Why your Facebook account got hacked and how to secure it!

You’ve Probably seen:

Help me!!! the house was broken into lastnіght, i caught the theіves stealing our stuff on our securitу cameras! Do уou happen too recognize them?  (Some link such as Tumblr)

I know it is the hardest thing to understand but when it comes to getting your Facebook account, getting into your account is the most valuable for them.   Most of the time it is used to mine data such as your personal information or so they can become you but that it’s always the case.   It is sometimes the case that a spammer wants to get those click’s from your friends and you be the one who gets in trouble with Facebook.   It isn’t always the case though.   More than anything hackers or some call the crackers want to get your account to make money somehow.  99% of the time that is the case the other 1% is someone who wants to just be a wise guy and show you he did it!

Well it happened!

You probably like the rest of the people asking how do I prevent this in the future first thing first.  You need to change your password on your Facebook account.  Once you have your account back you will then need to end all activity on your facebook account besides the device your logged into and that means you will need to update your password on all devices.   

The Easiest way to end all activity on your facebook account is:

Settings — > Account Setting —>  (Click) Recongnized Devices —> (Then) End All activity

Before you start putting the password in to all those devices maybe it is time to use a good Password manager to do just that, I recommend Lastpass because it is has everything you need to help keep hackers out of your account.   You should use a minium 20 character length and make it as random as possible.   This is what I have used to keep people from guessing my password although it is good way to help prevent Phishing attacks from sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and other social media outlets!

Setup a 2 Authentication factor!

In some ways this has been the hardest for people to understand and to want to use because it slows down people logging into their account but it also makes it that much harder for someone to get into your account because they have to know your validation code.   This will help you keep your privacy and security safe.  There is a great tutorial on how to do it, and I use it with the Google Authenticator myself!

Review your Timeline!

It might not be needed but you never know what the hacker posted on your timeline or your activity and you should carefully check it out from the time you thought you got compromised to now.  You never know what has been posted or said about your until you do a complete inventory of damage control.  Delete any posts that you didn’t do and remove those from your time line.   Just look for a little X on the upper right corner.

Finally Review your security Settings!

Go back through your security settings and make sure the hacker didn’t enable something that you might regret later on.   For instants your timeline being public or your phone number or something that you don’t want anyone other than friends or family to know.  There are few places where you should check and maybe change if need be and they are:

Settings —> Privacy Settings

Settings —> Account Settings —> Timeline And Tagging

Settings —> Account Settings —> (-)Blocking

You never know what the hacker did to either unblock someone or change something that you had put private.   So this is what I call damage control.   This will keep you safe and secure, but remember the only way to truly be safe is watching what you do online and keep that information private as long as possible.

Best Tips and Tricks for your ZTE AWE!

Common questions!

I’ve been getting a few common questions and thought this was a good time to discuss a few of them and help you increase your productivity on your ZTE AWE phone.   Each one of these tips is good to use for your phone to help you make it easier to get what you need to get done with your phone.  This phone is 4.1.2 Android (Jelly Bean).   

TIP 1: Keep your Phone updated

If you haven’t already, you should check to make sure you ZTE AWE is updated in several areas.   You can easily do this by hitting the 3 dashes on the phone that look like a small bar graph.   Then select “System Settings” and scrolling all the way to the bottom of the screen.   You will select “System Updates”.  Once your their you will find 4 options: 

• Update PRL
• Update Profile
• Update ZTE Software
• Update Firmware

Each one these can help you in several areas.  First question people ask me is what is a PRL it is “Preferred Roaming List” and can be very useful to keep your signal strength at highest possible strength for your location.   You should do this from time to time or when you have done a hard reset to get put keep your phone updated to any new cell towers in your area.  

Updating your Profile basically helps you keep your phone validated with the network.   You should occasionally keep it updated to make sure you have the latest codes for your phone to be able to communicate with the cell towers and for you to be able to use their services.   This can be quite useful if your experiences some problems with connectivity problems with your 3g service.

Update ZTE Software is a form of drivers that you need to use to have your phone work with Jelly Bean.   I am sure there are some Cyangen Mods out there that can get around this but I am not really concerned with using a mod right now.  As you know it is another layer to the Android community for them to have some for of ownership of their phones.   Nothing you can do about it but you should keep that updated just in case there is something new you can use with your phone.

Update Firmware can be very useful if your just bought your phone and you wanted the latest version of Android on your phone.   You will get updates from the provider if there is an OTA (Over The Air) update that is available for your device but those aren’t very reliable and thus you can check manually.  Who knows you might someday be able to use the Android 4.3 or 4.4 the Kit Kat Versions!

Tip 2: Multiple Folders and Groups

The nice thing about Jelly Bean and above on the android devices is that you can now have folders on your  home screen and any other menu area you are wanting to put it.   On the ZTE you have 4 spots that you can have a permanent folder.  The Home bar as I call it can be easily used to keep those folders of apps that help you on your phone.   I’ve got a Social Folder with Facebook, Twitter, and any other social app that I want.   I also have several different phone apps that allow me to do stuff like Google Voice.   I even have a games folder so I do have to go back to the home screen to play games that I use offten on my device like Words With Friends.

If you would like to add or remove icons on the bottom bar, just press on the icon shortcut and hold for a second or two and then move it to where ever you wanted to move it to.   If you happen to delete an important shortcut just find them in the apps menu.   That is the Circle with 4 small squares in it!  

TIP 3: Adding a VPN

If your are worried about people spy on you on public or when you use your phone.   You can have a VPN on the phone.   You can use something like VPN4ALL but if your wondering what a VPN is, check out my article on the subject.   If you value your privacy you will want to read both articles to better understand how to use a VPN.   

Adding a VPN is easy, just hit the menu key (3 Bars) and then select:

System Settings  —-> More —-> VPN —-> Add VPN

There are sever different options to setting up a VPN on the ZTE AWE but I recommend the L2TP/IPSec PSK or the IPSec Xauth PSK ones.   They may not be NSA backdoor but I can’t be 100% sure about that.   I do not recommend at all to use the PTPP for VPN because that is not the best idea for keeping people out!

More to Come!

It seems this will be a good one to come back to in the coming weeks.   I will post even more tips and tricks in the coming weeks and if you haven’t subscribed to my RSS Feed or my Email list.  If you don’t you might miss a valuable tip or trick for your ZTE AWE or some other device that I’ve talked about in the past!

4 Free alternatives to Microsoft Publisher!

The Alternatives are out there!

I was inspired by a friend of mine who asked on Facebook, She wanted something that was freeware or shareware preferably because she didn’t have the money to go by Microsoft Office 2013.  So I thought tis was high time, I tried to help some of my readers out by showing you what you could use that is just as good as Microsoft Office!

Open Office (Free Productivy and Open sourced Suite)

Open Office has been used by me in the past and you can even use it on the go with little to no major problems.   All you will need is program call Portable Apps and a USB drive preferrably 8 to 16 gb of space because of all the programs you will need to install it!

Google Docs

The Next one that is really useful is Google Docs which comes with any Google account.  I personally have used this and in fact, I created the image at the top of the page!   The pacman eating Microsoft Docs! So it can be quite useful for doing what you might need.   I have much success with the using this with my Chrome OS computer, you really can’t use much else but something that is online anyways!

Scribus (Open sourced desktop publishing)

I have never used this but I was told by a few friends that it is really good and works just like most other publishing tools.   You can try this one and see if it helps!

PagePlus Starter Edition

Another one that I have yet to use because I have had no major need to use more than the first two.   This however has been brought to my attention from several friends on my facebook page and can’t but at least mentioned it!   

 As you can see you have several you can pick from and from time to time there will always be new ones but these were a few that  I found thanks to crowsourcing the problem.   I do hope this helps you also in making an informed decision on what you will use for your project(s).  Know of one that I missed please feel free to leave a comment and tell people about it!

The 5 Duck Dynasty, all in the Row! Learning from the Past!

The Ducklings all quacking!

I have been seeing a lot of chatter about the Duck Dynasty and how Phil Robertson was removed benched indefinately.   I usually don’t like to way in on these things but I feel I must at least try share my two cents on this subject.   I will tell you, I support what all the family has said in their statements and even though it has been 5 long seasons with this show.   I must say if this is it, then so be it.   We’ve had a lot of people up in arms over this, from the gay and lesbian community to the Christian community.   I am one who not hide anything, I am a Christian and I have thought long and hard on this subject, constantly seeing what people are saying and trying to come to a understanding.   The question that I must ask myself and ask you is this “What would Jesus Do?” in this situation?   

Everyone has an Opinion!

“If God were our one and only desire we would not be so easily upset when our opinions do not find outside acceptance.”  Thomas à Kempis — The Imitation of Christ!

So we have people throwing opinions that we should not accept but still love them.   The important question at hand is how do you love someone who will not listen.   I think the only way you could make it happen is Mark 12:31, because once you learned to love them with all your heart and soul and Mind, you have greater power than just trying to love them from afar!   I have a feeling this will all work in the long run but until it does, we will need to do three things!

Speak Softly!

One thing that You will need to learn is that if your yelling at people, it usually isn’t heard.  We have this really good nack of subconsciously of ignoring what is being yell at us about.   I have learned if you whisper, it is likely to be heard because people will strain to and listen to what you have to say.   So the easiest way to get someone to listen to your is just to drop your town and speak really softly!

Show Support!

This one seems almost a No brainer to me at least, but if you want to make a really good point and have them change their decision.   Go buy their products from places that won’t support A&E directly.   You can go to several places and show your support and make A&E rethink their decisions.   I am going to show you a few places you can show support.

• CafePress — They have some great Duck Dynasty and We Support Phil decals/sweaters/Shirts and everything you might want to buy to show support.   
• Amazon US — This is another good place to go to by those We support Phil materials again.  

Give Unto Ceasar

This one is bittersweet, if you really want this show to continue and show your support.   You must look at the Bible and it has a very clear understanding of this.   Matt 22:16-21 says it best, if there is tax then pay that tax.   This go without say, but if you really want the show to continue we have to show as much as support as we can possibly show in a Godly way and not in a vengence but in love.   You should consider buying all seasons of Duck Dynasty and on whichever device you have to show your support.   A&E will see just how much they could loose if the show doesn’t go on and thus we can change that decision even more by making a clear point on how much you like the shows.   You can buy the season on Video on Demand or on DVD but this one is a must to make a real impact on if this show is to continue.  

• Amazon — I must warn you, that Amazon is a sponsor of my blog and thus anything you buy using that link I get a little compenastion, but it cost you nothing!
• Google — Google Only has Season 4 but hopefully they will get the rest later.   I have a Google Android and thus it is good for watching on my devices like this!
• Itunes — Apple has all 4 seasons, so you should consider buying those and whenever 5th one comes out buying that one too!

Again take this as you like, I am no preacher but this is all sound advice from someone who has been working this problem and this is probably the only way it will actually get A&E or some other channel to pickup the show!   

Codes you will need for the ZTE AWE!

Codes you should know!

From time to time, I occasionally like to look up codes for new phones like the ZTE AWE and keep them handy. I found some really good codes tha tyou may need in the future.   I also like to know which codes are used for certain purposes.   In this article I will tell you which codes you will need to use with Virgin Mobile USA and this will hopefully help you before you call Virgin Mobile with your phone problems.   You never know when these codes will be useful but it should at least help you get what you want from your phone!

Codes

Before I begin, I will remind all readers that you use these codes at your own risk and I can’t be held responsible for any thing you aciddently delete!

Factory Reset — *983*57#  (Will delete all you personal files and information off the phone.  Do not use unless you need to!)

IMSI (international sematech manufacturing initiative) — *983*36401*01#  Sometimes Virgin Mobile will need this to help solve your problem and thus you should either know the code or have your IMSI written down to make it quicker for them to help you!

IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) —*#06#  Good for the same purpose as the IMSI but it mostly what is requested by Virgin Mobile.   

Mutliple Menus and Information — *97*0#  This is very good code for finding out the Wifi MAC Address for those wifi networks that are limited by which mac address are allowed on that wifi network.   So you may need this information from time to time.   It also shows your batter information and how good the health of your battery!

Phone Device Information — *983*5182# very good to know you model number and which android OS your are using with what Kernel are being used currently on your phone!.   You may need thise for Virgin Mobile USA but that depends on how much information they need!

In order to use these codes you will need to go to phone dialer to use these codes. 

Another good TIP:

If you are wanting to send a file or photo to your phone you can easy do this by emailing the phone.   This is also very useful for those times when you need to know what is going on very quickly with maybe your bank account activity or something really serious.   Just send an email to: [10-digit phone number]@vmobl.com.   Just a reminder it comes over a text message(SMS) and thus you only get the first 180 characters or so.   It however can be quite useful for sending files to your phone by attachment or when you need to keep on top of a service or server and keep it from going down.   This is one of the mostly used tips in my library for my business or other such problems.  Can be quite useful when you need to keep on top of important things!

Well this pretty much does it for what you might need for Virgin Mobile USA customer support.   I am sure I have missed something but this will at least get you a head start when you call them.   You can be ready to tell them all this information and not have to wait.   

Why Porting your Mobile Phone Number is Obsolete!

No need to transfer your number!

A few years back you would need to worry about keeping that number of yours for your friends and family, so they wouldn’t have to worry about updating that number of yours.   In today’s time we have a great option for everyone to keep your number where ever you go.   You no longer have to tell people to update there numbers for you.   After today, you will have a number that you can keep and use where ever you go.   It is only available in the USA, so please keep that in mind.

Google Voice Features

Google Voice is the one thing that I recommend to my family and friends, to have a number that you can give out to anyone, and keep your cellphone account private.   It is almost like Ring Central but it is virtually free for any Google user.  I have had my number for over 2 years and that is the only number I give out to anyone I know.   It helps me because I am using prepaid and it allows me to try different phones on different prepaid networks.   I also get unlimited calls and text messages when I use this service because most cell providers like Virgin Mobile US gives you unlimited data on all accounts.   So you no longer have to worry about how many minutes you have used.

Choosing your Number!

In order to get started with Google Voice, you will need to Choose your Number through Google.   This part is free, unless you intend to change the number later on.   Which is a 10$ one time charge for everytime you change the number   Unlike Ring Central, which cost your a monthly service fee for using their service.

Benefits of Google Voice:

• Number Forwarding 
• Number Filtering
• Voicemail Transcription (Experimental)
• One Number for the life of your account!
• SMS to Emails
• Do not Disturb feature!

As you can see there are many benefits to using this service.   It is also avail for the Google Android and Apple IOS devices such as Iphones, And Samsung Galaxy Smart Phones.   I have been using it on the ZTE AWE from Virgin Mobile USA and it works flawlessly without using any minutes!.

Now that you have seen the benefits of this service, I am sure you are going to go check it out.   If you decide you want to keep from giving everything to Google, you can always go to Ring Central and pay for their service which has many to all the same things you can do with Google Voice but that is up to you!   It just depends on what you want to do!  

What is backup really worth to you? Top 5 Backup software!

Via Wikimedia.org

We’ve all had that done to us!

In the last few months we have had this very bad ransomware called Cryptolocker, and just how many people don’t really back up their important files.   I am going to alliviate some of this by talking about a few of the ways you could prevent this from happening in the first place.

This is not going to be a why it happened sort of blog post but more to the point of which backup software works best to help keep thos jpegs, and video files save from malicious acts.   Even the best security advise can not help you if you don’t help yourself so this is not a 100% guaranttee but at least it will head you in the right direction.

• Mozy comes with both a trial version and even a free 5 gb version.   Each of these can help you save you files.   I personally have tried the free version and love it.  Although it isn’t my current backup plan.  I’ve used it in the past and still think it is better than nothing!
• Google Drive comes with 15 gb free space and can let you share files to other people easily and simply.  I have this one with a 100 Gb plan for 2 years due to my Acer Chromebook.  That is one of the perks of buying a Chromebook.  You get free space for two years.  It also allows me to use this as a mapped drive.  
• Carbonite which I haven’t used for a long time, has been vetted by tons of experts.   It also has a 15 day trial for one computer unlimited space.   It has helped some people with keeping it in the cloud storage solution.
• Dropbox is another Good service.   It allows you to share files quite easily and securely.   I haven’t used this service because I don’t need to.   I however have used it in the past and it works really well.
• Just Cloud is the last one I would recommend visiting.  It can be used on any system and has unlimited storage.  Free Apps and multiple computer backups and shares files with friends.

On a side note, I use Always Sync with Google Drive to keep all my files sync with my laptop.   It however doesn’t need to be used with my Google Chrome. A simple 16 gb to 32 Gb SD card or USB drive can keep your files backed up on your Chromebook.   Some of these do not need to use Always Sync but in most cases unless you have a way to do an offline back up then your still vulnerable.   You can always buy a 500gb Hard Drive to a 1 Tb hard drive and then use Always Sync from time to time to keep it backed up!

You should always have more than one type of backup in case the unthinkable actually happens.   This post is to help you find out how to keep those valuable files from being ransomed and encrypted illegally.   Once a week you should plug in that drive and sync your files with the hard drive.   Do not keep it plugged in because that will not prevent the problem.   It has to be offline to prevent problems like this ransomware!

The FAQ's about the Acer C710-2856 and what you should know!

After buying this Acer C710-2856 and Reviewing it, people have started to ask questions about it. I thought this would be a good time to discuss these questions and help understand what this computer can be used for. I’m sure some of you have asked these sorts of questions in the past and thus you will want to verify this with other website but I am going to tell you what I can do on mine and hopefully I will answer some of your questions about the hardware!

Click to read more ...

Best Security Apps for your iPhone (Guest Post)

Security has always been an important concern for smartphones. With these gadgets coming with features that enable us to easily access our e-mail, bank accounts and many other private features, it is mandatory that you have security features that keep your personal information from falling into the wrong hands. There are a few apps that help you to prevent strangers or malicious software from accessing your phone. Here is a list of some useful apps for the iPhone.

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Top 4 Traits to have to be a leader!

A good objective of leadership is to help those who are doing poorly to do well and to help those who are doing well to do even better. Jim Rohn

I have been seriously thinking about what a leader does and it has come to my attention there are five traits that are essential for any leader to lead and I will touch upon each and every one of these!

“A Leader leads by example!”

This one really talks about what each leader should do.   In my current working environment, we see people who are getting away with murder and this creates an environment that we don’t have to listen to the person who is in lead.   It is simply the fact that if they say one thing and then does something totally different with another person than why should we listen to the complaining.

Expecting Expectations!

If you don’t expect someone to give you some kind of expectations than you aren’t working.   Each place I have worked for and worked at their are defined expectations of what is required and what is needed.   I have seen this from other places but as of late, it has been quite difficult to understand or even grasp with my current working environment due to leadership.   If only leaders would be more proactive and try to convey all their expectations clearly and want you to succeed everyday your at work then it would make for an even better day!

Encouraging feedback!

whether your the lowest person on the totem pole or the boss in a company you are constantly looking to be encouraged and defined by your peers.   So we all want some kind of encouragement and even feedback on how we are doing in the day to day grind.   Nothing says your a leader until you learn that you didn’t get where you are without the people who you lead to great success, no matter how low they are in the scale.  if only leaders would do this more often you would see how success comes in waves to everyone involve!

Get your Hands dirty!

This is also seems to be getting away from leaders they have not done some of these jobs that they claim they have in the past and have forgotten the small guy.   If you really want to make a difference in today’s economy, you should stop what you doing and do a job one of your employees are doing just so you can remember just how hard they are working and thus you can give them so great encouragement and feedback on what they are doing everyday of their lives.

These are just four of the many traits any leader should use to become even better at their job and to make their job and others a success by understanding their employees and what they do.  

How Cryptolocker (Ransomware) gets installed and how to remove it!

Cryptolocker Virus!

I have been watching what has been going on in the past few days and thought it was high time I tell you about this nasty little worm or virus! It has been many months since I have talked about this and I wanted to help you understand how you might of been infected. If you have been infected and want to remove it, you can easily remove it by using Malwarebytes Pro, Which is a sponsor of my blog. The Malwarebytes Blog has some interesting stuff about what this bug really does to your files and what it encrypts!

Drive by download

Some would say it is coming from emails but I suspect it will get much worse before it gets better. If they are making money they will probably start advertising that you have a virus and when you click on the image you will be taken over to actually have the virus or worm as some would call it. It all started when scammers started infecting systems and doing the defederpageblock and others like that. They found they could actually make money by scaring people into paying. I even tried to help people by offering some great Antivirus And Antimalware tools to help fight off this types of infections.

So how are some ways to get infected? The basic ways are simple opening email links if you don’t know the sender. This is the most common approach by any scammer or spammer because you can’t really see where that link is going or even if they are trying to use a script.

Social Media is the next biggest way that you might get infected by clicking links in Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and sites like that. You have to be careful but most of the time you can expand the URL by using a service like LongURL. I sometimes use this to find out where a shortened bitly link or twitter link is going to take me.

Googling or Searching is the next way an attacker would install this type of software on your system. They would just use scripts, known vulnerabilities, to force install or silent install this type of software in your system and if you were using something like NoScript you would be much safer than if you didn’t!

Installing untrusted software can lead to you getting infected by this virus and others if you think you have to have a piece of software for something then please do not use your Windows Admin account to install this on. You should try to see what others are saying about a particular software or application. It isn’t always going to be fool proof but it will at least slow it down.

Now these are a few ways you could get infected if you were trying to get infected with this nasty virus. Which case you would be paying 300 US dollars or 2 bitcoins which is how they want to keep getting paid. So if you don’t want to find your pictures, and important data encrypted, please put them on a recordable dvd and put them up! This would be one step to help fight this little problem.

I havent’ heard if it has infected any Apple, Android, or Linux Operating systems it looks to be primarily Windows Systems. I can assure you it will happen to these other OS in the coming months so don’t think you aren’t immune to this and other malwares or viruses. With Android having exploits in the wild you can bet they will targeted soon to encrypted your contact list and your pictures. This would be my next bet!

Top 5 Android Apps to install for Streaming Shows and Movies!

Do you want to watch Doctor Who, How I met your Mother, and more on your Android device. Check out this post to find out how you might be able to do that for free!

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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.

Gadgets that look promising for Christmas! (2013)

Christmas is coming!

I thought it was high time to do another good post about Christmas gifts.  I how ever am going to do it a little more different this year.   I thought we should at least show you girls what men may want this year and why.  

• Google Nexus 7 — With Google slashing the Nexus 4 Unlocked phones by 100$ which means you can now do more things with an unlocked android phone than ever before.   The only downside is it has no 4G capabilities.   I am certain they are slashing the prices to introduce a 4G phone in the near future.
• Nexus 10 — Which looks extremely nice and sleek is one of those ones that any man would love to get during Christmas!  
• Netflix — I am probably going to keep telling people this but at least this is one of those that you can’t go wrong with.   Great movies and great shows for the geek in all of us.  
• A new Phone — I have been helping my sister decide for a new phone and I would recommend a Samsung Galaxy S3 or S4 device from Virgin Mobile.   It is one of those that I have been wanting because I could use this at work!

Finally the one thing that you probably want to know about is what I’ve talked about in the past two to 3 years and here they are:

• Christmas Gift List for 2012 : How to Shop for the Geek in all of Us!
• After Holiday Inventory — What you should know and why!
• How to find the right Tech gift your significant other (Christmas Tips)

As you can see I’ve done a few post on the subject, afterall I know what I’d want at least that is a start for you as well.  I am sure it isn’t going to be simple for the man of yours but at least you know where to start!

How Malwarebytes Pro and SuperAntiSpyware Pro keeps me safe!

Malwarebytes and me!

I’ve been using Malwarebytes Pro for the past few years.   Ever since 2009, I’ve used Malwarebytes Pro has always been my go to for getting rid of those really hard to get rid of viruses and malware!  I must say I haven’t had a virus or malware on my system yet.   I often travel to libraries and other such places where you never know what may happen.  Even though I use VPN4ALL, also to help protect my privacy, it doesn’t make me invisible to viruses and malware!

Over the Past 4 years!

I’ve had to disinfect my sisters computers and some other family members who have yet to learn that you have to keep your antivirus up to date and current.   The problem is AVG and other are only valid for one year.   Unlike them, Malwarebytes Pro is a lifetime license.   No matter how long you use your laptop or desktop you keep getting updates on software and virus definitions.  

SuperAntispyware and Malwarebytes!

I use SuperAntispyware Pro and Malwarebytes Pro in tandem when I need to remove a virus or malware.   Both of these are sponsors of the blog, and I earn a little commission when you buy using these links.  With each of these you get a lifetime license and this saves me money because I don’t have to worry about buying a anti virus license every year or two.   I’ve probably saved several hundred dollars from not having to buy new licenses.  Although I am probably one of the few who know about what could happen if you click links your not sure of.   So by saying these have stopped me from getting a virus may be a overstatement on my part. 

I could go on!

If I just kept talking about these two products you would probably get tired of hearing me.   I have had much success with both of these products to keep and also help get rid of those really troublesome viruses and malware that may be hidden on your system.   This isn’t going to be over but this will be coming back.   If you know someone who might need to know about a good Antivirus Software or Antimalware software.   Send them to these two sites and I am sure there problems are going to go away quickly.

The Untold Truth about VPN's and the NSA Prism Scandal!

Truths about Virtual Private Networks!

I’ve had a few people email me and ask the ultimate question.  “How does a VPN actually protect my privacy from the NSA?” and I thought this was a good time to answer the most important question.   Most people don’t really understand what a vpn actually does.  When I reviewed VPN4ALL, I didn’t expect so many people to sign up for the service.   Here though is the some things you need to remember.

VPN’s are like condoms!

If your not using it then you are prone to get your information sniffed.  Just using VPN4ALL and sponsors this blog, you can keep some of your information from being seen.   Here is a truth that you probably don’t know but just because you use a VPN doesn’t give your protection.   You must understand that when you use a VPN you are setting up a tunnel to another server some where.   This will stop the NSA and others from seeing your data from your local ISP and any other sniffer along the way to the exit server.   When you finally get out to the internet then you have to worry about where those servers are that the NSA is using to collect your data.   See top of the article for examples.

The problem with a VPN is that you still need an encrypted connection to the site in question because you never know if your will bounce from the exit server into a server that the NSA is tapping.  So again, you really should use something like SSL Everywhere plugin to try to protect your from the NSA and people from seeing who and what you do.

SSL Keys and the NSA!

We’ve heard about the NSA bullying and almost intimidating companies like Lavabit!  As of The last few days they have shut down their email servers and then after that Silent Circle email encryption decides to shut down in fear of what the NSA will ask of them.  So now all we have to consider is which companies in the US are being threatened or bullied for the so call encryption keys and why should we not be looking over seas for companies like VPN4ALL who an European company and is a yearly sponsor to this blog!

We basically need to be able to encrypt and  decrypt the information ourselves and implement an TNO model for all types of encryption from email to website browsing.   The problem with this is that we have yet to come up with an alternative to that.   We’ve got a few ideas like PGP but nothing where we can setup our Secret keys and use them.  

I believe in time we will see this happen but until then we will only have a to depend on programs and software that is out of reach of the NSA and other government institution which are also open source so everyone can see the program.   This is the only way we will ever have true privacy on the internet.   It will have to a concerted effort from every individual saying to the government that you don’t want to be tracked and documented.

How to change your IP on your Android Device!

My Acer 200

Use Coupon Code “savenow15” and Save 15% off the lifetime of your account

I have been asked by one or two people how is the best way to change my IP.   The first questions that I always ask is:

“Do you mean your internal IP or external IP?”

I ask that question all the time because I know better than most that you have an internal ip that the world can’t see and is often called the Private Network IP. 

If you are just wanting to change your private IP to another IP, you can simply do that by going into your tablet.   You can see how by checking out my how to change the DNS on an Acer 200 / 500 tablet.  Instead of changing the DNS, you will want to change the IP.   Not much else you have to do to change your Private IP.

Public IP!

Now if we are talking about how other web sites see you or your geolocation data.   You will need to invest in something like VPN4ALL, which is a sponsor. You can see my review of VPN4ALL and decide for yourself..    Although, I have talked about some free alternatives.  They can do what you want but if your like me and you see the downfall of having something free.   I sometimes like to watch the show “Doctor Who”, having been a fan for many years and loving the science fiction series.  I sometimes want to watch it as it happens or as soon as I can.   So I use this little service to stream the show to my desktop or tablet and I don’t have to wait for the shows to show up on Google Play store.  Although, I will buy them from their anyways just to help pay for the show.   I sometimes just don’t have the time to wait for it to come to video on demand. 

They give you plenty of speed to stream your movies or shows from other parts of the world.  I can’t say much more than that.   It is entirely up to how you use it that will depend on how it works for you.

How Much Tin Foil is too much? Why do we need to worry?

Tin Foil is all the rage!

I started this process, we we asked all sorts of questions about your Privacy and you.  One of the questions that was ask was about How much Tin Foil and how much do you need to wear on Security Now. I tried to listen to all of it and absorb as much as I could and I must say that we do not know how much data is actually being leaked to the NSA!  I don’t know how much you can prevent the NSA from getting your personal information and if you decide to do what this poor guy does, I have to wonder just how well this will work.   So I thought we should at least touch ground on this the episode and trying to figure just what you could do to get some peace of mind.

Opting Out!

I don’t think it is possible to opt completely out of the NSA wiretapping and have them over look you.  Likewise I don’t think they will ever leave you alone even if you did nothing wrong in the first place.  The question though that must be asked is how do I protect my civil liberties and make sure they follow the rules.  Again, I really don’t know the answer to this question but I believe VPN4ALL is one way to tell them that you don’t want to be tracked and spied upon.  Whether they listen and only do it to those they deem possible terrorist, I can not say.  I will say though, they are a sponsor on my blog because they have paid for one year of service for me and every time someone click on that link and orders their prouct, I get a little revenue.   

FAST & EASY VPN HIGH SPEED 1000+ IPs 50 Locations Worldwide Windows, MAC, Mobile 24 x 7 Support Buy Now Only 9.95

I really wish we could see the process and know just how much they collect on every US citizen and who over see’s this.  There is of course a process an I am unsure as to how well that is being used or if it is in the process.

GNU Privacy Guard!

I’ve started to use this GnuPG.org and It isn’t bad but I am sure it isn’t the only thing that we can do  to protect our privacy and try to keep out personal from getting to NSA.  We still need come have a way to get our emails to being sent even though your encrypting the message the meta data is being sent in the clear and thus the NSA still knows who you are and when you sent it.   We have to wonder who will force companies to allow sending email through SSL and not just in the clear.   This would greatly make it harder for anyone to get that sensitive data and your information would still be safe from prying eyes. 

I’m going to look for a service that does just that but I am not sure who I would trust with my personal information, hopefully a company out there will become available.  How Much Tin foil do you use to protect your privacy?  I’d love to hear your answer in the comments section!

If you want to keep your Privacy, look no further!

Privacy and the NSA!

When I first said something about NSA wiretaps the Internet, you probably thought I was joking.   Well, it looks to be a real issue now a days and that is a problem!  So we have heard about the NSA will consider any encryption being at risk, so they will be keeping those encrypted data for later inspections. Privacy is everything in my book and this is a continuing series for those who want to know how to protect their privacy from thief and criminals.   

Programs to protect your Privacy!

There are programs out there to help keep people from snooping on you.   Although it has gotten a lot easier because of Firesheep and most web sites now offer secure connections but not all.  This is where I suggest you use something like VPN4ALL and I’m not saying that because they paid me to say it.   I am saying this because they have become a sponsor for me for the whole year.  I get paid every time someone uses buys a subscription and they are affiliate links!   They’ve given me a free 1 year account and I really am impressed at how well they get around the library restrictions and that they are a OPENVPN provider.  There are others such as SecureVPN and CyberGhost VPN and even ProXPN VPN.  Each one has their merits and I have nothing against any of them.   I just have had a better experience with VPN4ALL and I think you will to.

Streaming Music and Videos

I’m no advocate for people getting around international borders to watch BBC and other such videos but you could if you wanted to and be able to watch Netflix and Hulu from outside the USA.  This is one of the many reasons I like this service because you don’t have to pay for watching a show that is being played over seas.   

Online Activity

Keep your online activity safe from prying eyes and people who are looking to cause trouble.  It isn’t going to be bulletproof but it will at least help with coffee shops and if you use it all the time at home also.   You don’t have to look over your shoulder as much, figuratively, and wonder who is see the insecure connection.

Mobile Devices!

Another reason, I love this service is that you can take your Tablet, like my Acer 200 to a free wifi hotspot and not worry because they even have a very good PPTP(Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol) that allows you to use your device anywhere you may go and keep people from spying on you while you on an un-encrypted free wifi hotspot.   So you can sit back and watch or do what you want and no one will know or see your actions.  You can use this for Mobile Phones also but that is totally your call.   I use it strictly for my Acer 200!

30-day money-back guarantee

Although this has some conditions, and I will be honest with you it is really always a full refund.  You have to have use under 100 megabytes of data or have some other issue that has been document with a support ticket and usually they will refund your money but it is still a better way to go then not to have any privacy or risk your identity from being taken.   You owe it to yourself and others to protect your privacy and identity and give yourself and others peace of mind.  Give VPN4ALL a try and Save 15% with Coupon Code “savenow15”, and I am sure you will be as happy as I am when I’m at a insecure location.  

Empowernetworks downfall and why I won't join!

@Laforge129 nothing works for the lazy person who wants something for nothing.

— Carnell (@BlogginRocStar) July 18, 2013

@Laforge129 U need to look up stats of the people who you’re getting your reviews from. They aren’t successful.

— Carnell (@BlogginRocStar) July 18, 2013

@Laforge129 I don’t have to prove to you anything. My merchant account is keeping me happy. Good day…..

— Carnell (@BlogginRocStar) July 18, 2013

High strung wasn’t he!

I won’t pay for a service that I don’t believe in and I am here to set the record for others who might want to join and want more information.  I had a little conversation with one of their members @BlogginRocStar.  Anyway he tried to get me to join Empowernetworks.com and I did my research and came up with some very interesting things about it.

Better Business Bureau!

The BBB gave this company a C- which doesn’t hold well for it’s advertising practices and I know I don’t want to be associated to a company who has low moral standings.  That isn’t all but it was one of the many reason why I won’t join.

You have to have a better reputation before I decide I will join your adventure.   I do a lot of research.

Scam or No Scam!

I have seen several sites that use the keyword scam with Empowernetwork and I am uncertain if some of the blogs aren’t getting paid by empowernetwork or not to post that type of content.  I for one will tell you straight up, I am not getting paid by them or anyone else to at least point out some of the obvious problems so far.

• Worksfromsomewhere — talks about the deceptions that people have went through and why it isn’t properly disclosed up front.   Something that makes me really cautious when it comes to an affiliate network.

I woul show you even more but then I we get to linking every person who might have a grudge against this website.   I will say with one of the owners living in Costa Rica it makes me wonder just how truthful this company is being.   

Research is everything?

I say that because since I didn’t join, I will not try to figure out which one this one is.  when I heard about the 100% commission you have to woner who is to gain from the 100% and who how all this is come around.  All I am saying is if people are trying to promote this and get you to click on their links then they have to have a better personality than this one guy.  If your going to have people who are going to be a PR nightmare than you obviously don’t care who you get in that door of yours.  I will not join and that is final.   I can make money the good old fashion way of blogging an using my time somewhere else.   Time is money and money is time if you know what I mean!