Category: Tech News

  • How to stop Google from tracking and targeting you with ads

    You love google. In fact, if you’re like most people, you can’t live without it.

    You use Google dozens of times a day and you might not even know it. Sure, you use the Google search engine to find everything from driving directions to your doctor’s office to your library hours to news updates and personal information about your daughter’s fiancé.

    You use Google many times more than if you watch videos on Google-owned YouTube, save images to Google Photos, check airfares on Google Travel and much more. Still, there’s one thing about Google that scares you so much that you’re ready to stop using it.

    Do not do this! If you’re concerned about Google ads that know too much personal information about you, we have a better, simpler solution to prevent Google from invading your privacy.

    This is why Google knows so much about you
    Have you ever noticed that Google ads know a lot more about you than you do? You know what I mean, when Google posts an ad about horror movies, for example, and you happen to be a horror movie buff.

    Google is a bit mysterious when it comes to telling you how it determines which topics interest you. According to Google, “Ads are based on personal information you add to your Google Account, data from advertisers that partner with Google, and Google’s guesses of your interests.”

    The good news, however, is that Google is a lot more transparent than ever when it comes to tracking your interests. The better news is that you can see which topics interest you to Google, then customize your interests so you can see ads that reflect your personality and lifestyle.

    Or you can ask Google to stop tailoring its ads to your interests. You can’t turn off ads completely, however, targeting only brands and products that Google thinks you’ll love.

    Tip in a Tip: Google’s new tool lets you block annoying ads.

    Here’s how to tailor Google ads to match your interests
    You need to make sure you’re signed in to your Google Account to make changes to how Google targets ads to you. Start by going to Google.com.

    Click the menu bar, which is a box with three horizontal dots and three vertical dots in the upper-right part of your screen. Then click on Account.

    Scroll down to the box that says Personal information and privacy. Tap or click on Ad Settings >> Manage Ad Settings.

    You will see that ad personalization is turned on. Scroll down to see your interests – they’re what Google Ads find of interest.

    You can toggle interests on or off by clicking on each topic. For example, you might find that one of your interests is American football – if that topic or other interests aren’t there, click the topic and then click Close.

    Here’s how to turn off Google’s personalized ads
    If you’re still concerned about Google knowing too much personal information about yourself, you can turn off Google’s ad targeting. On the screen, scroll back up until you see that ad personalization is turned on.

    Slide the screen to off. Then click on Turn Off.

    Remember, you are not turning off ads. You’ll still see ads when you’re on Google sites, including Gmail, YouTube, and other Google-owned sites. They will not be targeted at your personal information.

    3 Ways to Search the Web Without Google Tracking You

    Google saves your search history and tracks what you click online. If you need a break from monitoring, you have options. You can use a search engine that doesn’t flag your every move. Listen to the My Komando On Demand podcast for three ways to discover the Internet that might sound refreshing to you.

  • Best laptops to buy in 2021

    Nowadays, there are many reasonably priced budget laptops in the market. With the power of modern hardware, they can also provide a great computing experience without completely draining your wallet.

    But what if you’re in the market for the best laptop experience you can get? Of course, you don’t want to throw your hard earned money around. Even if you’re willing to spend more for a premium laptop, you still want the best value for your money.

    If you’re looking for an exquisitely designed ultra-fast laptop equipped with a beautiful razor-sharp display, then look no further. We have compiled a list of the best laptops of 2018.

    13-inch 2018 MacBook Pro

    The 2018 MacBook Pros were released recently and as always, they will always be in the list of premium laptops if you are looking for the right match of hardware and software.

    Compared to last year’s model, the 2018 MacBook Pros have virtually identical features (such as the TouchBar) but they get a performance boost and have a redesigned keyboard that’s less prone to issues than last year’s butterfly design. is called prone.

    There were also reports of thermal problems with the new MacBook Pros causing their processors to throttle but Apple has addressed these issues with a software fix.

    The 13-inch MacBook Pro with upgraded specs won’t be cheap, of course, at $2,900.

    15-inch 2018 MacBook Pro

    Similar to its 13-inch sibling, the 2018 15-inch MacBook Pro gets a performance upgrade and a new keyboard design. It also suffered from thermal issues that caused processor throttling during excessive load (addressed by Apple with a software fix).

    The 15-inch MacBook Pro with bumped up specs is available for $3,900 and is the most expensive laptop on this list.

    Dell 13 XPs

    Dell’s XPS line may be more expensive than the other Windows 10 laptops on this list, but its nearly bezel-less Infinity Edge display is really worth a look.

    This premium 13-inch version packs in pixels with an ultra-sharp 4K display, all juiced up by a speedy quad-core Intel i7 processor.

    There’s a huge amount of ports in the XPS line – one USB-C 3.1, 2 USB-C/Thunderbolt and even a microSD slot.

    The XPS 13 with 16GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD can be yours for around $1,900.

    Dell XPS 15

    The larger Dell XPS 15 is nearly identical to its smaller counterpart, but has a larger 15.1-inch screen, a dedicated Nvidia GeForce graphics card, an additional USB-C Thunderbolt 3 port, and is powered by a faster Intel six-core processor. i7 processor.

    It won’t be cheap to upgrade from the 13-inch model. The 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD version currently retails for about $2,200.

    microsoft surface pro

    Microsoft turned a lot of heads when it introduced its Surface Pro – it really is a beautiful slab of impressive hardware. The current version is the most portable laptop/tablet available and has a battery life of 13.5 hours.

    Although it still rocks an older Intel Core i7 processor, if you want to achieve more on the go, you can’t go wrong with the Surface Pro. Don’t forget to get the optional detachable keyboard, it’s definitely a must have.

    The best Surface Pro configuration with 16GB of RAM, 512GB of SSD, and an Intel Core 17 processor is currently priced at around $1,900.

    razor blade

    With its 15.6-inch 4K screen, it is one of the smallest but fastest gaming laptops around. Sticking to its gaming pedigree, the nearly edge-to-edge touch display is also properly color-calibrated.

    Completing the Blade’s impressive features are a speedy 6-core Intel i7 processor, a dedicated gaming NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 processor, and a keyboard with a crazy, multi-colored light.

    If you want to impress while gaming on the road, the Razer Blade can be yours for around $2,900.

    hp specter x360 15

    The HP Specter x360 15 is another beautiful laptop/tablet with a foldable, slim bezels, 15.6-inch 4K touchscreen display. It also rocks a dedicated NVIDIA GeForce MX150 graphics chip with 2GB of video memory and Bang & Olufsen tuned speakers.

    At around $1,600, this is one of the cheapest premium Windows 10 laptops out there.

    Lenovo Yoga 920

    Lenovo Yoga 920 is another value-packed premium laptop that is big on performance. With its 360-degree flip and fold design, you can quickly turn it into a tablet and use the included Active Pen 2 stylus for drawing and writing tasks.

    However, compared to the similarly priced HP Specter x360, the Yoga 920 has a smaller 14-inch screen and only comes with integrated graphics.

    The completely exclusive Lenovo Yoga 920 currently costs around $1,500.

  • 5 Google Flights tricks you need to use now

    Whispering to a great destination is one of my favorite things in life. Some of my best memories come from the holidays I took with my family as a kid.

    If you’re planning your next getaway, whether it’s for business or pleasure, there’s a good chance you’ll be flying to your destination. Unfortunately, airfare can be expensive.

    This is the reason why people put so much effort to find the cheapest flight. Believe it or not, there are ways to get really good deals on flights that usually cost a fortune. You just need to know how to find them.

    Some helpful tips include booking your flight early and making sure you’re shopping on the right day of the week. Also, make sure you fly on a day and at a time that traditionally costs less.

    One of the top search sites is Google Flights (it used to be called Google Flights Search). Like any other search site, Google Flights lets you quickly find and compare flights between airports on certain days.

    However, if you are using it, you are missing out. It has some amazing features built in that make it so easy to plan that vacation.

    Let’s talk about five Google Flights tricks you need to use to get started now.

    1. Get Destination Ideas
    If you travel a lot, you might get tired of your usual destinations. Or maybe you don’t travel much, and you’re not sure where you want to go.

    On its home page, Google Flights gives you some of the popular destinations like Portland, New York City, and Las Vegas with good deals available. If you’re not sure where you want to travel, this is a good place to start.

    Of course, maybe you’re interested in visiting a certain region or country but aren’t sure which airports or cities to go to. The answer is also with Google Flights.

    Instead of entering a specific airport as the destination, you can type in “Europe,” “France,” “Japan,” or another country or region. You’ll see a map highlighting the major airports and how much it will cost to fly there. If you zoom in, you can also see smaller regional airports. You can also narrow down the suggestions based on your interests like culture, ecotourism, food, etc.

    For example, I found that on a trip to Japan, I could save a few hundred more people flying into Osaka or Tokyo than any other airport. Of course, for an even cheaper flight into Southeast Asia, I can get to Beijing for about $500 less than Tokyo.

    2. Track Pricing Trends
    If you have time to wait to buy tickets for your trip, Google Flights can tell you when the best time is. Google will send you an alert when it predicts a decrease or increase in prices. You can also track historical prices on flights that you ask Google to monitor.

    This feature is great for people who travel to the same destination regularly for business or pleasure. To get started, just enter search criteria for departure city, destination city, and travel dates.

    Once you press enter, you will be taken to a result page. You’ll see a section labeled “Track Price.”

    Google will monitor the lowest price and you will receive price alerts and travel tips by email. This is a great way to know when is the right time to buy.

    3. Find the Cheapest Days to Fly
    Of course, prices for airports listed on area maps are based on the days you entered to fly. If you’re flexible on travel days, you can get much better deals.

    Instead of typing in specific travel dates, simply click on the date field to bring up the calendar. It will show you the daily prices of tickets for the next few months so you can see the cheapest days of flight at a glance.

    For my trip to Tokyo, I found that there are days ahead that I can save about $200 on a round-trip ticket. This is valuable information to know.

    Google will also help you out with a handy “swap” feature. If there is a cheaper flight closer to the date you selected, Google will give you a notification at the top of the search results.

    4. Find the best flight
    Finding the cheapest destination and the cheapest days to fly is great, but in your rush to save, you may find that the “cheapest flight” isn’t always the “best flight.” I have seen this happen to many of my friends and family members.

    What I mean is that the dirt-cheap ticket you bought might be that you’re flying in the wee hours of the morning and doing three 5-hour layovers. Not to mention that you could lose paying ticket savings for a checked bag.

    For example, searching for flights to Barcelona brings up a wide range of options. The least expensive one costs just under $1,700, but there’s a problem.

  • 7 ways to hack-proof your smartphone to keep your data safe

    We always warn you about the latest cyber crimes. Data breaches, ransomware and phishing attacks are constantly in the news.

    It is not just criminals who are trying to break into our gadgets. We learned in 2017 that the CIA had been hacking smartphones, TVs and other items to spy on us for years. Knowing that everyone is behind our personal information, it is a good idea to take security precautions.

    That’s why it’s important for you to know these seven ways to hack-proof your smartphone to keep your data secure.

    1. Update Your Software
    One of the most important security precautions as a smartphone user is to keep your operating system (OS) up to date. This is important because, when OS vulnerabilities are discovered, updates are sent that contain patches for those flaws.

    This makes it important to install OS updates ASAP. Here are the steps to update both Apple iOS and Android OS:

    Apple

    Go into your “Settings” app and select “General”. From there, select “Software Update” and your iPhone will start checking for updates. Then, if an update is available, select “Download and Install”.

    Android

    Open Settings >> Tap About phone >> Tap System update >> If there is an available update then Restart and tap Install.

    2. Keep criminals off your phone
    If your phone is stolen, the thief can gain access to all the sensitive data stored in it. This means it is important for them to make it as difficult as possible.

    Apple

    iPhones used to only allow you to create a four-digit passcode for security.

    Do the math on that and you’ll find out that only 10,000 passcode combinations are allowed. Now consider that someone watching you can see the simple combination you use to enter your passcode. Or, someone who knows you well may guess your four-digit passcode based on your birthday, street address, or any other PIN you use.

    Now, Apple gives you a chance to make stronger choices. You can choose between a four-digit numeric code, a six-digit numeric code, a custom numeric code, or a custom alphanumeric code, and the iPhone X offers facial recognition. These options are more secure than the basic four digit option.

    Go to Settings >> Touch ID & Passcode (Note: iPhone X will be Face ID & Passcode) >> Tap on Turn on Passcode >> Enter Six Digit Passcode or Tap on Passcode option and choose from the options we have Listed above >> Enter your passcode again to confirm and activate it.

    3. Use phone locating apps
    Losing your phone or getting it stolen is scary. There’s so much personal data stored in it that you don’t want it to fall into the wrong hands. If this unfortunate situation happens to you, there are apps that will help you track down your gadget.

    Apple

    Find My iPhone: This is a free app that you can download from the App Store. If you lose your phone, you can log into your Apple ID account from another device and see a map of where it is. Getting the phone back is great, but the real saving grace is being able to clean the phone; This app allows you to erase all the content and settings of your phone.

    Android

    Android Device Manager: This is a free app that you can download from the Google Play Store. If you lose your phone, you can log into your Google Account from another device and see a map of where it is. This app also allows you to wipe the phone, erase all your phone data and reset your lock screen passcode.

    4. Download Only Trusted Apps

    Whenever you want to download an app, make sure it is from a trusted source. Third-party apps don’t go through the rigorous security checks that apps found in Google’s Play Store and Apple’s App Store do. This means that third-party apps can be malicious and infect your phone with malware.

    App Store – Stay away from third party app stores. There are a few examples of malicious apps in the Google Play Store and Apple’s App Store, but they are very rare. Third-party app stores rarely check apps, making it easy for scammers to spread malware there.

    Check App Developer – It is important to verify the name of the app developer. Copycat apps will have a different developer name than the actual developer. Before you download the app, do a Google search to find the original developer.

    Reviews – Most of the popular apps will be reviewed by other users in the App Store. You can sometimes find reviews by experts online. These are helpful in pinpointing malicious or faulty apps. If you get a review warning that the app is malicious, don’t download it.

  • 3 easy ways to keep your home safe

    The facts are cool! On average, thieves break into homes every 15 seconds, according to an explosive report by Fairfax News.

    These crimes are not isolated or rare. They don’t just happen in “bad” neighborhoods or in the middle of the night.

    In fact, about two-thirds of home thefts happen during the day, when your children and grandchildren are at school and you are at work. That’s when the house is sitting unsecured and your neighbors won’t blink when they see someone near your house – after all, we all get deliveries almost every day.

    Peace of mind is something you should just resolve to have this year for your family and yourself. It’s easier and more economical than you think to protect your home. (Keep reading for tips from our sponsor SimplySafe.)

    Bonus: Don’t miss Tip No. 3 from our sponsor SimplySafe. Homes without security systems are burglarized three times more often than secure homes.

    3 tips to protect your home

    1. Close Your Blinds
    Home security experts agree that there are some simple steps you can take to convince burglars to move on to an easy target. For starters, turn off your window blinds and shades.

    Most thieves are not at risk of being injured or arrested. You can make them think you are at home by closing your windows and closing your blinds and curtains.

    Note: Criminals run away with an average of $1,600 worth of goods when they break into a home.

    2. Lock Your Garage
    Lock your garage door every time you leave your house. It’s so easy to forget to do this, isn’t it?

    There are days when your whole family seems to be in and out of the garage. It’s nonstop.

    You can have a keypad so your kids can enter the house after school. Do they always close it behind them?

    You can have the garage door opener in two cars while your spouse uses a smartphone app to open and close it. Maybe you have a voice-activated smart speaker at home that opens it on command.

    Of course, an open garage door is an invitation for thieves to go straight in. Did you know that 30 percent of burglaries happen without forced entry, usually through an open door or window?

    3. Simply Install a Home Security System
    The facts are clear. Homes with security systems are three times less likely to break down than unsecured homes – causing injury and even worse harsh realities.

    The good news is that, thanks to technology, home security is easy to set up. It is economical for almost everyone’s budget and you are not locked into a long term contract.

    Note: SimplySafe costs a few dollars a month. Courtesy of Komando.com Click Here for an Exclusive SimplySafe Deal!

    Step-by-Step Setup in Minutes

    Your SimplySafe Home Security System will be delivered to your front door. There are a handful of components inside, including a keychain remote control, sensors, and a base station.

    You will hear the base station talking to you. “Welcome to SimpliSafe” etc.

    Once you’ve plugged in your base station, you’re ready to set up the SimplySafe system. do you have five minutes?

    multilevel home security
    SimpliSafe covers your base, starting with a super-loud 85db and 105db siren. There are door and window sensors.

    There are devices to alert you to fire, carbon monoxide, freezing pipes, floods and more. SimplySafe’s sensors will alert you to broken windows or broken keypads.

    There is a panic button that you can place near the most vulnerable member of your family. SimplySafe alerts you almost immediately when your system is on.

    Think about your own peace of mind knowing that you are protecting your family. Now, you can get a 60 day guarantee! As a showrunner for The Kim Komando Show, you get free shipping and free returns! To protect your home with SimplySafe, visit SimplySafe.com/kim today.

  • 6 smart home upgrades to help sell your house

    You have to know your audience. This is true whenever you’re selling something, but it’s even more true when you’re selling something that could cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars more!

    That type of money can only mean one thing: you’re selling your home. Hopefully, you are working with a professional who can give you advice on how to maximize your profits.

    We’re sharing expert tips from realtors who know what home buyers want. These days they want smart home tech.

    The good news for you is that you can often increase the value of your home by adding a few smart home devices that will set you back less than $1,000 and often less than $100.

    Here are six smart home gadgets home buyers are looking for. Don’t miss out on number 3 – it’s the first thing home buyers look for when they visit your home!

    1. Thermostat
    These days, you can remotely adjust the temperature in your home from any Internet-connected device from anywhere in the world. You may already have a smart thermostat from Nest or another popular brand.

    Smart thermostats save energy, which is always a plus. You can control the temperature and time so that you get cool or warm when needed. They’re also easy to read from across the room, making remote adjustments easy.

    The bonus when you’re selling your home is that home buyers see smart thermostats as they move around. Smart thermostats automatically improve the interior design of a home and give buyers the confidence that they never have to redo the thermostat when they move in.

    The Nest Learning Thermostat is the top of the line and best seller on Amazon. It integrates with other Nest products, such as smart light bulbs and washers and dryers, and other smart devices. The Nest can also monitor all of your energy usage so you know the best time to do some dishes or laundry. This thermostat also works with Alexa.

    2. Smoke Detector and Carbon Monoxide Detector
    Smoke detectors have saved countless lives over the past few decades. Carbon monoxide detectors too, although very few homes have CO detectors.

    Still, both types are so common that you forget you have them, the chirping!, loud, crackling noise that wakes you up when the detector’s battery is dying.

    There’s good news on a few fronts when it comes to smart detectors. They’ll send an alert to your smartphone when they need a new battery. More importantly, your family and you will receive alerts when the equipment detects smoke or deadly gas.

    First Alert’s Onelink Safe & Sound Alarm is a top new item in smart home appliances. It has an omnidirectional speaker, so its smoke and carbon-dioxide warnings are not to be missed. You can receive remote notifications of an emergency in your home and customize the night light. You can also talk to Alexa through this alarm. It is a life saver.

    3. Video Doorbell
    In a flash, regular doorbells are almost obsolete. Nowadays, you can hear your doorbell and see who is at the door from your smartphone, whether you are at work or on vacation around the world.

    This is extremely important when you are not at home but you have children or an elderly parent. This is important when thieves are stealing packages at your front door.

    Heck, it’s important for everyone’s safety. With Video Doorbell you can remotely receive alerts and watch (and talk to) who is at your door.

    Ring’s Wi-Fi enabled video doorbell is Amazon’s pick of choice and has a four-star reputation. Ring Key Video Doorbell lets you watch HD video from your smartphone, tablet or PC. It will send you an alert when visitors press the bell or trigger the built-in motion sensor. You can check-in on your property at any time with Video On Demand. It also works with Alexa.

    4. Smart Lock
    The days of carrying a pocket full of keys or a giant keychain in your wallet are over, after all! These days, your car is keyless and now, so is your home.

    Smart Locks are Wi-Fi enabled and communicate with your smartphone. You just need to go near your smart lock and it gets unlocked. Many keyless locks work with deadbolt locks and keys you may already be using.

    The August Smart Lock has four-star reviews and gives you secure, keyless access to your smart home. It also attaches to your existing deadbolt, so you don’t need new keys. From your smart phone, you can send a virtual key for guests to open the lock. You can also limit how long these virtual keys serve. Of course it works with Alexa for voice control.

  • Wi-Fi vs. Bluetooth vs. USB tethering Which is best for you

    Your laptop is open and ready as you need to answer some emails or complete a work assignment, but there’s no Wi-Fi. A frustrating situation can finally be resolved with a simple solution to get you back online.

    All you need is a device, either Apple or Android, with a cellular connection. Connections vary slightly depending on the device you are using.

    First you need to set up your Personal Hotspot. Apple and Android mobile devices can share their data connections in the same way as Wi-Fi hotspots. This means you can get your laptop online and enjoy working with a full keyboard instead of tapping with your thumb. Your Personal Hotspot feature can also come in handy when you don’t want to use your computer on an unknown or unsecured Wi-Fi network.

    on apple:

    You can connect your computer to your Internet connection in three different ways, a process known as “tethering.” Let’s take a look at all three possibilities: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or USB, and how to choose which method to use.

    Wifi
    For most people, Wi-Fi tethering is the easiest way. It is simple and provides a fast connection.

    While Wi-Fi tethering works very well and should be your first choice, if you’re concerned about battery drain you may want to consider Bluetooth instead. The trade-off is that you may experience a slow connection, so reserve this option for times when your battery is running low and there’s no outlet available.

    Personal Hotspot supports Bluetooth connection with Mac, PC, and other third-party devices. To connect another iOS device, use Wi-Fi.

    While just hooking up a cable can be convenient, there can be a speed trade-off with using USB tethering. You may prefer to stick with the Wi-Fi connection unless you have a technical issue that prevents you from using Wi-Fi.

    Some carriers will throttle mobile hotspot data after a certain amount of usage. If you’re not sure what your plan allows, check your contract or talk to your carrier. With occasional light use, you probably won’t have to worry, but if you’re using it to stream a lot of high-quality video, or for other data-intensive purposes, you’re likely to have problems. May be.

    Think of tethering as your Internet pinch hitter. It’s there when you need to make a call on it, but it doesn’t make sense as a daily way to get your computer online.

  • 11 amazing perks you get from your local library you never knew before now

    “I’ve always imagined that heaven would be a library of sorts.” So said famous novelist Jorge Luis Borges, and if you love study carols and those storied old buildings full of wisdom, you probably share his heavenly spirit.

    Tap or click here for 4 apps to help you organize your books, music and movies.

    Today the library is as essential as ever. I mean physical libraries, the same brick-and-mortar buildings that have been lending books since the dawn of America. However, how does a space full of hardbacks and CDs keep pace with the digital universe? By adapting to your logic and evolving over time.

    Tap or click here for a great resource for free e-books.

    With a simple library card, you can put your tax money to good use and support one of the best institutions out there – all the time for literature, magazines, music, movies and even more. That while enjoying an unlimited supply of free office space. Here are some of the facilities provided by your local library.

    1. Ebooks and Audiobooks

    When you think “library,” you think of books. But books come in many varieties, including picture books for kids, paperbacks for the beach, and large-print books for those with visual challenges.

    The explosion of media has also given rise to many new formats: Libraries today still boast an impressive number of e-books and audiobooks, all for free with a library card. All you need is your e-reader (like the super-cheap Kindle) and/or an audiobook app that supports your library’s file types (like Overdrive), and you can binge TV shows along the way. Can binge on books.

    Just keep in mind that eBooks and audiobooks from the library come with due dates, just like print books do – you’ll usually be able to keep your copy for about two weeks, then you’ll need to renew your reading material. , or it will be available again to other library cardholders.

    Specific titles, especially beloved bestsellers, may not always be available. However, you can place a hold request, just like in print books, and get a link to download it as soon as your copy is available.

    2. DVD and CD
    Long before streaming, libraries tried to compete with video and music stores with one major exception – tapes, DVDs and CDs would be free to check out with a library card.

    Of course, the selection can be a bit more limited, and new releases won’t be found as quickly, and sometimes DVDs or CDs get scratched and difficult to play. The movies will be free, and are still free at your local library.

    The best way to approach a library’s selection is to treat it like a thrift store: You never know what’s donated over the years, so you can browse the eclectic collection for old favorites or old blockbusters that suit you. never met

    3. Wi-Fi and Workspace
    A “virtual office” usually means one of two things: your home, or a cafe. Coffee drinks add up, and sometimes leaving the house is a boon to productivity. Solution: An open table or padded chair, courtesy of your local book-lender. Every major library has free Wi-Fi, outlets, and designated places to work, and your only limitations are hours of operation. (And obviously, don’t make any phone calls).

    Libraries often have secluded workspaces and conference rooms that you can reserve.

    4. Computer

    Need a computer too? Virtually all libraries have desktops available, and some even have laptops that you can rent on-site. These devices come with a time limit for their use, but they still come in handy for many situations, and they also have printers available for frequent use. That’s why libraries make excellent work spaces.

    5. Free Images
    Need great stock images that are more historical or natural, or famous works of art, or need to see some local maps? Libraries can help everyone with this.

    The New York Public Library has 200,000 free images that you can use for any purpose, and you can download them from your home right now. It also houses a collection of 180,000 works of art, literature and performance, many of which are in the public domain, as well as 672,000 items in its digital collection in general.

    Check out any item in your home now, and use the public domain one for just about any purpose you can think of. Then perhaps enjoy the collection of coloring pages from world-class libraries and museums that you can print out as and when made available through the libraries’ digitization efforts.

    Also, don’t forget to check out what similar services your local library has—you might find some great old maps of your city or paintings by local old-timers.