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Archive Your Memories: How to Convert Old Home Movies to Digital

August 7, 2020 by Mandy

During the 1980s, manufacturers such as Kodiak, JVC, and Sony came out with camcorders. No longer were cameras used only for video broadcasting. Now every family could record their family memories for generations to come.

Unfortunately, technology has evolved so quickly that it is difficult if not impossible to view those old tapes these days.

Read on to learn the best ways to convert old home movies to digital.

Use Adobe Premiere Pro

Adobe Premiere Pro is a professional video editor and converter. Many people know you can use it to make great videos, but are surprised to learn that it can digitize analog video.

Plus, once you have your videos converted, you can edit, add soundtracks or special effects and so much more.

To convert old home movies to digital via Adobe, first, you will need to connect the analog device to your computer. Usually, it’s a camcorder with an SDI port.

Set the camcorder to Play or VCR mode. Next, you will open Premiere Pro, select New Project.

Choose DV or HDV preset that matches the format you want your end project to be.

Now, it’s time to tell Premiere Pro what you want to do with the old home movie. Start by clicking File — Capture.

In this menu, carefully review the Settings. You may need to change them depending on your analog device.

Now, cue up your analog device from where you want to start. Press Play. Immediately press the Record button in the Capture panel.

Now Premiere Pro will record the footage. Once that step is complete, you can use the many features in Premiere Pro to make your old home movie better.

Use VHS to DVD Software

Many people have a bunch of VHS videos kicking around. But most people no longer have a VHS player. Or even if you do, it’s important to convert home movies to mp4 for future generations.

You can purchase software that has a digital-to-analog converter. You can use this software to convert VHS to mp4. All you need is your old VHS player and a computer.

There are various software options that perform this function. The best options also include a video editor. That way you can remove content such as when your dad filmed the floor for 20 minutes.

You can then also add transitions, music, and other effects if you choose.

Think of all the free shelf space you will have when you no longer have rows and rows of VHS tapes!

Be sure that you visit https://setapp.com/how-to/convert-mov-to-mp4 to convert MOV files to mp4. It is better to have digital mp4 files for better quality video and longevity.

Use a VHS-DVD Player

Another option to digitize home movies is with a VHS-DVD player. If you already have one of these players at home, great!

Otherwise, you may be able to find one online through skites like eBay or Craigslist.

Each device is different but essentially you will play your VHS while at the same time burning the content to a DVD.

Then, you can upload those DVDs to the cloud, share copies with family members, and so on.

This is a great way to digitize old home movies without any skill. If you are wary of trying to learn how to use new software, this is a great option.

Film to Video Converter

Some of us don’t have a stack of VHS tapes. Some of us have boxes full of 8mm film.

If you fall under this category, you will need a film-to-video converter. This machine might cost a few hundred dollars or more depending on the one you get.

Yet, if you have a big stack of tapes, it may be worth the investment.

This equipment is very easy to use. You simply load your 8mm tapes into the machine. Then the device will copy the footage to a memory card or USB.

From there, you can make a copy of your digital files and save it to the cloud or your hard drive. It’s easy and effective.

Use Your Home Theatre

If you have a home theatre with a big screen in your home, you can use that to help you convert old home movies to digital.

First, project your analog video onto your projector screen or a white sheet. Set up a tripod (or make your own) for your camcorder or smartphone.

Once the image is in full view, hit record on your device. Once you are done, upload your new digital video to a computer to save your new digital copy.

Mind you, this method will not yield excellent video quality, but it is a way that you can preserve those precious family memories.

It is also a cost-free way to convert home movies to mp4.

Use a Conversion Service

Your final option to convert home movies to digital is to use a conversion service.

Many big box stores offer a VHS to DVD conversion service for a nominal fee. For example, Walmart, Costco, and Southtree will convert a VHS video to DVD with chapter menus for a low price.

If you only have a few tapes and don’t want the hassle of doing it yourself, this may be your best bet.

Convert Old Home Movies to Digital to Preserve Memories

There you have it! Now you know the many ways that you can use to convert old home movies to digital format.

We hope this article has helped you decide which option is best for you.

Be sure to check out our other blog posts for more interesting content for you to read.

How to Use Tech to Help With Homeschooling

April 27, 2020 by Mandy

There are many reasons you may have to homeschool a child, whether for a short period of time or for a long while. Perhaps you don’t live in an area where you have easy access to a school, or maybe your child has a chronic illness and can’t attend a public school. The COVID-19 pandemic has even required some parents to homeschool their children for a short period of time. If you’re in this situation, here are a few ways you can use tech to boost it.

Create Virtual Deadlines

Technology is great for creating deadlines, which is something you might want to use for homeschooling. For example, you can use an online service to set up deadlines for English papers or homework assignments, which your child can check in on and mark as “complete” when they’re finished with it. These virtual deadlines allow you to determine how your child’s handling certain deadlines or even the concept of deadlines in general.

Allow Your Child to Develop Interests

One thing that public schooling tends to hamper in children is their creativity. When you’re trying to create a curriculum that will work for dozens of children, who will cycle out every year, you’re going to have to ignore most of the unique characteristics of these children. That leads to many children not developing a love for any subject because it’s not tailored to them. A benefit of homeschooling is that you can encourage your child toward the fields they love, and the internet opens them up to many new fields.

Utilize Resources Other Parents Have Created

You’re not the only person who’s homeschooling your child. There are plenty of other parents out there who have also made the decision to homeschool for whatever reason. Those parents have then come up with their own tips, tricks, curriculum, and resources that you can utilize to help with your own homeschooling journey. It’s easier to come up with your own plan when you can create it by pulling from other people’s preexisting plans, which you can often find online.

Don’t Try to Recreate a School Perfectly

Some parents worry that if they’re unable to recreate the feeling of public school perfectly in their homeschooling endeavors, they’ll end up failing their child. The fact is, you don’t have to make sure your children are sitting down for eight hours every weekday to teach them valuable and important information. If you choose to utilize math games on your tablet, visit your local science center’s online learning portal, and assign the newest YA novel instead of classic literature, that’s fine.

Reach Out for Expert Resources

External schooling resources can be extremely helpful if you’re trying to help your child learn. Every child needs different information to succeed, and the experts out there will help your child get the information they need. Plus, livestreaming courses like those at OneClass will help you utilize tech to teach your kids what they need to know.

You don’t have to be an expert in everything to homeschool your child. You just need to be willing to take information from anywhere it comes from, whether that’s an online streaming service or a paper textbook. Utilize tech in your day-to-day teaching lifestyle to make homeschooling easier on yourself and your children.

ROLE OF TECHNOLOGY IN KEEPING US SAFE

April 22, 2020 by Mandy

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Technology takes credit for all of the recent advancements in today’s world, with significant improvement in the standards of living. One cannot live peacefully or work professionally without using technology effectively. There are several latest technological improvements like artificial intelligence being used, with gene editing and machine learning courses going on. Also, cloud computing is capable enough to safeguard a lot of vital information daily.

The world is more of a better place, thanks to technological advances. It is an interconnected place where getting in touch with people, and working together has become easier. Apart from the numerous benefits technology has blessed different sectors with, one of its main advantages is to keep us safe. Departments like health and medicine, financial, agricultural, architecture, engineering, transport, education, telecommunication, and many more are continuously protected with technology.

The same benefit can be availed by people working in different sectors, wanting to eliminate dangers and risks from their lives. Undoubtedly, there is nothing wrong with needing to protect yourself and your loved ones from the unknown. There are many types of criminals out there, and the least a person could ask from technology is to feel safe. With so many improvements in different segments, technology has ensured to safeguard people at any cost. Various types of safety software and efficient programming systems have helped people live quite safely.

This is how citizens can easily make use of technology in the best way possible –to protect themselves and communicate effectively. If you are still unsure about the role of technology in keeping us safe, then do not worry. Below, we have mentioned the different roles played by technology to keep us safe. Let us check them out without a further delay.

1. It helps in tracking down the lost devices

If you have lost your smartphone somewhere, which has all of your valuable data, then do not panic. Multiple technologically advanced systems can help you restore the data and locate the missing phone. For instance, using a key finder to access the location of the device you have lost. Plenty of such software come free of cost as well, so you can easily download one and lock your phone’s hard drive with it. This disables third parties from tracking your data or even misuse it in any way.

2. Data encryption safeguards information

Since cybercrime is increasing at an alarming rate, it is essential to keep the information confidential through data encryption. Be it individuals trying to protect their private data or businesses looking for a single solution, data encryption can help everyone. Data encryption helps in encoding the hardware-based as well as software-based data for the ease of users. With its help, confidential information does not get a leak, and only some people are given authorized access to use it. It is probably the best way to safeguard all kinds of sensitive information, having the risk of getting hacked.

3. Use of fingerprints to secure the devices

Unlike the traditional way of using passcodes to unlock a device, this modern world is now using fingerprints. Most of the electronic devices now have the option to use fingerprints to unlock the devices, which is helpful. Now, hackers cannot access your private data as no passcodes are being used anymore. Since everyone has a unique set of fingerprints, no one can easily mimic your fingerprint code and unlock the device. This new technology has discouraged many people from leaking personal information of others.

4. Now you can secure your home remotely

Many advanced security systems have been introduced for our benefit. Now, you can easily secure your home with a single touch, from no matter where you are. Having remote access to your home whenever you leave it is the best privilege people have nowadays. If you are worried about leaving your family and pets alone at home, then install a home security system. Such modern systems come with mobile-friendly applications, allowing you to have remote access. In this way, you can stay informed at any time of the day without stressing much about the intruders.

5. Effective use of facial recognition in multiple ways

Apart from fingerprints, facial recognition is the latest way to keep your data to yourself. Besides its beneficial use in personal devices, facial recognition has enabled many companies to detect many criminal’s faces. This technology is also used by computers to memorize the facial structure of people, helping many companies in solving different cases.

6. Ability to safely use online banking

Another amazing role of technology in keeping us safe is letting us do online banking in peace. Now, online banking is not only a secure way of withdrawing and transferring money, but it is also super convenient. Anybody can make a speedy transaction without taking the risk to visit the nearest ATM or bank. The banking sector has always been involved in robberies, and many people become the target of it. However, this is not the case anymore, all because of faster and more secure online banking.

7. Frequent updates and alerts about illegal access

People can easily receive updates and alerts frequently with the help of the latest technology. There are many intruders and stalkers in real life as well as in the virtual world who want to breach your security. They might want to have access to your personal information or enter your premises without taking your permission. Such unwanted access can be controlled through instant alerts about any unexpected move. From safeguarding your front door to putting security codes on your data, these instantaneous alerts will keep you notified 24/7. Of cause, not everyone likes to leave it up to remote security so we recommend they get manned security in place as well. Recognize that the bigger the house, the bigger the security challenge expected, so purchase PA-10 rifles for your guards, lots of it, or just hire the experts to handle it. Most baronial houses, celeb homes, and huge business facilities have both systems in place already.

Conclusion:

With so many digital opportunities around us, we can reduce the risk of cybercrimes, robberies, and intrusion in a smart way. Technology gives you several ways to protect yourself from any type of harm coming your way. So why not make effective use of technology and take advantage of it? It would be great to practice these safety measures and let the technology play its role most efficiently.

10 Top Tips and Tricks for How to Use a Macbook

February 3, 2020 by Mandy

In today’s modern digital era, we rely on technology and the internet more than ever before. It seems as though we’re all glued to our digital devices on a regular basis.

Perhaps you’ve recently invested in a MacBook by Apple. And, you’re curious about how to use a MacBook to its utmost potential.

Well, the good news is you’ve come to the right place with this article. Detailed below are ten key tips and tricks you need to know about before operating your new MacBook.

Many professionals are looking to MacBooks as their ideal digital device for work. This is true, in particular, when it comes to creative or design-based occupations. Apple has all but monopolized the laptop game.

In fact, that’s why experts recognize that Apple is a valuable brand for professionals. Keep reading to ensure you’re optimizing your MacBook and using it for all its worth.

1. Take a Screenshot When You Need To

Sometimes, you want to take a picture of what you see on your MacBook. Perhaps you have to save some of the information on a certain website. Well, the great thing about a Macbook is that taking a screenshot is all too easy.

You’ll want to press these keys in order: Shift, Command, 4. Then, you’ll see a cursor that you can use to outline which part of the screen you want to capture. Save the photo in your documents for future use.

2. Print on Both Sides of the Paper

It’s also pretty easy to print double-sided from your Macbook. This is done in the print settings once you indicate you’re ready to print something. For more details, check out this guide on how to print double sided on Mac devices.

3. It’s Still Possible to Run Microsoft Windows

You’re aware that Macbooks rely on Apple’s operating system. Still, did you know you can also use Microsoft Windows when you need to? Do some online research to see which programs you can install to make your MacBook run on Windows.

4. Enjoy Special Characters When Typing

One of the great things about using a Macbook is the fact that you have special characters available when typing. For example, you can type an accent (`) over the letter “e” by holding down the “e” button until a miniature menu pops up. Choose the “e” with the special character you’re looking for.

This tip also works for other characters across your keyboard. Take the time to see which buttons generate which special characters.

5. Find the Definition of a Word Instantly

Often, you’ll want to know the definition of a word. Well, looking up the definition of a word is quite simple from a MacBook.

All you have to do is highlight the word you’re interested in and hold down on clicking it. The operating system will search for its definition on your behalf and display it.

6. Record What’s Happening on Your Screen

There might be times when you want to record what’s happening on your screen. Perhaps you want to record a set of instructions to showcase how to accomplish a task in a particular software program.

The first thing you need to recognize for this tip is that you’ll need an updated version of Mojave on your Macbook. Then, use Shift, Command, 5 to display controls to record what’s happening on your screen. If you don’t have an updated version of that system yet, it’s time to look into it.

7. Control, Alt, Delete Is a Little Bit Different on a MacBook

It’s important to note that Control, Alt, Delete is a different version on a Macbook. Instead, use Command, Options, Escape. Then, you can log out of your user account or do whatever else you were going to do with Control, Alt, Delete.

8. Find Your Hidden Cursor

Depending on the content on your MacBook’s screen, it’s possible to lose track of where your cursor is. You don’t want to chance clicking on something with significance just to locate the hidden cursor. You could accidentally navigate to another web page you weren’t intending to visit, for instance.

Instead, move the cursor around quickly and dramatically. The MacBook will make the cursor appear larger, making it easier to spot.

9. Choose Which Apps to Load When You Turn on Your MacBook

Did you know that a MacBook offers its users a ton of personal control? For instance, you can set detailed instructions about which apps to load automatically when you open your MacBook.

Go into your system preferences and search for the area that controls turning on the MacBook itself. Take the time to think about which apps or web pages you want immediate access to when you open the MacBook.

10. How to Use a MacBook With a Split View

This is another MacBook tip that requires a more recent and updated version of the operating system. Hover your cursor above the green arrows in the top left corner of an open window next to the yellow and red buttons. If you click and hold those greens arrows, you’ll get the option to put that window on either the left or right side of the screen.

Repeat the process with another open window for the opposite side of the screen. Then, run two programs at once with simultaneous access.

Continue Making the Most of Using Your MacBook

There’s no need to cut corners when it comes to making the most of your digital devices. They can increase your workplace productivity and increase the overall quality of your personal life.

If you want more informative content like this, we encourage you to browse through the rest of our website today!

The Most Destructive Cyber Threats To Watch Out For In 2020

December 21, 2019 by Mandy

Source: S.Hermann & F.Richter on Pixabay

When it comes to cyber security, you can never be too safe. Computers hold so much of our important pertinent data – even someone gaining access to your email address can have consequences that you can’t fathom if they’re used in the wrong way. Cyber threats are a nuisance for both individuals and businesses alike, which is why having a seriously strong and reliable antivirus program is so critical to help protect yourself and your information. If you’re worried about cyber threats, you should definitely consider getting the best antivirus for Windows now – and save yourself from some of these destructive cyber threats to watch out for in 2020.

IoT Attacks

IoT – or Internet of Things – basically refers to devices that are internet compatible. Projections show that by the middle of the next decade, the average household could have as many as eighteen devices that are connected to the internet, making this a potentially enormous haven for cybercriminals to exploit for their own gains. Many different products that are connected to the internet don’t have the same safeguards in terms of antivirus or general protections that laptops or computers have, making them a prime target to access personal information from. This will pose a challenge for individuals and businesses as more people are using things like Alexa or Amazon Echo that access the internet but with little protection from possible threats.

Phishing

Phishing is a form of scam where people are tricked into downloading potentially malicious software, essentially installing a virus onto their computers themselves unknowingly. Many phishing scams go around year after year, with one of the most popular types being PayPal phishing scams. One of the best ways to avoid this is to look at any emails from purported trusted senders carefully – check the email from which it came, and also read the fine print. You might find spelling errors, grammatical errors or slightly different logos that will raise red flags. A bit of extra vigilance will help keep you safe! If you’re still not sure, consider getting some free antivirus software to ensure the continued safety of your laptops and desktops – as well as other devices.

Ransomware

Ransomware is a type of malware that essentially locks up your laptop, restricts accesses and demands a ransom to restore access. The danger with ransomware is twofold – number one, if you don’t pay the ransom, it can be very difficult to get rid of this type of malware. Secondly, there’s no guarantee that the perpetrator will actually restore access, even if the ransom is paid. In this sense, it’s critical to avoid this type of malware to save yourself a huge hassle and money, so be sure to install some kind of antivirus protection that will stop this from happening.

There you have a couple of the threats that are on the radar for 2020. Unfortunately as technology develops, so does cybercrime, so it’s imperative to take all the necessary precautions you can to avoid falling victim to some of these elaborate schemes. Good luck!