It's done, I finally have High Speed!
Sunday, July 15, 2007
After about an hour on the phone with Time Warner Cable, I finally managed to get internet directly to my apartment. It took a lot of going back and forth figuring if I was in the system, or how my landlord had the apartment listed as, but in the end it got done and here I am. The speeds for the Earthlink Cable (rebranded Time Warner) are pretty good, I'm getting 10mpbs down and 512kbps up, so that's not bad. As well, I'm splitting the signal, and I'm getting free basic cable. I also get some channels like ESPN2, MSG, Spike TV and the Food Network, but I'm wondering if I got a box I could get all the basic stuff.
I hopefully should be able to update the poor blog more, now that I have a stable connections, but hopefully all the stuff I do won't get too much in the way.
So yes I'm still alive, and sorry for the month long absence!
-Steve
Posted bySteve at 3:54 PM 2 comments
Labels: Brooklyn, Internet, Random
How is it this difficult to get internet in Greenpoint!
Friday, June 15, 2007
I'm stuck in Internet limbo, since Verizon's too far away from my house to give me any reliable connection and Time Warner's playing phone tag with me trying to service my house for cable, so I can get internet.
Therefore, I'm in Queens on my friend's laptop using the wireless. It's not my computer but I'm getting my internet fix at the moment.
I miss not being able to do my Payperpost so often, or report on news and opinions as they come out, so I feel like I'm being the curve a bit. Hopefully once I settle things with Time Warner I'll have a bit more posts up, but you never know with my busy schedule.
Alright coupon time, more tomorrow!
-Steve
Posted bySteve at 5:21 PM 4 comments
Labels: Brooklyn, Internet, Time Warner, Verizon
Problems with Spyware?
Monday, June 11, 2007
If anyone's used computers in the last couple of years then they must've heard or have experiences with spyware. I know I sure have, but if you don't know what spyware is they are little programs that install themselves on your computer to do various things. Most of the spyware out there doesn't do much in terms of terrible things to your computer, but they steal your system ressources which makes your computer slower, can install popup adds at random places and only allow you to go to sites you want.
What can you do to find out if you have spyware or to remove it? Well you need a spyware program to remove or kill it. Spy Sweeper Is The Most Award-Winning AntiSpyware Software out there, and having known from using it myself it's one of the best if not the best anti-spyware programs out there. Spy Sweeper has all the features you need and updates itself automatically, so you really can't go wrong since it fights the latest spyware infections as they come out. Can't go wrong making sure you have your computer safe as most people know about viruses but don't understand the importance of spyware. To be sure you don't have spyware you need a tool like Spy Sweeper to monitor your system and keep it running clean.
Check it out and post your thoughts on Spyware? Any infections? Cleaned up anyone's computer lately? Post your thoughts,
-Steve
Posted bySteve at 10:08 PM 8 comments
Yea I'm around again
I'm back again for a couple of days in the city again. My internet sucks (what's new) or I haven't had access to some at all so the postings have been slimmer than I expected. However I have called Time Warner and am expecting some service from them soon.
So what does that mean in the mean time? You just get less rants (I mean news and opinions) from me.
However, tonight I do have a nice article for you guys. Any fan of Linkin Park will know who Chester Bennington is, and there's a really good article on Identity Theft on him. It was posted by Wired maybe a week ago, and I read it and I have to recommend it. It's pretty interesting to read about Identity Theft, especially of a star, and someone that people love like Chester.
Alright more later, hopefully soon but you never know, lol
-Steve
Posted bySteve at 9:01 PM 0 comments
Labels: Internet, Music, Random, Tech
My Verizon DSL experience
Saturday, June 02, 2007
Yep, blogging from my house, with my DSL finally working. However, not all is sunny in Greenpoint, since my DSL is pretty shitty to tell you the truth. On Tuesday Verizon came in and redid the wiring of my house. Ok cool so that means it'll be ready by later tonight. Tuesday comes and goes, no DSL signal. Finally Wednesday and somehow in the evening I get signal. Woohoo I got signal! I start playing around, downloading, running a speed test showing I got 1900 kbps (out of my advertised 3000kbps) downstream with 360 kbps upstream so I'm like ok this will work. However by the morning I'm out of sync again. Luckily I had called Verizon sending in a DSL tech on Tuesday to fix my connection.
Thursday morning arrives, and so does the DSL tech (at 11:30am when I work at 12, but that's another story). He's like wow no wonder you're not getting sync you're 17,000 feet from the CO (the DSL central office, where the DSL originates from) and they're giving you the highest residential grade. I'd need to be within 10,000 feet for 3000kbps service or 15,000 feet for 1500 kbps, therefore I'm assed out. So he bumps me down to 768kbps/168kbps up/down, which I'm not too happy about but it means 10$ less per month so I'll take the hit. Later that night I was hitting 1500kbps tho so I was happy they didn't completely bump me down, but then I ran a speed test this morning and I wasn't surprised to see some nice low speeds of 184 kpbs / 124 kbps, meaning I had below my expected speeds but I had a steady signal.
So what are my options, well with me and my roomate sharing this connection (just installed a NETGEAR router), I have to get a decent connection, downloading files at 22kb/s won't cut it in this day, so I'm going to have to go cable. Cable however has to be serviced at my apartment, which is in the second story of a house behind an apartment building, and it's going to take 2-3 weeks. So I can't switch until then. My hope is that they service my apartment soon, so that by the time my 30 day trial with Verizon is up I can switch to cable and get anywhere up to 10mbps down and 512kbps up, which would be faster than my original speeds with DSL but I'd have to pay 45$ per month.
The trials and tribulations of Internet. Well, at least using crappy DSL is better than Tmobile EDGE. Alright enough for now, I'm going to bed.
More tomorrow,
-Steve
Posted bySteve at 12:48 AM 21 comments
Labels: Brooklyn, Internet, Verizon
More news from PPP - Payperpost Direct Launches!
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Man, I wish I wasn't so busy at the moment so I could take in more fun with the guys at Payperpost. They seem to always have something new up their sleeve, especially with the new upcoming Birdo release they've released Payperpost Direct. It's a new concept from the people who allow to get paid for blogging when you'd do it anyway to cut out the middleman and get paid directly by the advertiser. For example, if an advertiser likes your specific blog, he can click on the badge (which will get installed tomorrow, see prior post) and pay whatever you think a post on your site is worth. This cuts out the man in the middle when your blog is directly generating the content and the sales lead.
I think it's another step in the right direction, I've seen other competitors of Payperpost do this but it seems that their prices where either way too high or too low. This seems to be more customizable and a better bang for the buck on both sides of the coin, us bloggers can charge what we think we're worth and advertisers can pay a nominal service fee instead of 50 to 100% of the post. It doesn't make sense to not do this if you have some specific blogs or places you'd like to target and you already know they're involved with Payperpost Direct. I think it also stimulates the bloggers to have higher quality content and to promote better, in order to get the right advertisers and visitors to the site, making it more attractive and raising the price you could charge.
I'm all for it, and will install this tomorrow, what you guys think? Who's doing it or not? Speak your thoughts.
-Steve
Posted bySteve at 11:00 PM 4 comments
Labels: Blogs, Internet, Marketing, Payperpost
Verizon DSL needs to hurry up!
I'm sorry for the pause again in the blogging. My verizon DSL is coming Tuesday, and it's terribly hard to blog from my phone. Sure it gets on the internet but EDGE is so slow and having 2 or 3 things load at the same time kills my speeds. The fact that I've been so busy with my new job and the extra jobs I've been doing on the sides doesn't help.
To all those who are still there for me, I appreciate the support. I just wish I could keep you guys informed on what's going on with me, or what I think about anything in the Tech world more often however I've just been so busy. I also have been dealing with HP in terms of repairing a broken laptop, so that's another story I have to tell you guys, but until then I'll give u guys an update on my friends at PPP and I'll have a blog post tomorrow when I get to access some decent internet at LIU (my old school which is a 10 min walk from my job).
Until tomorrow,
-Steve
Posted bySteve at 9:42 PM 0 comments
Another concept, Lowest Bidding site for prizes
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
There's a lot of sites out there that give away prizes, some for referrals, some for playing games, but here's one with a new twist. It's called bid4prizes, and you can win a prize by bidding the lowest amount on a prize. It's like a guessing game, where you bid on prizes, and they tell you if you're low, high and etc. You have certain amounts of points which allows you certain amounts of bids on the prizes, which are ad-supported to keep the guys afloat. However for $9.99 you can get an unlimited membership and have unlimited bids, which can be worth while.
So far I think it's pretty interesting, maybe tedious trying to outguess everyone, but imagine winning a BMW 3 series (my friend has one, they are some fine cars) off the internet? Sounds like something that could entice a good number of you guys. I'm going to give it a shot and hopefully get back to you. Anyone else try it? Any opinions? Post your thoughts!
-Steve
Posted bySteve at 12:25 AM 0 comments
Labels: Free Stuff, Internet
Need to use your IM when you're away from the computer? Try KoolIM
Thursday, April 12, 2007
I'm in between my classes and I'm stuck in the computer lab yet I want to be able to login to my MSN and my AIM messengers but I can't since the computers here don't have the clients. Am I stuck? Nope, because of Web Messenger websites like KoolIM.com which have come along allowing you to signin from any Internet Browser window. That's right I'm on a locked down computer yet I can still sign into MSN, AIM, Yahoo, ICQ, etc. It's simple and easy, so check it out.
Alright back to class, enjoy the tip,
-Steve
Posted bySteve at 5:45 PM 0 comments
Labels: Free Stuff, Internet
Keeping Windows up to date
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
It just seems that no one will ever keep their computer secure unless Microsoft forces them too, which is pretty amazing considering what most people think about computers. I just borrowed a friend's laptop, which is running Windows XP SP2, yet somehow doesn't have Internet Explorer 7 installed and no other browser. How could you only have IE6? No Firefox, no tabs? I guess I've just been spoiled by my computer.
Do you guys often the same thing when using other people's computers? Are you like why do you turn off the automatic updates when you won't update yourself?
Just makes me wonder sometimes,
Alright more later,
-Steve
Posted bySteve at 6:48 PM 0 comments
Labels: Computers, Internet, Microsoft
Selldeo.com - Craigslist with Video
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Ever wanted to get something on Craigslist or another online classified service and gotten no information and crappy pictures? Well there's a new service out there that I think shows actual promise that is an online marketplace focused on Video Marketing. Selldeo.com lets users create videos of an apartment they're trying to sell, which is a great idea. Imagine selling an apartment and being able to view all the rooms? Or selling a car and seeing all 4 sides, the interior, etc? Seems like it could really take off since it can save the seller time by answering less questions and give more information to the buyers. I think it has great potential to be up there, it's kind of new so let's see how it turns out.
So go check out their site at http://www.selldeo.com and as per usual, tell me what you think.
-Steve
Posted bySteve at 5:34 PM 1 comments
Labels: Classifieds, Cool Stuff, Internet
Need a dedicated server? RackNine has dedicated servers that don't lose out in the support aspects
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
I know many of you bloggers out there have your blog hosted by a company specializing in blog hosting or run through a free service like Blogger. However, many people who have their own sites, such as I, like to have their sites hosted on a good server. For those who have larger sites where a simple hosting company won't do, having a dedicated server that's fully customizable is the only way to go. For those who know what I'm talking about or have sites that are larger enough to warrant a dedicated server should really look into RackNine Dedicated Servers. They've updated their dedicated support to be as good as shared support, without the slowdowns or reductions in speed that having a shared server costs. They have a full press release detailing all the changes so take a look. I've added it to this post below:
RackNine Inc. http://www.racknine.com Toll-free: 1-866 GO RACK9 sales@racknine.com RackNine Cuts I.T. Overhead for Customers New Offering from RackNine Equals Expert Support & Great Value Edmonton, Alberta (March 27. 2007) – RackNine a leading provider of shared and dedicated web hosting services, is expanding options for its dedicated server customers by adding an Assisted Service Plan–a professional solution without the traditional costs. RackNine’s technical support will address needed patches, backups, monitoring and vulnerability assessments. Customers can get the power of a dedicated server without having to perform all of the administrative tasks associated with an unmanaged account such as server startup, patching and anti-virus protection. Add-on services, with the purchase of a service contract, include security scans, backup and recovery, monitoring and escalation management, at no additional fee. Custom engineering options are also available, billed at a flat hourly rate. The plan can be added to qualified dedicated hosting accounts during the purchase process. While users are provided with a basic startup environment, RackNine can also assist customers who have special needs. As with all dedicated servers accounts, customers can choose from a wide range of options including operating systems, RAM, hard drives, processors and firewalls. In addition, as with all RackNine services, the plan is backed by RackNine’s round the clock customer support. For more information on RackNine dedicated server plans, visit http://dedicated.rk9.net. About RackNine RackNine Inc. is the evolution of its former company, Couple Guys Consulting. Originally founded in February of 1997, Couple Guys Consulting grew as a leader in automated website management, developing the popular and widely-used SiteTools content-creation system. Couple Guys Consulting entered the web hosting arena in 1999 after being unable to find a reliable method to outsource its hosting arrangements. A subsidiary (CGC Network) was formed to handle hosting needs of both Couple Guys Consulting's web presence as well as needs of a quickly growing userbase who were also unhappy with their current hosts. Hardware solutions were heavily researched, technical staff was hired and trained, and CGCNetwork's experience in high quality dedicated - and shared - hosting began. CGC Network has since evolved to provide inexpensive and incredibly reliable consumer hosting services. New servers and infrastructure have been laid, our aggressive package pricing is implemented, the newest and most advanced user management system ever created has been installed, and our always-present commitment to providing high quality service has turned CGC Network into one of the fastest and most user-friendly systems available. - RackNine - © 2007 RackNine Inc. All Rights Reserved.
I've only got a small time site but for anything that requires a dedicated server RackNine seems like a great option for you to look at. Benefits of a shared server without the penalties of one is great news so go check them out.
Enjoy,
-Steve
Posted bySteve at 11:53 PM 0 comments
Labels: Internet, Web Design
I love T-Mobile
Monday, March 26, 2007
Of all the phone companies, I think T-Mobile's my favorite company, by far. Especially at times like this when I don't have my usual dorm connection and it's 11pm and I want some internet. For those who haven't followed my blog I use the T-Mobile 5.99 internet for WAP sites and use it as an EDGE modem through the T-Mobile proxy. If you're looking for a guide I suggest trying the Howardforums T-Mobile section. I might put up a guide on my website sometime but right now I'm way too busy.
Back to T-Mobile, I like the direction they're going, their phones are getting better, prices are great, and service is improving. I just would like to see more phones released per quarter but I get all my phones by other means so it don't really matter to me. What's your thoughts on T-Mobile? They suck or are they good?
Ok more rambling tomorrow,
-Steve
Posted bySteve at 11:13 PM 0 comments
Labels: Cell Phones, Internet, Tech
Black Singles dating site review
Friday, March 23, 2007
I cover most aspects of the internet, and something that is very popular is that people are trying to find love online. I've seen sites for single parents and for people looking for a sugar daddy (search Archives) but today I'm going to do a quick review of a new site called BlackScene. It's as you guessed by the name a Black Dating that's pretty new. I've reviewed the site with the help of a friend (who is black to get the views of the site from all angles) and while we think the quality of participants isn't up to par yet, the site has potential. The user interface is pretty nice and easy to use, along with being free to join. Seems like they really could do something with it. They just need to get the word out to more diverse people, as having 26yr old mothers with a long tongue isn't very attractive.
Anyways check out www.blackscene.com and tell me your thoughts.
-Steve
Posted bySteve at 1:57 AM 1 comments
Want to get your links higher than others in searches? Now you can
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Ever submitted your site to a web directory and ended up on Page 7 where no one reads it and there's no way to change it or move it up? Well with the new Big Web Links Directory you can contribute funds to improve the position of your site on any category it's published. The more you contribute, the more your links go up, which increases traffic and revenue. You don't have to worry about popularity, Page Rank, or having a name that starts high in the alphabet anymore. It's a great way to get your new site up and out into the forefront of things. The Big Web Links Directory may be new, but it's on the way up, and will have a nice Google PR soon so that it shows up on Google and is known around as one of the web directories of choice.
Check it out, and as per usual, post your thoughts.
Thanks,
-Steve
Posted bySteve at 5:53 PM 0 comments
Labels: Internet, Search Engines, Web 2.0
Tower Defence Games - You guys try them out?
Thursday, March 15, 2007
I was browing around the internet earlier on my great connection here at the Ramada Inn and was looking at the different genres of games. A genre that I wasn't familiar with that's pretty popuplar amoung a specific subset of games is Online Tower Defence games. It's actually a good idea but I haven't tried it out really. They're a lot of sites with great Tower Defense Ideas and they are pretty interesting. I think I'm going to give them a shot when I get back to a REAL internet connection, aka my computer.
What you guys think? Played any of these games? Post your thoughts,
-Steve
Posted bySteve at 11:48 PM 1 comments
Labels: Internet, Video Games
Thinking of VoIP? Check out this Vonage forum
I know many of you guys have heard about Vonage before, it's been on TV, it's all over the internet and it's a based on a relatively new technology called Voice Over Internet Protocol. Vonage uses this to provide you phone service over your internet line for MUCH cheaper than regular phone companies. The guys at Vonage forum have tips, news, reviews and more for those who have Vonage, are interested in Vonage and can help you out. It's a great resource for Vonage and I suggest you check it out if you're in any of those categories.
Enjoy the free site,
-Steve
Posted bySteve at 10:51 PM 0 comments
Man the hotel WiFi sucks here!
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
I'm just relaxing in the hotel tonight, nothing to do after my track stuff, watched a bit of basketball on TV and then I stole my friends laptop to keep myself entertained.
I love the fact that hotels now have WiFi pretty much everyone you go. It's universal now which is great for someone like me who during track season travels every weekend but along with that WiFi in hotels needs to be done right.
Here's a few tips
1) One router won't cut it for a large hotel, you need to spread them out a little
2) Invest in more than the basic Cable/DSL package if you're going to get it for your hotel. You may have a large amount of laptop users at any time, and giving them crappy access may make them think twice about coming back.
3) Don't share the internet connection that management/reception uses with the WiFi network, that's just asking for trouble.
Any other tips you guys can think of? Share your thoughts on this? any really great hotel WiFi experiences?
-Steve
Posted bySteve at 10:48 PM 0 comments
Win big money or an iPod just for playing free flash games - ArcadeCow.com
ArcadeCow, which is a really good flash game website with over 2500 flash games. They ust have started a high score contest which could mean free money or an ipod for you guys, so I thought I might share some info on the contest. They've released a nice press release that has all the details, which is more info that I could share here, but as always, check out www.ArcadeCow.com for more info and to play some free games!
Reality Knights and www.ArcadeCow.com, a free flash games site with over 2500 free online games available to members and non-members, will be running a high score contest for Arcade Cow members from March 13th, 2007 to April 14th, 2007. Prizes will include an iPod shuffle and iTunes gift card for the players with the top five highest scores. The top player will receive an additional $30 cash prize.
While Arcade Cow offers a free online gaming experience to both members and non-members, a free membership is required in order for gamers to participate in the high score contest, because membership allows for saved game scores. The contest will revolve around a game called The Milkman, and there is no cost to register, participate in the high score contest, or play any of Arcade Cow’s free online games.
Arcade Cow’s free online game high score contest will have members competing for a high score while playing “The Milkman.” Players will earn points by virtually shooting a milkman as he pops up in various areas of the playing screen, which is a photo of a barn. Shooting the milkman earns various point levels, whereas misfiring costs points and will eventually end the player’s game or “life.”
Users interested in registering to participate in the free online gaming high score contest to win an iPod shuffle or cash prizes, can do so through a simple registration form at www.ArcadeCow.com.
About ArcadeCow.com
ArcadeCow.com is a free online flash game site, launched in 2006 by Reality Knights, LLC. In its short life, the site already boasts over 700 registered users (despite the fact that free registrations aren’t required to play free online games), more than 480,000 online game plays, and over 2500 free flash games. Games are available from a variety of genres, as well as classic video game emulations.
For additional information about ArcadeCow.com or the high score contest, please visit http://www.arcadecow.com/contest.html
Enjoy the free gaming goodness!
-Steve
Posted bySteve at 4:15 PM 0 comments
Labels: Free Stuff, Internet, Video Games
Single Moms need love too!
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
I know there's a couple of friends of mine who read the blog who are moms, so maybe this will interest you or your friends. I know it's tough being a single mom, I've heard the stories, and they're trying just like everyone else to find a good man but ti's tougher because many men don't want to deal with the fact that they have a child. Well now there's a site for them, it's called Single Moms and Dads. They can find people who understand them and want them for who they are. Sounds like a better method than Craigslist.
What you guys think? Would you guys use it? Post your thoughts and visit it!
-Steve
Posted bySteve at 10:45 PM 2 comments
