There is nothing like a new year to help us feel inspired to create a fresh start. Of course, since 2020 was incredibly challenging, people are more than ready to say goodbye to the past and hello to a productive and outstanding 2021.
One way to do this is by investing in some key pieces of technology. Chances are good you have spent more time at home lately than ever, and whether you are working, attending online classes or simply looking for things to watch on Netflix, you need and deserve tech devices to make your days as stress free as possible.
The following three tech investments are all solid choices that will get 2021 off to a great start.
A New Router
If you have dealt with slow internet speeds and your family complaining about major lag times when trying to access online school, games and movies, it may be time to invest in a new router. As CableTV notes, the type of router you need depends on what’s going on in your home and also your budget. You can choose a budget-friendly one that is still probably quite a bit faster than your current one, one that is especially good for gaming or an all-around speedy router that will decrease your stress level significantly by helping boost your internet speed and reliability.
An Identity Theft Protection Plan
In an effort to stay home and as safe as you can, you have made more online purchases than ever. From toilet paper and groceries to school supplies for your online kiddos, clothing, DVDs and more, you see the UPS guy about as often as your spouse. While online shopping is convenient, it also means that you have used your credit or debit card to make a purchase. Granted, you try to shop at only reputable e-commerce places, but even the largest companies, like Target, have fallen victim to security breaches.
To protect your credit, your sensitive financial data and your good name, you may want to buy an identity theft protection plan. This way, if a company is dealing with a hacking issue or someone gains access to your account, you will be immediately notified. Currently, LifeLock is offering ID protection discount codes, so you can get a deal on different programs that will all send you alerts while providing virtual 24/7 innovative monitoring.
External Storage for Your Computers
You might not be able to upgrade everyone’s computer right now, but with all of the use they are getting, they may be quickly filling with data, photos, video files and more. To extend the life of your laptops and desktops, BHPhotoVideo suggests springing for reliable storage. For instance, you can go the more economical route and get a portable external hard drive, or if you need a ton of storage, you may need a large NAS server. No matter what you select, make sure it offers a strong level of built-in security.
To choose which options are best, think about what each person uses his or her computer for the most. For instance, if your spouse is a freelance photographer and the kids are downloading tons of video files, you may need a larger system with tons of room to store everything. Family members who are primarily doing schoolwork and need a place to keep their term papers and homework can probably get by with a smaller and portable unit.
Enjoy a Great Start to the New Year
You don’t always need to shell out the big bucks for the latest iPhone, flat screen TV or super sleek computer to feel like you’ve invested wisely in technology. As these three examples show, it is also important to spend your money on tech that provides you with better working conditions, less stress and peace of mind.
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