Contrack Killers

Man, I find it so hard to pay my cell phone bill every month.  For one, I don't make that much money.  Two my bill magically increases every other month.  Cell phones have become a necessity in today's world, and these companies out here know it.  We gone just call them the "Big 4 (AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, and Sprint)."  While we sit and drool over the next iPhone, Evo, or Galaxy phone with the newest technology, they are rubbing their hands together and practicing their oh so sinister laugh. 

We are so excited when we first get our new phones, but after a few months here comes the late payments, partial pays, and promise to pays.  Now your wondering how did the bill get this high.  Maybe it was that extra line they talked you into getting for your son or girlfriend for just $20 more a month.  Well after the $20 federal taxes, $4.99 local taxes, $4.99 for not paying directly from your checking account, $9.99 for paying your bill late (cause your only paying the pass due amount), $7 per phone line for insurance, and $10 just for having a smart you feel like you been knocked upside the head with a rubber mallet. 

Have you just ever been tired and wanted to go some place where "you won't pay a lot for this muffler?"  Well how many of you finally got fed up with one of the "Big 4" and went somewhere that didn't make you pay half your rent just to talk and text?  Well this will be about doing just that.  Let's talk about four small companies that will be a little more easy on your pockets.

Boost Mobile

Boost has moved beyond promoting its walkie-talkie feature and viral "Where You At" campaign.  The company has expanded is marketing by targeting a young, urban demographic to gain a broader audience, spanning ages 25 to 45, Boost has also ranked pretty high in customer service performance.  With the recent addition of ClearWire's 4G network, Boost is now targeting people looking for 4G speeds with no strings attached.

There aren't a lot of plans at Boost.  Instead of rationing out minutes and data to its users, Boost offers unlimited talk, text, email, and web.  A monthly Android plan costs $55, while BlackBerry users will pay $60.  They also have a shrinkage option.  This will shrink you bill $5 every six months if you pay the bill on time.  You can end up paying as little as $40 a month for phone service.  Boost has Nationwide coverage because it uses Sprint's 3G network and it's WiMAX 4G network.

Boost Mobile currently offers a pretty nice selection of phones, including the BlackBerry Curve 8530, the Samsung Replenish and the ZTE Warp.  The HTC EVO Design 4G is their premier smartphone right now.  Overall people searching for 4G speeds without the hassle of a two-year contract will definitely want to check out Boost Mobile.  It's a solid choice for a no contract Android phone.

Cricket Wireless

Originally, Cricket Wireless aimed to be a regional alternative to contract carriers, but it has expanded to target a wider range of budget conscious people across the U.S.  Right now, the carrier has about 6.2 million users, both on its own networks and through a roaming deal with Sprint.  Expect that number to keep growing.  Especially with the iPhones now on board.

Cricket offers a music focused plan called Muve Music, which features unlimited song downloads via an app preinstalled on your phone. Music is stored on a specially encrypted SD card that can fit about 3,000 songs.  Cricket's service is available nationwide, but its deployment is split into two channels.  A CDMA/EVDO network in 35 states around the U.S. and roaming with Sprint in other major cities.

No 4G for Cricket users unless you live in Tucson, AZ, the only city where the carrier currently provides 4G LTE services.  However Cricket has signed a deal with ClearWire to provide 4G roaming for two-thirds of its current network within the next two to three years.

As part of its core plans, Cricket offers a $55 per month smart phone plan.  This gets you unlimited talk and text , but only 1GB of 3G mobile data.  The top Android Muve Music plan is $65 per month for unlimited talk, text and web for smart phones, though it's worth noting that if you exceed 1 GB of data, Cricket may throttle you.  Where Cricket isn't available natively, you can sign up for its $55 monthly Android Muve plan, which includes email, data backup and app store access.  This plan caps you at 1,000 U.S. minutes for calling, but you get unlimited texts and the same 1GB of data as you do with the core plan.  With the iPhone 4 or 4S Cricket guarantees 2.3GB of full-speed data per month.  After exceeding that, you speeds may be slowed.

Cricket used to be just a decent option for those interested in making the switch to a no contract carrier, but now the carrier has a weapon to wield with killer appeal: the iPhone. 

U.S. Cellular

U.S. Cellular boasts that it has the happiest customers in wireless due to its broad network and unique reward structure that's available with the carrier's Belief Plans.  You can get a new phone in as little as 11 months.  U.S. Cellular offers both contract and prepaid plans, though not all of its smart phones are available without a contract.  The carrier recently began rolling out its 4G LTE network and plans to cover 54% of its 5.9 million customers by the end of the year.

U.S. Cellular offers a reward program that gives customers monthly points based on their plan, points for customer longevity and points for referring friends and downloading apps.  Every 1,000 points redeemed takes one month off the standard upgrade time, so customers can get a new phone in as little as 13 months n a single line, with some phones costing just a penny.  Points may also be redeemed for accessories, ring tones or to cover an overage charge on your account.

Plus, if you're out and about and your phone battery dies, you can visit any U.S. Cellular store and swap it out for a new, fully charged battery, as long as you're not using a prepaid phone.  Thanks to roaming agreements, U.S. Cellular offers nationwide 3G voice and data and doesn't charge customers roaming fees. 

Text messaging is unlimited when added to any prepaid or postpaid plan.  Unlimited voice is available, but data is capped at 2GB for prepaid and a generous 10GB plus tethering for all contract based plans.  Monthly and prepaid plans both include free incoming texts, including picture and video messages.  The most least expensive prepaid plan for a smart phone cost $40 a month, which includes 450 minutes, unlimited texts and a minuscule 200 MB of data.  for $60 a month, you get 2GB of data, or you can up-grade to a top level prepaid plan with unlimited voice an messaging and 2GB of data f0r $70 a month. 

The most basic smart phone plan with 450 minutes, unlimited messaging and 2GB of data cost $74.99 a month, though users can get up to 5% off by signing up for automatic billing on any plan.  Unlimited voice and messaging with 2GB of data runs $114 a month, but this plan will allow you to upgrade your phone after 13 months.  If you reach for your smart phone to surf the web more often than to make a call, you'll likely want to upgrade to a 4GB, 5GB or 10GB monthly data allowance. 
Additionally, contract customers receive free incoming calls, unlimited mobile to mobile, nights and  weekends starting at 7 p.m. and coverage protection.

Though there's only one Windows phone available, the HTC 7 Pro, but U.S. Cellular offer numerous Android phones.  They also have a few tablets available with contracts too.  U.S. Cellular's stable of devices is more advance than other small carriers, but its pricing is more in line with the Big 4.  However, the company has spent years building up a strong customer service reputation.  I love that users can control their own smart phone destiny by earning points to get a new device in as little as 13 months, and newer phones are offered with prepaid plans.

Virgin Mobile

Virgin Mobile Unlike other small carriers such as Cricket Wireless, Virgin Mobile doesn't offer plan with a bunch of bells and whistles. However, Beyond Talk subscribers enjoy free access to Virgin Mobile Live, which allows uses to stream studio and live performances from past and present Virgin Mobile Festival Artists.

Virgin Mobile offers nationwide service via Sprint's network, covering major metropolitan areas on the West Coast, as well as most of the Northeast and the Midwest. However most of the country enjoy barely any coverage at all.

Even among small carriers, but Virgin Mobile's plans are cheap.. First off are the Beyond Talk plans, which includes unlimited data and messaging. For 300 anytime minutes unlimited texting and data, you'll pay just $35; 1,200 minutes and unlimited texting and data cost $45 a month and $55 a month gets you unlimited data, texting and talk time. These plans include 2.5GB of full speed data; once you hit that cap, you may get throttled speeds. You can get hotspot capability for $15 a month extra, if you get a phone that has that capability.

Virgin Mobile became the second small carrier to carry the iPhone 4S. You can also get the HTC EVO V 4G, HTC Wildfire S, LG Optimus V, Motorola Triumph and Venture. If you're looking to stay connected for the smallest monthly fee possible, it's hard to beat Virgin Mobile.  "Now that's real spit done done done......" Gangstalicious

OUYA: Big Things Come in Small Packages

Ouya is a new game console for the TV powered by Android.  Ouya has an open design so developers will have access to produce games freely.  Ouya controller, console, and interface come in a very sleek, hi-tch, and inexpesive package.  What's going to hook everyone I think is the fact that it will be priced at a fraction of the cost of any game console.  Everyone can afford this system just about.  Say so long to those high price system games too.  I remember when I complained about paying $40 for a video game....then $50 for a video game....then $60 for a video game......Then I had to name my first unborn child after one of the systems to pay for a new title.  Well you know what I'm getting at.  Then you beat a game in 3 days and your stuck with a game with just about no replay value to you.  I remember getting scared and not playing a game for 2 weeks cause I didn't want it to end.  As of now 43,000 people have already pre-ordered an Ouya via Kickstarter and I think that number will continue to climb by the time it has hit the market. 

Anyone can make a game for this console.  Every console is a dev kit.  No need to purchase a license or an expensive SDK.  It's built on Android, so developers already know how it works.  All the new developers out there can get one of these systems and could try and develop the newest and hottest game right in their living room or bedroom.  Or maybe you have an idea for a really good game and want to give it a shot yourself.  Well now is your chance to show off what you've learned from years of gaming.

That doesn't mean Ouya is an Android port.  Smart phones and tablets are getting all the new games because thats what's hot right now.  Developers are pushed away from the big game titles and are going to the more developer friendly platforms like Android. 

The highly-anticipated Ouya gaming console has some high-profile backing: OnLive announced that it will offer its on-demand gaming service on the $99 Android-powered console when it launches in 2013.  This will guarantee a successful launch of the system in my opinion.  This will be a hard thing to keep in stock at all the stores. 

Ouya has raised more than $5.6 million through the crowdfunding site, Kickstarter, in just a few short weeks. The project has almost 44,000 backers, and has far surpassed its goal of $950,000. The funding period still has about two weeks left.

Having OnLive on the Ouya console will give users access to hundreds of games when the console launches. Familiar OnLive features, such as the ability to continue games across multiple supported devices, will also be available, according to OnLive's blog post.

Adding OnLive to the Ouya was a frequent request from its backers, one of whom described the potential partnership as a "dream in the living room." Indeed, for gamers it's just that: the ability to stream games directly to a console is something console makers have talked about for a long time, yet nobody has made a true effort to act on it.

Even with OnLive on board, there are still some issues with the Ouya that could prevent the console from becoming a success.

First off, there are few Android games optimized for a large screen--Ouya gamers won't want to be playing scaled-up versions of games intended for smartphone screens. The console's creators will have to take a proactive approach in getting game developers to sign on, thanks to Android's decentralized nature.

Second, there's the issue of piracy. Android is plagued by rampant piracy, and the issue has even driven some developers to just give their games away for free. The piracy problem might scare developers off of creating bigger and better TV-optimized games for the Android platform.

Having OnLive on board is great, but without developers on board the Ouya isn't much more than a glorified Apple TV for gamers. Streaming games in our living room is great, but it doesn't fix some of the more pressing issues.  "Now that's real spit done done done......" Gangstalicious

"Vizio Co-Star" Stream Player

OK now one of my favorite things I like to talk about is hot new gadgets and new tech.  Google TV started out a little slow a couple of years ago, but they are getting an update, and hardware manufacturers like Sony and VIZIO have been hard at work making new Google TV devices. So it looks like Google TV isn't going anywhere soon.  This devices is selling for only $99.99 with a limited-time offer of free shipping.  You can visit VIZIO.com to pre-order the Co-Star.

Vizio launched their new mini set top box dubbed the Co-Star which is Google TV enabled.  They opened up pre-orders just two days prior and after finally going live, the box sold out in less than 12 hours.  The company announced the great news on their Google+ page.  While the first batch of orders did sell out, Vizio said they have a second batch of pre-orders up which ended up selling out as well. 

The VIZIO Co-Star turns any HDTV into the ultimate smart TV**. With 1080p and 3D support; Co-Star offers the distinct advantage of connecting to a cable or satellite box. This feature allows viewers to enjoy full screen web browsing with Adobe® Flash® Player and HTML 5, access to entertainment apps such as the OnLive® Game Service, Netflix®, YouTube® and more*** without switching inputs or remotes thanks to the universal touchpad remote with keyboard.

The VIZIO Co-Star is the first stream player to offer video games on demand. Through OnLive,® users can demo, watch and play hundreds of top-tier video games directly from the "cloud," eliminating the need for an independent game console. In addition, the VIZIO Co-Star offers popular apps such as Amazon Instant Video, YouTube®, iHeartRadio and more – all available for download through the Google Play Store.  "Now that's real spit done done done......" Gangstalicious

DIRECTV and Viacom: Channels are back!

Hey everyone here is a real quick story I wanted to post about a dispute going on with Directv and Viacom.  There were a gang of angry customers who did not get all their channels because Viacom decided they were going to do a blackout and not show 26 channels from there network.  While the big wigs were fighting over their money the consumers are the real people to suffer here.  So this little bit of information came from Tom's Guide online, and the author was Catherine Cai.......and here we go!


 A little over a week ago, disputes between Viacom and DIRECTV led to Viacom cutting off service to 26 different channels, among them—to the great sadness of many DIRECTV customers—MTV, Nickelodeon, and Comedy Central.

The original dispute was over Viacom's renewal fees. DIRECTV claimed that Viacom was seeking a 30 percent bump in renewal subscriptions, which DIRECTV felt was too high. Viacom's stated that it was seeking only a fair bump in payment. Whatever the case, Viacom's channels were pulled from DIRECTV, with both parties pointing the finger of blame at each other.
A DIRECTV press release states that the two parties have reached an agreement.
Obviously, the two disputing parties still aren't done thumbing their noses at each other, as DIRECTV's press release stated the following:

“We are very pleased to be able to restore the channels to our customers and thank them for their unprecedented patience and support,” said Derek Chang, executive vice president of Content Strategy and Development for DIRECTV. “It’s unfortunate that Viacom took the channels away from customers to try to gain leverage, but in the end, it’s clear our customers recognized that tactic for what it was.

“The attention surrounding this unnecessary and ill-advised blackout by Viacom has accomplished one key thing: it serves notice to all media companies that bullying TV providers and their customers with blackouts won’t get them a better deal. It’s high time programmers ended these anti-consumer blackouts once and for all and prove our industry is about enabling people to connect to their favorite programs rather than denying them access.”

Interestingly, Viacom's press release regarding the dispute is much more neutral and brief. According to the media company, "All 26 Viacom networks, including Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, MTV, BET, CMT, Logo, Spike, TV Land, MTV2, VH1, VH1 Classic, Palladia, Nick Jr., Nicktoons, TeenNick, Tr3s and Centric, will return to DIRECTV’s channel lineup immediately."

The press releases neglected to state the financials that went into the deal—in fact, DIRECTV's press release even directly stated, "Financial terms were not disclosed."—but according to the LA Times, Viacom now attributes for six percent of DIRECTV's programming costs, which is about $600 million this year.

Both companies lost out over the dispute as stock shares declined for both companies after the event. Viacom lost out on viewers and $14 million for ten days' worth of fees from DIRECTV. DIRECTV incited the ire of subscribers who weren't getting the channels they were promised and paying for.
Hopefully, with this dispute settled, AMC and Dish will be inspired to end their similar dispute.    "Now that's real spit done done done......" Gangstalicious



For the original story just go here.   http://www.tomsguide.com/us/DIRECTV-Viacom-Dispute-Settled-channels,news-15960.html

Are You Paying for Anti-virus?

I want to start this one off by talking a little bit about myself so you can get a feel for the kind of person I am.  I've been working in the mental health field almost twenty years now.  That's my main job, but I moonlight in computer repair, mobile device repair, jailbreaking iOS devices, rooting Android devices, and basically anything that has to do with technology.  I'm a bonifide techie.  I'm currently working on my B.A. in Information Technology, and I love reading and reviewing new gadgets.  Since I repair computers all week long part-time, I decided to talk about anti-virus protection this time. 

Everyone thinks in order to get good protection you have to purchase anti-virus.  Well I just want to talk about some really good free ones that are just as good as the paid packages.  You may not have all the bells and whistles but you can still get the same protection.  All security software is focused on the same thing, and that's keeping your computer safe.  There are many security suites you can go with but I'll tell you which ones I think work better for me.

AVG ANTI-VIRUS FREE 2012: 100% of threats stopped - AVG hands down is one of the best free ones you can get.  Trust me on this one.  I've used just about 15 to 20 different ones and this is by far the best one.  It has great malware detection and web detection.  The only real problem with this one is its kind of a memory hog.  It added 259 MB to the memory footprint of the test system I had been using.  If you have an older computer running 1 to 2 GB of ram this will be a problem for you.  AVG has a LinkScanner that warns you of dangerous search results that works really good.  I  really don't like all the advertising all over the place.  Seems a littled cluttered to me.

AVAST FREE ANTIVIRUS 6: 94% of threats stopped - Avast has a clean and friendly interface.  Like AVG it has adverts for the company's commercial products, but these are more tastefully presented, making it less annoying package overall.  Now this one is not as good as AVG, but what I like the most about it is that it has a super-light memory footprint of only 52 MB, and a super quick virus scan which completed in a quick 14 seconds.  It has a WebRep toolbar and browser plug-in that shows trustworthiness of search results and visited sites.  An AutoSandbox mode automatically runs untrusted downloads in a protected mode, limiting their ability to do mischief.

COMODO INTERNET SECURITY PREMIUM: 98% of threats stopped - I know a pretty good amount of people who use Comodo and they love it.  It comes with a firewall that's easy to monitor and configure.  I usually have a problem with false-positive detection.  If you don't know what that is, it's when its a good program and it gets flagged by the virus detection as either it doesn't know if its bad or it just labels it as a bad program.  It's protection is better than many paid-for packages.  The default suggestion when a virus is detected is to call in Comodo's paid-for Geek Buddy service, rather than blocking the item.

MICROSOFT SECURITY ESSENTIALS: 92% of threats stopped - Security Essentials is the simplest anti-virus option.  This is also the one I use the most.  You can install it directly from Windows Update, then leave it completely in the background to do its thing.  There's no specialty or extras in this one, just straight to the point.  The memory footprint is a little heavy for such a light-weight package.  Its weighing in at 196 MB.  The interface is easy to navigate, but it still comes behind other free packages when it comes to stopping threats.  The main reason I use this one is because I've been using it for a long time.

McAFEE INTERNET SECURITY 2012: 52% threats stopped - This use to be a really good anti-virus, and  its not one of the free ones.  I just wanted to warn people out here using this one.  McAfee Internet Security has a small 101 MB footprint, it includes a firewall, email scanner, anti-spam agent, online back up module with 1 GB of storage, home network scanner, and file shredder.  Sadly, its still a piece of crap!  This is a really big gamble if you use this package.  I clean at lease 7 computers a month that have McAfee on them.  Just think you actually pay for this. 

There are other really good anti-viruses out there to choose from.  Too many to even name right now.  What's some of the anti-viruses you all use?  Let me know what really works for you.  "Now that's real spit done done done......" Gangstalicious

"V" for Vendetta - Apple Strikes Back

The South Korean company Samsung is the best-selling phone manufacturer in the world right now.  Thanks to their Galaxy S smart phones series they have became the largest smart phone manufacturer in the world.  Samsung sold some 50 million smart phones, compared to Apple's 30.5 million when the quarter ended on June 30.  A polling firm (Nielsen) reported that 52 percent of U.S. smartphone users own Android phones while 34.3 percents have iPhones.  Samsung and Apple had been neck and neck for several quarters but with the release of the Galaxy S III in May, Samsung quickly shot ahead.  While Galaxy S III sales have given Samsung an edge, its impact in the United States could be stopped short if Apple can pull the phone company into a patent lawsuit it has filed against the Korean company in California.  That action has resulted in two of their devices being barred from sale in the United States.  Apple has a motion pending to include the Galaxy S III as an infringing device in that case also.

This looks like a personal vendetta that Steve Jobs had against Google that still seems to be going on.  Samsung isn't the only one that seems to have tasted the bitterness of Apple's fruit.  Motorola had a run in with Apple filing frivolous charges.  HTC has had multiple motions filed like the slide to lock patent which has cause HTC shipments to be delayed.  Apple tried to have 29 HTC devices ban in June so they couldn't be sold in the United States.  Sounds like somebody's panties might be in a twist.

The war between Samsung and Apple is so big and important to both corporations that it hasn't shown its full importance yet in the tech world.  A court ordered the CEOs of both Samsung and Apple to meet and settle their differences.  Apple refused.

Is it really that serious that Apple has to file multiple motions to try and hold these other companies back?  I think someone over at Apple might be a little nervous because Samsung has did something they didn't think anyone could do, and that's make a cooler mobile device.  Apple doesn't want to sit down and settle the whole thing because Samsung would end up probably paying for using whatever it was they claimed they stole, and their devices would still flood the market in the United States.  Now they will really have to make something "unique" and "fresh" that will stand out.  I think Apple's time may be coming to pass.  Then again maybe not but I do think they are scared.

A pretty good amount of people have Apple devices.  They stay loyal to Apple but they make new devices with very little change.  People want "fresh" air.  They are tired of breathing the same old stale air.  I will give you a few examples.  What is the difference between an iPhone 4 and an iPhone 4S?  Maybe two new features, but they promoted it like it was a whole new device.  Then there's the iPad 2 and the "new" iPad.  Really the only difference is the retina screen and a better camera.  Are these truly next generation devices or are these the same ladies with a new hair do?  After a week they start to look like the same ladies from the week before.  "Now that's real spit done done done......" Gangstalicious

GPS or Lowjacked

Let's call this one find my Droid.  Or maybe I should ask do you know what a Spidey Tracer is?  Have you noticed that finding a pay phone is like trying to find a leprechaun and his pot of gold?  Since there are no more pay phones I guess everyone needs a cell phone now.  They have cell phones rates as low as $35 a month.  If you can't afford that they will give you one for free with free minutes.  Wow!  That really is something.  That's just how bad they want you to be safe with a GPS enabled tracking device.  Even if its a cheap phone they can still triangulate your location between cell towers.  You may as well strap a low-jack to my ankle and say its the new iPhone sock.  Hey I love technology, but I won't put a transmitter on my dog to find him.  So don't let someone give you one without having a few questions to ask.  "Now that's real spit done done done......" Gangstalicious

Are PCs Still Personal???

Shipments of personal computer dropped by 0.1% which amounts to hundreds of thousands of units.  This marks the seventh consecutive quarter of lackluster PC sales.  The market could receive a significant boost in October when Microsoft releases its highly anticipated OS upgrade, Windows 8.  Why should you go spend $200 - $400 on  new computer?  That's really a good price for one.  How often do you buy a new computer?  Once every five years maybe.  Not even close for most people.  People don't really get excited about buying new computers, but let it be a new phone.  Most people will gladly dish out $200 - $400 for a new phone or other mobile device with out even blinking.  Most people today need a new phone 6 months after buying a new one, and can't even wait until their contract is up to get another newer phone.  People are just less interested in spending on PCs as there are other technology products and services, such as the latest smart phones and media tablets that they are purchasing.  Other mobile devices are just more personal than today's PCs. 

Cellphones are by far the most popular device among Americans adults, especially for adults under the age of 65.  Some 85% of adults own cell phones overall.  Taking pictures (done by 76% of cell owners) and text messaging (done by 72% of cell owners) are the two non-voice functions that are widely popular among all cell phones users.  People use their cell phones for browsing on-line, sending emails, playing games, listening to music, and recording videos.  Nearly 90% of Americans now own a cellphone, computer, mp3 player, game console, e-book reader or tablet computer, and your cell phone has all these things rolled up into one.  We use our mobile gadgets to handle our computer needs 80 - 90% of the time. 

Computer sales are down because some how they have lost the "personal" in personal computers.  A PC without the P.  Now that sounds kind of funny, don't you think?  You can take your phone anywhere with you and curve your computer fix at anytime.  They have tablets that fit right in your pocket, purse, or even its own carrying case.  A tablet is more portable and looks more like a thin book than a laptop.  In this day and age when everyone is always on the go who needs to have or carry a computer if they're not doing homework, or need to do a presentation for work.  Will the sell of computers rise when Windows release their newest update?  I think they will, but not as much as the newest iPhone, Evo, Nexus, Droid, or iPad....."Now that's real spit they done done done" Gangstalicious

Respect My Privacy

In today's world it's getting harder and harder to keep ones privacy.  Every app wants to report your where abouts.  Facebook wants you to check-in.  Google wants to share your location.  There's a target on your back and every one is gunning for you.  Identity thief is at an all time high.  Your WiFi is getting hacked right now as we speak.  The government just the other day was scanning your computer to see if you have a virus that's going to keep you off the Internet.  Or maybe they were really looking at your mp3 downloads.  Your Internet provider just sent you a letter saying you have more data downloads than the average person and they will be force to report this activity to the "proper authorities".  Whether it's on-line banking, or movie torrents downloads from Kickass Torrents.  Your private business is just that, YOUR private business. So lets talk about something that I know a little bit about.  How to keep some on-line activities private.  What do you know about VPNs?

What is a Virtual Private Network or VPN?  A VPN allows you to connect your machine to a virtual network which in turns encrypts the data you send, hiding everything from the public domain.  A good VPN will keep no records of your browsing history, meaning you're essentially an anonymous user.  Many VPNs are established for office use, to allow uses to log into their workplace network and gain access to services therein.

Let's talk about some VPNs.

ProXPN - A free VPN service designed for use with Windows and Mac computers.  This provides you safety and privacy while using the Internet.  Your IP is anonymous, and your data is highly encrypted, providing protection form snoops on your network.  It also unblocks access to county IP blocked sites.  Like you can not watch Hulu.com in Mexico, but you can if your using this.  If you are using wifi or a public network, you should be using proXPN to protect yourself.  I do find that the paid account works better than the free account cause they cap the speed and you have to go through advertisement before you can go to the web page your surfing.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONpttV7o9Oc

Gpass - free VPN access as well as an impressive fast web proxy to use directly in your browser.  The service seems really great, and even goes as far as to recommend an integrity check after you've downloaded the software (before installing).

CyberGhost - Offering 1GB of encrypted traffic per month on their free package.

AnchorFree Hotspot Shield - Offering a free solution for Windows, Mac, and iPhone.  They boasts unlimited bandwidth to those who need it.  You can't go wrong with unlimited I always say.

Its Hidden - Originally established as a safeguard for file sharers, this offers a competitive free service as well as paid solutions offering better contention ( less users per server).

SecurityKiss - The free Package provided by this one brings you 300mb of data transfer per day, but provides an uncapped line with plenty of speed.

PeerBlock - This is not a VPN but I use this along with a few other programs to provide additional protection.  PeerBlock lets you control who your computer "talks to" on the Internet.  By selecting appropriate lists of "known bad" computers, you can block communication with advertising or spyware oriented servers, computers monitoring your P2P (peer to peer) activities, computers which have been "hacked", even entire countries!  They can't get into your computer, and your computer won't try to send them anything either.

I also use network programs like Network Magic Pro to give me more protection with my wireless network to keep people form hacking my router.  Better safe then sorry I always say.....or was that Shrek???

IPPea TV - Turn Your TV to an Android for $50

Ok check me out ya'll.  Today what I been checking out is something that may be one of the coolest  gadgets I've seen in a couple of months.  "The tiny iPPea TV is a fully-functioning Android super micro PC that connects to the cloud, accesses a broad range of websites and apps, and delivers a high-quality entertainment experience," said iPPea CEO Amanda Sendkowski.  The device can be fully poweed by a standard USB port, such as those available on most DTVs.  Here's a quick run down of the specs.  MIPS-Based XBurst CPU running at 1.2 GHz, Android 4.0.3, 802.11 b/g/n/ WiFi, USB 2.0, 2GB storage via a microSD slot, support for 1080p HD video and most popular audio/video formats.

                                                                                             The Android operating system brings to the big screen a connected entertainment experience that includes streaming video and music, internet browsing, social media, apps, gaming and more.  Now anybody can experience these features without having to purchase an expensive high-end smart TV.  This will be ready for pre-order at the end of July.  If you want to read more about it just check out this link.  http://www.computex.biz/burnaby/Default.aspx?ContentTab=News&list_id=36733&t=specific

"Now that's real spit done done done......" Gangstalicious

'Internet Doomsday'

Look out world!  If you don't know what the malware called DNS changer is you may be in for a surprise.  Starting 07-09-12 at 12:01 a.m. if your home computer is infected by this virus you will be cut off from the internet.  This can be quite a pain and time is getting deadly close to the dead line.  Checking to see if you have been infected is really easy. Just visit the FBI-run website DNS-ok.us.  If the site is green you are good to go.  This is for PC and Mac OS X computers.  Linux and mobile devices are all clear.  Ok quick explanation, this virus redirects computers to rogue DNS servers instead of normal ones.  The feds peeped game and locked up these bandits.  They replaced these wack servers with temporary servers that will stop working on Monday.  If you do find that you are infected there are many free tools that should help you clean your systems and be good as new.  Look for some of these malware tools...Hitman Pro.......Kaspersky Labs TDSS Killer........Microsoft Safety Scanner.......Norton Power Eraser.......Trend Micro Housecall.......MacScan.  "Now that's real spit done done done......" Gangstalicious