CimTel

Here are 4 recommendations for kick starting your connectivity this year!

As we step into the new year, the digital landscape continues to evolve, promising enhanced experiences and innovations. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a casual user, or someone looking to upgrade their digital lifestyle, here are some recommendations to ensure you make the most of your internet speed, explore exciting new gadgets, and optimize your streaming adventures in 2024.

1. Rev Up Your Internet Speed:
In a world that thrives on connectivity, having a robust internet connection is paramount. With the rise of remote work, online learning, and high-definition content streaming, investing in a fast and reliable internet service has never been more critical. Consider upgrading to a higher speed plan offered by your internet service provider to ensure seamless browsing, lag-free video calls, and swift downloads. Keep an eye on emerging technologies like 5G, which can revolutionize the way we connect and interact online.

2. Explore the Latest Gadgets:
The tech industry is a perpetual source of innovation, with each year bringing a plethora of cutting-edge gadgets. In 2024, consider exploring the latest offerings to enhance your digital lifestyle. Smart home devices, augmented reality (AR) glasses, and foldable smartphones are just a few examples of the exciting innovations on the horizon. Dive into reviews, stay updated on tech blogs, and make informed choices to add a touch of futuristic convenience to your daily routines.

3. Streaming Bliss:
With an abundance of streaming services available, it's essential to optimize your setup for an immersive entertainment experience. Check if your internet speed is suitable for high-definition or even 4K streaming. Invest in a smart TV, streaming device, or gaming console that supports the latest streaming apps. Consider creating a home theater setup with surround sound to truly elevate your movie nights. Stay informed about upcoming releases and exclusive content on various platforms to make the most of your subscription services.

4. Stay Cyber-Savvy:
As we embrace the digital era, cybersecurity becomes a paramount concern. Safeguard your devices with robust antivirus software and keep your software updated to patch any vulnerabilities. Use strong, unique passwords for your accounts, and consider implementing two-factor authentication for an extra layer of security. Be cautious of phishing attempts and educate yourself on the latest cybersecurity threats to navigate the online world safely.

Conclusion:
As we embark on another year of technological advancements, maximizing our internet speed, exploring new gadgets, and optimizing streaming experiences are key components of a connected and enriched digital life. Stay curious, stay informed, and make 2024 the year you unlock the full potential of your online journey. Here's to a year filled with seamless connectivity, exciting gadgets, and unparalleled streaming adventures!

Give us a call or email, we are here to help!

Happy New Year from CimTel!

Santa knows that the key to spreading holiday cheer is a reliable high-speed fiber internet connection. 🚀🌐 So, here's to uninterrupted video calls with loved ones, seamless online shopping, and binge-watching holiday classics without any buffering! 🎥🎄🎉

Wishing everyone a holly jolly connected Christmas this year!

Our offices will close at 1pm today for our Holiday celebration. You can still reach our after hours number at 918-865-3311.

John ran into an unexpected new friend in the field last week!

"🚀 Elevate your streaming experience this holiday season! 🌐 Upgrade to high-speed internet and enjoy faster streaming with the ability to connect more devices seamlessly. Say goodbye to buffering and hello to non-stop entertainment! 📱💻✨ Wishing you a tech-filled and joyful holiday! 🎄🎁

We will be at the Pawnee Historical Society today until 4:00 PM to answer all of your questions about streaming TV, what fiber Internet can do for you, and more.

We will have streaming demos, information on how to get signed up for our fiber internet service, and snacks and drinks provided by local Pawnee favorites. We hope to see you there!

macOS Sonoma Features

macOS Sonoma is the latest version of Apple's Mac operating system. It introduces several new features and enhancements. macOS Sonoma is the latest major release of macOS, Apple's operating system for Macintosh computers. The successor to macOS Ventura, it was released on September 26, 2023. Following below are some of the notable features of macOS Sonoma.

Interactive Desktop Widgets: macOS Sonoma introduces interactive desktop widgets that fade into the background when not in use, allowing you to focus on the active app or window. All you have to do is right-click with your mouse or double-click your trackpad on your desktop and a menu will pop out. You can select Edit Widgets and a widget menu will appear for a variety of applications.

Web Apps: With macOS Sonoma, you can now access web apps directly from your desktop, providing a seamless experience between native and web applications.

New Videoconferencing Features: macOS Sonoma brings updated videoconferencing features, enhancing your experience during video calls. Presenter Overlay, a new video effect, elevates a user’s presence by displaying them on top of the content they are sharing. Additionally, Reactions allow users to share how they feel by seamlessly adding balloons, confetti, hearts, and more into the video, which can also be triggered with a hand gesture.

Enhancements to Safari: macOS Sonoma includes enhancements to Safari, Apple's web browser. These enhancements may include features like Safari profiles, Safari web apps, and improved password and passkey sharing. Private Browsing provides even greater protection during browsing both from trackers and from people who might have access to the user’s device. Profiles help users stay organized by offering a way to separate browsing between topics, while also keeping cookies, history, extensions, Tab Groups, and Favorites separate.

Shortcuts Widget: macOS Sonoma introduces the Shortcuts widget, allowing you to run shortcuts from your Mac.

Improved Connectivity with iPhone: macOS Sonoma features enhancements that bridge the gap between your Mac and iPhone, making them feel more connected than ever.

It's worth mentioning that macOS Sonoma is a free update for Apple hardware, but older devices might not be supported. To check if your Mac is compatible with macOS Sonoma, you can go to the Apple menu, click on "About This Mac," and check the list of supported models.

Overall, macOS Sonoma aims to enhance productivity, creativity, and connectivity for Mac users.

Happy Thanksgiving from CimTel!

Embrace the festive season with secure online shopping! 🌐🔒 As we gear up for holiday cheer, let's ensure our virtual shopping carts are filled with joy and safety. Check out some tips for a worry-free online shopping experience from the National Cybersecurity Alliance:⁠
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https://staysafeonline.org/resources/safe-online-holiday-shopping/
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Don't forget to make a cybersecurity list and check it twice! ⁠
This year, give yourself the gift of peace of mind by following the Core 4 behaviors: ⁠
⁠
1. Protect each account with a unique, complex password that is at least 12 characters long – and use a password manager! ⁠
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2. Use multifactor authentication (MFA) for any account that allows it. ⁠
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3. Turn on automatic software updates, or install updates as soon as they are available. ⁠
⁠
4. Know how to identify phishing attempts, and report phishing messages to your email program, work, or other authorities. ⁠
⁠
Don't forget to make a cybersecurity list and check it twice! ⁠
This year, give yourself the gift of peace of mind by following the Core 4 behaviors: ⁠
⁠
1. Protect each account with a unique, complex password that is at least 12 characters long – and use a password manager! ⁠
⁠
2. Use multifactor authentication (MFA) for any account that allows it. ⁠
⁠
3. Turn on automatic software updates, or install updates as soon as they are available. ⁠
⁠
4. Know how to identify phishing attempts, and report phishing messages to your email program, work, or other authorities.

Today we honor our veterans. Thank you to all who are serving or have served.

Check out some of these cool gadgets for this Holiday Season.

Echo Show 8 Display – Awesome for Smart Homes and priced at $150 – The new, 3rd-gen Echo Show 8 includes a 13 MP camera, spatial audio and more. It makes video calls, streams content, display photos, and, most importantly, double as a smart home hub.

Apple AirTag – For Those Who Lose Thing and priced at $29 - Attach an AirTag to your keys or backpack. If you misplace something, just use the Find My app to locate it. An AirTag can be shared with up to five people, so friends and family can keep track of items everyone uses.

Ember Coffee Mug 2 – What coffee and tea lovers desire and priced at $115 – keeps drinks at desired temperature for 80 minutes or all day on its redesigned charging coaster.

Kasa Smart Plug (two-pack) – For those who want a smarter home and priced at $20 – These compact smart plugs turn traditional lamps, fans, coffee makers, and other gadgets into smart ones, so your giftee can use their voice to turn off the holiday lights at night and wake up to a freshly brewed cup of coffee in the morning.

Blink Video Doorbell – when “ding-dong” isn’t enough and priced at $60 - Answer your door no matter where you are from your smartphone with 1080p HD day and infrared night video and two-way audio. Choose to save and share clips in the cloud with a free 30-day trial of the Blink Subscription Plan or locally with the Sync Module 2 and USB drive (each sold separately).

The Lifeline program is a Federal Communications Commission program that provides discounts on phone or internet service for qualified households.

Visit LifelineSupport.org to learn more about the discounts, eligibility, and how to apply.

The CimTel Classic 5K raised over $29,000 for the local schools in CimTel's service area for our 21st annual race!

Thank you to all of our runners and sponsors for your support for our local schools and for making our race a success.

We hope to see you next year at our 22nd annual CimTel Classic 5K on August 24, 2024.

🕷️👻 Slow Internet: A REAL Horror Story! 👻🕷️

Picture this: It's a dark and stormy night, the wind is howling, and you're all set to stream your favorite horror movie. But wait... what's that? The dreaded loading symbol! 😱

Forget ghosts and ghouls – NOTHING is scarier than waiting for slow internet! 🌐💀

🎃 Your heart races as the buffering wheel taunts you.
👁️‍🗨️ Shadows flicker in the corners of your screen.
📱 Your connection goes out right when you need it most!

This Halloween season, let's exorcise those sluggish connections and banish the lag demons forever! Say goodbye to the horrors of buffering and hello to streaming without fear. 💪👁️

Treat yourself to fast and reliable internet. Join us for the ultimate high-speed experience! No more nightmares of pixelated screens and spooky loading times. 🎃👻

Don't let slow internet haunt you. Upgrade your connection, and let's conquer this creepy digital dilemma together! 💻🔥

What are you waiting for? Banish the Wait Demons with high-speed internet from CimTel.

An Easy Way to Protect Your Accounts

Simple passwords, such as 12345, or common identifying information, like birthdays and pet names, are not safe for protecting important accounts holding critical information. Using an easy-to-guess password is like locking the door but leaving the key in the lock. Weak passwords can quickly be broken by computer hackers. But it’s impossible to remember a unique strong password for every account!

The good news is that creating and storing strong passwords with the help of a password manager is one of the easiest ways to protect ourselves from someone logging into our accounts and stealing sensitive information, data, money or even our identities.

Use a Password Manager!
Remembering long, random and unique passwords for every account is not possible. Rather than write them down, use a password manager, an easy-to-use program that stores all your passwords. Password managers tell us when we have weak or re-used passwords and many of them can offer to generate strong passwords for us. They can also automatically fill logins into sites and apps as we move from one to another.

We only need to remember one strong password—the one for the password manager itself. (Tip: Create a memorable long “passphrase” as described above.)

There are many password managers to choose from. Some are free, like the built-in password managers in your web browser, and some cost money. Search a trusted source for “password managers” like the Consumer Reports, which offers a selection of highly rated password managers. Read reviews to compare options and find a reputable program for you.

When we use a password manager, we are much more likely to use a unique, strong password on every site. And that makes it much harder for someone to steal our valuable information!

PRO TIP Check to see whether your email accounts, banks, healthcare providers and other important accounts enforce strong password requirements. If they let you use a short password or a dictionary word, ask them why. It’s your information they’re putting at risk!

Learn more: https://www.cisa.gov/secure-our-world/use-strong-passwords

Here’s a list of the top websites visited in the USA based on a review of data from Semrush, Similarweb, Ahrefs and Rock Content.

Google.com – owned and operated by Google LLC, it is the most popular search engine and provides a wide range of services and products.

Youtube.com – the free video sharing website allows users to watch, upload and share videos.

Reddit.com – the social news and discussion website allows registered users, known as redditors, to submit and vote on content.

Facebook.com – the social networking site allows users to connect with friends, family, and colleagues.

Amazon.com – the e-commerce platform and technology company was founded by Jeff Bezos in 1994. It started as an online marketplace for books and has since expanded to offer a wide range of products and services.

Yahoo.com – started as a web directory in 1994, Yahoo now offers many services including email, news, finance and search.

Wikipedia.org – the free online encyclopedia is created and edited by volunteers from around the world. Launched in 2001, the goal of Wikipedia is to provide a comprehensive and reliable source of information on a wide range of topics.

Duckduckgo.com – this search engine provides an alternative to popular search engines by emphasizing user privacy by not tracking or storing personal information.

Twitter.com – the social networking site allows users to post and interact with short messages known as tweets. Launched in 2006, the popular platform is used for sharing information, news and updates.

Instagram.com – launched in 2010, this social media platform focuses on photo and video sharing.

Imdb.com - also known as the Internet Movie Database, it provides information related to films, television series, podcasts, home videos, video games and streaming content.

Discord.com – The communication platform allows users to chat, voice call and video call with friends and communities. It was initially designed for gamers but has expanded to cater to various interests and communities beyond gaming.

Cybercriminals like to go phishing, but you don’t have to take the bait.

Phishing is when criminals use fake emails, social media posts or direct messages with the goal of luring you to click on a bad link or download a malicious attachment. If you click on a phishing link or file, you can hand over your personal information to the cybercriminals. A phishing scheme can also install malware onto your device.

The signs can be subtle, but once you recognize a phishing attempt you can avoid falling for it. Before clicking any links or downloading attachments, take a few seconds (like literally 4 seconds) and ensure the email looks legit. Here are some quick tips on how to clearly spot a phishing email:

Does it contain an offer that’s too good to be true?

Does it include language that’s urgent, alarming, or threatening?

Is it poorly crafted writing riddled with misspellings and bad grammar?

Is the greeting ambiguous or very generic?

Does it include requests to send personal information?

Does it stress an urgency to click on an unfamiliar hyperlinks or attachment?

Is it a strange or abrupt business request?

Does the sender’s e-mail address match the company it’s coming from? Look for little misspellings like pavpal.com or anazon.com.

When in doubt, report it out: If it looks suspicious, it’s best to mark it as “junk” and forward to your IT staff.

Learn more: https://staysafeonline.org/theft-fraud-cybercrime/phishing/

Many people might select “Remind me later” when we see an update alert. However, many software updates are created to fix security risks. Keeping software up to date is an easy way for us to stay safer online. To make updates even more convenient, turn on the automatic updates in the device’s or application’s security settings!

Backing up all your files and ensuring your software is up to date is the best way to make sure you have the latest security patches and updates on your devices. Regularly check for updates if automatic updates are not available.

Learn more at https://cisa.gov/MFA

What is Multi-factor Authentication? MFA adds an extra login step beyond your password to confirm that it's you. MFA can be a text, a PIN, or a security question.

You need more than a password to protect your online accounts and enabling MFA makes you significantly less likely to get hacked. Enable MFA on all your online accounts that offer it, especially email, social media and financial accounts.

Learn more at https://cisa.gov/MFA

It's Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2023!

It's October! And that means Cybersecurity Awareness Month is finally here! It's time to share cybersecurity tips, resources, and advice to help everyone stay safe online!

Cybersecurity Awareness Month is led by the National Cybersecurity Alliance and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)

They are reminding everyone about the "CORE 4" behaviors all month long:

1. Turning on multi-factor authentication
2. Using strong passwords and a password manager
3. Updating software
4. Recognizing and reporting phishing

Everyone can make a difference during Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Check out ways you can participate at
!

We are hiring a Regulatory Analyst. To learn more or apply please visit https://mboone.bamboohr.com/careers/26?source=aWQ9Mw%3D%3D.

Here are some key factors to consider when comparing internet browsers:

Speed and Performance

• Look for browsers that offer fast page load times and smooth browsing experiences.
• Consider the browser's resource usage, such as RAM and CPU usage, as this can impact overall performance.

Security and Privacy

• Check for built-in security features such as anti-tracking, anti-phishing, and malware protection.
• Look for browsers that offer robust privacy settings and options for controlling data collection and sharing.

Compatibility and Cross-Platform Support

• Consider the browser's compatibility with different operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux, etc.).
• Check if the browser is available on mobile platforms (iOS, Android) if you need cross-device synchronization.

User Interface and Customization

• Evaluate the browser's user interface and determine whether it is intuitive and easy to navigate.
• Look for customization options such as themes, extensions, and add-ons to personalize your browsing experience.

Features and Functionality

• Consider the availability of features like tab management, bookmark syncing, built-in PDF viewers, and password managers.
• Check if the browser supports web technologies like HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript for better compatibility with modern websites and web applications.

Developer Support and Community

• Evaluate the browser's development community and support for extensions and plugins.
• Look for regular updates and bug fixes to ensure a secure and up-to-date browsing experience.

Popular Internet Browsers

Google Chrome: Known for its speed, simplicity, and extensive extension ecosystem. It’s available on all major platforms, and the mobile version offers syncing of bookmarks, passwords and settings. There’s no VPN, no cryptocurrency locker, no note feature, and no screenshot tool. Chrome does allow for multiple user profiles.

Mozilla Firefox: Offers a balance between speed, privacy and customization options. Its Multi-Account Containers extension lets you sequester multiple logins to the same site on different tabs. Without it, you'd have to open a private browsing window or another browser to sign out of all your web accounts and start a fresh session. This browser is in the vanguard of supporting new HTML and CSS capabilities, and it’s is working on open-source AR and speech synthesis standards. It offers a full password management service called Lockwise, sync them between devices, and secure everything under a strong master password. That and its VPN offering are paid extras.

Microsoft Edge: Built on the Chromium engine, it offers fast performance and deep integration with Windows. It now runs on Apple macOS and Windows 11 and earlier. Mobile versions for Android and iPhone let you sync history, favorites and passwords. It is a leader in performance, thrifty memory management, and disk usage. Startup Boost technology reduces the time it takes to open the browser, and sleeping tabs save memory on tabs you're not viewing. Edge's Efficiency mode can extend laptop battery life.

Safari: The default browser for Apple devices, known for its speed and privacy features. In macOS Monterey, the browser gained a compact tab bar with floating tabs like Firefox's and Tab Groups that live in a convenient sidebar, and with Ventura, they become shareable and pinnable. It also supports Apple's proprietary Shared with You feature in its proprietary iMessage system. For iCloud+ subscribers, a Private Relay obscures your IP address, similar to a VPN. If you use an iPhone and a Mac, Safari integration makes a lot of sense, since Apple’s Handoff feature lets you continue your browsing session between devices.

Opera: Features a built-in VPN, ad blocker, and other handy tools. The built-in VPN (actually an encrypted proxy server) protects and reroutes traffic from Opera to cloak your IP address. Opera uses the Chromium page-rendering engine, so you'll rarely run into site incompatibilities, and performance is fast. The built-in ad blocker also blocks crypto-mining scripts and trackers. Ad blocking also means less data consumed.

Remember, the "best" browser ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. It's a good idea to try out different browsers and see which one feels the most comfortable and meets your requirements.

🇺🇸 On this solemn day, we honor the memory of the lives lost on September 11, 2001. Let us never forget the bravery of first responders and the resilience of our nation. Together, we stand united in remembrance, forever grateful for the strength that emerged from tragedy. 🇺🇸

The defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs host the Detroit Lions in the 2023 NFL Kickoff Game this Thursday!

To stream NFL games for the 2023-2024 season, you have several popular options.

1. YouTube TV: YouTube TV is one of the best options for streaming NFL games. It offers access to all the major channels that broadcast NFL games, including ABC, CBS, ESPN, FOX, NBC, and the NFL Network. YouTube TV has a monthly subscription fee, but it provides a wide range of channels and features.
2. NFL Sunday Ticket: NFL Sunday Ticket is a streaming service that allows you to watch out-of-market Sunday regular-season NFL games. It is available to subscribers in the United States and is exclusive to YouTube TV and YouTube Primetime Channels starting from the 2023 NFL season.
3. NFL App: The NFL App allows you to stream games that are being broadcast locally in your market on Sundays. If you want to watch an out-of-market game, you have two choices: NFL+ or NFL Sunday Ticket. NFL+ has two subscription choices: NFL+ and NFL+ Premium. With NFL+, you can stream all preseason games, local and primetime regular and postseason games, and gives you access to an on-demand library of NFL programming. With NFL+ Premium, you get access to complete and condensed game replays, as well as Coaches Film.
4. Cable TV: If you have a cable TV subscription, you can watch NFL games on channels like CBS, Fox, ESPN/ABC, and NBC. These channels typically broadcast Sunday afternoon games and playoff games.
5. Amazon Prime Video: Amazon Prime Video is another option for streaming NFL games. With a Prime membership, you can watch Thursday Night Football games and a Black Friday game.
6. fuboTV: fuboTV carries the most sports channels at 50, and it offers the NFL RedZone Channel as an add-on. All three of its plans have ESPN, FOX and NFL Network; and your local ABC, CBS, and NBC channels. The NFL RedZone Channel in its Sports Plus add-on for $11/month, the same price as YouTube TV. But fuboTV's add-on includes 23 sports channels, while YouTube TV's includes only 14.
7. Hulu + Live TV: This package has ABC, CBS, ESPN, FOX and NBC; and this streaming service now has NFL Network and offers the NFL RedZone Channel.
8. DIRECTV: The streaming service has ABC, CBS, ESPN, NBC, FOX, and NFL Network channels in its CHOICE package and above.

The best Labor Day tech deals can vary depending on the specific products you're looking for, but here are some options to consider based on our search results.

From Tom’s Guide: https://www.tomsguide.com/deals/best-labor-day-sales

•Amazon: smart TVs from $64, Alexa devices from $19
•AT&T: up to $1,000 off iPhone 14 Pro Max/Galaxy Z w/ trade-in
•Best Buy: MacBooks from $749, smart TVs from $64
•Dell: laptops from $299, desktops from $449
•HP: up to 67% off laptops, headsets, and monitors
•Lenovo: tablets, ThinkPads, desktops from $229
•Microsoft: up to $400 off Surface, Xbox bundles, more
•Samsung: up to $1,000 off Galaxy Z series preorders
•Walmart: save on Dyson, Microsoft, Shark, more

From TechRadar: https://www.techradar.com/seasonal-sales/the-2023-walmart-labor-day-sale-is-live-here-are-my-top-13-deals

•Appliances: save on air fryers, vacuum cleaners, microwaves
•Laptops: cheap Chromebooks & laptops starting at $199
•TVs: super cheap 4K smart TVs starting at $198
•Toys: save on games and toys for all ages

From In the Know: https://www.intheknow.com/post/best-labor-day-tech-deals-amazon/

•SmartPro ST49 Digital Instant-Read Meat Thermometer, $19.99
•Multi-Plug Outlet - 5 Outlets and 4 USB Charging Ports, $11.99
•Google Nest Smart Thermostat, $118.99
•SadoTech Wireless Doorbells for Home, $16.17
•AFROG Multifunctional LED Lamp With Wireless Charger, $26.97
•Apple AirPods (2nd Generation) Wireless Earbuds, $99

Remember to compare prices and read reviews before making a purchase to ensure you're getting the best deal and the right product for your needs.