Reviews – Page 2 – Siouxland Modern Media Committee

06Dec 2021 by nrcmmc

Tinder App Review

Tinder is an online dating app used by 7.8 million people in the United States alone, making it the most popular dating app in the US. Of that, 75% are male, 24 % are female, and 30% are married. With those statistics, one can see where problems lie in using an online dating app, which, as correctly defined on the Tinder website is a “popular app for meeting people” and “the possibility of forming connections that could lead to more”, or as most users know it as a “hook-up” app. Here is a basic rundown of how Tinder works for a person. Once a user (supposed to be an 18 year age requirement) sets up their profile, Tinder can “match” them with other users. From there, the user ‘swipes right’…

03May 2021 by Sandra Post

Gryphon the Great?

Resources, Reviews

Are you looking for a new router? Are you wondering about better internet security options? Are the needs of your family’s device usage increasing or not currently being met? If any of those describe where you are currently, take a look at the Gryphon Router to see if it meets your needs. What is the Gryphon Secure Mesh System Router? A highly innovative system with a focus on parental controls, advanced security features and the ability to control a generous area of your home for an arguably affordable price tag. What does ‘MESH SYSTEM’ mean? A mesh router WiFi system consists of a main router that connects directly to your modem, and a series of satellite modules, or nodes, placed around your house for full WiFi coverage. (Source) Here’s what…

03Feb 2021 by nrcmmc

Review of VSCO App

Apps, Reviews

In the current times, various social media apps such as TikTok and VSCO are gaining traction, particularly with teenagers. VSCO was created in 2012 but recently gained popularity when Instagram users with a lot of followers began using the #VSCO hashtag. VSCO is a photo editing and media sharing tool. The free version gives users access to standard editing tools, such as white balance, exposure, contrast and a sampling of the available presets. Users can scroll and test out presets themselves or can tap on the “for this photo” feature, which displays a collection of suggested presets for each specific photograph. The free version also allows users to explore others’ photos and find inspiration in curated portfolios that include collections such as “humankind,” “editorial,” “summer,” and “style” to name…

06May 2020 by nrcmmc

Vault Apps – Are They Hiding Something?

Apps, Reviews

VAULT APPS - Are They Hiding Something? At first glance one sees a calculator and music app--normal apps found on a cell phone, right? However, this is an easy way to hide pictures and videos from your typical photo gallery. They are also used to hide chats, searches,downloads within various apps. With a quick Google search, there are You-Tube videos and articles suggesting the best apps available to conceal photos or other information on your cell phone. While some articles boast of the importance of hiding your personal information, credit card information, media files under these vault apps (also called ghost or disguised apps), simple safety settings on your cell phone can do the same. The most common use for these is to hide inappropriate cell phone pictures/videos or shared…

07Apr 2020 by nrcmmc

What is Zoom?

Apps, Reviews, Tutorials

What is Zoom? Zoom is a platform that offers remote conferencing by combining video conferencing, online meetings, chat, mobile collaboration. It can be utilized by anyone and is free for meetings that have less than 100 participants and have duration of 40 minutes or less. You will have to set up an account. A guide for doing this is located here: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/360034967471-Quick-start-guide-for-new-users#h_b0c98dfa-d90f-486d-9617-71ab7b41a273 A guide for hosting a meeting for family and friends is located here: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362613-How-Do-I-Host-A-Video-Meeting- If you have been sent a meeting invite, a guide for joining the meeting can be located here: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362193-Joining-a-Meeting As always there are some safety tips to keep in mind when utilizing Zoom. USA Today did an excellent job of summarizing some safety tips. Here is the link: https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2020/04/02/how-to-keep-zoombombing-hackers-away-zoom-safety-tips/5113080002/. Please review it before using zoom.Additionally, always remember to be…

06Jan 2020 by nrcmmc

Benefits and Dangers of Facebook

Apps, Reviews

Facebook is the biggest social network in the world. It has been about 15 years since Facebook came into existence. Its popularity has skyrocketed in the decade after its launch, although the network's growth has flatlined in the last few years. Here are a few statistics published in 2019 by the Pew Research Center that give some indication of the huge impact Facebook has had on the world. View the article.

06Jan 2020 by nrcmmc

WhatsApp Safety

Apps, Reviews

WhatsApp safety: a how to guide for parents - Internet Matters WhatsApp is a common app used for communicating on smartphones. Does this mean it is as safe as phone conversations? What do you need to know about the ins and outs of this app? What are some pros and cons? The link below delineates some common matters. https://www.internetmatters.org/resources/whatsapp-safety-a-how-to-guide-for-parents/

09Dec 2019 by nrcmmc

Android vs. Apple

Guidelines, Reviews

This article is meant to give a recommendation for choosing a device that allows the safest environment for children. It is meant to compare an Apple iOS device with a Google Android device. Through the research process I have developed the opinion that the Google Android may offer more control of features and points of concern to a parent. The downside will be that it requires some technical ability and determination. If you want to allow more popular apps and websites while being able to control more features inside of them, Google Android may be the safest decision. Apple devices may allow for an easier setup / configuration and afford as safe of an environment without the granular control. With Apple you will want to spend some time to understand…

09Dec 2019 by nrcmmc

Instagram: The Rinsta’s and the Finsta’s

Apps, Reviews

The Rinsta’s and the Finsta’s As harmless as the app called ‘Instagram’ seems on the surface - a photo and video editing platform - many dark areas loom around any corner. When not set up with proper privacy settings, the user needs to be extra vigilant to protect their eyes from the content that can pop up within a few clicks or swipes. Despite the creator’s efforts to keep inappropriate content out of it’s app, and safe for “13+” to use, images inappropriate for any age of eyes can still be found. Users are allowed to ‘Block’, ‘Report’, and ‘Unfollow’ accounts that they are not interested in or believe are not appropriate. In its simplest form the app is not harmful, though the psychological effects of any social media…

09Dec 2019 by nrcmmc

Bark App

Apps, Reviews

Billed as the “Smart Way to Keep Kids Safe Online”, Bark is a highly-rated, award-winning monitoring tool. A few of us Siouxland MMC Members have been trying it out, and would like to share our experiences with our audience. “Bark” is designed to be like a watchdog. It may not stop an intruder, but it’ll bark loudly to alert others about a problem, so that problem can be dealt with. Here’s what Bark is NOT. NOT a filter. Bark does not restrict any content that a device can access. NOT a time-restriction app. You cannot set up time limits or off-hours for your child’s device. Since Bark does not prevent a child from accessing impure content on the Internet, we cannot recommend it as the only tool you should use…

Category: Reviews