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Socket Connection Issue 77 - June 2017
How to Get Started With 3D Printing
When 3D printers first hit the market, they were huge, pricey devices reserved for large corporations and dedicated enthusiasts.

Today, 3D printers are not only significantly smaller - they're more affordable, too. Here's how they work, and how to get started.

Continue Reading Below...
Dear Techie: How Can I Tell If Someone's On My Wifi? 
Unauthorized users could access your personal files.
Socket Sponsors the 2017 Mid Missouri Soap Box Derby!
 Congratulations to our driver, Elizabeth, on her first run!
Socketeer Spotlight: Frank Stefanizzi!
Meet Socket's You-Make-The-Difference Award Winner for May!
Top Three Sites of the Month
Story Continued...
 
3D printing, or "additive manufacturing," is the process of creating a three-dimensional, solid object from a digital file. Layers of material are essentially printed on top of each other, until the layers form a cohesive whole.

The starting point is a virtual 3D model of the object you'd like to create. While industrial software for creating these models can cost thousands of dollars a year, there are more affordable (or even free) options like Blender and Tinkercad, which also offer free tutorials for beginners.

With a little creativity, you can design and print off almost anything you can think of - toys, custom chip clips, a replacement part for your coffee maker. (Check out some of these projects that hobbyists have already created for a little inspiration!)

If you've decided 3D printing is for you, there are more affordable options than ever. The Monoprice Select Mini and XYZprinting da Vinci Mini both come in under the price of the average video game console, and the FlashForge Finder, while approaching $500, is still reasonably priced for all the features it boasts.

If those are all a little pricey for experimentation, there are also online printing services that will ship your finished product to you. Shapeways, Sculpteo and Ponoko are just a few of the companies that accept custom orders.

Dear Techie: How Can I Tell If Someone's On My Wifi?

Having unwelcome neighbors mooching off your WiFi is annoying, sure. But there's also the risk of strangers accessing your shared files and personal information.

If you notice your wireless connection slowing down, there are a few ways to see if you have any WiFi pirates nearby:
  • Log in to your router and check each connected device. This is usually listed under "My Network," "Attached Devices" or "Device List." Make sure you recognize everything connected (and don't forget about your phones, consoles or streaming devices).
  • Another method is to physically disconnect or power off your devices, and then check the indicator light on your router. If the activity light is still blinking, the connection is still being used.
  • Change your password. If your connection speed jumps back up after a password roll, you may have kicked a pirate off the connection.
It's always a good idea to make sure your router's secured with WPA encryption and protected with a strong password that's periodically changed. Most mooches are looking for any nearby network with a simple (or, better yet, no) password. Make them work even a little bit, and you'll likely prevent most bad actors from even trying.

Information contained in 'Dear Techie' is intended as general advice. If you'd like more information or assistance, please contact Socket's Technical Support team at 1-800-762-5383.

Socket Sponsors the 2017 Mid Missouri Soap Box Derby

The Socket Rocket made another appearance this year at the Mid Missouri Soap Box Derby in downtown Columbia, flying down a large blocked-off section of Broadway. Our driver this year, Elizabeth Connon, inherited the car from her older brother Michael, who has been racing it the past few years.


She and her competition were racing for a spot at the International Soap Box Derby in Akron, OH. This is Socket's seventh year sponsoring the Mid Missouri Soap Box Derby, which teaches the kids about sportsmanship, science, technology, engineering, math, and basic safe driving skills. We love watching the cars in action, and congrats to all the racers who participated this year!

Socketeer Spotlight: Frank Stefanizzi, Field Services Technician

Congratulations to Frank Stefanizzi, Socket’s You-Make-The-Difference Award Winner for May!

Originally from Guttenberg, New Jersey, Frank moved to Missouri back in 2001. When his friend and former co-worker, Dave Giles, told him about his new job at Socket, Frank decided to apply too – and he’s been a valuable member of the team since. In fact, this is his second time winning the award!

“He’s always ready to tackle any job we give him,” said a co-worker who’d nominated him. “A real team player!”

“He makes fiber sparkle,” said another.

While Frank enjoys fishing and hunting, he probably doesn’t have as much time for it as he did last time he won this award – he and his wife now have a son, who “loves dogs, so I guess we’re getting a dog soon!”

“Socket’s a great place to work,” said Frank. “You’ve got great coworkers, and everyone’s willing to help when you’re in a pickle. I’m grateful and honored to have won.”

Congratulations, Frank!

Sites of the Month:

Three great websites to check out this month:

Meh: (meh.com)
Deal of the day site, with lovely color commentary on the item for sale. Even if you're not a big bargain shopper, the sales pitch is still entertaining. 


Gnoosic: (gnoosic.com)
Enter in three bands or musicians you enjoy. This database will suggest new bands for you based on other users' answers.


What The Font: (myfonts.com/WhatTheFont)
Need to match the fonts on an image? Upload it, and this site will determine which font it is.  

 
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