DJI Phantom 3

How To Draw

Embark on a Quest with How To Draw

Step into a world where the focus is keenly set on How To Draw. Within the confines of this article, a tapestry of references to How To Draw awaits your exploration. If your pursuit involves unraveling the depths of How To Draw, you've arrived at the perfect destination.

Our narrative unfolds with a wealth of insights surrounding How To Draw. This is not just a standard article; it's a curated journey into the facets and intricacies of How To Draw. Whether you're thirsting for comprehensive knowledge or just a glimpse into the universe of How To Draw, this promises to be an enriching experience.

The spotlight is firmly on How To Draw, and as you navigate through the text on these digital pages, you'll discover an extensive array of information centered around How To Draw. This is more than mere information; it's an invitation to immerse yourself in the enthralling world of How To Draw.

So, if you're eager to satisfy your curiosity about How To Draw, your journey commences here. Let's embark together on a captivating odyssey through the myriad dimensions of How To Draw.

Showing posts sorted by relevance for query How To Draw. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query How To Draw. Sort by date Show all posts

How To Disable IPv6 On MacOS


How to Disable IPv6 on MacOS


How to Disable IPv6 on MacOS

Virtual private networks have become a cornerstone privacy tool in the fight against pervasive data tracking, whether you're using a device with MacOS or Windows. While there are a growing number of VPNs to choose from, even the best still struggle to secure a key weakness in your privacy protection: your IPv6 address. 

IPv6 is the successor to the traditional IPv4 -- what you would normally consider your IP address -- but IPv6 can also reveal potentially personally identifiable information about your location. That's why our top VPN recommendations all include some form of IPv6 leak protection. Sometimes, however, if your other software or your own device's configurations conflict with your VPN, you may not be able to get the full benefit of that IPv6 protection. 

Because disabling IPv6 on a Windows takes just a few clicks, finding tutorials for the process is just a quick internet search away. While it takes less than 5 minutes to disable an IPv6 on a MacOS device, the process takes a few more steps. And the method you use will depend on your device's configuration. 

Here are the two most common methods for disabling IPv6 on a MacOS, right along with the steps you can take to re-enable it if you change your mind. 

Read more: All the VPN terms you need to know

How to Disable IPv6 in MacOS in System Preferences

1. From your Apple menu, open System Preferences

2. Click the Network icon that's shaped like a globe. A new window will open. On the left side of the window, you'll see a list of the networks you've previously connected to, including the one you're currently connected to which will have a green dot on its left. Click it to highlight the network.

3. Click the Advanced button at the bottom of the window. A new window will open with several tabs near the top. Among those, select TCP/IP

4. In the TCP/IP tab, you'll see two drop-down menus. Click the dropdown menu beside Configure IPv6, and select Off.

5. In the bottom right corner of the window, click OK. Once the TCP/IP window closes, and you're back at the Network window, click Apply in the bottom right corner and then close the window. 

If your version of MacOS doesn't have an option labeled Off in the drop-down menu beside Configure IPv6, you can manually disable IPv6 through your MacOS Terminal. 

Read more: You Need to Be Using a VPN on Your Phone. Here's How to Set it Up in Under 10 Minutes

How to Disable IPv6 on MacOS in Terminal 

These steps will lead through disabling IPv6, but you'll also find steps to re-enable it in case you change your mind. 

1. Open a Finder window and click Applications

2. Scroll down to a folder labeled Utilities. Click to open it, then select Terminal

3. Once you've opened Terminal, a small black window will open. Type the following command into the window and Terminal will show you a list of all your current network types: 

sudo networksetup -listallnetworkservices

You may or may not be prompted by Terminal to enter a password. That'll be the one you have to type every time you wake up your Mac. Once you enter it, your list of network types will appear. 

4. Find the type of network you're currently using. It's likely you're using either Wi-Fi or Ethernet right now to read this. We're going to tell the computer to disable IPv6 on this particular type of network, however that network is labeled in your list. 

If you're connected via Wi-Fi, type the following: sudo networksetup -setv6off Wi-Fi

5. You won't see any confirmation that you've turned IPv6 off but Terminal may again ask you for your password. Once you've entered your password correctly, IPv6 will be disabled. You can close Terminal and you're done. 

If you change your mind for any reason and need to re-enable IPv6 on your MacOS, you can go through the same process with a small change to the command. Just open Terminal and type the following command: sudo networksetup -setv6automatic Wi-Fi

For more tools to enhance your privacy when working with Apple devices, check out our list of the best Mac VPNs for 2022


Source

Tags:

How To Add Your Personal Pronouns To Zoom In 6 Easy Steps


How to display pronouns on zoom how to show pronouns on zoom how to use zoom for personal use how to write personal pronouns how to teach personal pronouns how to draw how to get help in windows how to delete a page in word
How to Add Your Personal Pronouns to Zoom in 6 Easy Steps


How to Add Your Personal Pronouns to Zoom in 6 Easy Steps

Across platforms such as Zoom, Instagram and Facebook, you've likely noticed friends and co-workers adding personal pronouns to the end of their names. This helps make spaces more inclusive of transgender, gender-nonconforming and gender-nonbinary people by making sure you don't assume anyone's gender identity based on their appearance, according to the education organization GLSEN.  

how-to-tech-tips-logo-badge.png
Brett Pearce/CNET

Adding pronouns and avoiding automatic use of binary gender expressions has been a major initiative for a number of tech companies, including Google, Twitter and LinkedIn. Zoom makes the process easy by including a dedicated field for pronouns in your profile settings.

There are a few ways to include your pronouns on Zoom. You can set your pronouns to display for every meeting or only the specific meetings you select. And if you want to add your pronouns after you've joined a meeting, there's an option for that, too.

Here's how to add or change your pronouns on Zoom. (Make sure you check out all of our other helpful tips for using Zoom, too.) 

How to permanently add your pronouns to your Zoom account

You can add your pronouns through the web portal or through the Zoom app. If you're using the web portal:

1. Go to the Zoom web portal and sign in using your SSO, Google, Facebook or Zoom account. 

2. Click Profile

3. In the top right corner across from your name, click Edit

4. Under Display name, there is a field for Pronouns. For example, mine would be "she/her."

5. Below that field, Zoom asks how you would like to share your pronouns. You can choose to always share or be asked to share after joining a meeting. 

6. Click Save changes

If you're on the Zoom app, the process is similar but for a slightly different start.

1. Click your initials in the top-right corner and choose Settings.

2. Then click Profile and Edit My Profile. This should take you to your profile in the web portal. The rest of the process is the same.

3. In the top right corner across from your name, click Edit

4. Below Display name, there's a field for you to add Pronouns.

5. Under that field, choose your preferred setting for sharing your pronouns. You can choose to share for every meeting or be asked to share after joining a meeting. 

6. Click Save changes

Your pronouns should appear according to your settings from now on. 

How to add or change your pronouns during a Zoom meeting

1. After you enter the meeting, click Participants.

2. In the Participants window, hover over your name and click More.

3. From the drop-down menu, click Rename

4. Add your pronouns in parentheses after your name, and click OK. Just note that this will only change your name for your current meeting, not any others in the future. 

For more, check out how to combat Zoom anxiety and the best gear for online meetings and video chatting


Source

How To Factory Reset A MacBook, Windows Laptop Or Chromebook To Sell Or Give Away


How to Factory Reset a MacBook, Windows Laptop or Chromebook to Sell or Give Away


How to Factory Reset a MacBook, Windows Laptop or Chromebook to Sell or Give Away

One side effect of spending more time at home during the pandemic is the realization that I have a lot of old tech lying around. A lot. Then, when I made a KonMari attempt at decluttering said tech, I unearthed several things I forgot I had -- including an old laptop I stopped using years ago because it was too slow for my high-end computing needs. 

While this laptop no longer sparked joy for me, it turned out to be a perfect fit for my mom. It just needed to be cleaned up first, and I'm not just talking about removing dust and mystery goo with a few swipes of a disinfectant wipe, though you'll want to do that, too. The type of cleaning I'm talking about is restoring the laptop to like-new condition inside and out. Cleaning the outside is the easy part. Wiping the computer of all your apps, files, folders and other personal information isn't necessarily as straightforward. Of course, how much data scrubbing you need to do will likely depend on the recipient. 

The big picture steps you take to refresh a laptop are the same regardless of whether it's a Windows laptop. Apple MacBook or Chromebook -- save your old data, remove all personal information, then go for a factory reset. It's the actual step-by-step procedure that differs depending on the type of laptop you're dealing with. Below, you'll find everything you need to know and do before giving your laptop a second life. And with supply chain issues, shipping problems and chip shortages making new devices harder to get, passing along a new-to-you laptop can be a welcome holiday gift. 

Last thing first

I typically save the laptop's physical cleaning until last (why clean your fingerprints off twice?), but you may want to start there -- especially if it's been gathering dust in the back of a closet/under a bed/in the garage for the past several years. The basic equipment required for a good laptop cleaning is a can of compressed air and some disinfectant or alcohol wipes. For a slightly deeper clean, you may also want to grab a screwdriver and remove the bottom cover of your laptop (if possible) so you can carefully blow out any dust that's accumulated on the fans and vents. 

After the laptop is clean, you can also wipe down the power adapter and any related accessories. It's also a good idea to ensure the power adapter is still in good, working condition. If you're still not quite sure where to start with the cleaning, check out our complete guide to getting your laptop looking its best.


Gifting a used MacBook

macbook-air-2018-analisis-3
Óscar Gutiérrez/CNET

Before you even think about doing a factory reset on your MacBook, you need to save any data you want to keep. You may have already done this at some point if you migrated data from this old MacBook to a new one using using Apple's Migration Assistant. If that's not the case, it's time to hook up an external drive and use MacOS' built-in Time Machine tool to create a backup. If you have an iCloud account, you can back up your data there as well. 

Sign out of everything

You'll also want to log out of all accounts before wiping your MacBook's drive. Start with iCloud, Find My Mac and iMessage. Then look for individual software accounts you may need to deregister. If you use a browser other than Safari, such as Chrome or Firefox, you should sign out of those as well. Basically, if it's got personal account information, you'll want to sign out. (Here's how to find account settings in MacOS.)

Two other things you should do before a factory reset: Unpair any Bluetooth devices -- particularly if the MacBook is being gifted to someone in your household -- and reset the NVRAM. The latter is memory that holds onto settings that the MacBook needs before loading MacOS. On startup, press and hold Option-Command-P-R to reset the NVRAM.

Perform a factory reset

If you've done everything above, you're ready to return your MacBook to its out-of-the-box state. On an Intel-based Mac, reboot the system and press and hold Command-R to enter Recovery Mode. (Accessing Recovery Mode on MacBooks running on the company's Apple Silicon chips is different, however.) 

Read more: Before selling your MacBook, you need to factory reset it

Once in Recovery Mode, you'll see a window of MacOS utilities. Use the Disk Utility to erase your drive. When that's complete, you'll be able to reinstall MacOS. After it's done reinstalling, you'll reach the Setup Assistant. From there you can stop and shut it down or set it up for the recipient. 


Gifting a used Windows laptop

reset-windows-10-laptop.png
Screenshot by Josh Goldman/CNET

As with gifting a MacBook, start by backing up any important folders and files on your old laptop to cloud storage or an external drive. If you're doing the latter, go to Settings > Update & Security > Backup > Add a drive and select the external drive. Then click on Backup Now. 

Sign out of all your apps

A lot of paid software requires you to sign in with an account, a product key or both. Before you wipe your laptop's storage, sign out of any accounts and deregister software licenses (if possible). If you need those product keys to re-register software on a new laptop, be sure to save that information. If you use a browser other than Edge, such as Chrome or Firefox, sign out of those as well. Basically, if it's got personal account information, sign out.

Reset the laptop

Ready to clean the drive and reinstall Windows? Go to Settings > Update and security > Recovery. At the top of the window, you'll see Reset this PC. Click on Get Started and select Remove Everything from the box that appears. From there, you can select to reinstall Windows from the local drive or download from the cloud. After that, Windows cleans the drive of all software, settings and data. When it's done, the laptop will start in its setup assistant mode. You can then stop and shut it down for a fresh-out-of-the-box experience or do some setup, which is nice touch, especially if it's going to a family member so they can use it right away.

Unlink from your Microsoft account

If you used a Microsoft account to sign in to the laptop, the last thing you'll want to do is remove the laptop from that account. Sign in to your account from another computer and click on the Devices tab at the top of the page. Find the laptop that you're gifting on the list of devices, and at the bottom of the listing, you'll see the option to remove the device. Click it and you're done. 


Gifting a used Chromebook

Asus Chromebook CX9400
Sarah Tew/CNET

Chromebooks are the easiest to refresh for gifting. That's mainly because of their cloud-based design. Google also makes it extremely easy to wipe your data and securely clean the internal storage as well as remove the Chromebook from your Google account. 

Check the AUE first

Before you even consider gifting an old Chromebook, check its auto-update expiration. Google only guarantees Chrome OS and browser feature support on non-Google hardware for so long. Every device has a date on which it stops receiving updates, aka its AUE date. Current models receive updates for eight years; older models could potentially be a year or two away from reaching their AUE. 

Google maintains an AUE list, so finding the date your Chromebook will stop receiving updates is as easy as locating your model on that list. The AUE can also be found in your Chromebook's settings. Here's how to find the AUE from Google and in your Chromebook.

Give it a Powerwash

Powerwash is Google's built-in factory reset tool for Chromebooks. Once you've backed up folders or files stored on the Chromebook's internal drive, running Powerwash will securely scrub the system and reboot. When it restarts, it'll be just like the day you unboxed it. 

The actual Powerwash typically takes less than a minute to complete. A simple search for "powerwash" in your Chromebook's settings will bring you right to the feature, but here's everything you need to know about the procedure. 

Remove the Chromebook from your Google account

Although you've removed your account from the Chromebook, you haven't removed the Chromebook from your account. Start by signing into your Google account and head to the Security settings. If you use the Chrome browser, you can also click on your account avatar and select Manage your Google Account from the drop-down menu. 

In the Security section, scroll down until you see a box labeled Your devices, which lists all the devices attached to your account. At the bottom of the box, click on Manage devices and find the Chromebook you're gifting and select Sign Out

Give the Chromebook a good external cleaning, gather up any accessories and it's ready to hand off to your giftee.

Read more: How to regift a game console

How Factory Reset Your Devices

Make sure to wipe personal data before selling, trading in or regifting your gear.


Source

Tags:

How To Send Cash With Snapchat


How to send cash with paypal how to send cash with western union how to send cash with zelle how to send cash with capitec how to send an email how to send money through paypal how to send a text message how to send a letter envelope how to take a screenshot how to draw how to tie a tie how to pronounce

How to send cash with Snapchat


How to send cash with Snapchat

snapchat-snapcash.jpg
Snapcash in action. Jason Cipriani/CNET

On Monday, seemingly out of nowhere, Snapchat launched Snapcash. The new feature that makes it too easy for its users to send money to one another through the chat portion of the app.

Currently the feature is only available on Android, with the update having just hit the Play Store. The iOS update is said to be coming in the near future.

Beyond requiring an updated version of the app, setting up Snapcash requires users to be 18 (though there's nothing stopping you from saying you're of age), and a debit card.

snapcash.jpg
Sending money using Snapcash Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNET

To setup Snapcash, swipe into the "compose message" screen where you would normally chat. Enter a dollar amount and tap on the green button, which will force the app to begin the setup process.

After accepting the new Terms of Service, you will need to enter your debit card information. Due to the way Square Cash works, credit cards need not apply. After the initial setup process is complete, the app will take you back to the compose screen where you'll find the dollar amount you entered is now green. Hit send and confirm your CVV number. Your friend will receive a message stating you've sent him or her money.

Unfortunately I couldn't test the receiving end of Snapcash, as the iOS update isn't out and my wife has a bad habit of forgetting passwords so I couldn't log in to her account on my Android device. But she did receive a message from Team Snapchat stating I had sent her money. I would assume recipients will need to sign up following a similar process before being able to receive money.

When you're sent money, it's deposited the following day as a refund on your debit card.

You can change your linked debit card as well transaction history in the Settings portion of Snapchat proper.


Source

How To Buy The Latest Amazon Devices: The $1,000 Astro, Ring's Flying Drone Camera, More


Buy latest iphone buy latest trelegy inhalers buy latest lehenga online how to buy theta coin how to buy the best mattress how to buy bitcoin how to buy stocks in canada how to buy robux how to buy bitcoin canada how to draw how to clear cache how to make slime
How to buy the latest Amazon devices: The $1,000 Astro, Ring's flying drone camera, more


How to buy the latest Amazon devices: The $1,000 Astro, Ring's flying drone camera, more

 Amazon's latest device lineup is a mix of new learning devices for kids, smart home upgrades and everyday tech. The Echo Show 15 has a screen that's bigger than ever (you can mount it on your wall) and the Ring Always Home flying drone camera gives a new take on home security cameras. But the showstopper that took our breath away was the all: Amazon's $1,000 Alexa-powered Astro robot

Amazon's Astro  takes a new spin (on wheels) in Alexa voice commands and hoping to show really need robots in our homes. Astro can monitor your Ring home security system, deliver items from one room to the next and video chat -- all while your pets. But there are already a few privacy concerns. Questions also stem from criticism of Ring's policies and police partnership  and privacy issues. But there's already talk that Amazon is looking into an Astro 2, despite these raised eyebrows. 

We'll tell you how and when to get your hands on Amazon's new devices and give details on the latest futuristic features. This story has been recently updated. 

Amazon/Screenshot by James Martin/CNET

Astro brings AI to your home, but puts bots to the test. Amazon's new robot is designed to follow voice commands and keep an eye on your home with its periscope camera. Astro can show a live view via the mobile app, so you can check on your home when you're away. Astro works with Alexa Together and Ring Protect Pro (and comes with a six-month free trial of the latter). Anticipating privacy criticism, Amazon offers privacy features with Astro that include:

  • No-go zones 
  • Do not disturb features
  • Alexa's standard privacy features

You can sign up to request an invite today. Astro will ship later this year.

Read more: Amazon's Astro: New details on price, privacy, battery, specs and more

Amazon/Screenshot by James Martin/CNET

Amazon partnered with the Honeywell Home thermostat team to create an Energy Star-certified smart thermostat that competes with Nest. Most customers may be able to get the thermostat for free after utility rebates. It's an Alexa-enabled thermostat that supports routines and automatically adjusts temperatures. It's available for preorder now and will ship starting Nov. 4.

Here are a few of the top features you can look forward to:

  • Control your thermostat using the Alexa app or voice commands
  • An energy dashboard to breakdown your usage on your Echo device or the Alexa app 
  • Thermostat Hunches, which automatically adjusts the temperature
Amazon/Screenshot by James Martin/CNET

Amazon's new Echo Show is bigger than ever. It comes with a 15.6-inch display and in a single color: black. You can mount it on the wall or place it on a stand. The newest model also has facial recognition for personalized alerts and more when the hub recognizes your face, tightening the competition with Apple. It also comes with personalized to-do lists, like Google's Hub Max. But the Echo Show 15 comes with a few highly anticipated features. 

  • Custom sounds that allow Alexa to listen to specific noises in your home (available in 2022)
  • Visual ID to give you more customized calendars and reminders
  • Customizable Alexa widgets 

Echo will also get a few new features, including Hey Disney to give your device new voices with character-inspired games, books, skills and more. Alexa Together will also be available for loved ones with the Alexa Care Hub. You can sign up to receive an email when the Echo Show 15 is available for preorder.

Amazon/Screenshot by James Martin/CNET

The Amazon Glow is a brand-new kid-friendly smart device (yes, it's different from the Echo Glow night light). It takes after Osmo and other interactive learning gadgets. Kids can use the video screen to chat with long-distance family and friends. It includes a silicone mat to read, play and draw with loved ones. You'll also get a one-year subscription to Amazon Kids Plus for access to digital books, games and more. The Amazon Glow comes with a two-year, worry-free guarantee if you happen to break it. You can request an invite to the Glow program today. 

  • Games and activities from Mattel, Disney, Nickelodeon and Sesame Street
  • Preapproved contacts using the Amazon Glow app 
  • Camera with privacy shutter 
Amazon/Screenshot by James Martin/CNET

The Halo View is a new addition to Amazon's Halo family. The latest Amazon fitness tracker has a few new features, including an AMOLED color display screen. Halo View users can also look forward to Halo Fitness and Nutrition services that will help with exercise and healthy eating. It benefits the Halo user in several ways, including the movement, emotional tone and the camera's body analyses. And it still works with the original Halo band. But these new additions might be worth upgrading from Amazon's Halo. 

  • Seven-day battery life 
  • Water resistant down to 50 meters 
  • Skin and temperature tracking 

Source

How To Google Without Words: The Coolest Searches You May Not Know


How to google something without a word search google without a word google maps without words how to get google to say words how to google with a picture how to create a google account without phone how to google translate 100 times how to draw how to take a screenshot how to screenshot on pc
How to Google Without Words: The Coolest Searches You May Not Know


How to Google Without Words: The Coolest Searches You May Not Know

When you think of "Googling," you almost certainly think of entering text and getting millions of results, so much so that the Google search page has become a cultural icon. But some of the most interesting Google results arise from images, live camera views, or the sounds around you, making them not only useful but a taste of what's to come in augmented reality and metaverses. Here's a quick look at ways to Google without words.

Image search

This is also called a reverse image search: Instead of searching for an image you search with an image. On the desktop, go to Google Images. There, you can drag and drop any GIF, PNG, JPG or WEBP image file into the search field. The results will include different sized versions of the image, sites where the image is found and images that are similar but not identical to it. You can use these results to identify what an image depicts, find higher-resolution versions of it or track down places where it's being used.

Google reverse image search

Google Images reverse image search will find many examples of an image you drag and drop to it. 

Screenshot by Brian Cooley/CNET

Live camera search

Also called Google Lens, this is similar to image search above but uses a live image from your phone's camera instead of uploading an image file. The easiest way is to tap the Lens button on your Android home screen then aim your phone's camera at an object or scene. If you don't see the Lens button, you can add it to your phone via the official Lens app.

Google Lens button

The Lens button should be right next to the search box and voice icon on most Android phones.

Brian Cooley/CNET

Most of the time Google will figure out what you're aiming it at and return results that include content and shopping links. It's a rudimentary cousin of augmented reality and a technique that's also used in the Amazon and Snapchat apps but Google results tend to be more agnostic than those two. To be fair, I find Lens to be a more brittle tool than image search, but when it works it can give you results you probably won't find any other way. 

You can also use Lens to search text that you aim your camera at, or use the Google Translate app, which uses the same core technology to translate printed text into another language. 

Google Lens visual search

Google Lens image search is great for searching things you don't know the name or proper description of. Searching for "red power screwdriver" probably wouldn't have nailed it the way this Lens search did.

Brian Cooley/CNET

Background music search

Finding the name of a song that's playing is nothing new -- anyone can holler out, "Hey, Google, what song is this?" But the most elegant way of identifying music is one of the most overlooked tricks in Google's Pixel phones.

On a Pixel 2 or later Pixel with Android 10 or higher go to Settings > Sound and Vibration > Now Playing and activate the Identify songs playing nearby slider. While you're in there, turn on Show search button on lock screen. Now your phone will always be trying to identify the music around you and it'll show the title on your phone's lock screen. 

Google background song ID

The Android phone on the right automatically ID'd the song playing from the speakers of the phone on the left.

Brian Cooley/CNET

If it fails, you'll find a subtle new button on your lock screen that you can press to ID the music around you. And you'll find a history of all songs that have been detected around you when you click on the song title on the lock screen.

If you don't have a Pixel phone, there's at least one other way to graft it onto other Android devices via the Ambient Music Mod developed by Kieron Quinn and Varun Shanbhag. Installing it is not for the average phone user, however.


Source

Home Equity Line Of Credit: HELOC Rates For September 2022


Home equity line of credit heloc rates for september 2022 holiday home equity line of credit heloc rates for september 2022 movie home equity line of credit how does a home equity line of credit work home equity line of credit home equity loan home equity loan rates wells fargo home equity loan home equity loan requirements
Home Equity Line of Credit: HELOC Rates for September 2022


Home Equity Line of Credit: HELOC Rates for September 2022

A home equity line of credit, or HELOC, is a loan that allows you to borrow against the equity you've built up in your home and functions like a credit card. It provides an open line of credit that you can access for a certain amount of time (usually 10 years). During that time, you're only required to pay back the interest on money you've withdrawn, which means you can borrow a large amount of money for an extended period of time while only making minimum monthly payments.

HELOCs can be a good option because they have lower rates than most credit cards, personal loans, home equity loans and mortgage refinances. But HELOCs are also risky because they're secured loans, which require collateral to obtain financing: Your home serves as the collateral, so if you're unable to pay back the money you've withdrawn, you could lose your house. In addition, HELOCs have variable interest rates that mean your rate can go up or down with the market, so you won't always have a predictable monthly payment.

We'll walk you through how a HELOC works, how to decide if it's the right option for you and how it stacks up against other loan types.

Current HELOC rate trends

Right now, the average interest rate for a HELOC is 6.5%, according to Bankrate, which is owned by the same parent company as CNET. Anything below the average rate is typically considered a good rate for HELOCs. 

Interest rates for HELOCs are variable and largely determined by the benchmark interest rate, which is set by the Federal Reserve. So far this year, the Fed has raised the benchmark interest rate four times and has signaled it will continue raising rates throughout 2022. Interest rates for HELOCs tend to be lower than mortgage rates and other home equity loan rates, which is one of the benefits. They also usually have introductory periods during which they offer an even lower rate for a certain amount of time. 

What is a HELOC?

A HELOC is a home loan that allows you to tap into your home's equity over an extended period of time. You can find out how much equity you have in your home by subtracting your remaining mortgage balance from the house's current market value. So if your house is worth $500,000 and you have $300,000 left to pay off on your mortgage, you would have $200,000 in equity. Typically you can borrow up to 85% of your equity — in this case, that's $170,000.

A HELOC functions as a revolving line of credit that you can continually access. The time period when you can draw money from your line of credit is called the draw period, and it's usually 10 years for HELOCs. This could be a good option if you need access to money, but aren't sure how much you'll need (or when you'll need it). HELOCs also tend to have lower interest rates than other types of home loans or personal loans.

If you need cash for home improvements or to pay higher education costs like tuition, a HELOC can be beneficial because you can repeatedly withdraw money over the course of your loan term. Plus, you only have to pay interest on the money that you withdraw. So, if you're approved for a HELOC of $100,000 and only withdraw $25,000, you'll only pay interest on the $25,000. 

How do HELOCs work?

Since HELOCs work like a line of credit, during the draw period you can take out money as many times as you need via check or a debit card, as long as it's below your total HELOC loan amount. You must also make minimal monthly payments, typically just for the interest that accrues during the draw period. As you repay your HELOC, this money is added back to your revolving balance (so you can continue to withdraw funds).

Once the draw period comes to an end you enter the repayment period, which usually lasts between 10 to 20 years. At this point, you cannot take more money out of your HELOC. Once you're in the repayment period, your monthly payments will go up because you must start paying back the principal (the amount you withdrew) in addition to the accrued interest.

Pros of a HELOC

  • Lower interest rates: HELOCs typically have lower interest rates than other home equity loans, personal loans or credit cards. 
  • Long draw and repayment periods: Most HELOCs let you withdraw money for as long as 10 years, and then offer an even longer repayment period (usually up to 20 years).
  • You can take the money in installments: You don't have to use all of the money available at once, and you only have to pay interest on the funds you withdraw.

Cons of a HELOC

  • You have to use your own home as collateral: If you default on a HELOC or can't make your payments, you could lose your home. When you put a house up as collateral and cannot repay your loan, the bank or lender can foreclose on your home, which means they can take ownership of your house in order to make up for the money they lost. 
  • They have variable interest rates: Your initial interest rate may be low, but HELOC rates are variable and not fixed. This means they can fluctuate depending on what's happening with the economy and the benchmark interest rate. This means your monthly payments are not predictable and can fluctuate over the course of the loan. While there are fixed-rate HELOCs, they are less common and are considered a hybrid between a HELOC and a home equity loan.
  • There may be minimum withdrawal amounts: Some HELOCs have minimal initial withdrawal amounts, which could lead you to taking out more money than planned (and having to pay back more than planned).

HELOCs vs. home equity loans

HELOCs and home equity loans both allow you to borrow against the equity you've built up in a home. With both, you take out a second home loan in addition to your mortgage. Your home is also used as collateral to secure either type of loan. A home equity loan, however, offers a lump sum of cash that you pay back in fixed monthly installments. A HELOC, on the other hand, approves you for a set loan amount and then allows you to withdraw only what you need, when you need it.

A HELOC has a variable interest rate, whereas home equity loans are fixed-rate loans. This means, you'll have a more predictable monthly payment with a home equity loan. HELOCs are much more flexible, but your monthly payments can be more unpredictable since your interest rate can fluctuate. With a HELOC, you need to make sure you can afford your monthly interest payments if your rate shoots up.

A HELOC is better if

  • You need access to credit for an extended period of time (usually 10 years)
  • You need more time to repay the loan amount
  • You want the flexibility to withdraw your money in installments and not all at once

A home equity loan is better if

  • You want a fixed interest rate
  • You want a predictable monthly repayment schedule
  • You want one lump sum of cash and know exactly how much money you need

HELOCs vs. cash-out refinances

A cash-out refinance is a different type of loan than a HELOC: You are quite literally cashing out the equity you've built up in your home over the years. It replaces your current mortgage with a new mortgage equal to your home's value, and allows you to cash out the amount you've built in equity. If your home is valued at $300,000 and you still owe $100,000 on a mortgage, the difference of $200,000 is your home equity. Lenders often let you cash out 80% of your equity ($140,000 in this case).

With a HELOC, you're also cashing out your equity, but you are taking out an additional loan alongside your current mortgage. So, you will have to make your monthly mortgage payments in addition to repaying your HELOC each month. With a cash-out refinance, you are only responsible for your mortgage payment every month. However, your mortgage payment will be more expensive because you added more money onto your mortgage when you cashed out your equity.

A cash-out refinance offers you this equity in a lump sum, whereas a HELOC lets you draw on your equity in installments and offers a yearslong line of credit.

A HELOC is better if

  • You need access to credit for an extended period of time (usually 10 years)
  • You need a longer loan repayment period
  • You want to the flexibility to withdraw your money in installments

A cash-out refinance is better if

  • You want to refinance your mortgage to a lower interest rate or shorter term
  • You want one one lump sum of cash and know the amount
  • You want one fixed monthly mortgage payment

FAQs

What is a good HELOC rate?

Anything below the average rate is typically considered a good rate for HELOCs. Currently, the average interest rate for a HELOC is 6.5%, according to Bankrate. 

How do I qualify for a HELOC?

To qualify for a HELOC, you must have good credit, at least 15% to 20% equity in your home and a debt-to-income ratio that does not exceed 43%. (Your debt-to-income ratio is your total monthly debts divided by your gross monthly income.) So, if you make $4,000 a month before taxes and pay $1,500 in debts each month, your DTI would equal 37.5%. The lower your DTI, the better your approval chances.

If you have good or excellent credit, you could lock in a lower HELOC rate closer to 3% to 5%. If you have below average credit expect to pay rates closer to 9% to 10%. Lenders usually want to see at least a 620 credit score or higher. You can be denied for a HELOC if you don't have a high enough credit score or income. You can also be denied if you don't have enough equity built up in your home. Most lenders require at least 15% to 20%. 

What can I use a HELOC for?

You can use your line of credit for almost anything, but HELOCs are typically best for people who need access to available credit over a long period of time or who will be making recurring withdrawals. For example, HELOCs are good for home improvement projects that could potentially take years or higher education expenses like tuition.

How do I apply for a HELOC?

You have to be approved for a HELOC by a bank or lender just like with your mortgage. You will need to provide financial documents like pay stubs and information about your home's value, like your loan-to-value ratio. Lenders will also run a credit check before approving you. 

In some cases, you may need to have your home appraised to confirm its current market value. It's important to interview multiple lenders to compare rates and fees in order to find one who will give you the best rates. Some experts recommend starting with the bank or lender that already holds your mortgage, but shopping around can help you compare offers. 

More mortgage tools and resources

You can use CNET's mortgage calculator to help you determine how much house you can afford. The CNET mortgage calculator factors in variables like the size of your down payment, home price and interest rate to help you figure out how large of mortgage you may be able to afford. Using the CNET mortgage calculator can help you understand how much of a difference even a slight increase in rates can make in how much interest you'll pay over the lifetime of your loan.

Compare mortgage rates:


Source

WhatsApp Status: Everything You Need To Know About The Snapchat Clone


WhatsApp Status: Everything you need to know about the Snapchat clone


WhatsApp Status: Everything you need to know about the Snapchat clone

WhatsApp is rolling out a new Status feature to all users. Instead of the text-only status that lets people know whether you're busy or available to chat, the new Status feature uses photos, text, emojis and sketches to show what you're doing. If that sounds familiar, it could be because it appears to be inspired by Snapchat.

And unlike Snapchat and Instagram, WhatsApp can protect your Status updates with end-to-end encryption.

Here's what you need to know about the new feature.

When will I get the Status feature?

Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNET

When your account gets access to Status, you won't have to download or install an app update from the App Store or Play Store -- it'll just show up.

You'll know if you have access to Status on iOS when the Contacts tab gets replaced with a camera icon (see photo above), and the far-left tab reads "Status." Android users will see a new Camera icon to the left of the Chats tab, next to a new Status tab.

Who can see my Status?

whatsapp-status-privacy.jpg
Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNET

WhatsApp includes privacy settings, giving you complete control over who sees your Status. By default, only your contacts can view your Status, but the privacy settings let you change that.

With the Status tab selected on an iPhone, tap on Privacy. Android users, tap the menu button > Status Privacy.

You are given three options:

  • My Contacts: All of your WhatsApp contacts can view your Status.
  • My Contacts Except...: Select the people you don't want to show your Status to. This still shares your Status with the rest of your Contact list.
  • Only Share With..: Select only with the contacts you want to show your Status to.

If you change your privacy settings after uploading a Status, keep in mind the new settings will only impact future updates.

Viewing your friends' Statuses is a lot like Snapchat

If you already use Snapchat Stories or Instagram Stories, then you'll feel right at home with Status. Here are the basics:

  • To view a Status uploaded by your friend, open the Status tab. A list of friends who've shared a Status will fill in.
  • Touch the screen to pause a Status, giving you more time to view it, tap to skip through a Status, or swipe left to go to the next person.
  • Swipe up on a status to reply to the the Status you are currently viewing.

...And so is updating your Status

Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNET

WhatsApp Status includes all the familiar features of Snapchat and Instagram Stories -- stickers, text captions, drawings and more. Here's how to update your Status:

  • To add a photo or video to your WhatsApp Status, open the app and tap the camera icon. Take a photo or video, or pick one from your camera roll.
  • You can draw, write and place emojis on the photo. There's also an option to add a caption that will be shown on the bottom of the photo or video as your contacts watch it.
  • Finally, tap the paper airplane icon. You can either send your Status directly to a friend, as a photo or video within a conversation thread, or you can tap My Status at the top of the list to update your Status.

Videos can go longer than 10 seconds

Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNET

Instead of limiting your video status updates to just 10 seconds (like Snapchat), videos you record and share as a Status can be as long as 45 seconds.

And you can upload GIFs!

In the year 2017, supporting animated images, or GIFs, in an app is a requirement. As such, WhatsApp Status will accept GIFs you've saved to your camera roll or photos app. Select a GIF, trim it down if you need to, and share just as you would a regular, boring, photo or video.

Your Status will remain active for 24 hours, after which it disappears.

Sadly, there doesn't appear to be a way to save a Status to your phone. Whatever you capture and create in WhatsApp is limited to WhatsApp.

Find out who's viewing your Status

A view counter is placed at the bottom of your screen, showing you how many people have watched or looked at your status. You can swipe up on the screen to view a list of contact names who have viewed your Status.

You can get away with screenshots

Unlike Snapchat, WhatsApp does not alert you when a contact takes a screenshot of your Status. In other words, be conscious of exactly what you are sharing to your Status, just because it disappears from your Status after 24 hours doesn't mean no one saved a copy.

Check out our complete guide to Instagram Stories.

Snapchat's Spectacles are now available for purchase online. Here's our review.


Source

Tags:

Your Teflon Cookware Could Be Toxic. Here's How To Tell


Your teflon cookware could be toxic here s how a charitable your teflon cookware could be toxic here s how shiba inu your teflon cookware could be toxic here s to the ones that we got your teflon cookware could be toxic here s looking at you kid quote your teflon cookware coating your teflon don your teflon sheet your teflon washers your teflon definition
Your Teflon Cookware Could Be Toxic. Here's How to Tell


Your Teflon Cookware Could Be Toxic. Here's How to Tell

This story is part of Home Tips, CNET's collection of practical advice for getting the most out of your home, inside and out.

Teflon is one cookware surface with a good deal of fuzziness around it. Many folks I talk to want to know if nonstick and Teflon-coated cookware is safe to use. The answer is mostly yes, these days, but it's not quite that simple. 

CNET Home Tips logo

Nonstick coating is a popular choice, especially for frying pans and skillets. But there are also Teflon-coated pots, bakeware, air fryer baskets and plenty more. The big draw is, of course, that food won't stick to it the way it does to other metal materials so it's easy to flip a pancake or extract an egg. It also makes cleanup a snap.

One downside is that nonstick cookware doesn't impart a ton of direct surface heat hot, so you won't be able to sear meat well and get that coveted crispy crust or seal in flavor. It's also sensitive, and the nonstick coating will chip off and wear out over time. But the biggest worry people have when it comes to Teflon and nonstick cookware is whether or not it's safe to use or potentially toxic. 

Here's what you should know about Teflon, and how to tell if your nonstick pan is good to go or needs to be replaced.

Read moreA Guide to Nonstick Cookware

What is Teflon, and is it safe to cook with?

Teflon is a brand name for a synthetic chemical called polytetrafluoroethylene that's used in many household products from wire coatings to fabric protectors and kitchen cookware, too. The knock on Teflon is that it's unsafe if consumed or absorbed into the body and can increase the chances of cancer and other diseases. While studies have shown some connections (more on that below), Teflon still exists and is used to make cookware, but the safety concerns around Teflon are mostly a thing of the past. 

And I stress mostly. Here's why…

While the brand Teflon may be associated with a risk of cancer, it's actually a chemical formerly used in the making of Teflon called PFOA that's to blame. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, perfluorooctanoic acid, or PFOA, is a manufactured perfluorochemical developed in the 1930s and used to make fluoropolymer coatings and products that resist heat, oil, stains, grease and water. 

j1400664-nonstick-outdoor-grill-basket-alt1.png

Thanks to a federal ban, all Teflon and nonstick cookware made after 2013 should be free of harmful PFOA. Europe enacted the same ban in 2008.

Home and Cook

What are the negative effects of PFOA?

In some studies, PFOA has been linked to cancer, immune deficiency and a host of other medical problems. It has also been shown to affect growth and development, and injure the liver in laboratory animals.

As recently as 2017, chemical giant Dupont settled a lawsuit for more than $670 million for its role in contaminating drinking water with PFOA (also referred to as C-8) in the mid-Ohio Valley. A previous class-action suit from 2004 in the same area led to a study that found PFOA was linked to cancer and compromised immune function, even in small doses. 

Teflon cookware made before 2013 may be toxic

All that was enough for most manufacturers to halt the production of nonstick coatings using PFOA around 2002. But Teflon using PFOA wasn't officially banned in the United States until 2014. Europe banned it in 2008. That means if you own Teflon nonstick cookware from 2013 or earlier, there's a chance it contains PFOA. Nine years is typically longer than the average lifespan of a nonstick pan, but if you're not sure, it's probably best to replace any Teflon-coated pots or pans. 

Look for PFOA-free cookware

Because of the ban, all nonstick cookware made in the US should be PFOA-free, but you'd be wise to make sure. Be extra cautious about buying cheap or off-brand cookware, especially if it's not produced in a country with an active PFOA ban. PFOA is still produced elsewhere, largely in China, and used to make consumer products. 

The good news is PFOA-free nonstick cookware is cheap, so there's no reason to risk it with anything that might contain the chemical. You can nab a 10-inch skillet from a trusted cookware brand like Tramontina for around $20. All-Clad makes a two-piece nonstick cookware set for $50. Definitely worth it for peace of mind. 

Read moreBest Nonstick Frying Pans, Tested and Reviewed

always-pan.png

The Always Pan is a nonstick ceramic alternative to Teflon cookware.

Our Place

The best natural nonstick cookware alternatives

If you're ready to ditch Teflon and chemical-based nonstick pots and pans altogether, there are plenty of more natural nonstick alternatives. 

The most nonstick of the bunch is ceramic cookware, which has seen a boom in popularity since concerns about Teflon first surfaced. A few popular ceramic cookware options include The Always Pan (read my full review here), Caraway and Greenpan.

Cast iron is another cookware material that develops a natural nonstick coating over time, especially if you season it well and care for it properly. It won't likely ever become as nonstick as Teflon, but cast iron has loads of other culinary benefits that are worthy of a few extra seconds scrubbing in the sink after use. Lodge is a tried-and-true cast-iron cookware producer: You can scoop up a 10-inch skillet for as little as $24.

food-breakfast-eggs-1278

Cast iron develops a nonstick patina over time and is a natural alternative to Teflon. 

Angela Lang/CNET

Carbon steel is yet another option and functions similarly to cast-iron cookware, although it's not quite as heavy, slightly more sensitive to corrosion and typically more expensive. Carbon steel hasn't really popped off here in the US but is a favorite of professional chefs, as well as yours truly. Cookware startup Made In produces an excellent blue carbon steel skillet for around $80, but there are cheaper options out there.

More helpful kitchen tips


Source

Search This Blog

Menu Halaman Statis

close