and press the X button. The PS3 will scan the surrounding area and produce a list of all the nearby wireless access points. If you have an AOSS (AirStation One-Touch Secure System) router, select Automatic instead and follow the onscreen commands. Select your access point from the list and press the X button. If you're not sure which SSID is yours, check with the person you set up your router. Confirm your SSID and press the X button. Select the security type that your router uses and press the X button again. You may need to ask the network administrator for the appropriate information. Enter the necessary security key information and press the Start button. Press the Right Arrow button to move to the next screen. The security key will always look like eight asterisks (*) regardless of how long it actually is. Enter any additional security information required by your router. When you're finished, press the X button to save the settings. This will store the settings on your PlayStation 3 permanently, so that next time you just have to choose you network and you're ready to go. Press the X button again to test the network. Your PS3 will attempt to connect to the Internet. Hopefully, you'll see Succeeded beside each attempt. If you receive a failed signal, turn everything off and try the set up again.

Cheat Sheet / Updated 03-28-2022

Your Samsung Galaxy S10 smartphone allows you to do many of the same things as previous versions of the Galaxy. You can change the font size for texting conversations and take selfies. You can also access Galaxy applications while you’re talking on the S10. Use this Cheat Sheet as a handy reference for some of its popular functions.

Cheat Sheet / Updated 03-28-2022

Your Samsung Galaxy S22 smartphone allows you to do many of the same things as previous versions of the Galaxy. You can change the font size for texting conversations and take selfies. You can also access Galaxy applications while you’re talking on the S22. Navigating your Samsung Galaxy S22 doesn’t have to be difficult. This Cheat Sheet will help you remember some of the most popular functions.

Cheat Sheet / Updated 03-21-2022

Drones are high-technology devices that are constantly evolving thanks to a burgeoning community of enthusiastic technologists. Technology has made it possible for multi-rotor drones to be controlled by beginner pilots. But don’t be fooled; while modern drones are much easier to control, they are still dangerous and require the user to pay attention to even the smallest of details. This is where pre-flight and post-flight checklists come in handy.

Cheat Sheet / Updated 03-15-2022

Having a Fitbit is all about getting fit and living a healthier lifestyle by tracking what you do and what you eat each day. Sure, you can try keeping all your activities and meals in your head, but believe me that doesn’t work. It’s always better just to let your Fitbit handle the hard part, which leaves you free to focus on the bigger picture. This Cheat Sheet helps you with that broader view by telling you everything — yes, everything — you need to know to get and maintain health and fitness. You also learn the most useful Fitbit account settings.

Article / Updated 03-15-2022

What is the Amazon Fire TV Stick? The Amazon Fire TV Stick is a device joining the ranks of home entertainment streaming technologies. The Fire Stick plugs into your TV’s HDMI port giving you access to your favorite TV shows, movies, subscription services, music, photos, and games. The Fire TV Stick houses all of your favorite content and is easily transportable, so you can take your media anywhere! What you get with the Fire TV Stick Imagine being able to take your TV with you when you go on vacation. That’s the functionality you get with the Fire TV Stick. The Fire TV Stick houses all of your content and is completely portable. Simply remove your device and take it with you when you travel. Plug it into any compatible TV to gain instant access to all of your favorite videos. If you are an Amazon Prime member, your Fire TV Stick comes pre-registered to your account. You have immediate access to all of your Amazon Prime content as soon as you plug your Fire TV Stick into your HDMI port. Being a Prime member also lets you choose from a cache of Amazon Originals that cannot be accessed by the average user. When you receive your box from Amazon, you will have everything you need to make the Fire TV Stick work. In the box you will find your new Fire TV Stick, the remote, a USB cable and power adapter, HDMI extender, 2 AAA batteries, and a guide to get you started. In addition, you get the following features: 1 GB of memory 8 GB of internal storage Optional voice support Dual-band, dual-antenna Wi-Fi A dedicated VideoCore4 GPU How the Fire TV Stick works The Amazon Fire TV Stick rivals other popular streaming devices like the Roku and Chromecast. How does the Amazon Fire TV Stick work? Your Fire Stick plugs into your HDMI TV via USB port, connects via Wi-Fi, and comes equipped with a Bluetooth remote. Simply plug your Fire Stick in and you will be directed through the setup process and prompted to sign into your Amazon account. The Fire Stick is a central repository for all your content. Once logged on, you will have access to any music and videos purchased through your Amazon account. In addition, you can view any pictures uploaded to your Amazon Cloud service. Using your device, you also have access to thousands of apps and games. For instance, you can use your Fire TV Stick to open the Netflix app and watch trending Netflix videos. Or, open YouTube and browse the latest uploads from your favorite vlogger. Other services like HBO Now, ESPN, and Hulu can also be accessed with your Fire TV Stick at a cost. However, even with the fee, you get the advantage of being able to choose your preferred services instead of being tied into a cable package. Games are also available. But, you will need a controller which is only available for purchase through Amazon. Fire TV Stick vs. Fire TV Amazon offers a Fire Stick and Fire TV. These products offer the same services and both come equipped with a Bluetooth remote. So, what's the difference? Size: The Fire TV Stick is far smaller than the Fire TV. The Fire Stick is about three inches long and plugs into your TV. Fire TV is a square console that, while sleek, is about four and half inches long on each side. If you prefer the minimalist look, the Fire TV Stick is the winner. Cost: You will find that the Fire Stick is the cheaper option. The Fire Stick costs $39.99 while the Fire TV will set you back $99. Speed: The Fire Stick will give you 1 GB of RAM, while the Fire TV offers 2 GB of RAM, making the Fire TV more responsive. If you're a serious gamer, you might want to go for the Fire TV to avoid lags and frustration in loading speeds. Additional ports and storage: With the Fire TV Stick, you won't have options for expansion. The Fire TV console has a USB port, Ethernet port, and microSD slot, making it easier to store and access content. Capabilities: The Fire TV stick can support your watching habits up to 1080p. Fire TV is enabled for 4K streaming. With the trend leaning toward 4K TVs, the Fire TV might be a better option if you are looking to upgrade or already have. Although, if you haven't (or don't plan) to go the 4K route anytime soon, the Fire TV's capabilities and portability factor make it a perfectly adequate choice for those just wanting to stream their favorite shows. Evaluate your needs and budget before determining which Fire TV option is right for you. Why you need the Fire TV Stick When people hear the phrase “streaming technology,” most groan and think about how they just want watching TV to be easy. Well, the Fire TV Stick makes it simple. Only now, instead of searching through those horizontal bars of endless TV shows, you can access what you want to see, when you want to see it. For easier searching, the Fire TV Stick offers voice control using Amazon's Alexa. You can get this capability two ways. Simply press the black button and speak your choice. If that extra cost doesn’t appeal to you, you can download the free Fire TV Remote app on your phone. Using your phone’s native voice prompts, you can speak your choice and your phone will relay your choice to the Fire Stick. Why else would you want the Fire TV Stick? Well, it learns. Or rather, it uses your preferences to make predictions about what you might like. Using ASAP (Advanced Streaming and Prediction), the Fire TV Stick offers you choices of related programming based on your previous watches.

Cheat Sheet / Updated 02-25-2022

Your TI-89 graphing calculator (along with the TI-89 Titanium, TI-92 Plus, and Voyage 200) help you graph and so much more. You can do higher math functions, include symbols, and format equations as well as make use of the basic calculator functions — and some odd ones, too!

Cheat Sheet / Updated 02-25-2022

Your Samsung Galaxy S20 smartphone allows you to do many of the same things as previous versions of the Galaxy. You can change the font size for texting conversations and take selfies. You can also access Galaxy applications while you’re talking on the S20. Navigating your Samsung Galaxy S20 doesn’t have to be difficult.

Cheat Sheet / Updated 02-24-2022

It's time to cut the cord (the cable cord, that is). The world of online streaming is positively teeming with services that offer everything from anime (see Crunchyroll) to zombies (see Shudder). However, outside of the standard TV and movie fare that you find on the likes of Netflix and Hulu, what most of us really want is stuff to keep our kids entertained, our sports cravings satisfied, and our thirst for news quenched. Here you'll find lists of streaming services that cover all of these bases.