With winter’s shorter days and colder temperatures, it’s common for many people to experience the “winter blues,” an often heavy feeling of malaise, tiredness, and moodiness that too frequently comes around this time of year—especially after the holidays have passed. Indeed, some of us even suffer from Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), an officially recognized condition affecting millions of people worldwide during the winter months.
SAD often leaves individuals feeling lethargic, depressed, and disconnected this time of year, making winter all but unbearable. Fortunately, modern technology offers a range of devices designed to help combat these feelings and improve mental well-being during the darker, chillier months. From light therapy to digital fitness, below we highlight some of FPUAnet Communications’ top tech suggestions to help beat SAD and the winter blues!
1. Light Therapy Devices to Combat Winter’s Diminished Sunlight
One of the main contributors to the winter blues is the reduced exposure to sunlight. To help alleviate this seasonal astronomical reality, medical professionals have long since recommended light therapy as a treatment for SAD—and thankfully, there’s technology to make it easier for anyone to increase their light exposure.
Light therapy boxes, which mimic natural sunlight, are designed to be used for 20-30 minutes per day, typically in the morning. These devices use bright white light, often around 10,000 lux, which is much stronger than regular indoor lighting. The exposure helps regulate melatonin and serotonin levels in the brain, improving mood and energy levels. We particularly like the Carex Day-Light Classic Plus for its adjustability to optimize light exposure, larger size to improve overall effectiveness, and strong durability.
2. Wearable Light Therapy Outside the Home
Light therapy doesn’t have to be confined to a light therapy box or lamp around the home or office. For a more portable solution, wearable light therapy devices, such as light therapy visors or glasses, are becoming increasingly popular. These devices allow you to go about your day while still benefiting from the therapeutic effects of light exposure.
Check out the Premium Blue Light Therapy Glasses from AYO. They work by gently exposing your eyes to blue light, helping to stimulate retinal cells. Many users report considerable improvement in their overall wellness, including better sleep, increased energy, and improved mood, all while being away from the desk or couch and out and about.
3. Smart Lighting to Create a Warm Ambience in Your Home
In addition to light therapy boxes to specifically target SAD, technology now lets you brighten your whole home—and your mood—at all times of the year. Smart lighting systems and devices help you create an inviting and uplifting atmosphere, which can be especially beneficial during the winter months. Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance Bulbs are a top pick for many smart homes. One of the most well-known brands for smart lighting, Philips offers Hue bulbs in thousands of colors and hues, including seemingly countless shades of white, allowing you to adjust the light to suit any mood.
They can be controlled via the Philips Hue app (also available for Android-based devices) or through voice commands on smart home devices like Alexa or Apple HomeKit. Smart lighting allows you to adjust the color palette and intensity of your lights throughout the day. By replicating natural, brighter daylight during the morning and softer, warm lighting in the evening, you can help regulate your circadian rhythm and improve your sleep quality, as well as your mood and sense of well-being.
4. Smart Thermometers for a Cozy and Energy-Efficient Home
Of course, it isn’t just the reduced daylight and sunshine that brings people down during the depths of winter. Winter’s chill can become overbearing, contributing to a sense of feeling stuck and uncomfortable. Smart thermostats, such as the ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium or the Google Nest Thermostat, can ensure your home remains at a comfortable temperature through the colder weather season.
Taking full advantage of the stronger Wi-Fi signal found in more homes today (thanks to advances in broadband technology such as FPUAnet Communications’ sophisticated fiber network), these devices can be controlled from your smartphone or tablet, so you can adjust settings before you even walk through the door. In this way, smart thermostats ensure you’ll receive a warm welcome when you come home while helping to keep energy costs low and your home more efficient.
5. Fitness and Activity Trackers: Stay Active Indoors
Science has demonstrated that exercise is a powerful tool for combatting depression and boosting mood during winter. But when the weather outside is cold and uninviting, it can be challenging to stay motivated to exercise. To help keep you moving, fitness trackers, such as the Fitbit Versa 4 or Garmin Forerunner 55, can help by offering reminders to stay active throughout the day.
These devices include features like step counting, heart rate monitoring, and activity goals, which can help you stay on track with your fitness routine even when the winter chill is telling you to stay indoors or under a blanket. Many fitness trackers also sync with apps that provide guided workouts, such as yoga, stretching, or bodyweight exercises, all of which can be done from the comfort of your home.
Winter may bring colder temperatures and shorter days, but with the right tech tools and devices, you can boost your mood, stay active, and improve your overall mental health. By incorporating these devices into your daily routine, you can maintain a positive outlook and stay energized, no matter how bleak the winter weather may seem. And for more tech recommendations any time of the year, follow FPUAnet Communications’ social pages!
If you’re a remote worker, having a reliable and fast internet connection is nonnegotiable for a productive home office. Video conferences, cloud-based applications, and high-bandwidth tasks like large file transfers are part of your everyday workload, so having a stable internet connection is essential.
Fiber optic internet, known for its outstanding speeds and solid reliability, is becoming the go-to solution for home office setups. But how do you set up a home office powered by fiber internet that meets your professional needs? Below is a step-by-step guide to help you get started using the fastest, most reliable internet on the market today, such as the internet provided by FPUAnet Communications’ advanced fiber network.
Step 1: Review the Benefits of Fiber Internet for Remote Workers
Before diving into the setup process, it's crucial to grasp why fiber internet is simply the best choice for a home office. By seeing the benefits of fiber up front, you’ll better understand how to make the most of its power for your home workspace and the other steps we outline.
Speed: Fiber optic internet can provide download speeds from 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps or more. These high speeds are essential for clear, distortion-free video conference calls, real-time collaboration, and quick file transfers—in short, everything remote workers need to stay competitive while working from home.
Generous Bandwidth and High Symmetrical Speeds: Fiber’s high-bandwidth capacity provides both high download and upload speeds. This “symmetrical internet” is indispensable when you need to upload large files or participate in high-quality video conferencing.
Reliability: Fiber’s material components are exceptionally strong and impressively flexible, making fiber much more durable than cable. And unlike cable or DSL internet, fiber is less prone to interference, congestion, and signal degradation, providing more consistent service.
Low Latency: Fiber offers minimal lag, which is critical for activities like video conference meetings or anything else requiring real-time, seamless online communication.
A remote worker’s road to better high-speed internet begins with selecting the right fiber internet plan based on your speed requirements. Most fiber providers offer different tiers and pricing plans based on speeds and user needs.
For most professional tasks like video conferencing, email, and light file sharing, speeds between 100-300 Mbps are typically sufficient. However, if your work involves large file uploads, high-definition video editing, or running servers, you may need a plan offering 500 Mbps or higher.
Additionally, if you’re planning on multitasking online—or if others in your household are also using the internet for activities like streaming TV while you work remotely—you’ll probably want one of the higher speed tiers. Higher speed plans will give your internet a significant boost and let you take full advantage of fiber’s spectacular performance.
Step 3: Select a Wi-Fi Router with the Latest Wi-Fi Technology
Once you’ve selected a fiber plan that meets your remote working needs, the next step is setting up your network equipment to optimize your home office. This crucial step begins by choosing a quality, up-to-date Wi-Fi router.
Let’s face it: it’s common for many households to continue using the same router they’ve had for…well, a while. But Wi-Fi technology has improved considerably over the past decade—enough to warrant an upgrade for those households with models more than even a few years old.
Savvy remote workers should choose a Wi-Fi router that supports the most recent Wi-Fi technology standards like Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) or Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) to ensure you get the fastest, most reliable wireless speeds. Routers with these more current technologies can better utilize fiber’s sophisticated network and boost signal strength to keep you more productive as you work remotely.
Step 4: Optimize Your Home Office Layout
Next, you’ll want to consider the layout of your home office and its proximity to the Wi-Fi router to maximize signal strength. An optimized office layout can make a significant difference in how well your fiber internet works for you.
After selecting an upgraded Wi-Fi router, place it centrally in the home and in close proximity to your home office—or even in your dedicated workplace. Placement of the router can be tricky, as it’s best to avoid placing it too near walls, dense built-in bookcases, or metal objects.
Additionally, glass is known to gobble up (and diminish) the Wi-Fi signal, so keep that in mind when placing a router too near a window or a glass door. Finally, try tokeep your router away from other electronic devices that could interfere with the Wi-Fi signal, such as microwaves or baby monitors.
Step 5: Maximize Your Wi-Fi Experience with a Mesh Network
In addition to a better—and strategically-placed—Wi-Fi router, you’ll want to consider supplementary equipment to increase the dispersal of internet signal in your home and workspace. Today, there is a variety of technologies available to greatly improve the quality of your internet, including mesh network systems.
A mesh network is a group of interconnected devices (often called “nodes”) scattered around your home that work collectively as a single network. Thus, with a mesh network, there are multiple sources of connectivity around your house instead of just a single router.
Mesh networks can help extend the range and maintain strong speeds throughout your home. Much more powerful than the simple range extenders of years past, mesh systems often prove a game changer for many internet users, especially for those who work from home.
Of course, some remote workers may want use to a “wired” connection instead of relying on their router and a mesh network. If your home office regularly requires high-performance tasks like video streaming or large file transfers, consider connecting your work devices directly to the router via ethernet cables.
Step 6: Run a Speed Test
Lastly, after completing the above steps, simply run a speed test! Running speed tests, especially after updating your home office’s internet, can help fine-tune your setup.
For example, if your internet seems more sluggish than you expected, you may want to relocate your router (using the advice and tips referenced above). Or you may need to add an additional mesh network node near a room with a weaker signal. Tinkering with your internet setup from time to time is a good practice—and one that also reminds you to update the software on all of your devices, including your routers, to keep up with the latest technology and security patches!
Setting up a home office powered by fiber internet can dramatically enhance your WFH experience, offering blazing speeds and rock-solid reliability. Whether you're handling important video calls, sharing large files, or simply needing a stable connection for everyday remote work tasks, fiber internet will meet your needs with ease and efficiency.
And should you have any questions on how fiber can help make you more productive at home, the knowledgeable and friendly team at FPUAnet Communications are within easy reach!
With the weather plunging to colder temperatures this winter, staying warm and comfortable is a top priority for many families. For some, that means breaking out the sweaters from storage bins and cozying up by the fireplace. But beyond just bundling up in layers of clothing, modern technology offers a range of solutions to help keep you cozy without wasting energy or feeling like you're living in a sauna!
Below, we highlight some of our favorite devices and gear for keeping warm this winter. Whether you're working from home or relaxing in the living room while streaming a favorite movie or TV series on FPUAnet Communications’ fiber internet, or even heading outdoors for a winter adventure, these tech gadgets will help you stay comfortable while embracing the convenience and efficiency of innovation.
1. Smart Thermostats
Let’s start by controlling the temperatures at home with a smart thermostat. Gone are the days of manually adjusting your thermostat every time you feel a chill—or needing to rush home to turn up the heat after being away from the house all day.
You can control most smart thermostats via an app on your smartphone, which is particularly handy if you want to pre-heat your house on those extra-cold mornings. Additionally, many smart thermostats “learn” your schedule, so they can automatically adjust the temperature based on when you're home or away. Indeed, some models even offer geofencing capabilities, which means they’ll know when you’re coming home and start heating up your house before you arrive!
We like the Amazon Smart Thermostat as a budget-conscious option that’s still loaded with features. For a more traditional feeling smart thermostat, check out the Honeywell Home T9 Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat. Its easy installation and simple-to-follow instructions make it a popular choice for first-time smart thermostat users.
2. Smart Heated Blankets
Of course, some people prefer things a little warmer around the house than other members of the household, which can sometimes lead to arguments over how warm the house should be, even in the dead of winter! But don’t fret—one of the simplest yet most effective ways to keep people who need higher temperatures happy without impacting others is to snuggle up with a smart heated blanket.
Electric blankets have come a long way in recent years, with smart heated blankets offering precise temperature control and even smart features that allow you to pre-heat your bed before you crawl in. Indeed, many smart heated blankets come with multiple heat settings, automatic shut-off timers, and accompanying apps.
One option from a name brand you likely know is Sunbeam’s Electric Wi-Fi Connected Loftec Electric Heated Blanket. Its ten heat settings provide a perfect variety of adjustable heat levels. And Sunbeam’s app and the smart blanket’s Wi-Fi capability let you set schedules so it’s pre-warmed just when you’re ready for it.
3. Heated Insoles
Staying warm in winter requires more than just a comfortable and efficiently-heated home—you need to keep your body warm when you’re out and about too! And if you’re one of those people who constantly have cold feet—whether indoors or out—smart heated insoles could be a game changer this winter.
To help keep those tootsies toasty and snug, smart heated insoles provide targeted warmth to your feet. Best of all, they can be controlled via an app, allowing you to adjust the temperature as needed. Heated insoles are especially useful if you’re spending time outdoors in cold weather or if you’re prone to poor circulation.
One option to consider is Dr.warm’s Rechargeable Heated Insoles, manufactured by a company that specializes in cold-weather apparel and accessories. Its rechargeable heated insoles can fit into your shoes or boots, providing warmth to your feet for hours on end. And it’s controllable through an app on your smartphone, helping you regulate the level of heat throughout the day.
4. Portable Hand Warmers
Keeping your hands and fingers warm is also essential to staying comfortable this winter. And if you're always on the go or spend a lot of time outside, a rechargeable hand warmer is a must-have winter gadget.
These small, portable devices can be slipped into your pockets or gloves, providing instant heat whenever you need it. Whether you’re waiting for the bus, hiking, watching a football game, or attending a winter carnival, a hand warmer can provide relief from the cold without requiring you to carry bulky items.
OCOOPA Magnetic Hand Warmers are a popular model, offering adjustable heat settings and a long battery life. They’re available in a wide variety of colors too, helping each member of your family keep track of which warmer belongs to whom.
Winter doesn’t have to mean enduring endless layers of clothing and constant shivering. With the right tech gadgets, you can stay warm and cozy while saving energy and improving your comfort. Whether you opt for a smart thermostat, a heated blanket, or a portable hand warmer, there’s a wide range of products designed to help you beat the cold. So, embrace the warmth of innovation and enjoy this winter season to the fullest. And check out FPUAnet Communications’ social pages for more tech recommendations for your family!
Like most people in today's digital age, you probably spend a considerable portion of your life online. From daily emailing to online banking, managing finances, and shopping, these basics of everyday life are undoubtedly enhanced by our ever-present internet world. But with so much of our lives intertwined with the web, online security is more important than ever. And sadly, with cyber threats and data breaches on the rise, stepping up our personal cybersecurity is more crucial than ever.
A strong password is your first line of defense against unauthorized access to your accounts. Below are six essential tips for creating a robust password for better online security. By utilizing a strong password, you can stay safer online while enjoying FPUAnet Communications’ high-speed fiber internet for everything from streaming TV and movies to connecting with loved ones through video calling or managing your finances.
1. The Elements of a Strong Password
Many people have been using the same password for a long time—and across many apps and websites! And it’s common to use a word near and dear to one’s heart because it’s easier to remember.
This risky practice is not nearly secure enough to combat today’s sophisticated hackers and cybercriminals. A strong password typically includes a mix of the following characteristics:
Length: Aim for at least 12-16 characters. Longer passwords are generally more secure.
Complexity: Use a diverse combination of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and special symbols (e.g., &, !, @, and #).
Unpredictability: Avoid easily guessable information, such as names, birthdays, or common words.
Check out these examples of a weak (but common) password and a strong password:
Weak: Passcode123 (a shockingly overused word attached to a simple sequence of numbers is just not sufficient in today’s world).
Strong: 6L~3s1yXt#f4Fmz8 (this tangled combo is loaded with randomness, making the password extremely difficult to guess).
2. Avoid Widespread Password Mistakes
In addition to simply using the same password over and over again, many users fall into other common traps that compromise password strength. To dodge these:
Steer Clear of Words Found in the Dictionary: Avoid common words or phrases. Cyber attackers use dictionary attacks, which try every word in the dictionary to crack passwords.
Don’t Use Personal Information: Refrain from using your name, family names, or birth dates, as these are often easy to guess or obtain.
3. Use a Passphrase
If a jumbled set of letters, numbers, and characters is just too much to remember, you can still improve your password by lengthening it. A passphrase is a longer sequence of words or a sentence that’s easy for you to remember but difficult for others to guess.
For instance, instead of a single word, use a phrase like “MyCatMeows@Midnight?”
While seemingly silly, such a passphrase is more complex—and harder for hackers to guess or obtain—than using your cat’s name alone. And it’s also easy for you to remember.
4. Utilize Password Managers
If you don’t have the time to create a proper password and want to be sure that it contains the right amount of complexity, consider using a password manager. A password manager can help you create—and store—strong passwords securely. These tools can generate random passwords that meet security criteria and save you from having to remember every password.
When selecting a password manager, make sure that it utilizes strong encryption to protect your stored passwords. Many password managers will sync across all your devices, including cell phones and tablets, but double-check before choosing one.
With TechShield you will receive a convenient password manager along with mobile security and 50 GB of storage for photos and documents all for $7.99 per month.
5. Keep Your Passwords Updated
It’s not enough just to make your passwords more secure—you need to keep them updated, too. Ideally, you should change your passwords periodically, with some experts recommending changing them about every three to six months. This is particularly wise for sensitive accounts like email and online banking or credit cards but should also be considered for your most commonly used apps and social media.
If a company, service, or app you use experiences a breach, you must change your password immediately, no matter how recently you last updated it.Additionally, if you notice any unusual activity in your accounts, change your password to give yourself peace of mind.
6. Avoid Reusing Passwords
Our last tip relates to an all-too-common pitfall: using the same password repeatedly for apps and website logins. Reusing passwords across multiple sites increases your vulnerability. Indeed, if just one account is compromised, attackers can access your other accounts that share the same password.
Password managers can ease the creation and storage of unique passwords for each of your accounts. Alternatively, you can create variations of a strong base password just by adding a suffix or prefix related to each account.
Creating a strong password is a vital step in securing your online accounts. By following these six tips, you can significantly enhance your password and your overall online security. And to learn more ways to stay safe online, check out FPUAnet Communications’ social pages for additional cybersecurity advice!
The holiday season is upon us, and that means it’s time to dust off those beloved classic Christmas movies from decades past that warm our hearts and bring back nostalgic memories. Whether you’re a fan of animated flicks from your childhood, timeless tinsel-tinged comedies, or heartfelt melodramas, there’s a streamable movie to bring out the holiday spirit in all of us.
Below, we present a guide on where to stream 10 of the most cherished, must-watch Christmas films. And you can enjoy all these holiday favorites in pristine picture quality with FPUAnet Communications’ state-of-the-art high-speed fiber internet—and without a cable subscription!
1. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
This Frank Capra film is the very definition of “classic.” Indeed, for many families, watching It’s a Wonderful Life and Jimmy Stewart’s magnificent performance as George Bailey is an annual holiday tradition in and of itself. You can find It’s a Wonderful Life on Amazon Prime Video.
2. Scrooge (1951)
The 1951 adaptation of Charles Dickens’s timeless tale, A Christmas Carol, is a Yuletide must-watch. Alastair Sim’s portrayal of Ebenezer Scrooge as he transforms from a villainous miser to a kindly humanitarian is simply iconic. Scrooge is available on Tubi.
3. Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
This heartwarming and funny story of a man claiming to be Santa Claus has charmed audiences for generations. Maureen O’Hara, Edmund Gwenn, and a young Natalie Wood star in this original 1947 version. Watch Miracle on 34th Street on Disney+.
4. A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
An animated fav for several decades, this short gem features Charlie Brown searching for the true meaning of Christmas amid its contemporary commercialism and stress. The unforgettable Vince Guaraldi musical score is just as beloved as the Peanuts characters themselves! You can catch it on Apple TV+.
5. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
Jim Henson’s Muppets bring a delightful twist to Dickens’s story in this musical adaptation. With catchy songs and loveable characters, The Muppet Christmas Carol is a fun choice for the whole family. Stream it on Disney+.
6. Home Alone (1990)
Holiday hijinks abound in Home Alone, where Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) defends his home from bungling burglars. It’s full of laughs and the Christmas spirit while being surprisingly touching. Home Alone is available on Disney+.
7. Love Actually (2003)
Love Actually is a romantic comedy weaving together multiple love stories during the Christmas season in London. Over the years, it has become a perennial favorite for many fans of both rom-coms and holiday-themed movies. You can find it on Amazon Prime Video.
8. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
Watching Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, a stop-motion film from the 1960s, has been a holiday tradition for families for 60 years. Follow Rudolph and his fellow misfits as they save Christmas and teach valuable lessons in open-mindedness, tolerance, and appreciation for those who are different. Stream it on Apple TV+.
9. Jingle All the Way (1996)
This family comedy starring Arnold Schwarzenegger showcases the frantic last-minute shopping experience of a father trying to secure a popular toy for his son. While typically noted for his action hero roles, Schwarzenegger’s comedic turns are always fun, as is the comic genius of his costar, Sinbad. You can view Jingle All the Way on Disney+.
10. The Santa Clause (1994)
Last on our list is The Santa Clause. Tim Allen stars in this family favorite about an ordinary dad who is compelled to become Santa Claus and carry out his extraordinary present delivery duties each Christmas. The Santa Clause streams on Disney+.
From enjoying a quiet night in to taking a break from shopping or even hosting a festive viewing party, these films are sure to bring warmth and cheer. So, grab your cocoa, snuggle up, and let the holiday magic—and streaming—begin! And be sure to keep up with FPUAnet Communications’ social pages for more streaming entertainment recommendations throughout the year.
