Reviewing the Acer Chromebook C710-2856

The New and Old!

As you know my Acer Aspire with Windows 7 was falling apart and I had to figure out a way to keep blogging without breaking the bank.   I happen to fin this nice little system for under 250$ and with the amount of positive reports from people around the globe about this laptop.  I figured I have to try it out myself.  As you know I simply love to buy products from Acer because I believe in them so much.   Every time I buy something from them, they just seem to last and thus I couldn’t resist trying this little Chromebook out.   I also thought this might be something that could be given as a gift to other people since Christmas time is almost upon us.   I just didn’t realize what I was getting myself into with this laptop.   

Specifications

Let’s start off by detailing to you what the specifications are for this Chromebook:

Chromebook With Chome OS:

• Screen Size: 11.6”
• Screen Resolution: 1366 x 768
• Processor Type: Intel
• Processor Model: Celeron 847
• Processor Speed: 1.1GHz (Dual core)

Display:

• Screen Size 11.6’
• Screen Mode HD
• Screen Resolution 1366 x 768

Network:

• IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n (With Fast Ethernet Technology)

USB:

• 3 USB 2.0

Comes with no optical drives, so no DVD’s or CD can be played with this device.   I am sure someone was going to ask this so I figured it was time to point that out!  Now I can tell you every detail about the specifications but it really doesn’t need to be discussed.  

Pros and Con’s

I am sure some of you are think there isn’t really anything positive that I could say about this laptop but you’d be wrong.   I started using this laptop last month for 3 weeks now and thought it was high time we at least do a review of this and try to talk about my experience.   

Now let’s get to the juicy parts of this article.   Would I recommend this to everyone, I would say NO.  If your doing photo editing or something that requires high processing editing then you might as well go look somewhere else.   The good part of this Acer Laptop is quite obvious but can be oblivious to others.  You can Stream movies and Shows and watch them on the laptop.   Google did a good job of this.   Just like Chromecast, you can stream them from your laptop to the big screen if you want.   

Processing Speed

The speed of the laptop when used with the Chrome OS is very different compared to my old laptop but then again, I am sure it was getting sluggish and probably needed a good clean refresh of the system.  I wasn’t how well I would like this system but I am not disappointed at all with what I expected to be doing with it.   I wasn’t going to be doing much other than blogging, surfing the net, and streaming movies and shows using HULU, CBS, and Netflix.  Let’s not forget about Pandora, which also worked perfectly for my needs.  It works perfectly on this Acer Chromebook.   I had no problems watching shows and movies from all those providers and many more.   

Hard Drive

If your planning on putting a lot of music files and documents on this laptop, think again.   You can however use USB drives to increase it to what ever size you may need but that will impact your time of the laptop if you don’t have it plugged in then you are are going to be using batter power to power the USB HDD.   It comes with a 16 gb Solid State Drive and it is really quite.   You can increase the space to 48 Gb’s by adding a 32 Gb SD card which is helpful for some.  

Screen

Most videos I streamed worked flawlessly and were quite nice to watch on the 11.6’ display.   They say it is High Definition and I believe it is.  I have had no problem surfing the web and checking out other web sites to see if there would be any problem with viewing them on a smaller screen and it was nice and no problems.

Battery

The battery power in this was quite amazing.   It at times has lasted me more than 5 hours on one charge an that has been a record for me.   The size and power alone is something that is definitely big plus to me because I don’t always need to keep it plugged in.   Very portable and can be taken to McDonald’s or any Wifi Hotspot.   I will be discussing this in detail later, and how to setup a VPN on a Chromebook! :)  So stay tuned!

Keyboard and Touchpad

Now to tell you I had a learning curve for the touch pad would be understand statement.   You have to understand that it has different gestures for double clicking and right and left clicking.   So when you first start using this laptop you will need to be prepared to go to the Chrome Book Help section to help you out and figure out all those new gestures.  The keyboard is like most other laptops and does a superb job at letting me type.  It all worked out in the end with me because it worked just well for all my needs.

If I haven’t changed your mind and you would like to try this laptop out for yourself you have a few options available to you and here they are:

• Acer 11.6” Laptop 2GB 16GB | C710-2856 Price : 199$
• Google Play Store  Price : 199$
• Walmart 199$  
• Newegg
• And many other places

Most of the time almost everyone has this version of Chromebook because it is the cheapest there is.   It is quite responsive and I have no qualms with this laptop.   I even like the size more easier to carry around and not be so bulky.   

*Those nasty disclaimers* Some of the links in the site are for use to help keep my website going and thus any Amazon links are undoubtedly affiliated with my site.

I'll Explain Why Software filters will not work!

I recently found Covenant Eyes

Use Coupon Code paulstechtalk15 and save 15% off your order!I really wasn’t sure when I heard this service, if it would be a very useful way to keep children from seeing mature material on the internet.   After all, If a child wants to do something they will find ways to do it.   I did however want to touch base on a few observations on why this will never work with some of the kids.   It might work with your kids but probably not all kids!

At first glance!

We see that in order to use this software, as with a lot of other software base monitor services, you will need to install software on the computer(s), Tablet(s), and all Cell Phone(s) you currently have possession of all.  Which is all free as long as you have an account with them.   I do find their methods a little questionable and I understand why it would be rather difficult to uninstall some of this but it just worries me that it will either slow down my Android device(s) or break something.   It is after all another program that I have to keep running on my devices to monitor what my kids are doing on the internet.  

Ownership of the Device!

This can be a bit tricky and could cause major legal issues if you do it wrong or if you do not own the device in question.   After all, the teen may get it in his head to avoid being watched by his/her parents he can just buy a Virgin Mobile, or Straight Talk Phone and not have to install that particular software!  This is one major reason why it wouldn’t work buying this subscription. It just depends on what the law says in your area if you can force your teen who buys a phone to install this software on their phone.  

Probably Easily by passable!

You can easily prevent snooping by using a VPN like Vpn4all to prevent anyone from seeing what you do online.   I am sure like any other software based companies they are utilizing a server to grab all this stuff you are searching and surfing habits.   I am pretty sure just using a VPN on your tablet or even cell phone would prevent the logging and keep people from seeing what you do.   This hasn’t been tested but it does make a lot of sense because in order for any filtering software to report back to the main user it has to be able to see what you are typing and searching for but if it is encrypted, it shouldn’t be able to.   I do not know if they install their own Certificate Authority but it maybe a way they try to get all encrypted data.   Although if it is encrypted before it gets sent out to the CA, then it will still look unreadable.

On a laptop or desktop, it could be as easy buying a USB Drive and installing Kubuntu or Ubuntu as a live CD and Thus they can do all their exploring of the internet without being watched.   The only problem about this is that you as the main Admin would need to password locked your CMOS and prevent any loading of USB or CD drive in boot up.  You’ll have to figure that one out on your own.   Each CMOS is different and there for it is a complicated process!

Reseting a Device!

This can be the easiest way to get that monitoring software off the system in the first place.   I can easily do that with any Android device and you can do a hardware reset without any administration intervention!  You can basically do this to all Android and IOS devices with no help from the admin of the device.   So it really could be a pain to use these types of services for kids who are shall I say AT RISK to do the most exploring.  I’ve pretty much told you everything that could happen if a teen wanted to not be monitored by their guardians or parents.  

As I’ve stated in this post, it is to show how someone could do these things.   I hold no liability if someone uses this information to do what was talked about in this post.   This was a way to open people’s eyes on how it may or may not help your situation.   Each child is different and thus must be judged accordingly.

Why I don't click on links in text messages!

A strange text message!

VMFreeMsg: Your voicemail has been installed. For your personal security you must update your password and greeting. For details go to http://msg4u.us/vmve

You can do your own research but even I know this was going to happen sooner or later.   When i first got this message, I suspected it might of been an hack account over at Virgin Mobile.   It always seems like that is happening now a days.   I am always worried about security and they claim they are worried about security.   How is sending a link in text message good for security?  Who knows when or if a website or even a company could and will get hacked.   It is bound to happen, maybe not today but surely sometime in the near future someone will get a hold of an account at Virgin Mobile.  

Security and SMS Messages!

When I company claims they are keeping your safe and yet they do something like this.   It kind of makes me wonder who is actually worried the company or the person or sent out that text message.   I still am not sure if this is a legit SMS or not.  I have did a domain look for msg4u.us and it has very little information because it looks like it doesn’t belong to Sprint or Virgin Mobile.  The the tmce.biz is also where the redirect goes to after clicking the msg4u link!  

Where and who are these people?  Why does it not say Sprint or Virgin Mobile on the domains and what do I worry someone has played a cruel joke on me.  Oh and for those who are interested the Virgin Mobile Home page link is a vmobl.com which is a Virgin Mobile, I think!   This makes no sense to me but at least they didn’t worry to much about someone spoofing them if it was Virgin Mobile!   Keep up the hard work of security guys, at least you tried and failed!

Reviewing Wilson cellular signal booster For Phone and Mifi!

Product Features

• Installs easily In any vehicle
• Significantly improves both transmitted and received signal levels
• Reduces dropped calls and extends range
• Universal cradle holds any cellular phone securely
• For antenna upgrade, use the Wilson Electronics 301125 Magnet Mount Antenna
• Built-in port for battery charging; adjustable arms to fit most any phone
• Extends the calling range and signal strength of any phone on any North American cell service provider (except Nextel/iDEN)
• External vehicular antenna increases any phone’s output power to cell towers
• Reduces dropped calls, extends signal range, and increases data rates
• What’s in the Box: amplifier/charger cradle, mini magnet-mount antenna for outside vehicle, in-car power adapter, dash mount, installation guide

Dimensions

• Size (LWH): 7.75 inches, 6.12 inches, 2.25 inches

As you can see this come with a lot of stuff, but what you might not realize is that it can increase signal strength for Verizon Mobile, Virgin Mobile, AT&T, Sprint, Straight Talk and Cricket Wireless Cell Phones and Modems.   I say that pretty much covers anyone who has a 3g Connection, you have the option of buying the 4G Signal Booster but most will only need the 3G booster.   I am sure I have left out a few mobile providers but in any case most, if not all, will work with this booster.

So I got mine for 89$ but Amazon seems to be running a special on them right  now.  I would recommend buying the bigger Antenna for it.  The  Antenna that comes with it is really a small antenna and thus you will not get as much service without the bigger version of Antenna.   I have ordered my bigger Antenna but it didn’t not make it to this review.   I must say that I am living in a area that doesn’t get much signals and this booster did help out with all my needs.

Pro’s

• Mobility — if you are looking for the car, then this is defiantly one of those that can be a great asset to traveling.  The antenna stays on the roof with no problem, the magnet is strong and sturdy. 
• More Coverage — After installing this booster in my home, I have found that I am getting at least 1 bar with my Virgin Mobile Mifi Modem.   Which in itself is very good thing.  I can’t get internet any other way.
• Home Kits — Wilson sells some great home kits to make it more home friendly, so at least if you need it for the home it can easily be used for the home.
• Money — You only have to buy this once and you are all set to use it for any phone you might buy!

Con’s

• Heat — If you the booster has to work a lot it will be producing more heat.   Although this isn’t the end of the world it can slow or prevent some cell phones from working properly.   So you must be mindful of that.
• Antenna — Like I said you can buy a bigger Antenna but that will up the cost of the booster by 20 to 30% but it is worth it.  It should be a kit already being sold with the bigger antenna, but I am sure someone has thought of that somewhere.
• Phones — This is one of those really obvious ones but not all phones will be able to use this booster because of the location of the battery and the internal antenna.   It sometimes is a hit or miss when it comes to cell phone boosters.

All in all I am really happy with this little Cellular Booster that actually does increase my data and phone speeds a lot and let’s me have more steady connections.   It is a must for anyone who lives in a rural area that needs to be connected to friends and family.   I am really happy with this little device and you should go check it out yourself!

Why using the Reverse Pin number won't work!

Seems to circulating around!

I got this email about this and wanted to clarify something about this and I wasn’t sure if this was a hoax or not.    Wikipedia is not helping this myth if it is but I will talk about the reasons why it won’t work and explain to you in detail the reasons!

Privacy!

In the Privacy Act of 1974, No business or organization can release personal information about you without your direct consent or without a court order.   Although this isn’t strictly followed by all Online business or organization.   In order for ANY ATM To disclose your location of the ATM you are at or even your financial information would be against the Privacy Act!

Terms of Service would be need to updated!

All banks would have to change their TOS just to cover their butts in case something would go wrong.  You would see bank after bank making sure you knew about the changes in their services when it comes to ATMS!  This would be one of the requirements to be able to do this!   

The Algorithm!

Let’s face it if this software was available, it would be a screaming security nitemare!  Every bank uses their own Algorithm and HASH in association with each account.   In order for an ATM to give out money from any institution it would be required to provide the currect security code which would be the PIN code.   So the bank would have to create both front door passcode(PIN NUMBER) and a back door passcord(Reverse pin number) to access your personal information and also what money you have on your account.   This two PIN approach would make your account much easier to hack and or guess your pin, if implemented!  Since the ATM would not know which pin is correct until it connected with the bank server, it would not know if the pin entered is correct or reversed until the bank granted access and thus it would be impossible to implement this!!

Safety and Such!

It would just cause more problems than it is worth.   Just think if you had to put in your pin in reverse wouldn’t it be more trouble and possibly cause more violence than it would solve.   I know I have ADHD and I wouldn’t be able to do it very easily.   If the robber wants the money he will get impatient and maybe even hurt the victim even more.   This is why it will never be implemented because in the long run.   It doesn’t stop violence or death it just is more inconvenience than anything.   Think about how long it would be before the police actually got to that ATM.  On average it takes 20 mins just where I live and I know the robber won’t stay their very long if at all!  Once he gets what he wants, your either dead or very lucky!   Just some stuff to think about!

Paul Sylvester

Touched by an Angel: The inspirational Series that will move you!

Touched By an Angel is Owned by CBS.COM

Inspirational Series!

It started in 1994 a series that no one would believe it would be so successful. When I started watching this series, I was intrigued by this series.   I heard of Della Reese, when I was a few years before this series even started.   I must admit this series had some great guest stars such as Randy Travis,  Delta Burke, Louis Gossett Jr., Wynonna Judd, Gerald McRaney and Many More!  

The premise behind the series was something you really never really heard on TV in those times.   The one thing that kept me coming back on every episode was the fact that “God Loves me!”  It wasn’t often I would not cry or tear up after every episodel  

It ended after 9 Seasons!

It ended with the last 2 episodes that were call “I’ll walk with you (Party 1 and Part 2)” it is for the song that is played at the beginning of each episode “Walk with you!”.   Again another great inspirational song for those who may want to know they are not alone and that someone whether Human or supernatural is always by your side.

Family Friendly series!

Although there are times when you will see the Death Angel (John Dye) and some death.   The show never showed death as being over gross or bloody.   It showed how we all die and even then why we die.   It is something that we all deal with because it inevitable of it all!  

I recommend this to all!

After watching all the series for a lifetime I still recommend this series to all my friends and family.   Roma Downey was something to take a ride with in the series.   She was a joy to watch and see her develop as an Angel in the series.   We just don’t know that we have angels all over whether we know it or not! 

The Series is being released and you can buy some of the seasons now!

• Touched by an Angel Seasons 1 thru 5 — This is where you would start to get your collection going on the series.   I personally would recommend people checking this series out.   I really can’t wait for it to come to Video on Demand but that probably won’t happen anytime soon!
• Touched by an Angel Season 6
• Touched by an Angel Season 7 — Buy it 4/23/13!
• Touched By an Angel Season 8
• Touched by an Angel Season 9

When the other seasons are released you will find them listed here.  I hope you go buy this and enjoy it as much as I do each and every time I watch these seasons every chance I get.  Nothing is forever but at least you can remember those days!

Paul Sylvester

How to Tether your Kyocera Rise by Virgin Mobile

It was never Going to be easy!

When I bought this Virgin Mobile Kyocera Rise, I knew they would try to prevent me.  That was one of the reason, I like to have an Unlocked Phone.  I’m went searching through the internet to find the answers to my question.   Some of the common questions, I got where:

Hidden mobile data charges: ethical or not?

Virgin mobile and tethering -charges ?

As you can see these were old post but they did provde me with some very interesting questions about the data usage of tethering and who will be at fault.

The Options!

I am going to give you a few options as to where to look to find the best possible way to tehter your phone to Laptop or Tablet.   I’ve found one or two ways to do it so far and I’ll be more than glad to give you the information that you are seeking for.  Before I begin though:

Information Therein are as IS, The Author will not be held responsible for anything resulting with these applications and services.  You have been warned!

 Some of the Common Applications that I have tried and worked are:

• Easy Tether CE (Lite) — This one works just as great if you intend to use it as an USB connection only.  I had no problems with surfing the web with this app just as long as I kept it hooked up via USB.  Mobile Stream has several different paid apps that allow you to do so much more.  I am impressed with this one!
• WiFi Tether for Root Users — I’ve used this on my HTC Inspire so I know this work on other phones but you would have to root your Kyocera Rise to use this App, although free it would probably void your warranty on your phone!

You can search for other Tethering Apps and try them as you see feet.   I just want to provide you with a few ideas on how to use what your already paying for that data plan.  When I find more I’ll be sure to let you know but for right now these are the ones that I’ve used to tether with success.  

Paul Sylvester

What can scare you to death with Google Application Updates!

Retrieve Running Applications

Why would an Application need this?

It isn't like we ask for much but it does seem a little peculiar and a little scary. The Game in question right now is Subway Surfers (Kiloo Games).  I emailed the developer to try to find out what this is but I can only imagine what they are using this data for and why they would need it in the first place.

So far I received this:

Hello,

Thank you very much for your email. Our support team will get back to you as soon as possible. Thanks for your patience and understanding.

Please note that this is an autogenerated response.

Have a great day!

Support@kiloo.com

Although this isn't surprising to say the least it isn't helping their case.   I am sure they are quite busy with this new update.   I really don't mind the game for my kids but that was the only reason I had that on my tablet. 

The Dangers of it all!

I hate to be a worry wort and have people worry to much but when an Application needs to "Retrieve Running Applications", this really worries me because you don't know what else they are doing on your tablet.   Could be monitoring your emails and even get your credit card information.   I know I like to us my tablet more and more.  

Although I am sure I'm the only one on this, I do not want to see people get taken advantage of by any developer or game.   Unless they tell us in their privacy settings what they are doing and why, it makes me concerned every day of the week.   I don't know what they are collecting or why they have to have to collect this information in the first place.   I urge everyone who uses this game to contact them and also check with them about your privacy settings.  If we don't make noise about this then they win.  Tell you friends and family and let them know what to look for when you update your games or applications on your tablet or phone.

When I get the response email from them directly I will be sure to post it and let you know what they say!

Paul Sylvester

Google Chromebooks -- Looks can be deceiving!

Laptops don't last forever!

I know I've had this Acer Aspire 5739G for over 3 years now and it is showing quite a bit of wear and tear.   It looks like I might need to invest a new laptop to do all of what I need with it.  So I've been doing a little research and found the Acer C7 Chromebook [Affiliate Link].   It has the Chrome OS so it should be interesting to say the least. Some of the Specs of this Chrome Book is:

Screen Size	11.6 inches
Screen Resolution	1366x768
Max Screen Resolution	1366 x 768
Processor	1.10 GHz Phenom Dual-Core
RAM	2.00 GB
Hard Drive	320 GB HDD 5400 rpm
Chipset Brand	Intel
Wireless Type	802.11bgn

Small but powerful!

As you can see this isn't a really powerful notebook. I really don't think I need a powerful notebook to be able to do what I need to online.   I've been using the my Acer Tablet more and more to do just what needs to be done.   I've not really been using my notebook, well lets face it, it is going to break sooner or later and I am trying to only use it for the blogging and other such stuff like that.   Everything that I need to do is being done with my Tablet and I'm have no problems with it.   I can watch movies and shows from it when I need to and It is small enough to take just about anywhere.   The only problem I may have with it is the ability to use it a notebook.   This is where I will need an actual notebook that isn't to big or to bulky to take with me from time to time.  

Installing Another OS!

If I get this, I might just have fun and install Kubuntu on it but that is after I check out the Chrome OS and see how it is.   I've not order this Chromebook just yet because I am going to wait and see how to buy it.   I am however quite interested in the promises it says up to 4 hours of battery life.   Will it last 4 hours without a charge that is a good question.  I've read one writers experience with at least one version of the Chrome OS.  So this makes me wonder if I will have the same problem with the OS as they had with it.

Don't need everything!

I don't really need everything but it would be nice to blog and use it offline, so I might have to install Kubuntu when I and IF I get it.   I'm one of those that knows that it isn't the end of the world if you find it not working just perfectly.   I will however explore other options and notebooks if I find something that will work under 300$.   I'm currently can only spend that much money on a notebook or laptop to be able to blog with.   So I am going to look around and see.   If you know of any good notebooks that you would recommend leave a comment or contact me and let me know.   I'd love to find out which one(s) your using and why!

Paul Sylvester

A lot of Sound from a Small device, a review of the Jam Wireless Speaker!

Simply Amazing!

I’m really impressed with this little device.   The Homedics Jam Wireless Portable Speaker is simply the best possible alternative for people on the go or needs to keep it small!

Specs of t his Speaker:

• Incredible sound quality in a small footprint
• Connects wirelessly up to 30 feet away
• Works with all Blue tooth-enabled devices: smart phones, tablets and more..
• Rechargeable for up to 4 hours of wireless play
• Cost anywhere from 35$ to 45$ depends on where you look!

Colors: 

• Red (Strawberry) 
• Blue (Blueberry) 
• Gold (Apricot) 
• Purple (Grape) 
• Grey (Blackberry) 
• Green (Apple) 

So let’s get the break down on this little device.   I’ve had it over a day and I’m still quite impressed with the sound volume and quality.   I have been able to connect it to Belkin Mini Surge Protector Dual USB Charger, using a Micro USB Connector to keep it charged while playing music or other stuff from it.   You can also connect it to a Auxiliary Input and us it as a wired connect.   I simply love the Blue tooth capability of this device.  It can’t do bass if your looking for something that produces bass really a lot but it can be heard in a medium size room well enough to be easily listened to.  I’ve been able to connect this device to both my HTC inspire and the Acer A200 Tablet.

What next!

So you thought this would be a good device.   I’ve not found anything that I didn’t expect from this device.   It is cheaper than I’d thought but it does a really good job on volume and sound when you need a lot of volume and covers a medium room quite nice.  It also connects to almost all devices that you might have and thus can be used in multiple ways.   You can keep it plugged in and use it with your Tablet or Cell Phone.   Even using it with Netflix or something along that lines can be done because I’ve done it with my Tablet and it works extremely well!  All in all, For the price it a good quality device that does the job of others.   You won’t go wrong if you buy this device today!

Paul Sylvester

How one man's journey can ROCK his world!

No One said it would be this difficult!

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Ever since I started this 30 day idea of blogging each day, I never knew it would so hard to come up with topics each and every day.    

I figured it was something to discuss a little and try to help other’s with having what some would call Writer’s Block and I know it is difficult to overcome some days. Pushing through it can be difficult but also can be really rewarding!

From the Beginning!

Ever since I started blogging in 2007,  I’ve had my unique challenges and thus it has been a road of adventure and intrigue.   It isn’t something I’ve thought would bring me any where as many readers has it has lately.   I’m really happy with where I’ve been and where I’m going to go.   So that much is true today and I’ve put a lot of expectations on myself to be blog more lately, even though it has really be tough to start off.   It has been getting more and more easier to write.  

How to write a blog Post!

I’m going to share with you my ideas and hopefully help you come up with some ways to help your blog. Nothing is set in stone, and nothing I say will work for everyone but it is my hope that you gain some kind of insight.   

Start Writing!

This is something that I’ve been doing from Day 1 of my blogging challenge and I’m working everyday to  see my dream of getting to day 30 and seeing where that brings me.   I might even come up with a new daily routine to get 2 or 3 blog posts out a week after that.  It just depends on how well this 30 day challenge is and will be taken by my dear friends and readers.  This is a month long challenge for my abilities and I’m hoping to make this happen once a year.

Topics and Ideas!

When I started thinking about this a few weeks back.   I wanted to come up with ideas and topics that needed to be talked about.   It has been really help full for me and I will share what I will talk about in future posts.

• Men and Women — Why they are so different
• Google takes over the world 
• Being alone is something difficult!
• No one is perfect, not even me!
• How to advertise in Squarespace [Affiliate Link]
• Reviewing Squarespace  [Affiliate Link] — Pro’s and cons!

As you can see this has been a very interesting experience and I will work hard at making this happen in the coming days.   It is going to be a challenge to keep writing but with your support, I should ROCK your world and mine in the same process.   This is my journey and I am glad you are coming along for the ride.

Paul Sylvester

Hey Monkey Get off my Back!!!

Have you ever had a Monkey on your back?

I've had several monkeys on my back.   Two of them are my children, they seem to like to climb on my back. ALOT!  This brings me to something that is near and dear to my heart.   Getting stuff done while having to handle those unexpected situations or as I call them monkeys! 

When you get something unexpected how do you deal with them?   

Most of us would argue that it isn't the monkey but the stress that goes along with it.

Oh The joy of stress!

Stress is in all forms and shapes, it can be as  simple or as difficult.   It is however a way we are raised and thus we will all handle it differently.   The problem with some people is they don't know how to handle it and it becomes way to much for them.   I've seen it happen and I thought this would be a great topic to talk about.    

This isn't going to my normal posts, it is going to be the one where you should sit back and think about how you would handle stress differently.  

Faced with stress, too many people feel they have nowhere to turn to, that they don't have access to the kind of friendships or communities where they can easily and openly share their problems and worries.  

Daisaku Ikeda 

Here are a few ways I like to take stress off and you might want to try them!

Pray

You know Praying seems to really help me when there is something that I don't know how to deal with and usually Stress seems to be a big part of the dealing of what ever I am having an issue with.   So why not just sit where you are and pray.   It really couldn't hurt, probably will help!

Go for a long nature walk

This is really good to do when you it is really nice outside.   You can explore nature and see all the things that might interest you.   I like to just explore the walk and see all kinds of strange and unusual things.

Watch a great Science Fiction Movie/Show

Hey, I'm an avid fan of science fiction and thus it will sometimes let me get my mind off the things that are bothering me.  It also might help me think about the problem while I watch something that is unrelated to the problem and stress!

Read a Book

Although reading a book might sound like a way to avoid the stress, it can be very beneficial when you need to let your subconscious think about the problem at hand.   I usually like to read anything Science Fiction or Technology related so it is a really big selection for me.

Listen to Music

Listening to music especially music that is up beat and makes you happy will do a lot to fight stress and maybe even give you the idea or the help needed to work through the problem.   I've found music can help you clean or do other stuff when needed.

Lastly, Talk to my Friends or family!!

I know this one probably wasn't on your radar but I have found talking to my friends and family about problems will help you deal with stress and maybe they can help you in more ways then one.   So don't be afraid to ask for help on occasion it doesn't mean your weak but that you need help. How do you deal with stress? 

Paul Sylvester

Dear my 21 Year Old Self! What I need to tell you now!

What you need to understand!

Writing isn't an art per say, but it is something that grounds us into who we are today.   I know I have lost a lot but also I know I've gained alot since I was 21 years old.   That is why I'm making this post, not just for me but to help you connect with me the steps I did and why it was so heart wrenching that I'd have to post about it.   Nothing in this post will be talking about technology but it will be somewhat related to technology.   After all, if I wasn't born this website would not exist.   So in a way I guess it is talking about technology.

The Wonder Years!

When I was a boy, I thought like a boy.   When I was a teen, I thought like a teen.   When I was 21, I had great expectations and hopes and dreams.   Nothing in my wildest dreams would I of known where I would be when I was 21, where I am now.    That is the what usually happens when your young.   You got all these things you would like to do or see and they just don't turn out the way you planned.   
I got out of High school and was planning to go to college.   I was actually just about to start college when I met a certain girl.  We will call her "A".  It was a whirl wind romance, fell in love and didn't really have time to think about the future we got into this really well so well, she was pregnant before we were even married.   We had Three beautiful kids and I adore them every chance I get.   The problem with this marriage is we never got along and that might be the fact we never really communicated the way we should of.   I am not going to say it was all her fault, that would be wrong on my part.  We both had something to do with this because it does take two to make a baby.

The Marriage Years!

I've already talked about Eight things you didn't know about me.   It was however a small amount about me.   I was and am still concerned some security but I also would like to share with you my life experience in hopes that you don't make the same mistakes as I have.  Me and my Ex-wife, yes you heard it right, would always yell and argue with me over the stupidest stuff.   I think we sometimes just argued just to communicate.   She expected all this stuff from me and I guess I did the same thing back. I just know that communication is the one thing that if I ever get married again, I will find someone who believes as I do and wants to communicate and not just stay on the computer all the time.  This was a problem for both of us, I guess we didn't really want to communicate.  I really shouldn't say didn't because it was more of a inability to communicate is more like it.  We never while dating ever really communicated and thus it made our marriage that much harder to deal with.

Single Years again!

Well myself, I just hope you see what you have to go through in the next 15 years and to hopefully learn some very important lessons.   When you finally start to date again, I hope you learn to communicate and talk to your next mate.   This way you can know just how well you will do with this person and maybe even find your soul mate.   I just hope you find someone to cuddle with and be happy with.   You deserve to be happy and I know how that feels.  Please understand that the search for this mysterious women is a long process, but when you find that one person it will be worth it.  Please keep laughing and don't forget to stop and smell the roses!

Paul Sylvester

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Looking for that Special Someone through Dating Sites!

Dating Sites and You!

I've recently told you about a few dating sites, and I wanted to talk about my experiences.  Some of the sites that I've tried are:

• Christian Mingle -- I've got my own profile and everything.   I personally have tried this site for several weeks.
• Plenty of Fish -- This is a good site for people who are wanting to chat for free.
• Zoosk -- Another site that you can use to find that perfect someone.  I just didn't like the fact that you can look but not chat or even message people without buying a subscription.

These are just a few of the sites that you could visit if you are looking for that special someone.  I've been trying these sites few a months and I'm really am hoping I'd find that special someone.

Elizabeth Gallagher where are you?

I've calling out my readers to see if you can help find this person    I know there are people out there that are hopeless romantics but I saw this girl on Christian Mingle and also Zoosk.  Her Profile on one of the sites is quite interesting.  She's a blogger and I'm a blogger also, this would be one of the many things we have in common.   Maybe even have something to do together, she could talk about sports and I'll talk about the technology behind the sports.  It would be a glorious place for fans of sports to understand it. 

I'm hoping she gets word of this post and comes looking herself.   I know I've tried to contact her through the site and not had any luck with her.   I'm not sure if the spam system is blocking my attempts or what so I thought I'd be bold and do something that is totally outside of my comfort zone.   If you know her or her blog make sure to give her my site and tell her to check it out.   If you want also make sure she gets the blog post in question.   

Paul Sylvester

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Why I don't do Authoritative links!

Authoritative Links What those?

Authoritative links are basically people who are always linking to popular links for example:   Digitimes rumored that their will be a 99$ version of the Google Nexus 7 [Affiliate Link].  I don't know if I believe that or not but that got so popular in the last few days because everyone was linking to that one article on the internet.  It got so High in the Google Rankings for several days, that most people just  believe it to be true.  It could be true or it could just be rumor but everyone is wanting this so bad that if it doesn't happen people will be disappointed.   

Not to say Authoritative Links are bad!

I am not going to say that all those types of links are going to be bad but that doesn't mean that I will believe some of these types of rumors but I am one of those that wants to wait and see and not expect or anticipate that there will be one.   That is just asking for a let down when or if that product or claim is let out of the bag.

Why I don't do these types links should be obvious!

I probably have talked about it in this post but I prefer to make it really clear why I don't do these links every post.  I want to have original content and not just look like I am restating what others are already saying about a subject or product.  If you are looking to find other blogs that agree with a rumor than you have no problem with that.   I however want to talk about what is near and dear to my heart.  Usually I don't even read what people are saying about rumors.  So I try to steer clear of those types of post.

I do sometimes use those when I think it is necessary!

Just like this post, I do use them only when I think it is necessary and not just to get people to come and share these with others.  That is usually why every authoritative blog does that sort of thing so people will share it with their friends and family and they get more readers and more revenue.  

What are your thoughts about this?

Do you want more authoritative links or are you happy with the blog as it is right now.  I'd love to hear your comments about this and others suggest.  You can always reach from the Contact me page or you could also leave a comment and I'll see it.  Got something you want me to talk about please feel free to drop me a line and let me know!

Paul Sylvester

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Four Lessons I've learned from Blogging!

iPad 2 Launch // Austin by achimh, on FlickrBoy have I learned A lot!

I've not sure how many have seen the changes the last few days on my site.  If you haven't you should really check it out and see just what I've done to better become better at blogging.   I've really done a lot in the past two weeks and that isn't including what I've done with my life.   I've found a job that requires me to work on the weekend.  Some of you are probably saying OUCH, I know my kids will have to deal with me on the week days only for the time being.  If your wondering, I've decided to try to be less intrusive on the Advertising and see how that works.   I've pretty much have nothing to loose and everything to gain if more people will sign up for the newsletter.  I don't know when I'll post more regularly next week but I'm hoping once everything settles down, this will become a more friendlier place.   I decided to leave Hostgator behind in hopes to have the site load faster and be able to change it when I want to.   My choice so far is Squarespace, it seems to have what I want and let's me do everything I've always wanted to do with very little effort.

Don't accept mediocrity!

What is mediocrity? I won't go into much detail but in simple english it is a person who accepts the average. When I first started blogging, I wanted to be extraordinary but that can sometimes be really difficult when it comes to blogging and knowing how to blog.   It really doesn't matter what you think of yourself but what others think of your first.   If you can proof yourself better than the average person then you are more likely to set an example for the ones to come.   This is my dream, that I might be able to set some examples in todays society.  It can be hard and I'm sure it will always be interesting, to some that can be easy but others it is extremely hard to be successful blogger.  I've pretty much decided that nothing is going to stop me from being EXTRAordinary, but the path to that is going to be a hard and trechous one!  I'm sure it will get better in the days to come but the road less travelled always has sharp rocks! 

Don't Sweat the Small stuff!

I used to worry about those small posts that no body really read.   It was something that was a constant reminder of what I've not done right.  I don't know about you but this can be very hard for some, me included. I've learn that the small posts are just a way of testing the waters.   Something that comes with time and experience.   I won't say that it is going to be easy but it will be interesting.  If your like me, I love to be interesting and not nothing.  Just think, you might be a the next big blogger.   I've no longer worried about my stats but I am using my comments and emails to find out how people are liking my post.  You just got to remember to not be dishonest with your readers, this will make their experience much better and yours.

Simpler is Better!

This is something that I've come to realize the last few weeks.   My blog got so bloated with stuff that I thought it was a cruise liner and not a yacht.   If your like me, sometimes you need to re-evaluate your blog and see where you can trim it down or make it faster.  I've decided on my blog to change everything and make it less intrusive with advertising, I think that is something that can help my blog grow.   It however will always take time and you can't always expect it take off immediantly.  If your really want to make some money on your blog, you might consider reader ProBlogger: Secrets for Blogging Your Way to a Six-Figure Income [Affiliate Link].  I've just started reading this book and have found it extremely helpful with my blogging and understand how to write a better post.  

Refocusing your posts!

Don't always assume that your posts are big.  If you don't sit down and think your article out, you may loose people.   If your going to post about your blog and not think of your readers experience then you are just asking for problems down the road.   I won't tell you how to refocus but I will say this, if you want reader engagement then you must come up with your content and make it your passion.   It however just depends on you and no one else.  If your interested in learning how to become a better blogger, you might check out some of these books [Affiliate Link] to help you on your way.  

Paul Sylvester

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Blasting the Downadup.b/Conflicker back to the Stone-age!

It has been talked about the last few days where there is a worm hitting the computers who haven't done the Microsoft Update MS08-067 which was release out of cycle and still have some systems has not been patched.  It has also been reported that it is spreading around the internet really quickly.   According to Computer World:

[ad#ad2-right]The worm, which was first reported by Panda and other security companies on Dec. 31, 2008, exploits a vulnerability in the Windows Server service that's part of all currently supported versions of Microsoft's operating system, including Windows 2000, XP, Vista, Server 2003 and Server 2008.


[via Computer World]

It seems Microsoft has scolded people who haven't patched for the October emergency update. Accusing users of playing "Russian Roulette"  and scolding them for not promptly updating their system to remove the vulnerability.

Symantec Blogged about this security of this program and how it was a variant of Downadup.b.  It also talks about how they are seeing an even more increase on this worm that was supposed to be patched by people who use Windows 2000 Server.

[ad#ad2-left]F-secure did a post about Downadup/Conflicker and how they took an Preemptive domain block list for this worm.   They have also seen an increase in this worm and they are trying to prevent this worm from gaining ground.   Talking about this being a network worm, in more ways then one.  Some have even seen it being sent through USB drives.   If you have a system you want to protect you should stop autorun.

Here are some links to better help you get this worm off your system:

• Virus Removal Tools
  


• >W32.Downadup.B removal help


• F-Secure has the removal tools to remove this Worm.


• XP Geek Has a great post about manually removing this worm>

In order to remove this worm, you must do a complete system scan with any of the free virus scanning programs.  You'll need to update your virus database before you do the scan.  You may even want to try the free virus scanners tha are online to get rid of this worm.   These should help you get rid of this worm, but you must remember to install the update or you will get the worm again.  The MS08-067 Patch should be installed as soon as possible you can find the patch here.