18 WebsiteCompass FAQs Ask Dr. Webbie Answers your frequently asked questions QUESTION: Why do I sometimes see “Error 404” when I click on a link? ANSWER: Error 404, also known as a “404 Not Found” error, is a common message you might see when trying to visit a webpage. It simply means that the page you’re looking for can’t be found on the website’s server. You can think of it like asking a librarian for a book that used to be on the shelf, but isn’t there anymore—the library still exists, but that particular book is missing. Here are common reasons why you might see a 404 error: 1. The webpage has been removed or moved. Sometimes website owners delete or relocate pages without setting up a proper redirect, so your browser doesn’t know where to go. 2. You typed the wrong web address (URL). A small typo in the link can lead to a page that doesn’t exist. 3. The link you clicked is outdated. If a website hasn’t been updated in a while, its links might point to pages that no longer exist. A 404 error doesn’t mean your device or internet connection is broken. It’s more like a dead end on the internet. Many websites customize their 404 pages with helpful suggestions or links back to their homepage, making it easier for you to find what you’re looking for. In short, a 404 error is just the web’s way of saying, “That page isn’t here anymore.” It’s annoying, but harmless. QUESTION: How prevalent are smart home devices these days? ANSWER: Parks Associates, a market research and consulting company, has been tracking and analyzing the home automation space for almost 40 years. The average U.S. internet household has about 17 connected devices, and according to Parks’ research, about 45% of U.S. internet households now own at least one smart home device. Most of that comes in consumer electronics (CE), not counting smart speakers and TV displays, but they do count connected devices such as lights, locks, thermostats, video doorbells, cameras, and garage door openers as well as things like health devices or connected fitness equipment. The usage of these devices has changed significantly over the last several years. In 2018 before the pandemic, about 60% of smart home device owners self-identified as innovators and were one of the first people to go out and buy new technology. That’s down to just 11% of all smart home device owners today. It’s become much more mainstream to use smart home devices, and they continue to grow in popularity. This is largely due to their ability to provide increased efficiency, convenience, and safety. One trend in the U.S. smart home market is the proliferation of voice-controlled devices and virtual assistants. Consumers like to control various aspects of their homes through voice commands. Additionally, the focus on sustainability and energy efficiency is driving the adoption of smart thermostats, lighting systems, and appliances that help reduce energy consumption.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTMzNDE=