When you think of life hacks, what comes to mind? Most likely it’s those viral videos that claim your life will be perfect if you just follow this one easy step! But the truth is people have been spreading these “life hacks” for hundreds of years. Here are 29 of the strangest ones throughout history.
Looking for a remote job? Use these tips to find a high-quality gig
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Remote jobs are a tantalizing prospect: You can work from the comfort of your own home, cutting out traffic, chatter from coworkers and other office distractions. Changing from a traditional job to a remote position can be challenging, especially if you’ve never worked from home. Finding legitimate work-from-home jobs can also be challenging since there are so many fake job scams.
They’re shockingly easy to fall for, too. Scammers use diabolical tricks to get your guard down and make you excited over jobs that don’t even exist. Tap or click here for 10 signs that a job posting is fake.
Luckily, there are a few red flags when hunting for remote jobs. We’ll break them all down in this handy guide. You’ll learn how to avoid work-from-home scams and know if a job is legit.
1. The sky is the limit, so don’t let locations limit you
Maybe you’re still in the traditional job-seeking headspace. You automatically look for jobs near you. Good news: When you’re working remotely, location barely matters.
For example, the Komando HQ is based in Phoenix, Arizona. One of our remote workers lives in South Africa. He keeps track of different time zones to turn his work in on time, so the team’s workflow is as smooth as butter despite the distance.
Let this be a lesson to you: Even when in doubt, apply to a remote job that appeals to you. You might think you’re too far away for your application to be considered. But if you have the skills, you deserve a chance, so don’t hold yourself back.
2. Go in with a good mindset
In other words, have high hopes but reasonable expectations. Expect scams and arm yourself with a robust cybersecurity system. Tap or click here for seven essential privacy tools to stay protected online.
Here are some safety precautions: Keep your devices protected just in case you fall for a false job. Avoid job positions that seem too good to be true since they’re probably fake. Also, don’t give away personal information until you’ve verified that the job is authentic.
Plus, remember that remote jobs are no less serious than office jobs. Although you aren’t commuting, you still need to be on your best behavior. Put just as much effort into your resume and cover letter as you would if you were applying for a traditional job. Look for companies that are well-known for hiring remote workers.
RELATED: Looking for work? Three sites to find free resume templates
Antivirus vs. VPN: Do you need both for online privacy and security?
You probably know that bad guys lurk within every corner of the internet. You have to watch out for spyware, ransomware, phishing attacks, IoT invasions and more. Oh, and don’t forget “zero-click attacks.” Researchers recently discovered hackers used military-grade spyware to remotely access iPhones and even replicate their data.
Windows and Mac security settings to check now
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It’s never good to go too long without checking your security settings. Now and then, you should brush up on your protections. Whether you use a Mac or a PC, all devices are vulnerable to attacks.
On the bright side, there are tons of built-in features you can take advantage of for your safety. For example, Windows Defender can help protect your PC from lurking threats. However, many native protections might be a bit hard to find on your own.
Looking for work? 3 sites to find free resume templates
If you’re looking for a new job, you have a long road ahead of you. Not only do you have to hunt down the perfect position, but you also have to craft the perfect resume, which means hours of formatting and designing. Luckily, you can save yourself a lot of time with free resume templates you can find online.
Your shirt may be able to check your heartbeat in the future.
Humans use clothes for protection from the elements, to show off wealth or status or generally just to express themselves. But, what if your clothes were able to do more? Scientists are working to develop a fabric that will be able to hear your heartbeat. What will this mean for future people’s health and wellness? It may just blow your mind.
Here’s what it looks like when a virus takes over your computer
A slow computer can turn you into a detective. You start investigating the clues, trying to find out what happened. You might even Google “How to tell if you have a virus” or “Warning signs your computer is infected.”
True or false: Macs are immune to malware and viruses
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There is a common misconception that Apple’s Mac computers can’t get viruses or malware. The belief is that only Windows-based systems suffer from malicious code and nasty bugs.
There is no consensus on where the claim originated. But it might have been Apple itself. Until 2012, Apple’s marketing for its Mac computers included the line that “a Mac isn’t susceptible to the thousands of viruses plaguing Windows-based computers.”
Budgeting tip: An easy way to slash your monthly charges
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Your dollars don’t go as far these days. Sure, things are more expensive, but “buy now” buttons and shiny new services add up much faster than we’d like to believe. It’s no surprise that subscription-based business models are so popular.
How to turn an old PC into a home media server
If you’ve ever upgraded your computer system, you’ve had to deal with the old version. Maybe you want to sell it online for a pretty penny. Tap or click here to maximize your selling price when giving away your old devices.
6 apps that could make a difference during an emergency
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Have you ever been stuck in the middle of an actual emergency? Tap or click here for 18 must-have items that help you survive any crisis.
Not every calamity takes place at home. You never know when you’ll be facing something dire with only your smartphone in hand.
Did you pay for a 'free' TurboTax filing? You may be entitled to part of this $141M settlement
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Tax season is over, but it’ll be back again. And again. It’s never too early to start preparing. While you don’t need to hunker down just yet, it can’t hurt to start making a list of deductions for next year’s filing.
Pro tip: How to speed up your Windows network connection
When you shell out mountains of cash for your network connection, you hope it will be fast enough for your needs. Unfortunately, high costs don’t always mean high quality. To make matters worse, searching the web for ways to speed up your Windows network connection churns out an endless mountain of potential fixes.
Is your small business struggling to hire? Try this
If you’re having trouble finding new people to join your team, you’re not alone. When looking to reel in new talent, you need to make the first point of contact tantalizing to potential employees.
We’re talking about the job posting. It’s your one chance to make an excellent first impression. Sure, it’s tough to write the perfect job description, but the results are well worth the effort. Your work here can make or break a potential employee’s willingness to join your company.
Looking for a job? 4 ways to create a winning resume that will get past bots
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Some believe first impressions are everything. It’s especially true when you’re looking for a new job or thinking about changing career paths — which is why it’s vital to have a resume that stands out from all of the other applicants. Tap or click here for over 100 free resume templates to help you create a killer resume.
8 signs that your computer has been hacked
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If your device is connected to the internet, it’s vulnerable to hacks. It’s as simple as that. Cybercriminals are always coming up with new tricks to get into your gadgets and you should be aware of that.
Fortunately, there are usually signs that your device has been compromised. When it comes to smartphones, this can include spikes in data usage, battery drainage and changes to your home screen, among other indicators. Tap or click here for information on diagnosing and solving phone hacks.
When to hire an employee vs. a contractor
So you need new talent to lighten the workload, but you aren’t sure about how much you should commit. If you’re wondering if you should hire an employee or an independent contractor, you’ve come to the right place. First, you need to break down exactly what you need and what you can afford.
Be careful how you answer that cryptocurrency question on your tax return
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Filing your federal taxes can be a relatively complex endeavor. Thankfully you don’t have to verify your identity through a third party anymore, but other pitfalls can make it difficult.
One such issue can arise from cryptocurrency, and depending on how you used it over the last year, you could find yourself in trouble with the IRS. The various digital currencies have exploded in popularity, and the IRS wants to know if you’ve been trading them.
Crypto tip: Top 5 cryptocurrencies for beginners
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Cryptocurrency has been around for more than a decade, starting with the release of the first decentralized blockchain-based digital currency in 2009. Cryptocurrency runs on distributed public ledgers called blockchains and does not rely on a central banking system.
Want to make some extra cash? 15 best-paying side jobs for seniors
Retirement can be a ton of fun. After decades of grinding out long hours, you can finally sit back, kick your feet up and relax. Often, though, people can get tired of the unstructured days and the lack of cash.
In cases like these, many seniors will dip their toes into the working world. After all, the right job can teach you new skills and even fulfill you. Plus, it can bring in some much-needed money.