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Entries in How to (58)

Tuesday
Jul162013

The Perfect Pin Password! How to not be predictable!

Customer Service? What's My Pin Number?

Predictability is the Key!

It isn’t like we have a lot of imagination, I was looking around and saw this blog post post about PIN number analysis.   Let’s just say after I read this, I got chills and it went down my back.   No one person can come up with a easy to remember PIN number and it be safe.   So the problem with this and other passwords are that people tend to make them easy.  This is where the problem lies, if it was easy to come up with a PIN number that is can be predictable then someone else can figure out the pin quite easily.

What throw out and what to keep!

Here are a few things that I saw on the analysis that you should be throw out for sure:

  • Birth dates and years — This seems to be a very popular way to go to remember a pin number.   People are either using their year they are born or their month and date they are born to make a pin number for banks an other institutions.  Just throw those out the door.  If I could think of them so could a hacker who wants to get your money!
  • Don’t just go down PIN #2580 — Here’s another that seems be a common ploy, looking at your phone and just going straight down.   Which seems to indicate no imagination on the part of  people making the pin.
  • Don’t Use only one or two numbers like 1212, 6969, 2000, 1122 — It isn’t hard to figure out what numbers you use will make it easier to remember but it will always make it easier for the the hacker or the bank thief to get your money.
  • Don’t try to be cleaver — Something like 42069 is one that is spoken really well on the analysis and thus it comes as a interesting pin.   He didn’t know why but I suspect I know why, and here it is.   420 is common for elight speak for smoking illegal sustances and we know what 69 is.  So you tried to be cleaver but I figure it out and I am sure someone else could easily.

 

Picking a Good Pin!

Now since we talk about the analysis of the pin numbers, a little and I do hope you checked out the Analysis.   I thought it would be a good idea to at try to guide you into coming up with a less predicable PIN and thus making it that much harder for a Hacker and would be bank thief to get access.   Here I will describe what you might want to do to make it almost unpredictable and still make it remember able. 

  • Use the Random Number Generator — Come up with Four numbers you may want to use and use them as your PIN.   (Remember the rules, No repeating numbers, and nothing guessable.)
  • After you find a PIN — try to come up with a four letter word that will allow you to remember the number.   You might also go backwards such as starting at the end and create a word for it using your phone.

Use your phone keypad to basically associate the pin with a letter so you can remember it or if you can come up with other ways that will help you in the long run.   You shouln’t write it down but if you do have to, I suggest using something like Lastpass password database and keeping it secure for your eyes only.

This is one way to do it but I am sure someone somewhere has a much better way but at least this way you have control of who or what will know your password.   You want to keep your money safe, and yes I am sure hackers are going to try to use this to figure out your new PIN but it is much harder for them to know which number you picked and when you did it.   So the ball is in your court and not theirs.  Hope this helps!

Tuesday
Jul092013

I started Writing my book and you're going to want to read it!

blogging from Washington Harbor in Gtown

The Naked Truth about Blogging and Making Money Online! (Tentatively)

Since the last time you been here, I have told you about 4 of my personal secrets.   Well, I’ve pretty much decided to buckle down and start writing.  I must say I have the first chapter pretty much started and have so many ideas and thoughts of how I want to organize the book.  I have been writing in a notebook about the ideas and am certain it will develop in the coming months.  

In need of Proof Readers!

I know I’m not perfect and I even know in my posts, I make some silly mistakes.  I know my punctuation isn’t any good either.  I will be looking for a few good proof readers who will help me make this book Awesome.   You don’t need to be a teacher in English to help me, but you will need to be down right honest with me.   If you think you fit the bill, please feel free to contact me and we will talk!

The Book idea!

I will talk about my life experiences and what I’ve have learned in the 6 years of blogging!  I will show you what I’ve learned about making money online and what are some more common ways to making money.  You will learn what I’ve have learned.  I have yet to completely write down all that will be included but I am sure it will be “AWESOME”.   In the coming weeks, you will see a few excerpts from the book on upcoming posts.   To show you what I am writing about.   Until then, just think about all the possibilities.

The Marathon!

Writing this book is going to be a marathon in my mind, because I will have to put in 1,000 hours or so before this is finished and I am hoping this brings in some decent income into my pocket.   I am not planing on this being a one hit wonder but am hopeful that when this is all said and done the book will bring in some kind of income!  Here’s looking to the future.  

Saturday
Jun292013

The NSA and You, what they probably know about you!

A Spy's Spy

NSA has Secrets!

VPN4ALL TurbostreamIn a recent report by USA Today, we see just how much the NSA is keeping behind closed doors! I have been seeing this come over the years and quite frankly have expected this to happen.   Nothing has changed in my mind, but I am sure everyone is either quite uncomfortable or in denial of the whole thing.  They have everything they need including your identity, although they already had that if your a US citizen.

Cell Phone Data!

With Prism program being exposed you can bet they are wire taping all the data from Cell Phones, your IMEI, GPS location, and even who you sent or received text messages from.  That is however where you should worry.   

Most phones are using data to place phone calls now a days.   We have went from analog to digital on over the air televisions and they did the same thing to digitial voice calls.   So when you dial your cell phone and talk to your friend or family member.   You can bet the NSA is listening in.   

Emails and You!

Just like Google will look for keywords in your emails to serve up relevant ads in your Gmail account. That was to unexpected they have to make money somewhere.   It can be very dangerous though to email someone with really bad words and I mean those words you don’t want to flag you as a potential terrorist.  Emails are being sent to other servers without encryption and this is a good example on how the NSA is also getting your private emails to friends and family.

All Data is be collected!

I am almost certain that all data you have is being collected at some form or another.   You can really expect it to change over night but you can at least keep what privacy you have safe and secure.   You need something like VPN4ALL Enhanced VPN Security Military Grade Encryption Hide your Identity from Hackers and Government ALIKE.   I won’t say this is the only thing you need but it will help you protect your privacy online.   I like them because they have mobile VPN that you can use with your mobile phones and tablets and keep your safe and secure.

 

Tuesday
Jun252013

How to protect your privacy online and from the NSA!

Code Pink NSA protest at Sen Dianne Feinstein's house

Who watches the watcher?

That phrase has always made people think and I think it is high time we think really hard to ask those tough questions.   A few weeks ago we had Edward Snowden release statements on the NSA, and it got me asking questions that I am sure you are asking to.  Some of the questions I have are:

  • What can I do to protect myself?
  • What does the NSA actually know about me?
  • What programs, and ways can I keep my privacy private?
  • Why Do I need to keep my privacy private?

As you can see this is going to be a pretty big multiple posts.   To start it off with we need to lay a few building blocks and hopefully it will help you to understand the problem at hand.

The Internet and You!

When your on Facebook, or any other social network.   You have to understand that what you put out on the network.   More than you can see.  Although it shouldn’t be a surprise to my readers, you may want to at least consider that what you put out on the networks, might come back and bite you on the behind later.  

So obviously when you visit a site and maybe you are using an Android Device.   You probably don’t see the long outlandish URL and that can be problematic at best and at worst it can be used against you.  If you know anything about URL’s you know that nothing is sacred on the browsers and every link you click someone is tracking you.   Whether it be your ISP to an Affiliated Link, or it could be a bad guy just waiting for you to give out your personal information to him!

Privacy and you!

So now we come to the question of why protect it if we have no privacy?  Just because we have no privacy doesn’t mean we can’t keep what we have a secret.   I know all to well that people say or do stuff that they doesn’t want others to see.   It can be a make or break a person depending on who and what they see from a post on Facebook and other social media sites.  

If you were to walk into an interview unprepared then you will not get the job.   You can bet that most hiring managers will do a quick name search on your name on Google and other social media outlets.   Just to get ready for that interview.   Now we all know that if it is a really important position you can bet they may want to know all your profiles.   I don’t know if it is legal or not so that is up to you, it may help and it may harm.   You see the point in this, and why it should be kept private until you think it should be public.

In the coming weeks I will talk about rest of this but for right now.   You can sit back and reread this and absorb what you can from my post.   It might be a good idea to subscribe by email for the updates!  You never know when I will post more about my favorite topic…Security!!

Saturday
Jun222013

PRISM and Edward Snowden scandal!

Prism Reflections  1877

Prism Scandal?

Some of you would wonder if the Surveillance scandal of 2013 will be remember in 2050?  I really can’t say for sure in the past few hours the US Government has issued an arrest for Edward Snowden.  It really looks quite suspicious that the government uses this tactic.   It seems almost like they want to blame someone who wanted to let the world and the his fellow US citzen the right to know what they are doing.   This is getting quite scary as some of you would like.   With Obama on his last term as president, we have to wonder what will happen for the next 3 years.   Will he make our privacy just as bad as China?

Tech Giants are the ROOT to this!

Most Tech giants are afraid of the government and what will happen to their reputation if they were to be truthful.   I really doubt the government would do anything but slap them for saying no.  They afford so much of this blame that seems to be going around and around in circles.   One company blames another company and it is an endless blame.   Just like the US government is blaming Snowden for leaking this information, you wonder why all the fuss about leak.   He didn’t leak any personal information such as people and social security numbers.

Tempora program and The British Secret Service!

While we are on the subject of PRISM, we have to at least show that it has been going on in other governments around the world and good old James Bond likes his Tempora Program “Shaken, Not stirred”.  We’ve see that the US isn’t the only one doing the serviceable of their people.   Quite scarey isn’t it?   The Tempora program is a co-operation between the NSA and Britain exchanging information about what people do.

What can I do?

If you wondering about cloud backup, you can try Malwarebytes Secure Backup Pro and that will at least encrypt all your data before it is stored in the cloud.   I won’t say that is the only thing you can do.   You can also use a VPN Service such as VPN4ALL The Best Protection Online AES-256 RSA 2096bit (Military Grade) Encryption for all your internet traffic. Unlimited and Metered VPN Plans starting 9.95 / month which is what I am using now so It will help keep your privacy a little more safe. There are no guarantees that government has keys but at least it is one more step to privacy that shows them that you want to be “Do Not Tracked”.   One last way to help keep your information a little more private is Secured Texted on the Android phones.   Looks nice and it is opened source so you have little worry about who has access to your text messages.   In the last 30 days, this app has been getting popular.  

 

Tuesday
Jun182013

NSA wiretaps the internet, and what you should do about it!

NSA wiretaps your Internet!

The National Security Agency has been in the past a thorn in most people’s sides. As of late though their new Prism program has raised some very interesting questions. It isn’t like they have anything to hide, after all if you haven’t done anything wrong than you neeed not worry! That logic just elludes me, we have seen this is history. People who haven’t done anything wrong who are prosecuted for their believes and actions. They will make everyone evil some how. See how they did with Edward Snowden, NSA and other’s are saying he was wrong to do this but it was the public right to know. While whistle blowing is a necessary for the public to know about it, the NSA thinks we should always be kept in the dark over some of this. I personally believe we should not only be told but also have a public forum over stuff like this. Now let’s not forget that we are trying to fight terrorism, but this is what they wanted us to do in the first place. Fear brings down our civil liberties by making it harder for us to be free, hince we now have to worry about the NSA!

The Pipe

If you haven’t figure out how they National Security Agency is doing this than, one you didn’t watch that video or two it just didn’t click. I am going to try to dumb it down a little more and make it easier to understand. Let’s say you have an apple, the apple in this case represents your data or metadata as some would call it. You have two people who want the apple, so you would basically cut it in an equal half. Now that doesn’t mean both people have different information they have the same information but it is simply just been cloned, or copied. Another way to look at is this: You have a piece of paper with your information on it. You send it Google, Bing, Yahoo, ETC and just before it is delivered there, someone graps your paper puts it on a copy and makes a copy for themselves, and send the document along it’s way as if nothing happened. You wouldn’t know, the place you sent it to would not know and somewhere there is a piece of paper with your data and no one is the wiser. Kinda of snicky isn’t it!

Fighting the NSA!

You can always fight the National Security Agency, with a few good steps you can make them worry and wonder where you are actually coming from. This won’t stop them but it will at least keep yourself private and less likely the NSA will get this personal information of yours. I am hoping this helps people find out how to fight this injustice.

  • VPN4ALL — this is a vpn service that I have started using to help keep my information safe. They use a 256 encryptions algorithm and it means no one can see where you go when you don’t want them to know. Works with Android, IOS, and most Mobile Devices also…
  • DNSCrypt — Making sure no one knows where you go to on the internet is made a little easier with DNScrypt. It works really nicely but nothing yet for android. Hopefully soon, someone has something.
  • Encrypting your Email — Although this seems kind of hard it is actually quiet easy. Any emails your send get’s transmitted and that means the NSA can get them. If you encrypt them they can read them. So this is always a good idea to do, because you never know.

So you can see there are a few ways to encrypt your information so no prying eyes can see it. Although it won’t stop them from seeing what you done later on the in future but it will stop them for right now. As technology advances so does un-encryption, so hopefully by the time they see where you went and what you did, you will be long gone dead. I do hope this helps those of you who are worried and want to protect your sensitive information. This won’t help all over but it will help the average person surf the internet a little more securely and hopefully shows the NSA we mean business!

Tuesday
May282013

What I have learned from being a leader and not a Follower!

Leadership

Leadership and Qualities!

 

When you see someone walking down the road, do you stop or let them keep walking?  This is where a leader and follower will differ.   I am going to talk about what it is to be leader:

 

Yes, in all my research, the greatest leaders looked inward and were able to tell a good story with authenticity and passion. Deepak Chopra

Ever since the last few months, I have not had a lead role.  I recently began to transition from a doer or a follower to leader.   There is many facets to being ones people come to for help but it also comes with great responsibility.   So nothing I say can ever get you ready to be a leader but  I can sure try!

Take Every Chance, Drop every Fear!

This is something that I saw a few weeks ago that just kept on sticking in my mind.  If your going to be leader you need to take risk.  For example:

I was at work, and I know this assignment is going to end.  I decided today was going to my day.  I walked up to a lady and asked you out on a date.  It didn’t go as well as I expected but at least I am not sitting at home wondering the old story of “What if’s??”

As you can see there are many ways you can take  but the best results I have seen is know your capabilities and use them to your fullest.  Some risks you can’t take but some risks, might make it just that much better for your TEAM.

There is no I in TEAM!

This is another good one, that just makes you understand more about how leading will impact your results.  If you are constantly worried about me, then you can’t possibly be thinking about them.  So when you want results, you put your team first and you become second, third, and so on. This is something I have found out to be true also.   If you want to succeed in anything, you work with your team and  you NEVER use I in any context unless it was to mean “I went to the bathroom!” Would be kind of hard for your team to go to the bathroom with you.

Even leaders need help!

Any day I go into work, I am certain of one thing.   I will ask help for something or other because I know my limitations and I also know that to ask for help doesn’t show me weak but someone who wants to fix something or get something done.   Those who don’t ask for help or ask questions are just asking for trouble but those who do ask gain everything. 

These are a few simple rules I have started to follow and they seem to be working really well for me.  I will keep looking and hopefully I will come up with even more.  One other tidbit, learn to write better and that will help you get what you are wanting done.

Paul Sylvester

Saturday
May252013

How NOT to fall for a Online Dating Scam!


It just gets harder!

When I first started this Journey, It didn’t seem like it would be this HARD.  I was wrong, I keep fining these emails and instant messages on a few of these sites that just makes me wonder how many people fall for these Online Dating Scams?

I figure it was high time, someone at least talked about how to avoid these people and to recognize them for who they are.  

Knowledge is Power!

Some of the best ways to figure it out is simple common knowledge.  When you have dealt with these types of people before you get to know just how to know some of the stuff.   Here is a quick run down on what I know and hopefully it will help you to see them coming and avoid them.

Language!

We all have it and we all use it.  Each culture and area of the world is a little bit different, just like if your reading this in China, or Europe it might not be as good unless you have studied and understood the US American culture.  So what does this have to do with dating site?  If you get a message or email from someone and the email isn’t as easy to read because of how it is worded.   Then that should throw up a red flag.   I am not going to say that is the most definitive way to know but it is the most common way I can tell if they live close or not. I will not talk to anyone who has doesn’t live close.   Why put the energy into a relationship just to have it broken.

If it seems to Good to be True!

Then maybe it isn’t,  You get emails from Guys/Girls who for a better word for it is eye candy.   They look very nice and really out of your league.  My one idea is that they don’t have to look extraordinary but they do have to be beautiful.   So I come up wit ha chart that helps me.   It is basically a 1 through 10 number system and if I pick a 10 then I am very leary of the person.  The higher the number the the less likely it is a true person but that doesn’t mean I can’t be wrong it just seems to work for me.

Ask about them!

Here is my other safety tip, if you have went through all of the other two suggestions.   You probably wondering if they are for you.   This is where you will know for certain, ask about them and their family.   If they say stuff about a family member or parents that are dead and them having to move to a far off country that is usually a tale tale sign that they aren’t trying to scam you.   

Don’t open Attachments!

This probably don’t need to be said to much but you never know what a scammer intentions are an they may want you to open an attachment just to infect your system.  So if they send you something then you shouldn’t use it.   They might be trying to get your bank account or something else.   If you open it then you might just get malware, or spyware an then you only have yourself to blame!

Saturday
Mar162013

How to Tether your Kyocera Rise by Virgin Mobile

This Changes Everything

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

Wednesday
Mar062013

Why companies don't consider Security and how to decode a Barcode!

Weak Security is NO security!

I am working with a company of late that few months and I must say their security is weak to say the least. They use Barcodes to establish who they are and what jobs they are doing.   It seems kinda simplistic to some but to me they are just asking for problems.   Now a days, 90% of people who work have access to some kind of smart phone, whether it be Android or IOS each one has their unique problems but I am not here to talk about their problems but to point out that each one can literally scan a barcode and decode it in a matter of minutes!

How to decode a Barcode!

If your looking to decode a barcode for Android, I can help.  Here are a few that I've found to work really well with any and all barcodes you might have a need for!

  • Google Goggles -- This app for the Android is so interesting, I have installed on my phone just to see what would the world be like if we had those on Google Glasses which I suspect is coming soon!
  • Barcode Scanner  by ZXing Team -- This is a good little app for those of you who just want to see what the code is and so forth.   It can does 1d, 2d, and QR Codes.   This is also a really useful app for those of you who want to see what the barcode at work really says about you!
  • Barcode Scanner by TACOTY CN -- Another one that does basically what others do and it can decode any barcode that you might have to see what it really says about you.   
  • Scan by Scan, Inc -- Here is a good tool for reading barcodes.   I really can't say much more than this because they are do basically the same thing 1d, 2d, and QR Codes.   Works really well though!
  • ClearImage Free Online Barcode Reader / Decoder -- Although this isn't a app for Android it can be very useful for anyone who has a camera and would like to decode a barcode this way.   No need for a smart phone, just a camera will do that can take digital pictures.

The Problem!

The company I am contracted with thinks this is convenient and probably even thinks no one will abuse this.   I hate to think of who might use this to gain personal information about another worker or even get them fired.   It isn't hard to imagine that someone may go so far as use someone else's barcode just to get them in trouble.   So why use barcodes in business?  This is a constant problem that needs to be fixed ASAP for any business that does this might want to consider changing over to something a little more secure.   In the coming weeks, I'll probably talk about this in more detail but until I fix the problems with this company I can't go into much more detail.   

Paul Sylvester

 

 

 

Sunday
Feb032013

What is intimacy and how to use in Technology!

Intimacy Mean:

 

in·ti·ma·cy  noun  
intimacies, plural

Close familiarity or friendship; closeness - the intimacy between a husband and wife
A private cozy atmosphere - the room had a peaceful sense of intimacy about it
An intimate act, esp. sexual intercourse
An intimate remark - here she was sitting swapping intimacies with a stranger
Closeness of observation or knowledge of a subject - he acquired an intimacy with Swahili literature
Thanks to Google Search

The Back Story!

267232_300x250USAWhen I first started asking questions like "What is Intimacy?"  I was trying to figure out how to get that feeling back.   Most people if not all want to have some kind of intimacy with someone who they care about.   It isn't abnormal to want to as they say feel close to someone and have a physical attraction to someone.   I've even started looking for someone who I could possibly be intimate with.  Even though I failed at my last relationship and got a divorce it isn't over for me.   I'm going to keep looking for that one person who can make me happy and I can make them happy.  I've seen the movie "Fireproof" [Affiliate Link] and I actually liked it.  It is Christian based and thus if you don't believe in the believe then this movie isn't for you.   I even got the book to go along with the movie, which is Called "The Love Dare" [Affiliate Link]! It does require you think about the other person and to be intimate with them by asking questions.   I honestly think my ex-wife has tried that with me in the last few weeks she keeps asking me how I am doing and such.   I usually don't respond because it is something that bothers me with her.   We would always argue and get my Blood Pressure to go up.   So After the break up, my Blood Pressure has dropped significantly and I am much happier.   So I am not saying we will never get back together but it doesn't look good!

Can you be Inimate while using Technology?

I say it is possible, because each of us have a busy life.   It isn't a substitute by all means but it can be a way to communicate and still be intimate with the person you care about and want to be open with.  You should know it can be very hard to show your defenses are down when you are typing a message or texting because the other person can't really see your face or hear your voice.   This is the limitations of technology, although we know have Apps like Face time, it can still be hard to have those intimate encounters.   Intimacy requires no firewall per say, it is us being who we are with not acting.   Even I know that we sometimes act different to show off or to look or be smarter.   It is that sort of thing why we desire to be ourselves.   It is far easier to not worry about being judged then to wonder how we are doing and worrying all the time.

How to use Technology to be Intimate!

I'll say this, you will have to be creative when it comes to this part of it.   I will however give you a few ideas to try to help you along your way.   Nothing out of the ordinary but it can be really nice to show you care!

  • Texting -- keep the communications going doing the day.   Show them you want to talk.   It isn't always easy but it is necessary!
  • Emails -- If you can write emails to your significant other this is one way to communicate with her.   You could do this daily if you prefer but it must be done as if you are writing to that special someone.
  • Use Social networks -- If you both have a social network that you both use then this would also be good.   Just remember if you want it private don't make the mistake of making it public.   
  • Record Video -- You have several options but you can always use Youtube to post to just remember that those are public.  It is a good way to get a little face time with your other half.

Well these were just a few ways that I could suggest to help you keep intimacy, I am sure there are quite a few ways but I want to you to be creative.  Creativity helps you be more intimate with your partner and thus it is just as important how you do it then what you do.

Paul Sylvester

Saturday
Jan052013

How I intend to make money with my blog!

Earning Money through Blogging!

When you hear that from someone what do you think? Is it just a full of hot air or do they actually have a plan?  In today's society people are always wanting to make money online using such things as Adsense or Google Affiliate network.  

I'm sure you probably heard this before from other bloggers.   I know I was skeptical of anything like this before, but I also know in the past I did make some money.   The money wasn't like 1,000 dollars a month but it was enough to help pay rent or something like that.   So I know it can be done but you just have to be ready to take it by the horns and run with it!

How I am going to make this happen?

When I first thought of this idea last month, I was not sure if I could.   After all I've got a full time job and obligations that I must do day by day.  I did some really long hard thinking and even planned some of this out and your the first that I am sharing this with.   

Connect with my Audience!

This isn't going to be  the easiest because I sometimes don't know what my loyal readers are thinking about my blog or what they have to say, so it will be a challenge to get them to open up and tell me just how I can improve my blogging skills and my blog to make my blog that much easier for them to read my posts.  

Giving Free stuff out!

This is something that sound counter intuitive but if you give your loyal readers something they seem to want to give back to you.  It is something that I've found to work really well in the past and I just had to stop that because of money and my situation at the time.  I'm right now waiting to find out what my readers are interested in, so I know what to give away.

Blogging more regularly!

This is where it will get tough for me because I will be not getting as much sleep at night.   I am going to start trying to blog every day for the next month at least and then see what happens after that.   So it might be stuff that you may or may not expect.   It just depends on my mood!  If you would like me to talk about something you can always contact me and tell me.  I will say I've already started this, if you haven't noticed.  I started this the first of the year.   So I am hoping this keeps up until February 1st.

I really don't know how well this will help me but I am looking forward to the future and the possiblilites which are endless.  It is a time game right now and I hope you sit and spend some time with me every day.

Paul Sylvester

Have you Tried Squarespace? [Affiliate Link]

Wednesday
Jan022013

The Dark side of Dating sites!


Come to The Dark Side, We have cookies Shirt -- Cafepress (Click image to check it out!)

You Don't know the Power of the Dark Side on Dating sites!

When your looking for that special someone you probably have been on several different sites.  It however is nothing compared to some of the things I've seen.   I'd get emails with the heading:

 

  • Someone sent you a Flirt
  • Someone's Trying to Get in Touch With You!
  • A Zoosk member would like to chat with you on Zoosk
  • A Zoosk member sent you a flirt on Zoosk!
  • Someone wants to meet you!

These are a few of the emails I would get from time on these sites.   Some times it is a legit email and other times.   You have to wonder who comes up with the email.   Most of the time you get emails from people with phone numbers and email addresses they usually use "/" to avoid the filters on the said dating sites.   Now here are a few observations from not being scammed on dating sites!

Ways to tell you it's a fake profile!

It doesn't make much since but these people who send you some stuff makes me worry.   For example here are my tips to know if this is a spam and probably just a scam email in the same process.

  • Gives out the Email address the first email!
  • Gives out the text number to text them on the first email!
  • They claim to be living in another country in the first or few emails in!
  • The person profile isn't complete!
  • The picture on the profile is super hot!

These are just a few observations that tell me a profile is either fake, but it isn't the only indication.   Usually if I am curious I will still use one of my many email address specifically designed for the spam catching emails addresses.  Just to see if this is a real person or not.   You can usually tell by checking out the email headers.  If you ever want to know for sure this is the best possible way to tell if this email is coming from Germany, Africa, or Some other country besides the one you are on.   It just takes a little patients!  Hope this helps you out!

Paul Sylvester

Amazon Affiliate Link

 

 

Tuesday
May222012

How not to be scammed by online dating sites!

linda (1).jpg
 

It isn't always Simpler!

I'm not saying that it is impossible to find out for sure but there will always be times when you are going to ask yourself "Is this person for real or are they fake?" I'm here to at least try to show you how you can tell and how you can verify they are who they are.  I will show you some great tips and tricks on how you can do just that!  

How was it received?

Having seen so much trouble with getting scammed, I thought we should at least look at how it is received and try to show you some great techniques to know if they are really who they are saying they are, or if they are just trying to get money from you.  These are what I call the Nigerian Dating Scams but some call them also the Russian Dating scams, which to me are the same!

 

  • Check the Headers -- There is an example but your main questions is how do I do that?  The Mxtoolbox blog has a great tutorial on how to do that!
  • Are they from Nigeria? -- Anytime you get an email with an Nigeria then they are most likely a Nigerian Scam but I've seen this in many  ways but recently I've heard from friends who were scammed while they were trying to find romance on dating sites.
  • Check the "X-Originating-IP:" or "Recieved: by" fields in headers! -- Finding the IP of the sender can be first step determining if they are legit or fake emails.  You can find out about an IP by going to Whois.net and putting in all the IP's that you find and seeing where that IP is in the world.
  • Syntax and Grammar -- Having seen this in emails past, some scammers seem to need translation services and thus the grammar and syntax on emails are off for your location.  This is a great indicator that there is something wrong.  You should always have a red flag go off in your mind when you see those types of emails.
  • Good looking females or Males -- Depending on who you are trying to meet on an online dating service, then you will receive hits with these good looking people to try to show you how lucky you were to be found.  This is another way they lure you into sending them money.  (See an Example up at top)

Identify some Keywords!

Just because you got an email, doesn't mean that you can't read between the lines.  Whenever I get emails about some of the stuff like this you have to read the emails carefully.  Some of the most common word to look for are:

 

  • Relocate -- If the email promises talks about relocations, then you should be weary of the person.  
  • You've Won -- This is also a great way to know that you may be scammed, because how were you entered in the contest in the first place.
  • Someone is hurt -- compassion is something that the scammers, although you never know who they will saying is hurt you can expect them to want you to send money.  You should never send money to anyone to anywhere because you don't know what they will do with the money once they received it!

 

I could go on and on about all the scams that are being used in emails but if I do that you'd be bored to tears.  So I am just trying to help you recognize how and what to look for when you are dealing with email correspondence with another person.  One thing I always remember is "Never assume the person is real, until you can verify their identity".  

Paul Sylvester

 

Wednesday
May162012

How to Succeed in Blogging Without Even Trying! [Guest Post]


50 Golden Blogging Tips For Business

There are tons of people trying to make an easy income by blogging. From niche subjects to multi-level marketing gurus, it seems like everyone has an angle or a tactic that they hope will grab readers' attention and catapult them to success. So what can you do to stand out from the crowd? These tricks offer some secrets to bringing your blog to peoples' attention and building a steady audience.

Find What Works

One way to learn the strategies that will drive your blog to the top is to find what's already worked for others. Take a minute to write down your top 10 blogging heroes, the ones who have set the bar for you or blazed the trail you want to walk. (If you don't have blogging role models, find some. If you never read blogs, you can't expect to succeed in writing them.) Figure out what worked for them and then translate it into strategies you can apply.

Eye-Catching Real Estate

There are three critical factors in real estate: Location, location and location. It's the same in blogging. A domain name that people will remember will give you a massive advantage over your competitors. Think about it. If you want to learn about jogging, are you more likely to check out i-can-teach-youhow-to-jogbetter23.net or JogBlog.com? Registering a fantastic domain name is easy using the tool on Name.com that lets you check to see what domain names are available. Choosing the right one can turbocharge your efforts by making it easy for readers to find you. Think short and catchy. (And avoid dashes like the...well, like underscores.)

Build Your Networks

Sad as it may be, nobody cares that you really want them to read your blog. They care about what adds value to their lives, and the biggest way most people find blogs to read is through their friends' recommendations. What does that mean for you? Get busy on social networking sites like Google+ and ask your readers to spread the word. The more you can engage with your readers and give them tips or tidbits or jokes worth passing on, the more they'll become evangelists for your blog and your personal platform.

 

Publish a Book (In Weeks or Less!)

Becoming a published author is a fantastic way to build your personal platform and get your message out to new readers. You say you haven't written a manuscript yet? No problem! Thanks to recent fusions between the publishing industry and the Internet, you might be able to turn your blog into a physical book in a matter of weeks. An exciting new trend is for bloggers to publish their blogs in book form, using a series of strategically chosen and arranged posts to form the content of the book. Reusing the work you've put into your blog is a great way to break into new markets and keep building your through personal platform.

See The Big Picture

Having a plan is the first and best trick to making money blogging. As you explore these tactics, you'll find what does and doesn't work for you. Take note of what you find. Massage it into a personalized strategy. Set high goals and run after them with abandon. With the right combination of work, luck, strategy and platform you might be the one to strike blogger gold.

Zach Buckley is a freelance writer who is interested in exploring the intersection of culture, science and education.  He lives in the Midwest and enjoys music, literature and good food.

 

Wednesday
Mar212012

How To tell you Friends or Family they've got a computer virus!

After all, just one virus on a computer is one too many.  -- Glenn Turner 

It's Sometimes isn't easy telling your family or friends that they have a computer virus.   Sometimes, you feel like you just beating an old horse.  I've always had the philosophy that it isn't going to change until you make it change.  In this little quick article I am going to give you a few tips and tricks to help tell your friends that they have a virus.   

Simple ways to Tell your friends/family:

 

  • Flickr -- Find a Photo and send to you Family/Friend
  • Pintrest -- Another Good Photo sharing site!
  • Send them my Antivirus Page!
  • Twitter -- If your know their twitter account, send them a Quote about a Virus!
  • Facebook -- If they are your friend on Facebook then you tell them out right!

Explain to them about a Computer Virus!

I kid you not.  I sometimes have to explain why they get a virus.  It isn't allways going to be easy because of the way people feel embarrassed that they have a virus but if they don't know how can they fix the problem. A computer virus can be a very touchy subject to some of them and thus you will have to consider someone's feelings when it is time to tell them that they have a virus.   I am not going to go into a lot of detail on this article because everyone is a little bit different when it comes to their attitude about having a computer virus.  Some will laugh others will get really defensive and thus if I try to tell you to do it a certain way you may end up hating this post, but the hope is that you can have the courage to help stop the spread of these darn pesky computer viruses.   

Not telling your Family or Friends can lead to the problem at hand.   Remember only you can prevent the spread of Viruses or Malware!

Paul Sylvester

 

 

 

 

Thursday
Mar152012

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

ST. PATRICK'S DAY SALE – Get 50% off any pair of prescription eyeglasses : "LUCKY50"

Monday
May232011

How to Get a Free VPN for Ubuntu/Kubuntu!

 

Is there a Free VPN for Linux?

Use Coupon Code “savenow15” AND SAVE 15% on the lifetime of your account!I had to search both high and low.   It took me several hours and searching to find a viable option for me.   I wanted to share this so others wouldn’t have to work as hard to surf safer on the web.   If your like me, I like to go to free wifi spots to blog or even just surf the web.   I don’t want anyone getting my personal information so I would always have to use Windows.   I really got fustrated having to always load Windows when It was just easier to load up Kubuntu.   I know in the past this was something that was never really an option because you’d have to be a real geek to do anything like this.   Thanks to the open community of Linux, we have a viable option now for those who aren’t technically geeks but would still like to keep their web surfing secret from prying computers on an open wifi spots.

How to setup your free VPN for Kubuntu!

 

  • If you haven’t updated to Kubuntu 11.04  or later then you will need to make sure you have that version or later for this tutorial to work.  You can also use Ubuntu 11.04 or later but the screenshots will be for Kubuntu, so there may be some difference in looks and names but should be relatively the same.

  • Book Mark the FREE US PPTP VPN site — This is essential because the problem with this free VPN service is that changes every 12 hours.   This however isn’t a big problem because if your using a VPN for Wifi Hotspots.   It just means everytime you go to a wifi spot you will be unsecure until you go to the bookmark and change the password.  To Bookmark the site you can easily just press CLT-D.

If you have done those two steps then you are ready to setup your VPN.

Setting up the VPN

This is going to be relilitivly simple, because if your using the Linux you will know some of this already.

  • Go to your Network Manager —  There are 2 ways to do this.   You can find it on your toolbar either being a Ethernet or Wireless icon, just right click it and choice “Network Manager Settings” or you can click the “Start > Applications > Settings > System Settings > Network Settings”.

  • Once there you will want to click VPN

Click to see larger picture


  • Click the Add Button

  • As you can see if you have booked mark that page I told you earlier to go to.  You will need to add the Gateway, username and password(remember this password is only good for a few hours, so remember this step). Then click “Advanced

 

  • You will only need to do this once.   Uncheck all in the Authentaction area but the MSCHAPv2 and Check “Use MPPE Encryption” but do not check the “Use Stateful Encryption”, if it is checked uncheck it.   Then click OK!

  • Hit Ok or Apply and exit out of the manager.   You may have to reboot to get the new settings to activate.   I had to with my current system but that was only when creating the new VPN, after that it work fine.

 

You will need to edit the password everytime you want to use the VPN but if you have made it this far than you should be all set to use the VPN to safely surf the web.   In order to change the password just remember the first 2 steps and instead of adding a new VPN just edit the one you created and change the password and hit Apply when done.   I hope this has helped other Linux users to surf the web safely on free wifi spots.   Enjoy!

*Update*


There seems to be a kde4d Bug and ntrack bug that causes the menu bar and toolbar to freeze.   Just thought you’d like to know!!

*Update #2*


There are another site that you should also check out for a Free VPN Service:

 

If I find more sites that you can use to get a free VPN with PPTP then I’ll update this as soon as I find them!

 

Paul Sylvester

 

 

 

 

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