$8 per month for unlimited video streamed to your computer, mobile device, or TV. Are you ready to “cut the cord” yet?
Google tracks consumers’ online activities across products, and users can’t opt out – The Washington Post
Are you going to switch your Gmail account now? Will you be less likely to use Google services ?
Google to merge user data across its services – CNN.com
Google to merge user data across its services – CNN.com.
So what do you think? Is Google violating your privacy? Are you worried about them compiling a ‘super profile’ of you?
iPhone stops the orchestra
Yes, it really happened last week — to a childish streak of laugher deep inside me. Major newspapers, websites, and TV broadcasts covered the front row patron at the New York Philharmonic STOPPING THE SHOW. If you are hearing this for the first time, you are in for a treat. The conductor literally halted everything and ordered the man to silence his phone. It came within a hair of the main being asked to leave by security.
All of those details have been well publicized, but here is the technical take on the situation.
The guest was using an iPhone. Even if you’ve never owned one, you know it is one of the most popular phones on the planet. He actually tried to be courteous, but he only went halfway As with any cell phone — you can keep the device on, but turn the volume all the way down to silent.
The patron actually did this!! Good for him, right? Well, not exactly. He had an evening alarm set to go off and on an iPhone alarms will go off even if you have everything else silenced. It makes sense because there may be times when you don’t want to be disturbed with any calls but you still need to wake up at a certain time.
We live in a connected world. For some of us, we cannot turn our phones off, ever. Sick loved ones may be calling, doctors may get called for an emergency surgery, or a child is in trouble. However, please please, make sure your ringer is on silent and the ALARMS ARE OFF!
Genius Bar Secrets Revealed
This short 12 step slideshow from Business Insider shows you how to get the best service from the Genius Bar at the Apple Store.
The Genius Bar is the in-store technical service desk at the Apple Store. If your Mac or Apple device is still under warranty, this is a good first stop for dealing with hardware issues.
For all new Macs, you can buy Apple Care (the extended warranty) within the first year. I wouldn’t recommend buying a new Mac unless you buy Apple Care.
For all software or out of warranty issues, I am your go to guy!
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Microsoft lays IE6 to rest in the United States
Microsoft lays IE6 to rest in the United States.
It’s about time!! I hope none of you are still using Internet Explorer 6 in Windows XP.
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New Years Resolutions For Your Computer
Happy New Year Everyone!!
Whether you are a Mac user or a Windows user — here are some things you really need to consider for 2012, if you haven’t already…
1. Backup, backup, backup
I can’t stress this topic again and will make a point of it at every appointment we have in the new year if you don’t have a good backup system in place. With that said, if you use your computer for e-mail and internet ONLY and check your email on the internet (web based) — your need for a backup system is greatly diminished.
There are two types of backup systems A) physical – to an external hard drive and B) virtual — to an online backup server. I would suggest that you must do A. and if you are really serious about your backups you may want to have a second physical backup and do B) the online backup.
- If there are multiple computers in your home that would benefit from regular backups I would strongly suggest a backup drive that is connected to your Internet router that will allow everyone to back up to it automatically. There is one such product I have in mind —
the APPLE Time Capsule — http://store.apple.com/us/product/MD032/Time-Capsule-2TB
The 2 GB Time Capsule sells for $299 and is compatible with computers running Windows XP (SP3) and later and Mac OS 10.5.7 and later. Occasionally there are Time Capsules on sale in the Deals section of the Apple Store website (ex. $229 – $249).
- If you want an extra backup on your own personal computer or only have one computer to back up — then just purchase an external hard drive that you plug into your system — typically via USB. Top choices in this product line are sold by LaCie and Other World Computing. They will work on both Mac and Windows computers.
Macs with OS 10.5 and up benefit from having Time Machine built in — an automatic backup software that is easy to use. Windows 7 also has backup software built in that will suffice for most. Windows XP and Vista do not have great backup software built in for a single external hard drive. Please feel free to ask about this or check out one of the Lacie hard drives below, which includes backup software.
For specific models of single external hard drives I would recommend….
http://www.lacie.com/us/products/product.htm?id=10445
http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Other%20World%20Computing/MAU4S7S1TB32/
**Steer clear of bargain basement external hard drives sold by Seagate, Western Digital and other big box store brands UNLESS they will back their product with a 3-year warranty.
-If you are really serious about your backups, you should consider an online backup service to go with your hard drive based backup. One service and one service only comes to mind. CARBONITE. You have have heard it advertised over the radio. They are a U.S. based company and charge $60 per year. http://www.carbonite.com Mac and Windows compatible. They have excellent e-mail based support. Use the promo code “RUSH” when purchasing to get 14 months instead of a 12 month subscription.
2. Anti Virus and Security Software
2011 became the year when Mac users really need to take security seriously, for the first time in a long time. Since viruses and malware are still less of a threat on the whole for Mac users, I will address you first. At the very least please consider the WONDERFUL anti-virus program made available for FREE by Sophos. If you are not going to buy a program — then use this one. Please! (Power PC or Intel Macs – 10.4 or later) http://www.sophos.com/en-us/products/free-tools/sophos-antivirus-for-mac-home-edition.aspx
However, if you are a Mac user and want a security program with actual support when something goes wrong — then choose Virus Barrier by Intego http://www.intego.com/virusbarrier/ This is a great solution for a single Mac. Please see the write up on Sophos below, if you have 3 computers including one or more Macs.
-And now on to what you really want to know — What security programs do you recommend for Windows? Well I recommend one that is going to support their customers when something goes wrong — so that you only have to bring in a specialist like me as a last line of defense.
A year ago, I recommended ESET, Kaspersky and AVAST as fine choices in the area of Windows protection. I don’t recommend the free Norton provided by Comcast, McAfee or any other products. Very few of these companies provide phone support when something goes wrong.
Today, I can only faithfully recommend 2 products for Windows systems or Windows / Mac mixed environments.
Kaspersky — They have provided security suite software for a long time. They provide prompt e-mail based support when you have registration and installation issues. They provide phone based support when you have an actual attack on your computer.
Recommended product: One Universal Security http://usa.kaspersky.com/products-services/home-computer-security/one
$99.95 / per year, covers up to 5 Windows / Mac computers. (If you are only securing Windows computers, their Internet Security product is about $20 less per year.)
Sophos — mentioned above in the Mac section, Sophos has been providing security solutions for businesses with very positive reviews for many years. Their U.S. headquarters is in Burlington, MA. They provide 24/7 phone support. Sophos Computer Security is meant for environments of 3 computers or more (Windows or Mac) but there is no reason that precludes you from using it in your home.
Recommended product: Sophos Computer Security http://www.sophos.com/en-us/products/endpoint/small-business-solutions/computer-security.aspx $124 per year, total, for 3 computers. Extra computers can be protected for an additional fee.
This e-mail has been chock full of information, so I will leave it as is for right now. Please feel free to ask me about Backups and Anti Virus solutions and how I can implement something to work for you!!
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Apple had a prototype touchscreen phone in 1983 – New Tech Gadgets & Electronic Devices | Geek.com
Apple had a prototype touchscreen phone in 1983 – New Tech Gadgets & Electronic Devices | Geek.com.
Geniuses — ahead of their time …..
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Verizon Wireless Cancels $2 ‘Convenience Fee’ After Backlash – Businessweek
Verizon Wireless Cancels $2 ‘Convenience Fee’ After Backlash – Businessweek.
This is great news for Verizon customers and a positive response to the voice of the customer.
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Update to Verizon 2 dollar fee situation
From today’s All Things Digital article by Lauren Goode:
Verizon Introduces “Convenience Fee” for Some Online, Phone Payments
Excerpt:
Customers can avoid the new fee by enrolling in Auto Pay — or by paying by e-check, online directly from their bank Web site, at a Verizon Wireless store, using a Verizon Wireless gift card or rebate, or by good old-fashioned check or money order.
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