A VPN, or a Virtual Private Network, is a great tool to protect your privacy and security while you use the internet. Whether you're at home or using public Wi-Fi while traveling, the best combine great pricing with security features and privacy guarantees that make them worth your trust. -Alan Henry |  |
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VPN = Private Internet Access (PIA) I've used several different VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) over the years, but ever since I started using Private Internet Access in January 2013... I've never looked back.
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Of course there are many other features that are useful but you can read through those on Private Internet Access' website. |  |
Unsecured Public WiFi Connections
 | Whether you travel a lot or just prefer using public WiFi, you should definitely consider using Private Internet Access to secure your connection. Who should consider adding strong public WiFi security encryption layers to protect your privacy and data? That's an excellent question and the short answer is, "YOU". Do you perform any of the following activities while using an unsecured public WiFi access point (eg: cafe, library, bookstore, airport or hotel)?
If you answered, "Yes" to one or more of above then you should sign-up without further delay to enjoy all the same benefits that I do. |
Low Cost Peace Of Mind For 5 Devices
| I recommend paying for the $39.95 yearly subscription because then you'll receive the lowest price possible. Now, if you take the $3.33/month cost a step further and divide that by 5 devices, it's a mere $0.67/device each month. If you're not 100% convinced, then sign-up for a month initially ($6.95). You can always pay the yearly subscription after your 30 day test drive. |  |
Computer Settings Once PIA is Installed
Click on a picture below to enlarge and read the captions (hover your mouse over the enlarged picture to view the arrow to advance).
Smartphone App Settings
Below left picture shows the settings that I use, naturally you can choose whatever settings fit your needs. Picture on the right shows what it looks like in the notification bar when connected through the VPN app.
Watching Netflix With PIA App Loaded via 4GLTE
I load the Private Internet Access app on my smartphone even when I watch programs on Netflix via 4gLTE (while sitting in our vehicle and my wife is shopping).
It protects my privacy in 2 ways:
It protects my privacy in 2 ways:
- Stops nearby prying eyes who may be using spy software to intercept login information.
- Prevents Netflix from tracking my actual location through their app.
Click on a picture above to enlarge and read the captions (hover your mouse over the enlarged picture to view the arrow to advance).
You may know what a VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is; you probably don't use one. You really should be using a VPN, and even if you don't think so now, at some point in the future you may consider it as important as your internet connection. -Alan Henry |  |
No matter what cellular service provider you may have, there are some areas that just have bad service coverage. If you live in one of those areas, then you know first hand the frustration of not being able to make phone calls from the comfort of your home.
I don't know about you, but I'm not willing to sit on a cell tower in order to make phone calls. Nor do I want to dance around in my house or drive at high speeds in order to capture that ever-elusive signal.
Of course having a landline seems to be the only solution that will guarantee good service from home, but that comes with an additional monthly cost. For example, our landline has an approximate cost of $38/month with only 30 minutes of long distance included; that's $456.00 per year.
I don't know about you, but I'm not willing to sit on a cell tower in order to make phone calls. Nor do I want to dance around in my house or drive at high speeds in order to capture that ever-elusive signal.
Of course having a landline seems to be the only solution that will guarantee good service from home, but that comes with an additional monthly cost. For example, our landline has an approximate cost of $38/month with only 30 minutes of long distance included; that's $456.00 per year.
That Price Must Be a Misprint...
Now, there's a much less expensive alternative to a landline called MagicJack Plus. It has an unbelievably-low renewal rate of $35.00 for the year with unlimited long-distance calling to the USA and Canada.
But before you start jumping up and down, I must warn you that this may not be a good fit for everyone, especially if you have:
But before you start jumping up and down, I must warn you that this may not be a good fit for everyone, especially if you have:
- Dial-up or satellite service.
- Under 5 Mbps broadband download speed (based on my experience).
- Under 128 kbps upload speed (higher is better of course).
- 1-port-only modem from your ISP (internet service provider).
Click on above picture to view a comparison chart.
The older version of the MagicJack had to be connected to a computer which bogged down the overall performance of that computer. The MagicJack Plus connects directly to your modem/router, not your computer, which is a possible security risk in my opinion.
Be aware that you have to register with MagicJack once you have the device so you can choose your personalized phone number.
Be aware that you have to register with MagicJack once you have the device so you can choose your personalized phone number.
- Since there are 12 months of service included with your MagicJack purchase... you can look at it as $59.95 - $35.00 (service) = $24.95 for the MagicJackGO device (not counting any taxes).
- After the 12 months of included service, you pay $35.00 per year (plus applicable taxes).
Android App
One of their newer features is that they have an Android App (or iOS) available that can be used on your smartphone. Using the app in conjunction with the MagicJack device allows you to receive incoming calls and make outgoing calls from your smartphone.
Your smartphone just has to be connected to your home WiFi to make/receive calls via the app. Of course if you have problems using the app for whatever reason, then you just hook up a regular phone to the MagicJack device.
Your smartphone just has to be connected to your home WiFi to make/receive calls via the app. Of course if you have problems using the app for whatever reason, then you just hook up a regular phone to the MagicJack device.
Test Drive Android App without a MagicJack Device/Account
You can test drive the free android app without a MagicJack device/account, but only to make OUTgoing calls.
I've used the android app many times via my home WiFi without any problems at all (DSL - 15 Mbps/768 kbps). I can hear every word that's being spoken to me and vice-versa, even if I'm walking around the house.
Just be aware that when using the free android app without a MagicJack device/account, the receiver of the call will see an unknown phone number. That can have an advantage if you want to call someone without your real cell phone number appearing on their caller I.D.
As an example, when I call someone, or when people have called me, using only the free android app, I've seen 2 different numbers (1 digit difference - see below screen captures).
I've used the android app many times via my home WiFi without any problems at all (DSL - 15 Mbps/768 kbps). I can hear every word that's being spoken to me and vice-versa, even if I'm walking around the house.
Just be aware that when using the free android app without a MagicJack device/account, the receiver of the call will see an unknown phone number. That can have an advantage if you want to call someone without your real cell phone number appearing on their caller I.D.
As an example, when I call someone, or when people have called me, using only the free android app, I've seen 2 different numbers (1 digit difference - see below screen captures).
If you want to give it a try... download the android app, make sure your smartphone is connected to your home WiFi (not 3G/4G), then call someone to see how it works.
Reminder: You need a high-speed broadband connection in order for the app to work properly (dial-up will not work).
Reminder: You need a high-speed broadband connection in order for the app to work properly (dial-up will not work).
Where Can I Purchase The MagicJack?
The least expensive places to buy one is usually from Radio Shack or Walmart.
The $59.99 cost is the normal price but their s/h is free ($59.99 - $35.00 for 12 months service included = $24.99 for the device).
The $59.99 cost is the normal price but their s/h is free ($59.99 - $35.00 for 12 months service included = $24.99 for the device).
The $48.91 cost at Walmart does not include s/h but you could have sent to a store near you to pick-up in person ($48.91 - $35.00 for 12 months service included = $13.91 for the device).
Helpful Guides
How To Install Your MagicJack:
Click on the square icon located in the lower right-hand corner, then print from the browser screen.
How To Register Your MagicJack:
Click on the square icon located in the lower right-hand corner, then print from the browser screen.
How To Access Your Voicemail:
Click on the square icon located in the lower right-hand corner, then print from the browser screen.
Blog Post Updates:
January 3, 2014:
March 6, 2014:
March 19, 2014:
August 3, 2014:
- Updated a few lines of verbiage
- Added more recent pictures
- Changed YouTube video to "The Chase"
- Added 3 PDF documents
March 6, 2014:
- Added Radio Shack current sale price for online purchases
March 19, 2014:
- Removed Radio Shack's sale pricing.
August 3, 2014:
- Updated screenshot.
- Added MagicJackGO information
We're grandparents of 5 and this is the first gaming system we've purchased since an Atari and a PlayStation1. I have to say that this is a truly amazing experience and words cannot express the intuitiveness of the games.
My wife and I enjoy playing the Wii Sports bowling, tennis and boxing (included), we're still trying to wrap our heads around their realism. Don't be surprised when you're sweating after several rounds and are in need of a shower. Not to mention that your limbs may be a tad sore the next day but that doesn't stop us from playing a few more games.
Of the five games included with the console, boxing is definitely the one that will get your heart thumping faster and the sweat glands shifted into overdrive. This may become the perfect way for couples to unwind after a bad day at work. Not only do you get plenty of aerobic exercise, but the pressures and frustrations of your work-day will disappear with every drop of sweat falling from your brow. By the way... don't laugh when the Wii system reminds you to take a break and open the windows... because you'll need to do both.
The golf and baseball games are a lot of fun to play as well and require more skill than sitting on a chair pushing buttons.
And, if above activities aren't enough to put our cardiovascular system into high-gear and make us feel that we're in dire need of oxygen masks, we continue to exercise and have fun with our Wii Fit (view video below). In our opinion, the Wii Fit is the perfect way to lose weight and tone your muscles in the comfort of your home without crunchin' your budget.
My wife and I enjoy playing the Wii Sports bowling, tennis and boxing (included), we're still trying to wrap our heads around their realism. Don't be surprised when you're sweating after several rounds and are in need of a shower. Not to mention that your limbs may be a tad sore the next day but that doesn't stop us from playing a few more games.
Of the five games included with the console, boxing is definitely the one that will get your heart thumping faster and the sweat glands shifted into overdrive. This may become the perfect way for couples to unwind after a bad day at work. Not only do you get plenty of aerobic exercise, but the pressures and frustrations of your work-day will disappear with every drop of sweat falling from your brow. By the way... don't laugh when the Wii system reminds you to take a break and open the windows... because you'll need to do both.
The golf and baseball games are a lot of fun to play as well and require more skill than sitting on a chair pushing buttons.
And, if above activities aren't enough to put our cardiovascular system into high-gear and make us feel that we're in dire need of oxygen masks, we continue to exercise and have fun with our Wii Fit (view video below). In our opinion, the Wii Fit is the perfect way to lose weight and tone your muscles in the comfort of your home without crunchin' your budget.
We recently purchased Active Life: Outdoor Challenge and it definitely will get your heart pumping with the multitude of different activities included (view below video). The multi-player games such as the Log Jump is a lot of fun to play together and once you get good at it, well... you'll need to rest afterwards to catch your breath. If you have young children who may fight when playing against each other, then you'll love the TEAMWORK games that teach them to work together to achieve a common goal. Plus, they'll get plenty of physical activity to help them sleep at night.
I would never have believed that you can get such a workout standing in front of your television, but it's true. A Wii is so much more than a gaming system... it's a way to bring family and friends closer together.
Helpful Links:
Connecting your Wii with WiFi
First Time Wii Remote Users
How to register a friend's Wii console to yours
Mii Information
Mii Parade
Mingling Miis
Place to rent games online (monthly membership fee required)
Questions about Playing Online
Wii Support
Wii Ware games that you can download with a Points Card
First Time Wii Remote Users
How to register a friend's Wii console to yours
Mii Information
Mii Parade
Mingling Miis
Place to rent games online (monthly membership fee required)
Questions about Playing Online
Wii Support
Wii Ware games that you can download with a Points Card
Mii character below...
You may notice a slight resemblance for those of you who know me.
ThreeTen
Always looking for new experiences, cultures and ideas to share with my friends and family. I'm a gruBBy huBBy, Dad, Grandpa x5, business owner and fuRRy cOmpaniOn
chAmpiOn.
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