5 ways tech can help you stay sane while you stay home
I can’t stop thinking that I am in the middle of a thriller about a sinister virus that causes a global pandemic. But this is no made-for-Hollywood screenplay. It’s a real catastrophe.
Many people are dealing with frustrating tech challenges while trying to find a new normal. You can Google anything; it’s just that you never know if the search results are legit. That’s why, in my Komando Community, I’m helping readers and listeners just like you get answers to their tech questions.
Whether it’s an issue you’re having trouble with working remotely or trying to figure something out, you can leave questions on our forum for me and a team of experts to answer. You’ll also be able to listen to my most recent national radio show and have access to the past three months of shows.
But if you’re just going a little stir-crazy, tech will do wonders to bring back some semblance of your previous life. Let me show you how you can use certain apps, sites and tools.
1. Reach out and see someone
To flatten the curve, we’re all staying home. This drastic change is tough, especially for close-knit families and people accustomed to working as a team. Remember, a text is nice but seeing someone’s face takes communication to a different level.
If you have an Apple device, there’s FaceTime. It’s straightforward to use. Simply select your contact’s phone number or Apple ID and then Video. You can connect to up to 32 people at once. The bummer is it only works with other Apple devices.
For times when everyone is not in the Apple camp, there are other options. Microsoft’s Skype has been synonymous with video calling for many years and supports calls for up to 10 people. It’s simple to set up and works on Mac, Windows, Android and even some Linux machines.
Google Duo works on Android and iOS devices and supports calls for up to eight people. It also has a feature called Knock Knock. When you make a call, the person you’re calling sees a live video preview of you before they answer — just something to keep in mind.
Facebook Messenger works well because it’s likely everyone you know is already on Facebook. You can group video chat with up to six people; however, 50 more people can listen in on the call and send emojis, GIFs and stickers during the call. In the Messenger app, just tap Groups to get started.
You’ll find the apps above in Apple’s App Store or Google Play. Since the kids are home, schedule regular daily or weekly calls with any elderly family members, friends and neighbors. If you’re working from home, have a morning video call with your team members to start the day and maybe another one later on.
2. Get in shape for free
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