PayPal is useful for anyone who doesn’t want to add their financial information to every website or track every purchase made online. PayPal is a great way to maintain financial privacy and make convenient transactions without the security vulnerability that comes with entering credit card or bank account information for every purchase.

If this is your first time learning how to set up a PayPal account, it doesn’t require as much time or effort as you’d think. In fact, it’s actually rather simple.

Types Of PayPal Accounts

First of all, there are two primary types of PayPal accounts to choose from when you set up a PayPal account: Personal and Business. Each account type has certain benefits. The account you choose depends on your reasoning for creating the account in the first place. 

A personal PayPal account is meant for the typical online shopper. If all you plan to use PayPal for is to send or receive payments from friends or do a bit of online shopping, all you’ll need is a personal account.

There used to be a Premier account upgrade option that has since been merged into the personal account. However, not everything offered by the premier account was rolled into the personal account. Instead, those features have been included in the business account.

The business account option is specifically set up for businesses. Selling products online and looking to accept payment in the form of credit and debit cards? A business account may be for you. A PayPal business account allows up to 200 employees to access the same account as well as other business related benefits.

Setting up either type of PayPal account follows roughly the same process and takes little time at all.

How To Set Up A PayPal Account

Before setting up a PayPal account, have your credit or debit card, or your bank account information ready. You should also grab an alternate form of identification such as a bank or credit card statement or a government issued ID for verification purposes.

• To start, you’ll need to visit PayPal’s official website and click the Sign Up button located toward the top-right corner. The website we’ll be using is for US residents.

Note: PayPal has different home pages pertaining to your current country. This will also affect your phone number and address possibilities when filling out the information required for your account. Ensure that you are on the correct site/webpage prior to proceeding with your PayPal account creation.

• Next, you’ll need to select which account type, Personal or Business, and click Next.

Each account type choice will have a short snippet of information about what that account type is primarily used for. It will also appear slightly different from the image above if you’re not currently within the US. In fact, once you select the type, you could be asked what purpose the account serves like in the image below for a Philippines account.

• After selecting your account type, depending on the choice you made, the next window might appear slightly different in your case.

PayPal Personal Account

• For Personal accounts, the new window should look like this:
  All information is mandatory. 

• Once you’ve filled out the information on this page, click Next and you’ll be prompted to confirm your phone number.

PayPal will verify your account with a 6-digit code sent via SMS. This verification is only used to create the account and is different from the verification that will be necessary to begin making monetary transactions.

• The next window will require you to fill out more general information regarding your date of birth and address. It may also ask for proof of nationality, which you’ll have to verify using a driver’s license, passport, or government ID. 
• Once filled out, select the Agree and Create Account button to complete the process.

From here, your account has been created, but you’ll need to add a payment transaction option such as a credit card or bank account to begin using it.

• To begin sending money, all you’ll need is an email address.

We’ll dive further into the verification process for making transactions and payments in a later section.

PayPal Business Account

• When you set up a business PayPal account, the first window will only require an email address. But every click of the blue button will reveal a need for more information.
• The additional information required has to deal with a contact name, number, and address for your business. There will also be a couple of policy agreements you’ll need to read and check off prior to hitting the Agree and Create Account button.

• Next, you’ll be asked what type of business the account is for.

• You’ll then have to provide personal information regarding yourself. The information you’ll be providing is a date of birth, your nationality, and a home address.

For your nationality, PayPal will require verification in the form of a government ID, passport, or driver’s license.

If you’d rather not divulge your personal address, you can check the box Same as business address, then click Submit. Your business account has now been created, but you’ll need to set up a way to enable transactions and deposits.

Verifying A PayPal Account For Transactions & Deposits

For safety reasons, PayPal requires verification prior to being able to use a credit/debit card or bank account for online purchases.

A personal account will have the following options of verification:

Where as a business account will have the following options:

A personal account’s verification methods work completely different to those of a business account.

Personal Account Verification

You can choose to link either your credit card and/or bank account to make transactions. For both methods, verification will require that the address on the PayPal account matches the address of your bank account.

In the case of your credit card, you’ll need to provide the credit card number, the card type, the expiration date, the 3-digit security code found on the back of the card, and the address.

For your bank account verification, you’ll need the bank name, account type, bank routing number, and account number. In certain countries, you may require a bank code in place of the routing number.

Both verification processes will require additional steps.

PayPal will charge $1.95 to your account for credit/debit card verification. You will then need to gather the 4-digit code from the charge which can be found on your credit card statement. Next to the 4-digit code you’ll see PayPal so it shouldn’t be too difficult to find.

Once you have the 4-digit code, you can then head back into your wallet to Confirm your credit card on file, fill in the 4-digit code where required, and complete the verification process.

The charged $1.95 will be refunded by PayPal immediately but may take up to 30 days to appear back in your bank account. If you’re willing to login to your bank account via PayPal, you can link it instantly. Once the information has been entered correctly, PayPal will flag this as confirmation of ownership.

For those who’d rather enter the information manually, you’ll be prompted to confirm it yourself. PayPal will send two small deposits between $0.01 and $0.99 to your account. They will take up to 3 business days to appear on your bank account statement. Once they do, you can complete the confirmation by heading back into your Wallet and entering in the exact amounts that were deposited.

If you wish to add an additional card or account to your PayPal account, you can do so using the same methods.

Business Account Verification

A PayPal business account will require the same steps for verification as the personal. The difference is that you’re able to send or receive money with only either an email or invoice being sent out. So long as the recipient currently has or is willing to create a PayPal account, the transaction can take effect.

The security when you set up a PayPal account may seem a little extreme but isn’t that what you’d want in a service that handles your money? Creating a PayPal account, regardless whether it’s for personal or business use, is a great way to keep your online transactions safe and secure.

You’ll no longer have a need to input personal credentials into every online store from which you want to make a purchase. This will save you more time for shopping and other things while also providing peace of mind in the long run.

The post How To Set Up a PayPal Account first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

Facebook Pixels are incredibly common across most advertising platforms. Anyone currently or planning to use Facebook ads will find an amazing tool in Facebook Pixels. If you’re looking to get the most out of your social ad budget then you’re going to want to know exactly what a Facebook Pixel is and how it works.

What Is a Facebook Pixel?

A Facebook Pixel is a hidden code that you can place on your website. The code will collect data that helps you track conversions from Facebook ads, optimizes those ads for your target audience, builds that audience for future ads, and remarkets to others who have already visited and taken action on your site.

Facebook Pixels operate through sequential retargeting. This means that they’ll drop a cookie, information stored as text strings on your computer, that will track visitors who visit your website so that you can produce targeted advertisements. Once a visitor sees the advertisement, the Facebook Pixel can be used to track their behavior upon return.

What Is a Facebook Pixel Good For?

In short, a Facebook Pixel is a great way to improve your Facebook ad conversion rate and achieve a better return on investment (ROI). The information gathered is vital for creating stronger Facebook ads and helps with ad targeting. This ensures that your ads are seen by visitors who are more likely to action.

Installing Facebook Pixel now will save you a lot of extra time down the road. Regardless, whether you’re using Facebook ads now or not, the Facebook Pixel will begin collecting data for use later and be ready once you are, to create your first Facebook ad.

Prime examples for what a Facebook Pixel is good for:

• It allows you to see how people interact with your website after viewing your Facebook ad. You can then track these customers across all of their devices allowing you to refine your ad strategy and calculate your ROI.
• Helps expand your potential customer base by allowing Facebook to use the collected data to build a larger audience with shared interests to those already visiting your site.
• Provides additional tools and metrics for use such as web conversion campaigns, dynamic ads, and the ability to track cost per lead and cost per conversion.
• Facebook retargeting which is just sequential targeting for Facebook. Show new customers targeted ads or current customers an ad specific to what they may have abandoned previously in their shopping cart.
• Optimize Facebook ads for specific conversion events held on your website.
• Optimize Facebook ads targeting your audience based on value leading to higher ROI.
• Allows you to customize website events to collect additional information.

Create And Add a Facebook Pixel To Your Website

With everything explained about the what and the why, that just leaves us with the how.

• Head into your Facebook Events Manager, and click the big blue button in the main window Connect a Data Source.

• As more people are likely to have a website as opposed to their own app, we’ll be selecting the Web option provided in the next window. Follow this up by clicking Get Started.

• Select Facebook Pixel and click Connect.

• Provide the details of your Pixel by giving it a name and the URL for the website it will be installed.
  

• Next, you’ll get to choose how you want to install the pixel code. If you happen to use Squarespace, WordPress, or other Facebook partner, the Use a Partner Integration option is recommended. We’ll be using WordPress in this tutorial.

• After selecting WordPress from the list of partners, you can select which features you’d like to enable along with the code.

Automatic Advanced Matching will collect additional data from your visitors. It’s not mandatory but the more information Facebook Pixel has, the better tailored the ads will be.

• Hit Continue to proceed.
• Next, you’ll be able to download the .zip file containing your Pixel code. Click the green Download button.
  

• Once downloaded, click continue and follow the onscreen instructions to add the .zip to your WordPress site.

• At the Verify Connection step, it may take a few minutes post installation for the connection to reach Active status. Be patient and once it turns green, click Continue.

• You can now set up events to take place on your website. Enter the URL of your website into the available space and click Connect.

• A new tab should open to your website and with it, a pop-up window. Click through to begin setting up events.

If you have no desire to set up events now, you can always come back to it when you’re ready.

Events will track the actions of visitors and create a reaction depending on the trigger you’ve set up. This can be anything from tracking certain buttons pushed to initiating a checkout prompt when a visitor adds something to their cart.

• You can see if and how well your Pixel is working by heading back to the Facebook Events Manager page.

Your page should look something similar. You can track all of your events, test them to ensure they’re working properly, and adjust the settings to however you see fit. It’s also imperative that your visitors know your website is collecting data in order to comply with Facebook’s terms.

Avoid legal complications and ethical dilemmas by providing your visitors with a clear notice that you’re using the Facebook Pixel. Allow users the opportunity to opt out should they choose to do so as in the current digital age, people are ever wary of their need for online security and privacy.

The post OTT Explains : What Is a Facebook Pixel? first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

Unlike newer, more modern MMORPGs which have seen fit to add a gamepad option, World of Warcraft has remained stubbornly traditional in its keyboard and mouse interface. This comes as no real surprise seeing as the game is tailored toward the use of PC peripherals. 

However, opting for the comfort of a couch-bound session may be preferable at times to the back pain incurred putting hours into a game from behind a desk. Thankfully, ConsolePort is here to assist you with playing World of Warcraft with a controller.

How To Play World of Warcraft With a Controller

ConsolePort is a World of Warcraft add-on that supports PlayStation DualShock4 (DS4), Xbox 360 and Xbox One, as well as Steam controllers. It’s an add-on that doesn’t have the official support of the WoW development team over at Activision-Blizzard, but works just like any other add-on available to the WoW community.

The setup is surprisingly simple and doesn’t require much more than the ConsolePort add-on, one of the aforementioned controller options, WoWMapper, and the World of Warcraft game itself.

Setting Up a Controller For Use With World of Warcraft

Connecting the gamepad of your choice will be the first step. Both the Xbox and Steam controllers connect to a PC easily as they can be connected by either dongle (Xbox) or Bluetooth (Steam). The DS4 will require an additional download in the form of DS4Windows.

Steam Controller Setup

In order to use the Steam controller with ConsolePort it will require that you configure either your Steam desktop or overlay profiles.You’ll also need to download the ConsolePort Original add-on.

1. Once the add-on has been downloaded, place the .vdf file into your Steam folder. It should look something like C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\controller_base\templates.
2. After being placed, launch or restart your Steam client.
3. With Steam launched, navigate to Settings > Controller > Desktop Configuration > Browse Configs > Templates.
4. Search for and select ConsolePort Official from the list.
5. Head back into Settings > In-Game and uncheck Enable the Steam Overlay while in-game to avoid conflicting keybinds.
6. Exit Settings and now your desktop profile is configured for ConsolePort.

Another way to enable the Steam controller for ConsolePort is through the overlay.

1. Add the WoW client, either WoW-64.exe or WoW.exe, to the Steam client as a non-steam game.
   • You can do this from your Steam Library by clicking +ADD A GAME located at the bottom left of the window and selecting Add a Non-Steam Game…
2. Navigate back to Settings > Controller > Big Picture Configuration and locate World of Warcraft.
3. Select Manage Shortcut > Configure Controller > Browse Configs.
4. In the Templates tab, select ConsolePort Official.

WoWMapper

WoWMapper is a free and easy to use executable file that you’ll have to boot up prior to logging into World of Warcraft. It will search for the game, the controller, and the ConsolePort add-on and formulate an interaction between them.

All you need to do is download the .zip from GitHub, extract it, and have it running in the background while you game. Make sure to run the application from the browser dialogue, and you’ll be good to go.

ConsolePort

Download the ConsolePort add-on for free from CurseForge.com. Unzip it and add it to your WoW Addons folder. This can typically be found at C:\Program Files\World of Warcraft\Interface\AddOns. Drag the unzipped version of ConsolePort directly into the AddOns folder.

ConsolePort Calibration And Layout

You can now launch World of Warcraft. 

1. At the bottom left of the character select screen, click the Addons button. 
2. Ensure that all checkboxes for ConsolePort have been checked EXCEPT the Advanced Option.
   • Advanced Options are only recommended once you’ve gotten a handle on the addon using the default options.
3. Enter the game with one of your characters.
4. You’ll now have to calibrate ConsolePort with your controller. A series of button presses will be necessary to map out your controller to the default button layout. 
   • The default layout will give you direct control over your character using the left analog while the camera can be controlled with the right.

From here you can customize the remainder of the buttons on your controller to fit the most sensible use of abilities in-game. Where you place the keybinds will be determined by your own playstyle and whatever works for you.

ConsolePort provides a more versatile take on the world’s most successful MMORPG. It’s limited due to Blizzard’s lack of native controller support, but still does a fantastic job with its default calibration. The add-on can be easily enabled or disabled directly from the Addons menu and your preferences will remain regardless if active or not.

The post How To Play World of Warcraft With a Controller first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

The problem with these services is that they are all third-party. This often means that using them may incur a monthly service cost, potential inaccessibility should the servers or service crash, and security demands to keep data both safe and private.

What if I told you that you could build your own cloud server on Windows? That it wouldn’t be too large of an undertaking and that it would provide more advantages than your typical cloud service? 

How To Set Up Private Cloud Storage Using a Windows 10 FTP Site

To build your own cloud server in Windows would normally require an upfront investment. To start, you’d need a storage system and a minimum of 100Mbps fixed broadband connection. This speed is recommended so that the cloud server can be easily accessed from anywhere.

The internet speeds will be limited to the local service providers in your area. As for the storage system, there are a couple of options from which to choose. One possibility is a NAS, which usually comes with its own web interface and online synchronization options.

For this article on how to build your own cloud server, we’ll be looking at repurposing a home Windows computer to allow cloud storage.

How To Build Your Own Cloud Server In Windows 10

You can build your own cloud server in Windows but it does require a few additions in order to pull it off. It’s also likely to be the cheaper option over something like a NAS as you probably already have a computer readily available.

One of the steps involved will require that FTP components be set up on your Windows 10 computer. This will make your Windows 10 PC internet accessible, meaning you can access it online from other devices, and give it the ability to manage files.

• Navigate to the Control Panel and click on Programs.

• Under Programs and Features, click Turn Windows features on or off.

• Expand the Internet Information Services (IIS) folder and place a check into the FTP Server checkbox. Next, expand Web Management Tools and make sure that IIS Management Console is also checked. Press OK.

• Once these steps are completed, the components to set up an FTP server will be installed.

Configuring Your FTP Server Site

The next step is to set up an FTP server site that can be accessed over the web.

• Head back into the Control Panel and click on System and Security.

• Then, click on Administrative Tools.

• Double-click on Internet Information Services Manager.

• In the Connections pane, expand your computer name and right-click Sites. Select Add FTP Site…
• Add a name for your site and then locate the folder path where you’ll want to store all FTP files. We recommend creating a folder within the root of the main system drive (C:\) or an entirely different hard drive.
• Click Next. You should now be at the Binding and SSL Settings window. Set all settings to mirror the image below, and click Next.

• Unless you’re planning to host sensitive data or are using this server for business purposes, an SSL is generally not required. For either of the purposes mentioned, it’s recommended that you acquire an SSL certificate.
• Again, mirror your settings to that of the image below. The email address should be the one attached to your Windows 10 account in order for you to gain access to it.

• Click Finish.

Setting Up The Firewall

Different firewall applications would have different setups for enabling connections to your FTP server. If you’re using the built-in firewall in Windows 10, FTP server connections are blocked by default until manually enabled.

• To enable it, navigate to Windows Defender Security Center and click on Firewall & network protection.

• Click the Allow an app through firewall link.

• Click Change Settings, locate FTP Server and place a checkmark in it as well as both Private and Public Access.

• Click OK.

At this point, your FTP server is now accessible from multiple devices on the same network.

Accessing Your FTP Server From The Internet

It’s time to open the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) port number 21 on your router. Each router is different when it comes to setting up port forwarding. 

The steps provided here are a general guidance on how to do this safely. By following the link, you’ll be able to set up a static IP address and open a port to allow online traffic through.

Once set up, you’ll be able to access your FTP server files from anywhere.

Things To Remember

Using a personal computer as cloud storage does have some drawbacks to keep in mind. One issue that could occur is automatic updates taking place when you’re not at home. This would cause your PC to shut off, becoming inaccessible. 

Though the files may be accessible across multiple devices, they aren’t automatically synchronized while offline. To pull that off will require a cloud service like OwnCloud or SeaFile.

Another problem would be shared resources between personal use data and cloud storage use. Depending what kind of data you’re storing, your hard drives could fill up fast.

When it comes to storage capacity, a PC is limited only to what you’re willing to pay for additional hard drives. Instead of worrying about increasing your monthly fee for a few extra gigabytes of accessible data, a one-time purchase of an additional hard drive is all you need.

Now that you have the tools and the knowledge, you can build your own cloud server in Windows and finally kick cloud storage service costs to the curb.

The post How To Set Up Private Cloud Storage Using A Windows 10 FTP Site first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

Purchasing such a program can often leave you feeling cheated, as if you’ve procured a broken or incomplete product. The truth is that you’re being restricted by Digital Restrictions/Rights Management (DRM).

But what is DRM? In this article we’ll help you understand the concept and what it means to you.

What Is DRM?

Digital Rights Management is a far-reaching term which refers to the technological restrictions that control what users can do with digital media. This means usage control is removed from the person who owns the content and places it into the “hands” of a computer program. 

DRM is a two-part scheme. The first part is the encryption to protect the content itself. The second is to ensure that only authorized users can unlock the files using an authentication system. When purchasing a product protected by DRM, you are, in essence, buying a defective or incomplete good.

This provides DRM-users a lot of control over production and distribution of media. There are endless applications and methods that can be used to insert DRM such as a server restricting access to an ebook based on constraints set by the copyright holder or limiting the number of copies you can make of a DVD.

This may seem overly restrictive from a consumer point of view but DRM is in place to curb the detriments of piracy. File-sharing networks have made traditional copyright law obsolete in practice. Whenever someone downloads an MP3 or video file of a copyrighted product from a free file-sharing website, the company or studio responsible for the original product loses money.

It is impractical to try and sue every person who breaks the law in this way on the internet, so DRM is a company’s way of asserting some control over their product.

DRM Standards

DRM does not currently have industry-wide standards. Many digital companies have chosen DRM protection to ensure that users can’t copy, print, alter or transfer material, period. The biggest concern for opponents to DRM is that current DRM trends, in fact, surpass protections afforded under traditional copyright law.

Other arguments against Digital Rights Management are user privacy, technological innovation, and fair use. Under current copyright law, fair use gives the consumer the right to make copies of copyrighted content for self use. First Sale, the right to resell purchased digital content, and Limited Term, expiration of copyright after a certain time period, are doctrines that are also side-stepped by the use of DRM.

Third-party vendors are unable to develop software-specific products and plug-ins if the computer code in that software is indefinitely protected by DRM. On that same note, consumers are unable to legally tinker with their own hardware if it’s protected by a DRM scheme that prohibits alteration.

How To Check For DRM Encryption

Nowadays, most paid digital content is DRM-protected. You’re likely to come across it when purchasing a digital video/DVD, music files, and ebooks.

To see if your product has been protected by DRM:

Audio/Video File

1. Right-click the media file.
2. Select Properties.
3. Navigate to the Details tab.
4. Look for Protected. The Yes or No to the right will let you know if the file contains DRM protection.

iTunes eBooks

1. Select the eBook from your iTunes library.
2. Navigate to File > Get Info.
3. Open the Summary tab.
4. Located near Kind you’ll see either Book, Purchased Book, or Protected Book. The former two are DRM free, while the latter is DRM-protected.

DVD Discs

You only have to have purchased a DVD in an official capacity to know that it is DRM-protected. This goes for both purchases made online and offline.

A few tell-tale signs that a DVD may be DRM-protected are:

• The inner hub of the disc has a copyright inscription;
• The packaging comes in a plastic case with 2-3 spades (jewel casing) and is sealed in cellophane;
• You receive a copyright notice at the beginning of the film.

There are other ways, but these are the easiest to determine if a DVD is protected.

The Future of DRM

Piracy doesn’t seem to be slowing down either offline or online, so is DRM really effective? There are already many software tools that can bypass and even remove DRM-protection.

As DRM continues to become standardized across digital industries, we’re left to wonder whether any DRM system can satisfy both copyright holders and consumers. A further look into what the future holds can be summed up by what experts call Trusted Computing. 

Trusted Computing is where a computer will consistently behave in expected ways that are enforced by computer hardware and software. This ensures the protection of copyrighted content from production to purchase to use. Computers will automatically know what the user can and cannot legally do with a piece of content and then act accordingly.

This is a double-edged sword for consumers. On one hand, you have user rights, which will be greatly inhibited. On the other, by adopting the DRM standards, consumers will be better off at least in part, because DRM-encoded media will play on all types of equipment.

The post OTT Explains : What Is DRM? first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

Regular exercise reduces the harmful effects of stress. Attempting to cram a workout into a hectic schedule could do the complete opposite and tack on even more stress. Instead, why not take advantage of the many readily available at-home fitness apps?

10 Best At-Home Fitness Apps

Fitness apps offer plenty of features for the time-limited consumer. Most will offer both on-demand videos and live classes covering a multitude of different exercise regimens. Everything from yoga to High Intense Interval Training (HIIT), is possible right from the convenience of a mobile phone.

The equipment requirements vary between a couple of dumbbells or a resistance band to nothing more than your own bodyweight. So, no matter how much time you have to dedicate toward your daily fitness, be it five minutes to an hour, there is a workout program for you.

Here are the top 10 best at-home fitness apps we feel will help you get your sweat on.

8fit Workout

Achieving a slimmed down look isn’t all about the exercise. What you eat plays just as big a role. The 8Fit Workout app supplies both sides of the equation with exercise programs and meal plans. You’ll get weekly nutrition advice combined with HIIT workouts geared toward your experience level to help you burn fat and boost metabolism.

FREELETICS

FREELETICS has 140+ exercises and 900+ workout variations designed around HIIT. It comes with an AI coach that will keep you in the game and help push performance improvement. The coach will also learn from your feedback and help tailor workouts to your experience level. Each workout session lasts between 10 to 30 minutes and requires minimal to no equipment.

Seven Workout

Follow along to 3D animated moves and audio cues with this at-home fitness app designed for minimalists. Seven promises a full workout to help reach your fitness goals in only seven minutes a day. 

The required equipment; a chair, a wall, and your body weight. What it lacks in flashiness, it totally makes up for in the routines, which you can do from anywhere. You’ll be challenged to keep up with a workout each day. Missing more than three workouts in a month will reset all progress, starting you over from day one.

Boxx Workout

Fancy yourself a boxer? Turn your living room into a boxing studio with the Boxx Workout app. Boxx offers free on-demand boxing, HIIT, strength, cardio, and yoga classes that you can do at home with minimal equipment. 

Looking for more guidance? For $3.55 a month, you can get a nutrition plan along with your workout to aid you on your fitness journey.

Centr

To achieve a superhero-like body requires a superhero’s training. Centr was created by Thor actor Chris Hemsworth and offers 20- to 40-minute workouts you can do from the comfort of your own home. You get HIIT, yoga, and mixed martial arts to help you carve the fat, feel the burn, and sculpt your physique. 

It’s a bit pricey at $29.99 a month, or $120 per year. However, for the price you do receive workout plans, meal plans, and recipes from Mr. Hemsworth himself.

Peloton

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need a fancy stationary bike to benefit from Peleton’s thousands of on-demand classes. It offers access to indoor strength, cardio, and yoga training classes as well as outdoor guided runs. 

You’ll get curated playlists for whatever workout you choose and can enjoy all Peloton has to offer for free during the first 90 days.

Nike Training Club App

Led by Nike’s Master Trainers, the Nike Training Club app is loaded with over 185 free on-demand workouts for both beginner and advanced experience levels. The workout durations range from 15-90 minutes and are designed around the equipment you do, or don’t have. 

You’ll get guidance from the Nike Master Trainers on more than just your workout. They have advice to help build healthy habits via nutrition and wellness to keep you on track to hit your fitness goals.

Aaptiv

One of the older apps on this list is Aaptiv. You get access to over 2500 on-demand workouts which is continuously added to on a weekly basis. Begin training for specific events such as 5Ks and marathons with some of their tailored programs covering 14 disciplines including strength training and guided running. 

Partner up with friends to attack daily fitness challenges using Aaptiv’s social component or create your own daily workout plan to achieve your desired physique.

Daily Burn

A standard subscription of $14.95/mo gives you unlimited access to Daily Burn’s workout videos and training programs. Each day provides a brand new workout program, designed to be equipment free, and includes training for all skill levels. The program only lasts a day for standard subscribers, meaning if you enjoyed the workout plan for Tuesday, it will no longer be accessible by Wednesday. 

You’ll need to purchase the premium subscription at $26.95/mo to get access to the full archive of Daily Burn 365 workouts. You’ll also receive an additional 600 workout videos called Fan Favorites, and audio workouts. The app does offer a 30-day free trial to see if the monthly subscription is worth the cash.

My Fitness Pal

More of a fitness tracker, My Fitness Pal is a product of Under Armour. The app focuses on helping you achieve your fitness goals by making it easy to track your nutrition and exercise. You’ll get a built-in food database featuring over 300 million items to accommodate almost any diet plan. Set your own goals and watch how your daily food intake and exercise influence those goals. 

You can sync this app with other fitness apps to import workout data and update daily nutrition goals in real-time. The app even reminds you throughout the day to drink water. It’s the perfect complimentary app to your at-home fitness specific app.

With this list you should have no more excuses. All it takes is a quick download and the will to meet your fitness goals. Please check out any or all of the above apps we’ve discussed, and if you already use an app for your at-home fitness, we’d love to hear all about it in the comments.

The post 10 Best At-Home Fitness Apps first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

Choosing the perfect lineup of players that will provide the right amount of points to help stomp our opponent into the ground, is what Sundays were meant for. The subsequent trash talking for a full week until the next online battle is just icing on the cake.

For those who have never given fantasy football a chance, joining a fantasy football league may seem like a pointless endeavor. Who cares about a fantasy team when it’s really all about the favorite or home team? Well, my friends, it’s time to become enlightened on the joys of putting together a fantasy team of gridiron warriors and how to go about doing it.

How To Join An Online Fantasy Football League

Joining a fantasy football league takes commitment. Sundays are no longer holy days. Well, not in the traditional sense at least. Once a decision is made to join a league, football becomes a religion. It’s a religion where prayer is made at the altar of our television set, kneeling to pray only takes place for a desperately needed field goal attempt, never the flag, and a Hail Mary takes on a whole new meaning.

There are two versions of leagues available for membership -Public or Private- both which come with their own stipulations.

Public leagues are there for anyone to join. Just head to a website, sign up for an account, then apply for the next draft. Once the allotted slots for membership fill up, the draft will begin. Not much to it at all.

Private leagues will require that an invitation be sent out by the league owner. Once the invitation is received, a keycode or link will grant access. 

When it comes to getting started, a Private league is similar to a Public league with slight differences. The draft time is usually set in stone and decided by the league owner as well as most of the rules. Members can have their input if the owner decides to accept it but ultimately the course is set by him or her.

Some Private leagues can last longer than a single season, choosing to roll over from season to season at the discretion of the coaches and owner. These leagues are referred to as either Dynasty Leagues or Keeper leagues, and will take an even bigger commitment as bragging rights for the entire year hang in the balance.

Best Websites For Fantasy Football Leagues

There are plenty of different websites that offer Fantasy Football League signups, most of which will require little more than an account to begin playing.

The host sites below are what we feel are the best for both fantasy football beginners and experts alike.

Yahoo!

Yahoo! was one of the first mainstream sites to offer fantasy football. It has an easy-to-use interface, real-time stat tracking, and in-house fantasy analysis that has many fans coming back season after season.

ESPN

When we think of American sports, we think of ESPN. ESPN offers all-inclusive analysis across a wide variety of media including web content, podcasts, and a Sunday morning fantasy-specific pre-game show. For a one-stop fantasy football site, ESPN is one of the best.

NFL.com

It’s hard to talk about American football and not think of the NFL. NFL.com has come a long way in embracing fantasy sports as a key component to the league’s popularity. The organization offers many integrated features with fantasy football including fantasy stats shown in stadiums and hosting the official fantasy football service on the website.

CBS

CBS is the perfect place for more detail-oriented fantasy football fans. Plenty of game time analysis, injury reports, and draft help to put together the perfect lineup week after week.

Fox Sports

Another household name in American sports would have to be Fox Sports. With its commitment to the advancement of fantasy sports, Fox Sports offers a detail-rich fantasy service with a lot of online content that goes beyond the week to week setup, including the ability to join a fantasy football league.

My Fantasy League

This site is a lesser known fantasy host site, with a pay service that boasts an incredible amount of league and interface customization. It has won many industry awards and is the place to take our fantasy football skills to the next level.

Old-School DIY League

Some leagues forgo the fancy convenience of a do-it-all site and prefer the pencil to paper method of calculating stats and drafting. Old-school players focus on trades and lineups throughout the week and either meet up in person or dial their changes in by phone. 

These leagues tend to also be Keeper leagues and are great for friendly get-togethers that can also carry a bit of competitive fun.

Developing Our Roster

Selecting which players to add to a roster during the draft and beyond requires a bit of foresight, research, and know-how. It can also depend on the draft format the league is running.

Standard Draft – This is the most popular choice, using the serpentine style. This means that the draft order each round will swap from first team to last team, then come back around beginning with the last team all the way to the first.

The league itself will usually be set up as either Head-to-Head, meaning that the winner is determined by the positions in a lineup versus the positions in the opposing lineup, or Total Points, where a winner is picked by adding up all of the points earned by all players on a lineup versus the opponents total score. 

Auction Draft – This type of draft is similar to that of an auction. Each player is given a predetermined amount of fantasy cash to bet on certain players who pop-up in the draft. The one who places the highest bid by time’s end will win that player for their lineup.

There are other types of draft formats and leagues, but these are the most notable.

Research Tools

After joining a fantasy football league, the statistical analysis afforded by the hosting site is available for use. They tend to provide decent insight into weekly trades and top players to look out for. However, to really become a fantasy expert, there are other tools and sites available that could provide a leg up on the competition.

PFF, Fantasy Pros, 4for4, and Playerline are only a fraction of what is out there. Each of these provides in-depth player analysis, predictions, draft help, and weekly rankings that cover all or most league formats. Some will even offer a mobile app so we can make the best last second lineup decisions.

There are plenty of different sites and tools at your disposal but these are the ones that truly stood out to us. Fantasy football has gained popularity quite rapidly over the years and doesn’t look to be slowing down anytime soon. Give these a try and tell us what you think.

The post How To Join An Online Fantasy Football League first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

Whether it be heavy metal, rap, or even classical music that gets you pumped, you’re going to want to use the best wireless earbuds you can get your hands on. This ensures that the sounds vibrating throughout your ear canal remain crystal clear with every press, curl, and step you take.

4 Best Wireless Earbuds For Your Workout

Many people prefer the use of wired headphones. They seem more practical, connecting directly into the device rather than relying on Bluetooth connectivity. However, for obvious reasons, wireless headphones and earbuds tend to be more convenient when undergoing other more strenuous activities.

For this reason, we believe that these are the best wireless earbuds for your workout. We will use the terminology IP, which means Ingress Protection. The number provided is the rating given to each set of earbuds passed during production, in terms of standing up to both solids and liquids.

Beats Powerbeats Pro

Crisp and clear sound, easy to use controls, lengthy battery life, and waterproof. Beats Powerbeats Pro checks off all the boxes to look for in high activity earbuds. These earbuds come with a few distinct features, like smart play-and-pause and smart call routing, that makes them easier to use with your mobile device.

Inside each IPX4 water-resistant earbud is an array of sensors that notify the Powerbeats Pro of when it’s been removed from an ear. These same sensors will also register when you’re speaking and detect when the earbuds are dormant, forcing them to power off.

Beats, being a subsidiary of Apple, means the Powerbeats Pro earbuds benefit from the H1 chip. Not unlike the Apple AirPods, they pair well with the iPhone, meaning listeners can enjoy a long playback time, over nine straight hours, and access Siri by using the phrase “Hey, Siri…”

The Beats Powerbeats Pro are rather expensive but well worth the cost for gym rats where an iPhone is their musical motivator box of choice. If you can’t afford it, the Beats Powerbeats3 are an excellent alternative at a discount of $100.

Plantronics Backbeat FIT 2100, 3100, and 6100

You won’t have to worry about running into oncoming traffic with the Plantronics Backbeat FIT 2100 earbuds. The Plantronics “Always Aware” feature allows you to stay alert by enabling ambient noise to persist even while listening to your favorite track. The headphones have been enabled to connect to the PLT BackBeat app which comes with MY TAP features and functions for your Apple iPhone or iPad.

The earbuds are soft, flexible, and secure and come with a neckband design. You can expect to receive a full seven hours of battery life with these extremely durable and waterproof earbuds. If the band is not something you’d feel comfortable wearing, there is always the Backbeat FIT 3100, with the same functionality but at a steeper price.

The same can be said about the Backbeat FIT 6100, which are full over-the-ear and are considered the best wireless earbuds for weightlifters. The sport-fit headband is adjustable and has an IPX5-rated water-resistance and sweat-proof design. It too features “Always Aware” but comes with a 24-hour battery life attached to its more expensive price tag.

JLab Audio Air Sport

At great value for your money, JLAB Audio Air Sport earbuds are as comfortable as they are affordable using an earhook design. The over-ear clip keeps the buds secure and the Cloud Foam tips work great for ear isolation. These earbuds have received a rating of IP66 which means that neither sweat nor a light drizzle should cause any issues. 

The Bluetooth 5.0 connection is simple but can experience slight audio visual lag during pairing, while the battery life can last up to a decent six hours. Being a JLab’s product you can expect the sound to be a little bass-heavy but not to the extent that it becomes noticeable during activity.

For athletes in search of something affordable with excellent connection strength and comfort, will find a deal with a pair of JLab Audio Air Sport earbuds.

Jaybird Vista

Jaybird Vista earbuds are not only some of the best earbuds for your typical gym or home workout, but also great for those who prefer to brave the great outdoors. These tiny, light, and yet particularly comfortable earbuds can survive being dropped, stomped on, and even full liquid immersion thanks to Jaybird’s EarthProof encapsulated construction.

EarthProof seals all components of the earbuds inside a tiny plastic bubble. However, regardless of its IPX7 rating, they’re still not meant for swimming or prolonged water activities. So, don’t expect to rock out at the bottom of your inground pool just yet.

The battery life is superlative, giving you a total of 16 hours (6 outside of the case, 10 within) of playback time. The controls are intuitive and simplistic and the Bluetooth 5.0 connection is excellent.

Mono listening is one of the more important features of earbuds, which is to say you only need a single earbud to listen to music or take calls. With Jaybird Vista, you need only remove a single earbud from the case to engage this mode.

The sound is fine but these particular earbuds, like many others, focus primarily on comfort and safety. You’ll still get crystal clear sound in both buds but don’t expect to be blown away. Regardless, they’re both comfortable and durable, making our list as some of the best wireless earbuds for your workout.

The post 4 Best Wireless Earbuds For Your Workout first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

The more web-savvy individuals have already long been investing to build an online presence. They’ve even come up with multiple ways to improve it through various tools and means. But how does this help the less web-savvy individuals in their quest to build an online brand?

For the thousands upon thousands of individual businesses out there in need of guidance on this very subject, we’ve provided you a great place to start.

How To Build and Improve Upon An Online Presence

Not only do you need to know how to build an online presence but also how to improve upon an already established one. This is key to maintaining eyes on your brand and continuing to foster both trust in your product and continued overall growth.

It all begins with a strategy.

Develop A Strategy, Set Some Goals

Start by writing down both your short and long-term goals. A great method for keeping track of the goals you set is by applying the SMART method. This means taking your goals and making them:

Specific – Keep it focused and on-point. Know exactly what you want to achieve.

Measurable – Come up with a way of measuring how this goal is achieved by plotting points along the path to success. Take your larger goals and attempt to break them down into smaller, more easily achievable goals in the short-term.

Attainable – Is the goal even possible? Put a plan of execution into action.

Relevant – The goal must be related to the overarching theme for your business. If this goal does not help to achieve in building an online presence, what purpose does it serve?

Time-bound – Think of a deadline of accomplishment and stick to it. Time sensitivity can be crucial to progress. Don’t set an impossible time-frame to reach your endgame for something that requires a lengthier time investment.

Only once your goals have been set and you’ve come up with a plan of action can you begin to put the pieces of your brand together.

Select a Platform, Build Your Brand

The right platform for your business will depend on your established goals. 

Do you need a business website with unlimited freedom? WordPress provides the freedom of creativity and an assortment of tools for success. There are also plenty of other websites out there for the less tech-savvy that can help get you on your way.

Is social engagement at the heart of your business? Do away with the need for a website and create a Facebook page for your business instead. You’ll be able to keep up to date posts while actively engaging with your followers.

Is your brand tied to commerce? Use Shopify to open up a business online.

After deciding on a platform, content will be your next obstacle. Make it easier for your audience to get to know the brand by presenting a clear message on what your business is about. Adding contact information directly onto the platform and other meaningful content will open your brand up to audience engagement.

Engagement, Grow An Audience

Having content is great but unless it stands out it will likely be swallowed up in a sea of similar articles. This is where the art of creative and engaging SEO-tailored posts, articles, and blogs comes into play.

The application of stellar SEO techniques can make the difference of your stuff being on page one or page ten. The closer your articles are to number one, the more eyes you’ll have on them. This in turn creates a larger audience for which to engage. The whole purpose of an online presence is for others to take notice and SEO is an important arrow in your quiver when it comes to just that.

Most people are not SEO experts. Thankfully, there are plenty of online tools, both free and not so free, that can help. Tools like Moz and BuzzSumo can be expensive but will provide invaluable SEO aid toward building an online presence.

Another way to increase your audience is to participate in forum chatter on niche-related websites. Making intelligent contributions is a sure fire way to get people to listen to what you have to say and develop a following. 

Build rapport with your audience as well as other well-known brands with similar leanings. Create connections to advance growth and become recognized as an important voice in your niche. Overall, be social and engaging.

Optimization, Patience, & Consistency

Seeing as search engine algorithms are in an eternal state of flux, keeping your articles optimized and up-to-date is essential to maintaining interest online. The same can be said for the platform you’ve built your brand upon.

Make sure that the content you’re putting out is creating value for your brand. A fluff piece here and there is fine, but you’ll want to stay on point in order to reach your goals. You’ll also want to continue to update your goals.

Maintaining an online presence is a continuous battle. The rules may change but consistency is key. Ensure that your current audience can always look forward to coming back to you while also creating something new to attract additional viewers.

If you’re just starting out, patience will be one of your greatest strengths. Don’t expect to become an overnight success. Nothing you put out on the web will be perfect, so don’t linger. If the content you have isn’t pulling in the numbers you’ve hoped, change up the game and experiment a little. The Google Ads Keyword Planner can help you discover keywords to focus on. But always stay consistent.

Stay Focused, Keep Track

It’s easy to get sidetracked and attempt to promote something new or worse, utilize far too many platforms. Yes, multiple ways to engage with your audience can be a good thing, except for when your audience has grown too large to keep up with. Now you’re being pulled from one platform to the next in an attempt to keep your followers happy.

Focus on a single tool for the job until you feel you can begin to branch out. Jumping the gun will only result in you watching what you’ve built crumble before your eyes. Being everywhere online can destroy your business long before you’ve built it up for the simple “crime” of being inactive towards your audience.

Once a brand has been established, you’ll likely want to know how to improve an online presence and if all the hard work is even paying off. To this we say “Keep track.” Track everything, from the newest follower to the latest ‘like’ on a comment. Does your presence continue to grow? Are there things your audience prefers that might require a change in strategy?

Staying informed on your progress as opposed to just simply “following the process” will keep you steadfast on the road to success.

The post How To Build and Improve Upon An Online Presence first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

For someone new to Twitch streaming, these names could sound foreign. Each of these names is recognizable in the Twitch community and will be your best bet when it comes to streaming on the platform.

There are others available but typically these three will be the most well-known options. This article will help you quickly get acquainted with which options we deemed as the best Twitch streaming software for Windows and Mac.

Best Twitch Streaming Software For Windows & Mac

For a software to be considered the best for Twitch streaming, it will require that it be easy to use, possess all of the necessary features one looks for in streaming, and enable you to get the best quality out of your streams. All of the software we listed in the opening paragraph have each of these attributes covered.

But which one of these is the best for Windows? Which one for the MacOS? We’ll take a deep dive into answering both of these questions while providing an installation guide and giving a list of reasons why you should be choosing them above all others.

Best Twitch Streaming Software for Windows

There is no definitive answer when it comes to PC streaming on Twitch. Streamlabs, OBS, and Xsplit all fare rather well for use on most platforms. Where they differ is what makes the most sense why’d you’d select one over the others. 

Streamlabs was specifically designed for use with Twitch (though it can be used for most platforms) as it has an abundance of varying ways to incorporate further interaction with your audience. Streamlabs was also developed by the same studio which brings us OBS.

So, if we were to look at it from another perspective, what your choice really boils down to is a Twitch-tailored version of OBS versus Xsplit. When it comes to ease-of-use, Xsplit would actually take the crown. However, for everything else, we’d have to give the win to Streamlabs.

Features

Streamlabs comes with a whole host of available features to help create the perfect interactive streaming environment. You’ll get integrated alerts along with integrated chat for increased audience interaction. There is an auto-tweet feature that lets your followers know when you’re going live and unique themes to spice up your stream.

Streamlabs is a free and open source software which means you and many other creators can design your own Streamlabs apps and modifications and place them in the Streamlabs App Store. For stream personalization and interactivity, Streamlabs is without a doubt the best option for Twitch streaming.

How To Install

To download and install Streamlabs OBS:

• Navigate to the official website and click the big, green download button on the main page.

• Once downloaded, launch Streamlabs setup and click Yes on the User Account Control window to get started.
• Follow the onscreen installation wizard to complete the process.

First Time Setup

• You’ll first be asked to login with your streaming account.

• Expect to login to your Twitch account and authorize Streamlabs to access your account.
• Once logged in, if you’ve used OBS previously, you’ll be asked to import your profile. This is a nifty feature that allows all scenes setup in OBS to be imported into Streamlabs exactly as they were.

• For those without a prior OBS profile, click the Start Fresh button.
• Next, set up your Mic and Webcam (if you have them).
• Add a theme.

• Next, Streamlabs will attempt to optimize your stream settings to the best they can be.

• After optimization, you’ll be asked to enable multistream. This is only important if you plan to stream from multiple platforms. We’ll skip this for now.
• Finally, you’ll be presented with the Streamlabs OBS editor which looks almost identical to the standard OBS editor.

• Add sources by clicking the + icon above the sources list.

• The settings menu is relatively self-explanatory so making any changes to the Streamlabs-provided optimized settings should be simple and not cause much fuss.

• Play around with a few of the features, like the Layout Editor and Dashboard, to make your Stream stand apart from others prior to clicking the Go Live button.

Best Twitch Streaming Software for MacOS

MacOS is like the red-headed step-child of the gaming world. It’s often left out in the cold, unloved and neglected. Even Linux has been getting more gaming attention in recent years. The same is true for Twitch streaming software options. Choice is extremely limited but luckily there is still OBS.

You used to have to install Bootstrap in order to use OBS on a Mac. Not anymore. OBS now provides a direct download and installation executable for MacOS users. Unfortunately, its Streamlabs version is currently unavailable for MacOS. Though, it does currently support iOS so there’s still hope for the future.

Features

All of the same features as Streamlabs only minus the interactive widgets, themes, and chat. You’ll still have access to high performance real time video/audio capturing, an intuitive audio mixer, and easy-to-use layout.

How To Install

• Head to the official website and click the macOS 10.12+ button (or whatever the current version is at the time).

• In similar fashion, once the .pkg file has been downloaded, launch the OBS setup and proceed through the onscreen installation wizard.
  • You may need to provide an admin password in order to complete the installation.

First Time Setup

• When you first launch the OBS Studio software, you’ll be asked if you’d like to run the auto-configuration wizard. This will attempt to optimize your OBS for best performance. We suggest you select Yes.
• You’ll then be asked if you’d prefer to optimize more for streaming or recording. Since this article is about streaming, that’s the option we selected.

• Select your desired video settings in the next window.

• Next, select the service from which you’ll be streaming. Some services may require a Stream Key, which you can get by selecting Get Stream Key.
  • You’ll then be directed to login to your account which will take you to where your stream key is located.

• Copy the Stream Key and paste it into the area OBS has provided.

You’ll now be able to stream directly to Twitch whenever you launch OBS.

• You can create Scenes by clicking the + icon and selecting the program windows.

• Once you’re ready to stream, hit the Start Streaming button.

You’re now ready to stream on Twitch using the best software available. If you have any thoughts or questions pertaining to the article, please feel free to comment below.

The post Best Twitch Streaming Software for Windows and Mac first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

Back and forth texting could get the job done but it has the downside of losing some things through translation. It’s also seen as rather unprofessional unlike email correspondence. However, email correspondence is far too impersonal and, in most cases, a face-to-face seems the better way to go.

Like most things in the digital age, there are plenty of options from which to choose when determining the best video conferencing app. And, similar to all of them, the defining factor is what you need it for and what you hope to get out of it. So, we’ve decided to do the busy work for you in determining the best video conferencing app, allowing you to get back to business as usual.

What Is The Best Video Conferencing App? 4 Compared

Did you know that working from home is one of the most effective ways to remain healthy? Telecommuting is also a cheap way for office mates to attend meetings, host webinars, and other online events. Not only for internal business interaction, but a video conferencing app has the advantage of attending customer inquiries live and face-to-face, even if through a screen.

All of the best video conferencing services tend to offer more than just face-to-face interactions. They will also enable screen sharing, remote access to another’s desktop, digital whiteboard communications, text chat, file exchange, and live broadcasting.

Below is our list of the 4 best video conferencing apps available to you today. Understanding what perks benefit you the most will help determine which app is the best video conferencing app for you.

Cisco Webex Meetings and Teams

Cisco Webex has two options for video conferencing: Meetings and Teams. Meetings is strictly video conferencing with a few integrated tools for smoother calls. Teams is designed around collaboration.

With Meetings, you’re looking at an app made for face-to-face interactions with the option of audio only. Screen sharing is also available should you need it and the entire meeting can be recorded by the host for later viewing.

Teams is focused more on project interaction in real-time. Upon starting a call, you’re treated to a virtual whiteboard with chat and videos off to the side. Everyone in the call can add to the whiteboard for quick and easy brainstorming.

For a simple and easy to use option, Meetings provides all you’ll really need. For a more collaborative event, Teams is the way to go. Both offer a free trial with 1GB of cloud storage and can be used on all major devices.

Skype and Microsoft Teams

This collaboration suite works best for any business using Office 365. If you fit into this category, then chances are good that you’re already familiar with Microsoft Teams. Skype is a popular VoIP app that you’ve likely used or continue to use, which has been around for quite some time now.

Both of these options provide similar features as a video conferencing app. You get HD audio and video with face-to-face calls, the ability to chat in private, even screen-sharing and recording that any member of the call can activate.

Anyone who has used Skype will find familiarity with Microsoft Teams in both design and application. The key differences with Teams is the ability to set up designated chat channels, save conversations, search chats and previous conversations, customize your notifications, and receive enterprise-level security.

For a free of charge, face-to-face with colleagues, friends, and family, Skype is a great tool. The only downside being the need for all parties involved to sign up for their own account. If a premium price tag doesn’t scare you, for a more in-depth team-based option with a similar aesthetic, choose Microsoft Teams.

GoToMeeting

In need of a video conferencing app packed with professional-like features? GoToMeeting offers them in spades. It is already a very popular desktop app with a great mobile version. You can host a face-to-face meeting with clear VoIP audio or jump into one without the need to sign up for an account of your own.

You’ll have the ability to share your screen with other meeting participants, view presentations, and, if hosting, hand off presentation control to other attendees. The meetings can be set up ahead of time where you can view the schedule as well as receive alerts for when one is about to start. Call recording is also available to all participants.

For those already using GoToMeeting at the office, your calendar can be synced to your mobile device and, with commuter mode enabled, you can save up to 90% of data when joining a meeting via mobile. Three participants can use the app for free, but for a larger group, there is a $19/month Starter plan available.

Zoom Cloud Meetings

Zoom Cloud Meetings is a truly impressive way to telecommute making it an easy entry into a best video conferencing app list. Zoom is an easy way for collaborative teams and clients to stay connected no matter where they are in the world. Even with poor internet connectivity, Zoom will keep your video conference running, albeit at a reduced quality.

With this app, you’re getting high-quality video, audio, screen sharing, and cross-platform instant messaging. Create a contacts list and begin inviting up to 100 members to your meeting. It really is that simple. You’ll be able to log meeting reactions, record a call in full-length video, share screens and applications, chat, or use Zoom’s list of phone services. You can even join a meeting directly from your browser.

A downside to Zoom would be that meeting lengths are limited, the free plan being 40 minutes for three or more users while paid plans allow for lengthier discussions and more members. However, there are no limits to the amount of meetings you can host meaning you can just begin a new call once the 40 minute timer is up.

The post What Is The Best Video Conferencing App? 4 Compared first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

Amazon purchased the platform back in 2014 and has since turned it into a live-streaming pantheon with a net worth of $5 billion. It has become a mecca for game streamers and watchers the world over with continued growth almost daily. This is partly due to the lack of serious competition over the course of its ascendancy. There are chinks in this juggernauts armor, however.

The part where Twitch becomes a cause for concern is in their guidelines and follow-through. Being very lenient towards certain streamers while bringing down the hammer hard on others who violate them can leave some streamers, and viewers, feeling a bit perturbed. 

So it’s a good thing there are plenty of Twitch alternatives out there, some of which you may have never heard of.

Best Twitch Alternatives For Streaming

Gaming has been Twitch’s primary source of viewership since before it was purchased by Amazon. It has since grown into a culture all its own expanding into other non-gaming areas such as art performance, cooking, podcast productions, and real life interactions.

Because of this, we have separated our list into different categories based on Twitch-like familiarities and varying approaches to streaming.

Platforms Most Like Twitch

YouTube & YouTube Gaming

Quite possibly the best Twitch alternative. You can earn revenue from streaming games, just like on Twitch, with YouTube Gaming. That, on top of regular YouTube which allows for Super Chat donations while live-streaming other activities. 

Interact with your followers and viewers via the chat window and upload your most recent streams to YouTube video for fans who may have missed the show.

InstaGib TV

No need for a third-party streaming app, InstaGib TV has a built-in Caster feature that allows streamers to start streaming right from the platform. Just like Twitch, it offers an interactive, live chat window to converse with viewers. 

One downside to InstaGib TV is that it does set a bandwidth limit that can only be circumvented by upgrading to a VIP account. Aside from this, InstaGib TV is still one of the more popular Twitch alternatives on the market.

Caffeine

Caffeine brings a slightly newer look to streaming by incorporating a social media-like theme into the mix. Scroll through various broadcasts in Twitter feed fashion passing through “Most Popular” and “Trending” streamers. 

Caffeine doesn’t use the traditional chat window found in the aforementioned entries to this list, instead opting for chat bubbles. These will appear below the stream window similar to what you’d see in a group text. Caffeine is best used with the Chrome browser as Firefox is a bit wonky, and Edge isn’t even supported.

Mixer

The latency problems that have plagued Twitch are all but a memory once you switch to Mixer. Microsoft’s competitor to Twitch is doing quite well in recent years especially after the acquisition of two of Twitch’s primary streamers Ninja and Shroud. 

Mixer has all of the things that makes Twitch a great platform, except for the viewership. Once more people find out about the Mixer Twitch alternative, it shouldn’t take long for it to give Twitch a run for its money.

For eSports Junkies

SmashCast TV

This one is too very similar to Twitch with one caveat. It prefers to focus on esports. eSports is online competitive gaming similar to how football and basketball are to actual sports. 

SmashCast TV offers up similar revenue sources as Twitch but the cash output is bolstered for those who are good enough to perform in online competitions. For higher quality eSport streaming, SmashCast blows Twitch out of the water.

Stream.me

Stream.me is more an alternative to SmashCast than it is to Twitch. Similarly, Stream.me focuses heavily on the eSports factor of live-streaming, even as far as hosting their own exclusive tournaments. Fans of PUBG and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive will find Stream.me to be one of Twitch’s better alternatives.

All-Purpose Streaming

Facebook Watch

Facebook Watch is Facebook’s attempt at getting in on the live-streaming hype. It’s a built-in streaming feature that can be accessed directly from your Facebook account. 

Facebook Watch showcases anything and everything within the confines of its guidelines and now offers a monetization program similar to Twitch’s affiliate program. Growing an audience on Facebook Watch is as easy as making friends on Facebook.

Vimeo

Vimeo is a video sharing platform not unlike YouTube where you can develop an audience for things like business or travel. One of the cooler features of Vimeo is that it provides analytic features to help you better understand your audience and track their engagement. 

Vimeo is not 100% free but it offers different pricing according to different sharing levels.

Dailymotion

Dailymotion is almost like a Vimeo carbon copy. It allows for sharing videos of all kinds as well as some live-streaming. Unlike Vimeo, Dailymotion helps users earn revenue from uploaded videos. In this it is more similar to YouTube. 

They also aid in expanding your viewership to an audience all around the world by promoting your videos and streams.

Mobile Streaming

Mirrativ

Mirrativ is a streaming application solely for iPhone and Android mobile devices. You’re able to broadcast directly from your screen to viewers all over the world. Your audience can communicate with you free via comments providing a decent way to promote live interaction.

Periscope

Periscope, is your “on the go” alternative to live-streaming. It was launched back in 2015 and has been an incredibly useful tool to showcase your skills, business, and thoughts. 

Live-streaming is literally a phone tap away and can be used anytime, anywhere. Think of it as a mobile broadcasting station built into your smartphone.

What do you use for live streaming? Do you use Twitch or a Twitch alternative? Let us know your preferences in the comments below.

The post Best Twitch Alternatives For Streaming first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

For those new to Minecraft, it may be better to start your journey by purchasing the game and jumping in. This would help you get better acquainted with what the game has to offer. However, if you live a bold life and want it all without training wheels, this article will provide a tutorial on how to make a Minecraft server using the Windows 10 operating system.

How To Make a Minecraft Server

To properly configure a Minecraft server will require a bit of technical know-how on your part. A basic understanding of computer and network concepts will go a long way in server management.

Take the time to familiarize yourself with using a command line, the configurations of your system, network, and router, as well as some basic networking. You’ll also want to determine if you plan to run a Minecraft server from home or prefer to have it hosted. Keep in mind that hosting your own server runs the risk of exposing your home network to the world.

For a home-based Minecraft server, look to using a middling to high-tier desktop system. If you plan to play Minecraft on the same computer that you have planned for the server, it’s ill-advised. However, it can be done so long as your system is packing some serious power. It will also require an ethernet setup for reliability purposes.

Having your server hosted will normally only require a monthly fee from the service provider. This frees you from having to deal with the hassle of managing the server hardware yourself. Virtual Private Servers are ideal for smaller communities that won’t need much in the way of resources. For a more populated community, there’s always dedicated server options.

Make a Minecraft Server On Windows 10

Begin by ensuring that you have the latest version of Java installed.

• From Windows Search (Taskbar), type in Java. If Java is installed you’ll see Configure Java in the search results. You can then select it to have the Java Control Panel appear which will provide the version number. If Configure Java does not appear, you’ll need to download and install the latest version.

• Once this task is complete, you’ll want to decide where all Minecraft files will be stored. Create a folder on your PC in which all Minecraft files will go. The location is up to you just remember where it was placed. When the server is first run, configuration files are created. It’s best to keep them all together within this folder.
• The server software from the Minecraft website will come as a Java.jar file. Save it to the folder you just created.
• Right-click the file and select Run as administrator… to start the server and have it create the server configuration files. These files will need to be modified before the server is ready to use.
• Locate the text file called eula.txt inside the folder and open the file in a text editor.
• Change eula=false to eula=true. This is to accept the EULA. Failing to do so will prevent you from starting the Minecraft server.

Hosting a server for a few players on a local network will not require port forwarding. However, to make your server accessible to the world, port forwarding will have to be enabled on your router.

To configure port forwarding on your router will require specific instructions provided in your router’s documentation. If unfamiliar, you can learn more about port forwarding at PortForward.com. Minecraft, will require that you forward TCP port 25565.

• For the Output IP (or Server IP) you’ll need to enter your server’s local IP address. You can find out your server’s local IP address by opening Command Prompt and entering in the /ipconfig command. Keep the Command Prompt window open as we’ll need to start the Minecraft server from there.
• Navigate to the Minecraft server file path using the DIR command. The file will appear similar to minecraft_server.1.15.2.jar.

• Start the server with the following command:

java -Xmx1024M -Xms1024M -jar {server file name} nogui

Replace {server file name} with the actual server file name. You can exclude the “nogui” parameter if you’d rather use the server’s UI.

• After the server is up and running, you can begin inviting others to your server.
  • Home Network: Connect to your server via your local IP address.
  • Non-Home Network: Connect to your server via your external/public IP address.
  • Your public IP address can be found by searching for “my ip address” on Google.
  • In order to ensure that your server is accessible, you should enter your public IP address into the Minecraft Server Status Checker.

Other Resources On How To Make A Minecraft Server

Here are a few links to additional resources on how best to manage, set up, and promote your own private Minecraft server(s). Some of these links will even help you set up a Minecraft server using the MacOS and Linux operating systems.

Minecraft Wiki

• Setting Up A Server
• Configuring Server.Properties
• Managing & Maintaining A Server

MSMHQ

Official Minecraft Forums

The post How To Make a Minecraft Server first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

The cloud-based software app provides users a way to create and format collaborative presentations. Google Slides’ convenient features allow users to save time and effort in their busy day-to-day schedules. Google Slides is also customizable via themes and templates to spice up your presentations with elegance and professionalism.

So where can you get your hands on a few themes for Google Slides? Short of creating your own, there are plenty of websites that offer you custom themes from which to choose. We’ve taken the liberty of putting together a list of the top places you can look to find the perfect theme.

Where To Find Themes For Google Slides

What are the advantages of using Google Slides over PowerPoint anyway? Before giving you sites to check out, let’s go over a few advantages to using Google Slides.

• The best reason of all, it’s free.
• File saves are automatic while the presentations are being created. Similar to how Google Docs and Sheets are saved while you work. This results in no loss of data.
• Access to the entire history, including edits made by other team members.
• Collaborations can occur simultaneously on a single presentation. All edits appear instantly while you work. 
• Chat with your team members while you work.
• The templates are saved to cloud storage. This means that you can access your presentation from both desktop and mobile no matter where you are.
• Google Slides have been adapted for Chromecast, Hangouts, and AirPlay.
• PowerPoint presentations can be easily converted into Google Slides.
• Links, videos, YouTube videos, and images are easy to insert directly into the presentation.
• Already comes with a gallery of assorted templates.

To find the Google Slide template right for you, here are six websites that can help.

Slides Carnival

A great place to start when looking for a large assortment of themes for Google Slides is definitely Slides Carnival. Every theme, including PowerPoint templates, are free to use under Creative Commons License Attribution (CCLA). This means that so long as you’re willing to give credit to Slides Carnival in your presentation –something as small as a link back to the website– their themes are available for either personal or commercial use.

There are plenty of theme categories to choose from like Formal, Creative, Elegant, and Business to name a few. If uncertain about what you’re looking for, you could always look through their available themes via color choice.

Slides Carnival attempts to publish around one or two new templates each month and suggests that you follow them on Facebook and Twitter to keep updated. 

Slide Model

Primarily a site for PowerPoint templates, Slide Model has dipped their toes into the Google Slides game. Slide Model offers around fifteen dozen free themes for Google Slides, most of which are educational or business related. Of course, there is a catch.

You’ll need to sign-up for a Slide Model account. Don’t worry though, it too is free. One of the perks to signing up aside from the offered themes for Google Slides is that you’ll receive additional free slides weekly. You can even keep track of all your favorites making them easy to find and download at any time.

Slidesmash

When looking to create successful Google presentations, Slidesmash has you covered. In addition to over 40,000 for PowerPoint and Keynote, Slidesmash is another website with free to download and use Google Slides.

Choose from an assortment of slides including Holiday and Watercolor themes. There are sixty color themes, including dark and light versions, and the site hosts a blog full of helpful tips and tricks to bring out the best in your presentation.

Most of their slides are interchangeable between PowerPoint, Keynote, and Google Slides, so chances are good that if you find a theme you like, you’ll be able to make it work.

SlidesGo

Not unlike Slides Carnival, SlidesGo is an excellent place to start looking for your next presentation’s theme. SlidesGo is always pumping out new and original themes monthly and separates them based on their use.

You can view all slides by Most Popular, Education, Medical, and Multi-purpose. Most of the themes are truly something unique and special. Certain themes for Google Slides, like Chalkboard Background and Tech Startup, really stand out in color and imagery. Of course, like the others on this list, every one of their slides is free.

Slides Gala

Open-source themes for Google Slides more your thing? Slides Gala has handpicked open source templates, themes, and decks to help you pull off the perfect presentation.

They tout their theme choices as being made with thoughtful design, a professional appearance, and compelling content. They consistently add additional templates regularly and even offer advice on how to start your own blog. Talk about multi-tasking.

Slides Gala offers up eight different choices for themes for Google Slides: Business, Creative, Playful, Formal, Startup, Elegant, Inspirational, and Simple. You’re sure to find something worthy of note for an upcoming presentation.

Graphic Mama

Not actually a website dedicated to downloadable themes, Graphic Mama acts as more of a themes blog site. She will rank themes and provide lists of the best ones available to you at the current time of posting. Not just themes but all forms of visual content, graphic design, and illustrations.

That being said, she does offer you around ten Google Slides themes of her own design. Not only this but there’s even a recently written blog post on The Best Free Google Slides Templates to Grab in 2020. Seeing as you’re currently looking for a theme, that blog post could help you find the best ones out there. It pulls from multiple sites that offer Google Slides themes including from those already listed.

Where do YOU get your themes for Google Slides from? Let us know in the comments.

The post Where To Find Themes For Google Slides first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

Other social media sites such as Twitter do allow you to publish Instagram posts in web link format. However, Facebook is the only one that will let you share images directly from Instagram to your News Feed. 

Streamlined content is only one of several reasons to link Instagram to Facebook. Let’s dive into them.

How To Link Instagram To Facebook & Why You Should

The ability to link Instagram to Facebook gives you the chance to post the pics and videos you take or edit seamlessly for your viewers and fans. To add to this, Likes you acquire on Instagram will translate over to your Facebook posts.

Facebook’s user base is far larger than that of Instagram. Using both will have the extra added benefit of reaching more people, with the potential of increasing your following significantly. That, and Instagram’s algorithmic feed has been shown to prioritize the more engaging posts, meaning additional likes received on Facebook could help your content rank higher.

Not only can you increase exposure, but even if you don’t care about that, keeping up with friends, family, or fans is made easier when cross-posting between platforms. Also, account recovery is less painful when you lose your account or can’t access one of them. Being linked will help save you a bit of frustration.

Facebook will even save all uploads from Instagram and place them in their own album titled Instagram photos. Not to mention all Instagram post details like location, hashtags, and emojis are seamlessly shared to Facebook.

Brand Engagement

Instagram currently has over 200 million active users with 75 million of them active each day. With 43% of all brands posting daily, Instagram is indeed a platform that has branding written all over it.

Instagram provides brands with an additional social media platform to garner exposure, a larger fan base, and an uptick in revenue. Keeping your social media options minimal by sticking to only Facebook or Twitter can severely hinder your chances in an overly saturated market, where other brands have already embraced multiple digital platforms.

You most certainly don’t want to break up your audience by asking them to switch up social media platforms. So the only real solution is to use both. Even if fans won’t follow you over you’ll still have two active sources of content enabling you to build a second fan base.

Just let your Facebook fans know about your Instagram profile and provide them with a choice to follow it or not. Showcase all Instagram content to your Facebook audience in posts and every photograph that is relevant to them should be hashtagged as such.

Link Instagram to Facebook

To link the two social media accounts will require a mobile device. The process of linking Instagram to Facebook is almost identical for both iOS and Android operating systems.

• Begin pairing your accounts by opening the Instagram app on your mobile device and heading to the Profile screen.
• Tap the Menu icon (three horizontal lines) located in the upper-right corner of the screen.
• From the menu, tap Settings.

• From the long list, tap Account.

• Followed by Linked Accounts.

• Here you’ll find a list of different social platforms that you can link up to your Instagram account. Facebook will be at the top of the list.

• It will benefit you to link up any accounts that you see that can integrate with Instagram including Tumblr, Twitter, and the others. So long as you have an account for those social media platforms, of course.
• Tap Facebook and you’ll then need to sign in using your Facebook credentials. You can do this through your browser, or if you have it, the Facebook app.
• Once signed in, your accounts will be linked. You’ll notice that your Facebook option now has your name to the right of it.

• This means that when you post on Instagram, or Facebook, you will be able to share it seamlessly to the other social media platform as well.
  • You can enable this anytime during a post through the corresponding button on the caption screen.

Share Older Photos

• To share older pics from Instagram to Facebook (or any other social media app you have on your mobile device), select the image and open the menu in the upper-right corner.

• Then, tap Share to… from the pop-up menu.

• Select the app to share to and send it out.
  • For other apps other than Facebook, it’s likely the image will show up as a link. Keep that in mind when you select it.
  • You’re usually given the chance to add a message along with the image or link.

There’s also a way to have it set to automatically share all new posts.

Automatic Post

• Back in Settings > Accounts > Linked Accounts, click on Facebook.
  • In this window you can toggle on a few things including Share Your Story to Facebook and Share Your Posts to Facebook.

• These toggles will make all stories and posts share automatically to your Facebook feed.
• If you happen to also have pages attached to your Facebook profile, you can toggle to have all posts from Instagram sent automatically to that page as well.
  • Tap Share to and select your pages under Choose a Page.

Remove Integration

• The option to Unlink your accounts is also present in the Settings > Accounts > Linked Accounts > Facebook window.
• To unlink, simply tap the button and confirm your desire to unlink accounts.

• This will not remove posts already made between platforms, but stop all future post sharing until re-integration is made following the steps outline above.

Do you link Instagram to Facebook? If so, what pros and cons have you found doing it? Let us know in the comments below.

The post How To Link Instagram To Facebook & Why You Should first appeared on Online Tech Tips.