Jennifer Golbeck studies how people use social media. She explains what clicking on those not-so-innocent buttons are actually telling Facebook about yourself.
 Google Images I was reading this article today and it reminded me of the Celluon Epic laser keyboard I looked at last year. When it was first released it had a price tag of $169.99 but now you can buy them for less than $125.00 from Amazon. I had a foldout keyboard for my Motorola i85 cell phone back in 2000 (remember Y2K?). There wasn't any public place that I could use it that didn't attract attention to myself. It was a good conversation starter because it was the newest technology at that time. As the video below shows, the laser keyboard will definitely make the people around you look twice.
|
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 |  |
Even scarier than stores tracking you through your Smartphone's WiFi is knowing that miniature drones could be flying overhead while your walking outside.
This is definitely a much better reason to make sure that your phone's WiFi is shut off when you leave your house.
This is definitely a much better reason to make sure that your phone's WiFi is shut off when you leave your house.
That includes the sites you visit, credit card information entered or saved on different sites, location data, usernames and passwords. Each phone has a unique identification number, or MAC address, which the drone uses to tie the traffic to the device. -Erika Fink
Millions of people use a VPN service to protect their privacy, but not all VPNs are as anonymous as one might hope. In fact, some VPN services log users' IP-addresses for weeks. To find out how secure VPNs really are TorrentFreak asked the leading providers about their logging policies, and more. -Ernesto |  |
VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) are no longer just for work. VPN prevents snoops from eavesdropping on your online activity, whether that's marketers, someone malicious, or even the government. -Fahmida Y. Rashid |  |
It’s taken a long time but today we bring the first installment in a series of posts highlighting VPN services that take privacy seriously. Our first article focuses on anonymity and a later installment will highlight file-sharing aspects and possible limitations. -Enigmax & Ernesto |  |
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.
Top 7 Reasons That I Prefer PIA
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).
I've read about why I really should use a VPN and I've been looking into different providers, but there's one thing I'm worried about. Can't a VPN provider just look at my traffic all they want and see what I'm doing? Don't I just have to trust them not to spy on me? If that's true, how do I pick one I can trust, when they can all see what I'm doing? -Alan Henry |  |
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
There are dozens of VPN providers, many of which carry marketing on their web pages which suggests that the anonymity of their subscribers is a top priority. But is it really? Do their privacy policies stand up to scrutiny? We decided to find out. -Enigmax |  |
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.
Archives
October 2015
August 2015
December 2014
October 2014
September 2014
August 2014
July 2014
June 2014
May 2014
April 2014
March 2014
February 2014
January 2014
November 2013
October 2013
July 2013
June 2013
May 2013
April 2013
November 2012
September 2012
August 2012
July 2012
May 2012
February 2012
January 2012
October 2011
September 2011
August 2011
June 2011
January 2011
January 2010
November 2009
October 2009
August 2009
July 2009
June 2009
May 2009
March 2009
August 2008
May 2008
February 2007
Categories
All
Advice
Airport
Amazon Prime
Android
App
Backup
Baseball
Bluetooth
Cartoons
Cleaning
Coffee
Computer
Custom ROM
Drones
Ebay
Email Humor
Employment
Facebook
Family
Flashlight
Friends
Furry Companions
GatoR
Google Play Store
Hoax
Home
Hotels
Hot Spot
How To
HTC EVO 3D
HTC EVO 4G
Hulu
Humor
Ice
Internet
Jobs
Keurigreg Coffee Brewersc05f6cd828
Landline
Laptop
Love
Mac
Magicjackgo
Magicjack-plus
MakeUseOf
Malware
Mii
Music
Netflix
Parenthood
Pc
PDF
Photography
Photos
Privacy
Review
Roku
Root
Router
Safety
Samsung-galaxy-s3
Samsung-galaxy-s3
Samsung-galaxy-s4
Samsung Galaxy S6
Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge
Search
Security
Shopping
Smartphone
Snow
Snowblower
Social-media
Star-trek
Streaming
Technology
Ted-talks
Tethering
Tracking
Travel
Twitter
TWRP Recovery
Usb
Videos
Vpn
Wifi
Wii
Wisconsin
Youtube
RSS Feed
