Recent Virus Warnings

Recently, there have been a few virus warning msgs circulating. These tend to confuse the average Internet user as they are not sure how to respond.

In all instances this year i am aware of, they are false alarms ... if you maintain current anti-virus pgm.

Of course, anti-virus manufacturers don't object to these circulating 'dire' warnings.

My advice is to not continue circulation of these old warnings.

Careful use of e-mail includes these standard practices:

a .ensuring your anti-virus pgm is current,

b. don't open any mail from someone you don't know,

c. don't click on any link in an e-mail unless you know what it is and someone else has clicked on it without incident,

d. if still unsure, send me an e-mail before clicking or opening one you are unsure of.

Pls update your anti- virus pgm at least weekly or before accessing your e-mail if away for a long tome.

Here are a few of the recent circulating dire warnings that all good anti-virus pgms are aware of:

1. Here you have...

2. Here it is

3. Just for you

AVG is at it again

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10/18/10 - Every once in a while, AVG tries to encourage users to buy their product. They are at it again with this ad.

Just to see what happens, i followed their guidance and did the install ... only to find i would need to pay for it.

So i did the expected - i began to deleted the product.

To my surprise, AVG asked if i wanted to easily convert their Anti-Virus 2011 to the free 2011 version.

I was then immediately/quickly changed to the free AVG version.

You can look at this a few ways:

1. I have too much time on my hands to play with these marketing ploys

2. Before taking any action, ask someone who has the free version what they did

3. You could ignore the ad and continue with the free version installed

My advice is to not take any action to convert a FREE app to a PAID for app until checking further.

BTW, there are still a few very good FREE anti-virus applications available.

I continue to favour AVG as it is it has more auto features than the others ... but you still need to periodically update your definitions database (by just clicking on "update now" every couple of weeks).

iPhone Location Indicator

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10/17/10 - Do you know about location services on your iPhone?

Quite a few apps ask if they can use your current location (golf GPS, road GPS, maps, camera, etc) and you need to allow or disallow. Once you have done this, the app will not ask you again.

As per the attached, it may be not wise to allow or, more importantly, it may be wise to manage this allowable indicator.

In my case, to ensure good battery life (the iPhone battery is not very good), I disable Location Services, Bluetooth, Data Roaming, Auto-Brightness, Sounds Vibrate, and Rings Vibrate.

Turning off Location Services on your iPhone will protect youtr privacy.

Location Services can be turned on and off. When I need a specific Location Service (GPS or map related), I turn Location Services on (with only that specific app enabled). When finished with that app, I turn Location Services off.

This practice has greatly increased my battery life.

Settings -> General -> Location Services -> a specific app

Rogers iPhone Repair Problem

Bottom line - go to the Apple store for any problem with your Rogers iPhone

10.07.10 11am update - problem finally resolved. Went back to the Apple store again for another iPhone ... they had given me an AT&T prepped iPhone yesterday ... and said they were sorry.

As trusting as i have become with lack of technical competence, i took my laptop with me to sync the new iPhone with iTunes. It worked!

I was so pleased to have it resolved, I didn't ask for any compensation.

I haven't told Rogers ... will wait until they advise my replacement iPhone is in stock to tell them it is not required.

10.06.10 5pm update - I was successful in replacing my iPhone at the Apple Store ... even though Rogers told me I had to go thru Rogers Technical Support to replace the iPhone.

However, now Apple has created a problem and my iPhone doesn't appear to be mine ... and I need to return to the Apple store with Rogers iPhone proof-of-purchase. One does need a sense of humour when dealing with phone service companies.

I was informed I just needed to restore my apps and everything would be back to normal.

As you might have guessed, the restore didn't work and in addition it appears the SIM card is not valid (I am told it is an AT&T card).

When i called the store, i was advised i had to return to the store and bring my Rogers iPhone proof-of-purchase. Do they think i stole the iPhone from an AT&T customer??

I think they neglected to move my SIM card to the replacement iPhone.

Back to the Apple store tomorrow morning ... what will happen next??

10.06.10 3pm - I am spending approx 5 hours today with Rogers and Apple trying to repair my iPhone 3Gs.

"No Service" appears most of the time, instead of "Rogers", in the upper left corner.

This has to do with the modem not consistently receiving the Rogers 3Gs signal.

It only seems to work when i drive by Rogers' main office on Bloor.

On Sept 24th, I contacted Rogers with this problem and was advised a swap would happen and i would receive a free replacement in 3-5 business days. Being Friday, this meant waiting until the following Friday, without service, for a replacement. I asked them to try hard to deliver it as soon as possible.

Having confidence in Rogers - first mistake - i waiting until the Friday to call them back ... only to discover the replacment order hadn't been placed!

This time, i was advised 3-5 business days once again.

Getting wiser about Rogers infamous service, i escalated from tech support to customer care, when i called on the Monday and was advised of a UPS tracking number. I was advised i should receive the replacement in the next couple of days.

Getting wiser about "Rogers' service", I called this morning and escalated to customer service (from customer care) and then escalated to a manager in customer service and discovered there was no tracking number (even tho they gave me one) and the replacement iPhones were "out of stock" and i would need to wait until they were again in stock.

Getting wiser about the lack of Rogers service, i indicated i wasn't satisfied with "waiting until a replacement was in stock".

The manager, when pressed, indicated i could go to the Rogers store and buy a phone (for less than $100) on an pay-as-you-go service plan and fax the bill to them for a customer credit and use this phone until me iPhone replacement arrives.

Getting even wiser about lack of Rogers customer service, expertise and care, i asked how i would be notified when the replacements were in stock and discovered i would need to check with them daily!

So, to net it out, the iPhone became defective (for no known reason) and I need to go without one until they restock ... but continue to pay for it!

Needless to say, i am getting very proficient in dealing with Rogers by now and demanded a reduction in monthly fees. They agreed to not charge for my data plan for the month ($25). Not being satisfied, once the replacement happens, i will go after more.

As i am stuck with Rogers until the end of the contract, (2.5 years from now), i intend to make life miserable for them, on a continuing basis, for this time period.

Not done yet. I decided to go to the Apple store and am now waiting (1.5 hours) to be served and will try for a replacement from them, as a hardware error situation.

BTW, Rogers advised i could NOT go to the Apple store to resolve the problem, as it was a Rogers technical problem and had to be resolved by the Rogers Technical Support division.

I don't know how i would have proceeded solving this problem, if i was a working person...

RIM has a tough decision to make

08/17/10 - in the Star today.

Is this the beginning of the end for RIM?

Are they giving in to India and allowing government access to user e-mails?
Will it mean every country will have access to user e-mails?
The main reason for gov't access is to screen for terrorist activities... which will happen regardless in "those" countries.
If RIM decides not to concede, it would lose a lot of future sales and this is not the mandate of any profitable corporation.

Somehow, RIM needs to find a middle-ground solution that satisfies everyone.

Talk about gobbledygook ... RIM indicates "maintains a consistent global standard for lawful access requirements that does not include special deals for specific countries".

It will be interesting to see how this concludes ... increased sales of iPhones?

As the financial advisers would say "RIM is not a good buy at this time".

Very helpful and free tool - installer

This is the best free application I have seen for installing free and very useful tools on your PC.

It checks what you have installed and lets you know what else is available (and free) and will automatically install the ones you select.

Try it out and let me know if you have any questions.

where newspapers fit in with the younger generation

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Doonesbury seems to sum it up nicely.

Keeping Your Software Up-to-date

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Not that it is critical to the operation of your computer, but if you like to keep your computer up-to-date, this free TechTracker tool from CNET is very easy to use.

Just sign up and it will install a small app on your taskbar that will automatically (when you start your computer) check your software for non-current versions. It will then direct you to a website that lists the out-of-date software and allows you to click on the update.

As I am not comfortable with apps running on their own, I change the setting to run when I want.

There are other tools that perform the same task but I think this one has less performance impact and better ease-of-use.

If you have any questions about this tool, let me know.

Mini USB Vacuum Cleaner

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Great little tool for cleaning your computer keyboard ond any other small device.

It connects to your computer USB and doesn't use batteries.

It is $5.99 at HomeSense.

iPhone - best apps from the App Store

One thing that enables iPhone to stand apart from other smart phones is the Apple Apps Store and access to it via iTunes for downloading many apps (well over 100,000 now) and a lot of them are free. Just click on the Apps Store icon and download immediately (charge occurs before you buy).

An excellent feature that comes with the iPhone is the ability to manage multiple e-mail accounts from one screen ... no more signing in with userid and password every time you need to see a different e-mail account.

The best two apps i have downloaded so far are:

1. MotionX GPS Drive - This GPS app compares very favourably with Garmin GPS. At a price of $.99 (total initial cost), the GPS manufacturers need to worry NOW! I use it in my car instead of the Garmin (now in Helen's car). At the end of the first month, all users need to pay a $25/year charge for text-to-speech or continue with the app without voice guidance. It is still the best price performer, in my opinion! The only other cost is the Rogers usage charge (very small).

2. GolfCard - This GPS app compares very favourably with the$300-$400 stand-alone golf devices. It cost $9.99 and updates are free ... no additional charges. I have used it at Bushwood and it has helped my game ... won't play without it in future.

Here are a few other FREE apps I am now using:

1. GlobeConvert - currency converter - easy to use anf helpful for cooking recipes

2. weather - from the WeatherChannel - readily shows various cities you set up

3. stock markets - Yahoo Finance - easy view of markets

4. MotionX GPS Lite - great when walking, hiking or nike ridingi

5. Yellow Pages - (from the App Store on your iPhone) always useful

6. Alarm Clock - useful when using the stand charger at night

8. Hipstamatic - $1.99 - std camera doesn't have features

9. Camera Plus - lets you zoom, has a count down timer and more

iPhone - Things to Purchase on eBay

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06/22/11 - Do not try to install a larger battery in the 3GS model, as it is very difficult and can cause the phone to not work correctly.

Apple has made it very difficult by placing the battery under everything and they charge approx $90 to replace it via a qualified repair person.

by being selective about what functions are running, you can ensure thre battery will last at least one complete day.

05/21/10 - The FM Transmitter and Charger is a very good buy at $5.65 (includes shipping) and has the best reception I have seen on these devices. Just plug into your iPhone and cigarette lighter and your iPhone is charging while you listen to your iPod songs.

04/28/10 - The cable and charging dock is now my new iPhone charger and alarm clock. It goes into the stand each night ... no need to worry about battery getting low. $3.45 (includes delivery).

04/16/10 - The first car windshield mount is rigid but shorter. The second one has a flexible neck. Both are very helpful in keeping the iPhone accessible ... especially for hands-free calls and GPS (see $.99 GPS app purchase).

The Rubber case is also quite useful and keeps the iPhone from sliding around.

The waterproof case will be useful in the rain or when in a canoe.

04/08/10 - After a few weeks with the iPhone, I am very satisfied with its features and performance. The only criticism is battery longevity

One of my purchases (below) is a replacemet battery with 50% longer charge time than the original ... $4.99 total cost. Better than the battery replacement program offered by Apple ($80 before taxes).

03/28/10 - Here is a list of things I have purchased lately on eBay ... along with the price (total) I paid.

As you can see, retail stores cannot come close to these prices.

At these prices, you would think the quality is sub-standard but that is not the case. Quality has been exceptional (in most cases). I don't understand how they make money at these prices.

However, if you haven't used eBay before, there are some things you need to understand to be confident you won't make a mistake. Let me know if you want some assistance/guidance.

1. Screen Lens Glass Replacement - $4.42 - in case of scratches

2. External 1900mAh Backup Battery +Cable - $9.09 - in case i run out of battery and can't charge

3. White Silicone Skin Case cover - $.99 - protects and non-slip

4. HOT HARD Case Skin Cover - $2.31 - bid a little high on this one

5. 6 PCS Clear Screen Protector Cover - $.83 - protect from scratches

6. Rubber iPhone skin Cover - $.31 - backup to other silicone skin

7. Waterproof Case Pouch + Armband - $3.98 - good to 20M depth

8. Car Mount Holder Stand Cradle - $5.06 - firm mount to the windshield

9. Larger Battery - $4.99 - 1600 mAh vs 1220 mAh - original battery doesn't last very long under certain conditions

10. Mini Car Charger (USB) - $2.00 - charge your iPhone quickly with this cigarette lighter adapter

11. Car Holder With Vent Clips - $2.00 - holds iPhone to windshield

12. USB Cable & Dock, Black - $2.00 - use as a charger and bedside alarm clock

13. MP3 car cable - $2.59 - connect to car MP3 player

14. FM Transmitter and charger - $5.65 - for cars without MP3 player ability

15. Belt Clip - $2.00 - easy access (golf course, hiking with GPS, etc)

iPhone - Putting songs on iPhone

05.16.11: This is an updated blog item from 2010.

I do this this on my 3GS iPhone periodically.

This is for Windows 7 users only.

iTunes may try to suggest you buy their songs in order to add to your iPhone ... but that is not the case.

As you are aware, iPhones have an IPod section where all your songs are contained. Apple tries to make it a problem to add your songs (vs their paid-for songs). 

Here are the steps to move your PC songs to your iPhone:

1. start iTunes on your desktop but don't connect the USB cable yet

2. to add a folder of songs on your PC to the iTunes Music folder, in iTunes, go to" File" - "Add Folder to Library" - select the folder and click on "select folder" and it will move all the songs in that folder

To add a song to the iTunes Music library in iTunes, go to "File" - "Add File to Library" - then select the specific MP3 file

3. when you have included all the songs, attach the USB cable from your PC to your iPhone

4. If you have automatically allowed sync (which you shouldn't) it will begin to sync immediately. Otherwise, right-click "DEVICES" in iTunes (see pic) and select "sync".

4. selective sync of music items (aka moving songs to your iPhone from your PC) is now happening (see pic)

6. when sync has finished (may take a while), unplug the iPhone

iPhone - Jailbreak and Unlock

These jailbreak and unlock procedures allow for enabling 3rd party apps to be installed on your 3Gs iPhone (jailbreak) and enabling use with any other carrier supporting iPhones (unlock).

The first thing to understand is iTunes controls your 3Gs iPhone.

iTunes also enables you to restore your original factory software.

iTunes is the method for synchronizing your 3Gs iPhone with your PC.

iTunes is your connection to the iPhone apps store .

Be sure you have the current version of iTunes installed on your PC, before considering jailbreaking and/or unlocking.

Further down in this item, you will see how to move songs from your PC to iTunes and then to your 3Gs iPhone.

Caveats:

Do not undertake jailbreak and unlock, if you are concerned about warranty of your 3Gs iPhone while jailbroken.

Do not consider, if you have concerns about not keeping your iPhone to factory specifications ... and are in doubt about the legality.

You can easily restore your warranty approved system via iTunes, at any time.

Reasons to Jailbreak:

• install 3rd party applications rejected by Apple
• video recording
• changing the look and feel with custom graphics and themes
• free tethering
• enable unlocking your iPhone

Reasons to Unlock:

• international use
• use with other north american 3Gs iPhone carriers

How To Jailbreak and then Unlock a 3Gs iPhone

1. check your 3GS iPhone settings for Version and Firmware (Settings -> General -> About)

2. 05/05/10 - there is now a procedure for 3GS Version 3.1.3 but I suggest waiting a few weeks before reviewing further

2. Review the differences between jailbreak and unlock

3. If your Version is 3.1.2, follow the procedure for jailbreaking a 3GS iPhone with Version 3.1.2

4. To then unlock Version 3.1.2, initiate Sn0w (step 8 in the above procedure)

If you run into any problem, go to the iPhone Blog Forum and check previous problems/answers and ask your question.

Internet Explorer 8 slow?

If you find Internet Explorer 8 is slow to start and slow to resolve new pages, here is an easy solution (WinXP, Vista).
Download the file (as indicated) to your desktop and double-click it.

CrystalDiskInfo - check your hard drives

15.04.20: Just a reminder what CrystalDiskInfo does for you. 

One of the features is total time the disk has been running. This should also remind you to run a backup of your data on this drive. 

If you suspect a problem may occur (computer running slower than normal or freezing), run CrystalDiskInfo. 

As you can see in the first pic, there is no problem with this hard drive (Blue Cool).
However, the second pic shows my other hard drive and it has a Yellow Caution indicator. It also has been in use for 18,000 hrs. That about 750 days of use.

Time to run the SCAN feature of the free Advanced SystemCare app and ensure Disc Scan is selected. You can also run the Disk Doctor item in the Toolbox section for mre detailed analysis of the hard drive.

It is essential to immediately backup up all your important data if a drive has a yellow caution indicator, as it could become non-accessible at any time. 

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01/29/10 - My last post referred to this free tool that analyzes your hard drives (including temperature), to let you know if a problem may happen in the near future.

The yellow Caution indicates it is time to take action. 

There is guidance on what to do when you suspect a hard drive problem at my computer assistance site.

support sites for Vista and WinXP and Win7

There are a few sites on the Web to provide you support for various types of problems.


01/29/10 - Here are a few:


1. Vista Tips


2. Windows Tools - create a new folder on the desktop and rename it to Tools.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}


3. Speed up Internet Explorer (really works!):

• increase connections - click and save this file to your desktop, double-click it to install it, restart your computer and see how much faster your browser responds

3. Speed up Internet Explorer 8

hard drive possible problem?

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01/29/10 - Glad I followed my advice ... blue screen of death and drive not accessible today. A couple of days after CrystalDiskInfo (click on link below, for details) displayed a yellow caution status.

I purchased a replacement hard drive (100gb, 7200rpm, 5 year warranty) on eBay for approx $50.

01/27/10 - Is your PC freezing or does it stop without reason during normal operation?

If so, you should determine if it is a hard drive problem ... without delay.

My Microsoft Vista c-drive is freezing and over-heating the last few days.

I took the time to reformat the hard drive and perform a few error-checking routines ... hoping it might fix the problem. It still has problems and is a higher temperature than it should be.

I am now looking on eBay for a new small laptop hard drive (2.5" and 7200rpm) with a 5 year warranty to hold the operating system, should this drive fail.

Here are a way to check the drive, if you suspect your hard drive might have a problem.

checking your Internet download (access) speed

My speed is advertised at 10MB and this pic shows I am getting 11.1MB.

If you find your browser is slow to respond and/or files take a long time to download, it is worth testing your speed. It may not be what was advertised when you signed up.

There are a few free tools available to test your speed and increase your Internet speed.

Here is the best speed tester I have found.

Here is a good tool to possibly increase your Internet speed. I know of others, if this one doesn't work for you.

I am with Rogers and their speed to my PCs (wireless) is close or better than advertised.

When I was with Bell, a few years ago, I could only get half of what they indicated I could receive. It was only after quite a while (and a lot of complaining), I found out Bell only guarantees half of their advertised DSL speed.

If you find your speed to be not close to advertised, check out another provider:

- Bell - four types of service

- Rogers - six different pkgs compared

You might save some money and achieve faster download speed ... your Internet will run faster.

playing songs in your car without an MP3 player

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I have always balked at purchasing an MP3 player, as I felt they were too expensive.

After a little research, I located an inexpensive alternative ... under $15 for a 4GB player that connects to a car audio that doesn't have MP3 capability.

With this FM Transmitter and remote control (eBay, less than $5 delivered to your door) and a standard camera 4GB SD Card (eBay, less than $10 delivered to your door), you can easily have more than 500 songs available via your cigarette lighter.

It comes with a standard USB cable (if you computer doesn't have an SD card reader) for loading the songs from your CDs (via your computer).