Agent3012

Summer may be half-over, but your gadgets still need protection from high temperatures and direct sunlight. July 31, 2018 - WTAM Newsradio with Bill Wills and Geek Squad Agent Derek Meister.

Securely save emergency contacts and medical info on your phone. July 17, 2018 - WTAM Newsradio with Bill Wills and Geek Squad Agent Derek Meister. Having important contacts and medical information on hand during an emergency can be a literal lifesaver. Take the time to setup those you want contacted in these situations now on your phone so you don't have to think about it later. Even if it's just for routine doctor's visits, it's helpful to track what medicine you use along with other important health information. CareZone - https://carezone.com - Easily scan your medicine to keep a full list on hand and even set reminders for usage. Microsoft Health Vault - http://healthvault.com - Add information and easily get data from your provider. If you are managing the health of a child, parent, or other family member, you can add records for them as well.

This spring a new form of malware hit the internet — VPNFilter. June 26, 2018 - WTAM Newsradio with Bill Wills and Geek Squad Agent Derek Meister. This spring a new form of malware hit the internet—VPNFilter. It can impact a wide range of Home and Office routers. It can do anything from spying on you (websites, searches, passwords) to bricking the router itself (turning it into a useless device). It does this by reaching out to a server and accepting instructions to download and install plugins that allow someone else to have full control of your router. It’s a nasty little bugger. You may think of your router as the traffic cop on our network. Routers help direct data to and from the Internet to each of your connected devices, from laptops to tablets to game consoles and more. To do this, the router inspects part of every piece of data it sends on its way. If that network traffic cop started taking instructions from someone else, it could do anything from sending your web browser to a fake website to sharing information about your search habits and online banking to people you’d probably rather not have access to it. That’s the possibility of VPNFilter as malicious software that may find its way onto routers not secured with the most secure settings or latest firmware (the software that controls the device). Your first instinct may be to immediately turn your router off. In fact, turning your router off and then on again may clear portions of any running bad software. Just like a weed, though, you must pull up the malicious software roots to completely clear your router. Let’s explore steps you should take to protect your home network: Reboot (or power cycle) your router. You’ll want to check that your router’s manufacturer has updated firmware designed to combat VPNFilter. If you find that firmware is no longer supported with updates by the manufacturer, your router may be outdated, and you should consider upgrading to a new model. Next, you’ll want to update your router firmware and configure its settings so that it automatically updates in the future. Finally, you’ll want to lock down your router’s network settings, changing any default passwords to ones that are unique and secure, and disabling any unnecessary remote administration options on the device. Where to get help if needed: Visit geeksquad.com to chat with a Geek Squad Agent online, call 1-800 GEEKSQUAD (800-433-5778) or stop into any local Best Buy to speak with an Agent in person. Best Buy Total Tech Support, powered by Geek Squad, is new membership dedicated to supporting ALL the tech in your home — no matter where or when you bought it. Learn more at https://bit.ly/2KJWQMw

June 19, 2018 - WTAM Newsradio with Bill Wills and Geek Squad Agent Derek Meister. Losing your phone can be traumatic, so it's important to consider these steps ahead of time to prepare your phone (and yourself) for how to quickly react if your phone goes missing.

June 12, 2018 - WTAM Newsradio with Bill Wills and Geek Squad Agent Derek Meister. Before you default to a new tie or “World’s Greatest Dad” coffee mug, consider showing your dad how much you appreciate him by giving him the gift of tech this Father’s Day. From gadget gurus to dads who are still kids at heart, Best Buy has you covered. Learn more at https://bit.ly/2sX5v6Y.

May 29, 2018 - WTAM Newsradio with Bill Wills and Geek Squad Agent Derek Meister. It's your camera, your travel planner, your entertainment, and even your emergency contact device. On this week's radio segment, I shared tips for packing and preparing your smartphone for your upcoming vacation.

Best Buy Total Tech Support members receive unlimited Geek Squad help in-store, by phone, online and via the Best Buy Home app, no matter where or when they bought their products. For more information, visit http://bby.me/putnb, call 1-888-237-8289, or visit a local Best Buy. The comprehensive Total Tech Support membership program helps you manage all of your technology and appliance needs throughout your home, no matter where or when you bought your products. Total Tech Support can be bought with or without a product purchase at Best Buy. Your membership entitles you to Geek Squad’s help for all your existing devices and appliances, and anything new you buy down the road.

Warm weather has (finally) arrived in Cleveland, just in time for the 2018 National Bike Challenge. During this week's #TechTuesday segment on WTAM 1100 Newsradio, Brad Sussman and I talk about how to sign up for a free account at https://bit.ly/2Ks3xDT to track your rides, join a team, and encourage friends and colleagues to get moving on their next two-wheeled adventure for fun and exercise. Oh, and prizes and drawings. To make tracking your rides even easier, Brad and I talked about various smartphone apps that you can use to automatically upload your rides to your dashboard.

Amazon and Best Buy are partnering to bring the next generation of Fire TV Edition smart TVs to customers in the United States and Canada. Best Buy will launch more than ten 4K and HD Fire TV Edition models from Toshiba and Insignia, beginning this summer. For more information and to sign up for notifications on Fire TV Edition availability, visit BestBuy.com/FireTVEdition

March 10, 2018 - WTAM Newsradio with Bill Wills and Geek Squad Agent Derek Meister. Utility companies want their customers to use less energy. Many states have sustainability goals and require utilities to offer energy-saving programs to their customers. Best Buy customers can save money, use less energy, and live more sustainably with rebates found at BestBuy.com/ecorebates in partnership with local utility companies around the country. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/2qiRakT.

March 3, 2018 - WTAM Newsradio with Bill Wills and Derek Meister Buying a new laptop? Don't get bogged down in tech specs. Instead consider these 3 factors to help your decision making. Performance: "I want a computer that will help me perform the tasks I need to and won't leave me waiting." If your needs are to use the computer for web browsing, emails, editing documents and maybe funny cat videos, then your performance needs are likely to be met with an entry-level laptop with a reasonable processor, system memory, and hard drive. On the other hand, if you're a gamer or professional with higher performance needs, you may be considering a gaming laptop or even a desktop with the latest and greatest processor, as much RAM as you can afford, and a screaming fast solid-state drive for storage. Glowing lights and slick looks may not be required, but often help. * Comfort: "My computer should be comfortable to use and fit into my daily life." If you're always on the go, then it's possible you might be considering the weight and size of an ultra-portable laptop. At the same time, if you're doing a lot of typing on that laptop, you're going to want to visit a local Best Buy to take that laptop for a test run to make sure the keyboard is comfortable and easy to type on, and that screen is large enough that you're not looking for when your next Ophthalmologist, Optometrist or Optician visit will be. How that computer fits comfortably into your daily life may even determine whether you're considering a desktop versus a laptop. If you don't need to take the computer with you (say, your smartphone or tablet is good enough while on the go), you might be considering a desktop computer for the wide-range of keyboards you can choose from along with the luxury of a larger, easier on the eyes desktop monitor. Or even a 4K UHD monitor. And don't forget sound performance. With a laptop, you're going to need to consider how well the built-in speakers work or consider a good set of headphones. With a desktop, you may be happy with the standard 2 desktop speakers, or you might want to upgrade to a soundbar or even 7.1 surround system for immersive gaming sessions. * Value: "A computer is an investment, I want to be happy when I walk away from the register." The impact on your wallet is an important consideration. You may want the world's biggest, best computer. Even if your budget is modest, there's likely a computer that will hit as much of your performance and comfort needs without breaking the bank. Or, you may honestly be fine with stretching that budget if it means you get a feature important to you in those other categories. One area that this may affect your decision beyond the price is the durability of the computer. If it's a laptop, does it feel like it will last. Is the screen hinge flimsy or built like a tank? Same for a desktop. Of course, to protect that investment, you'll also want to consider a Geek Squad Protection plan should something unexpectedly happen down the line, from a hard drive defect to accidentally dropping that laptop while on the way to class. For more help with selecting your next computer, the Best Buy Laptop Buyer's Guide at https://goo.gl/oSdR3Y may help

March 20, 2018 - WTAM Newsradio with Bill Wills and Derek Meister Your smartphone camera can do more than take photos or video. New apps use it to scan documents, help you shop, even learn about wine. In this week's #TechTuesday segment, Bill Wills and I talk about the tips provided at https://goo.gl/JukJjh.

March 13, 2018 - WTAM Newsradio with Brad Sussman and Derek Meister. Last week we talked about getting your tech ready for spring break trip, but what about using your tech to keep you entertained during the actual travel? For Netflix members, this is an opportunity to use their "Available for Download" features on select titles to watch offline without the need for an active internet connection.

March 6, 2018 - WTAM Newsradio with Brad Sussman and Derek Meister Spring is right around the corner, and for many, that means spring break travel. While we often use that time to get away from work or school, that doesn't mean we leave our tech behind. Smartphones, tablets, laptops, and even game systems can be great distractions, but if we're honest, you're likely to want to sneak a peek at your work email, check your bank account, or even do a little shopping by the pool. So how can you protect your accounts and private information while on the go? Geek Squad has you covered with security tips for the wireless traveler: • Update the software and security on your devices. • Protect accounts with new, better passwords. • Avoid accessing sensitive accounts on networks you don’t control • Check with your hotel for the correct wireless network • Use mobile broadband access on your smartphone if needed

February 20, 2018 - With Bill Wills and Geek Squad Agent Derek Meister. Looking to upgrade to a better camera than your smartphone, but not sure you want the bulk of a DSLR camera? Consider a mirrorles camera. Because they don't need the bulky mirror and prism system DSLR cameras use, mirrorless cameras are usually smaller and more portable. This makes for a great travel camera that can often fit in a pocket. At the same time, mirrorless cameras are able to produce the same high-quality images of a DSLR, and have many of the same advanced features that benefit photographers of all skill levels. Want to learn more about your DSLR and mirrorless camera options? Visit the Best Buy Camera Buyer's Guide at goo.gl/DY7CKJ. Or visit the Best Buy Camera Experience Shop at select locations listed at https://goo.gl/bMLrD8 to try out an expanded selection of cameras, lenses, and accessories. Plus, get photography advice from experts.

February 13, 2018 - WTAM Newsradio with Bill Wills and Derek Meister Can’t see your desktop wallpaper because it’s covered by icons? Don’t remember where you saved that one document on your computer? Haven’t checked the Recycle Bin lately? It might be time to spend some quality time with your PC on National Clean Out Your Computer Day. For more tech help and tips, visit the Best Buy Blog at https://goo.gl/aGWuWe.

February 6, 2018 - WTAM Newsradio with Bill Wills and Derek Meister. You got your flu shot, and you heed the warnings about washing your hands and covering your mouth. But what about that germ holder you touch a thousand times a day? Yes, it’s your cellphone (and other tech devices, for that matter). Keep in mind that antibacterial wipes & disinfectants are often abrasive to your phone screen. Consider using a small spray bottle filled half with water and half 70% isopropyl alcohol as a good, cheap screen cleaner. Spray it onto a microfiber cloth and not directly onto your screen. For more information, visit https://goo.gl/Bm8DLa.

January 16, 2018 - WTAM Newsradio with Bill Wills and Derek Meister Making good on that New Year's resolution and looking to be more active this year? New truly wireless earbuds offer a range of options to fit your needs. Read more at https://goo.gl/7vQqUS.

January 9, 2018 - WTAM Newsradio with Bill Wills and Derek Meister While so much of technology focuses on the latest mind-blowing innovations of the future, we’ve got a soft spot for some of those throwback products. Bill Wills and I talk the return of vinyl, instant film cameras, and even Super Mario in our retro-tech roundup. Read more about throwback gadgets on sale now at https://goo.gl/ATvwxa