How do you boost signal strength with Straight Talk Wireless?

No or Little Signal?

I've been having that lately but that is because I moved to an area that my phone doesn't expect me to be.  This can always be a problem when it comes to having a MVNO like Straight Talk But lately with my HTC Inspire I've been having problems with the signal strength due to my location. I have searched long and high and thou I've been look around at the Signal Boosters [Affiliate Link] that I could use on my phone.  I've yet to find out what would help.  

Called Straight Talk!

I did call Straight Talk to see what we could try to improve my cell phone signal. They suggested two options, chaning my ZIP code of where I am, but I have yet to see much of a difference!  I think I might have to do option two, but that would mean I've need to get a new number.  I really don't care about that because I give out my Google Voice number so it isn't a big deal on my part.  It isn't a big process to change the number but my family likes to use my actual number to get a hold of me.  They think the Google Voice number is too troublesome for them!   So if I change my number my family would have to get used to the new number!

I've look around!

I've check on the Google Marketplace to find anything that would help increase my cellular signal but have yet to find.   Some of the ones that look promising are:

• Opensignalmaps -- The ultimate wifi and signal finding tool. Supports GSM, CDMA, 4G, 3G, 2G.  Now you can refresh network! Boost your bars at the touch of a button.
• Network signal speed booster -- Network Speed Booster gives you better signal by connecting you to the best available cell site tower around you!
• Signal Finder --App showing where the nearest towers are for the best cell phone reception.  This application provides the opportunity never to lose reception, showing where the nearest towers are for the best cell phone reception available as well as the strength the towers have at that location.
• Signal Booster Pro -- Signal Booster Pro uses sophisticated technologies to dynamically assign your phone to the closest, or highest signal cell tower in your area!

These are just a few apps that look promising but I am quite certain that it will reduce my battery life to half unless I am constantly plugged in all the time.  So I am going to ask others if there is something else I could do to improve my Cell Signal strength?  If you know, you can contact me or leave a comment.  I'd love to hear your opinions on how to increase signal strength and how you did it.

Paul Sylvester

Ask the Readers: How do you fight text spam?

Text spam is a constant problem!

Lately I've been getting a lot of text spam for the Walmart spam in my text message box!  I've really gotten mad at AT&T because it seems that I've had nothing but spam from AT&T numbers.  I even tried to explain that to a local AT&T store but they kept trying to tell me what the customer does is their own problem.  In other words, we aren't the problem type of deal.  I even suggested that they might have a Security Issue where as people have found my Number through their database and I got shot down at that one too.  I'm sure they think they are like Apple and nothing could ever happen to their network.  I'm sure that is far from the truth in their network but I will let the engineers figure that one out!

Nothing but the Truth!

I've been getting only AT&T numbers sending spam to me and I'm quite confused, if they don't have issues then why are spammers using their network.  So far every number, that I've looked up in my little app has said that it was Cingular Network, LLC and thus I've not seen any spam from any other network since I've started using my HTC Android Phone on the AT&T network!  The local customer support said, that I wasn't on their network but Straight Talk, but yet the APN's that I used are ATT and not Straight Talk.  Boy, the people should keep up with other cellular networks.  

Don't Text Stop!

When I went into the local AT&T store, the guy suggested that I reply with the word "STOP" but I'm telling you that is the worst idea possible.  I didn't sign up to get this spam so I don't know what the spammer will do when he realizes that I've read his message and also received it.   Will he tell other spammers my number and enroll me in even more spam without my permission.  I always encourage people not let the spammer know you read and received their spam message.  Your best bet is to report it and hopefully that will slow or stop the spam all together.  I can however forward the message to SPAM (7726) since I'm on the AT&T network and report the number  that way.  I found that out talking to the guy, so at least I found an easier way to report a number on the AT&T network!

So it's your turn!

I'm wondering if there is an easier way to fight spam or is this going to be a constant problem.  I will be doing a followup blog post with people's comments or if they have more questions than answers that they would like me to discuss in detail about.  If you've got a question that you can't seem to figure out.  I encourage you to ask it here and I'll be sure to discuss it in one of my following blog posts.  This post is all about you and what you want to discuss to me or others and maybe we can come up with some unique ways to fight spam or solve a problem that you have!  If you don't ask, I can't help.  So start typing and contact me directly or indirectly by leaving a comment. 

Paul Sylvester

How Fake Antivirus writers try to fool you

Three ways on how to NOT waste your Money!

How not to be scammed by online dating sites!

 

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

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

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.

5 Top Google App that you Must have for your HTC Inspire!

I've been using my Phone a lot!

Lately, I've been really busy with my Google Android Phone that I've unlocked to work with Straight Talk.  It has been so good to me, but yet I've found that I need to buy a few Google Apps from the Market place.  I'm going to share with you the ones that have helped me increase my productivity with my HTC inspire and hopefully it will help you with your time.   After all time is money has they say.  

Google Maps!

If your like me, You like to know where your going.  This little app has helped me in my city and thus I don't have to remember to turn left or right.  I've been using a Cassette Adapter [Affiliate Link] to listen to the directions of the Google Maps tell me which way to go when to take a left or right and so on. It is a great GPS Navigation that you can't really do on the Iphonne to a point.  With the  4 pc Combo Accessory Bundle Kit [Affiliate Link] you can keep your HTC inspire charged and see the directions on screen if your really are looking to have a way to navigate in the city. I've not tried this out of the city so I'm unsure as to how reliable this is but it works really well with my HTC Inspire!

Podkicker Pro!

This App is great for those who like to listen to your podcast on the go.   I hate traveling and not having anything to listen to while I drive, if you are one of those that have to drive alot this little App is for you.  It cost $2.99 but I found it to be well worth the price.  I can do so much with this little app like Stream podcasts or download them for later view.  It even can help find podcasts  that you might want to find while on the road. If you want to try it before you buy it.  They do have a Demo version, available in Google Android Market place.  I did and loved it so much, I just decided to buy the player and keep using it.  Once your demo runs out it becomes a really lite app and thus you can't do as much as when you have the pro version, but at least you get to see it in action before you pay the $2.99.  I think it is well worth it! Use the Cassette Adapter [Affiliate Link] and 4 pc Combo Accessory Bundle Kit [Affiliate Link] together to keep your phone charged and listen to podcasts in the car! 

Swiftkey X keyboard

This is the greatest little app that has ever come by my way.  They've got a free app version but once you used it the trial version of the pro version, you will see that you productivity slows down and you'll want to buy it for $2.99.  I've been using this to text people and it's predictive text is remarkable.   I have had to use very little typing to write text and other things to my family and friend.  I recommend this to anyone who doesn't have to time to peck and type and waste time text messaging the old way.

Gmail!

This is one of those apps that I can't seem to not do without.  I like to be able to read any email that I might get from anywhere I am  at the time.  It even tells me when I get email.  I like this little app, because  I can also email back people when there is a need. I love to be able to read my emails when I need to.  

Voice Search!

Hey when your driving you don't have time to type out what you want.  Google is working really hard at fixing that.  I can just hit the app and tell it what I want.  I can call people or Antyhing you may want.  I can listen to podcasts or even music if I ask it.  I think Google is looking for a way to be like SIRI but I am unsure.  This is also a Free app from the Marketplace and thus you should give it a try!

Paul Sylvester

Why I don't use Antivirus Software!

What no Antivirus software!

Your probably wondering why I don't use Antivirus software.   I'm going tell you why and see if you approve or hate the idea.   I know it isn't going to be a popular believe but we all have our reason why we want to be protected and what we are try protect against.   I on the other hand know some ways to protect my computer from viruses and thus I will not use antivirus software to interfere or slow me down.

I'm not saying that it isn't good to use.   I'm just not going to use it and you really shouldn't either.  Here's why!

Most Viruses disable Anti-virus!

If I told you that even if you have an antivirus software on your system that it has probably been disabled by an virus, so that you didn't know that it wasn't really doing you any good!  You probably haven't seen any problems from your antivirus software lately but I am sure it isn't doing it's job like it should.  I've seen in thep ast where unless I update my Antivirus manually, the software would never update thus hiding the virus from detection of the antivirus.   This is something that has been a constant problem with Antivirus software, they are programs and thus can be fixed to do the virus needs.   

I don't use Windows that much!

I know you probably know this but lately haven't needed to use Windows but instead I have been use Kubuntu for all my computer needs.   Since I have an HTC inspire to let me do all the fun stuff on the net, I no longer have any need to use my computer for anything other than blogging and streaming of some of the content out there.  I've not had many uses for my laptop lately because of the Android OS being used more and more.

I don't want to be slowed down!

As many of you know, viruses no matter whhat they are used for will most likely slow down you because of the way the virus writer might of wrote the virus.   They seldom do any testing of the new virus and thus will likely interfere with programs and slow down Windows.   So I tend not to get onto the Windows system unless I really need to.  I usually keep t o my Kubuntu O/S, and even though it sounds like Linux is Virus free.  It's really not, I just surf the web like I should.   I don't give myself super root access.  I also make sure I am not logging in as an Administrator on Linux or Windows.  These are some reasons why I don't use Antivirus.  If you don't go to websites that you don't trust then you will likely never get a virus but that doesn't mean you should not use an Antivirus.

Who needs Antivirus!

That is something that is a big controversy, but most of the time it is big companies who have laptops all over the world and always connecting to insecure websites and insecure wifi outlets.  So if you are keeping your laptop home and you know how to surf the web and not download anything that you aren't looking for then you will be safer than most people.  It is those people who do this that cause the most problems.   I'm really smart when it comes to which software I will install or use and which software I tend to stay away from.   Nothing is set in stone but I usually let my instincts tell me if it is safe or not.   If you do some of these things you are far better off than the average man!

Paul Sylvester

Free Cloud Services that you can use with your Android Phone!

There are Several Cloud Services out there!

We've got so many options out there that we sometimes don't know where to start or how to start.  I'm about to change all that with you on this post.  We will be discussing which cloud services are best and which ones look to be the most reliable when it comes to be using with your android phone.  Remember, this isn't a substatute for having full backups but at least you can have your files where ever you go.

The Cloud Storage Apps I'd Recommend!

So I want to help people find the free storage options and also maybe not have to worry about paying for any money for storage so here I we go:

• Ubuntu One Files -- Ubuntu One Personal Cloud the freedom to access and enjoy your content your way Your Personal Cloud Ubuntu One gives you 5GB of free storage for all your files.
• Browser for Skydrive -- Gives you a 7GB free unless you got the 25 gb for being a loyal skydrive user.  You can register and use Skydrive and figure out if you qualify for the 25 gb upgrade.
• Dropbox -- Dropbox gives you 2 gb with the option to get 18gb more with referrals. I don't know if it works or not because I'm haven't used Drop that much but I do like the fact that you get 2 gb of free storage.
• SmeStorage -- This isn't free App but it is free 5 gb using Amazon S3 service.  You have to pay 4.80$ for the android app but I think it is worth it.   I haven't had much time to play with this service just yet but it looks like it lets you use multiple free services in one and saves you time and money with your storage options.
• Sugarsync -- SugarSync Have you ever been away from home or the office and realized you need a file that is on your computer? (Free 5 gb of storage)
• Box -- Box for Android and Android Tablet lets you view and share files from anywhere! Box provides simple, secure sharing from anywhere.  (5 gb free)
• Opendrive -- A powerful cloud based drive accessible from anywhere. OpenDrive is a free service providing you 5gb of cloud storage to view, share, and collaborate on your documents.

There are seven android apps that I've found but I'm sure you can find more if you look but these look promising, in my opinion and I thought I would at least get people a chance to use all these free services to get more than 40 gb of free storage for your Android device.  If you know of some new ones, then by all means leave a comment and let me know!  I'd love to find out more free options that people recommend!

Paul Sylvester

Free Ipad scams sent through text messages!

Another Spam Text message!

Just Like the Wal-mart text spam, I thought I would at least make people aware of this new spam text message!

Phone Numbers: 

(901)833-6335

Attn: You have been selected to receive a FREE iPad - go to www.freeipad.com.winr.biz/ and enter promo code: "IWON" to claim your iPad. HURRY!

So I used my free Tool to find out who the provider is and they say that it should be Cingular Wireless (AT&T).  It is looking like AT&T is having problems right now because they seem to be constantly coming from numbers that are on the AT&T network.  

You can report this text by forwarding it to abuse@att.com.   I also tell them what number it comes from.   I am hoping this is making the spammers look somewhere else because it is looking like new numbers each time!

What people will do for a little privacy!

Nothing has changed!

Once in a blue moon I find these gems and I want to share it with my readers. This camper is parked in front of a house and I am just had to get a picture with my HTC Inspire 4g.

This post was done with the phone also, thanks to Squarespace android app. I would love for you to share this post with your friends and family.

Paul Sylvester

Find all You Science Fiction Laptop Skins At CafePress!

Walmart Text Spam and How to fight it!

Interesting text messages!

I've had a long weekend doing some stuff and I happen to get two different text from two different numbers, with the same text.   Now you if you've been an avid reader of this blog, you know I REALLY HATE SPAM!  I even talked about blog referrer spam and how it just looks bad on companies.  

Text Numbers So far:

310-435-9136

214-600-2674

You have been selected for a $1,000 Walmart GiftCard, Enter code "FREE" at http://www.walmart.com.xxx.biz/wm/ to claim your prize: 161 left!

Why spammers are using text messages now?

Most of the time, the reason spammers are going to text spamming now is that it is far easier to spam you on your text message then to use email.   Hey let's face it who is going to report the spam and who do you report it them too?  These are the reasons why spammers are going to go this route, it is much harder to block or report these spam messages and they know it.  So I figured if they are going to send messages my way, I'd send messages to the right provider and thus I went back to my old post about reporting text message spam.

I'm looking for Android Apps that do this!

I've been searching around for an app that does this, but most of them just block it and don't really report it! I'd really want to make it hard for the spammers to want to send text messages.   Right now the cost of sending text spam is low but if it starts to make it less profitable they will go somewhere else to spam.

Some of the Apps that I will try are:

• Handcent SMS -- Handcent SMS is a powerful free sms/mms tools for your android phone.  The most popular messaging app on the Android Market, Handcent SMS is a powerful, customizable, and free SMS/MMS app that fully unleashes the messaging potential of Android devices.
• Mr. Number Text, Call & Block -- Text and call the people you love. Block everyone else.  Mr. Number is a messenger, dialer, and contact manager with built-in call and text blocking (free application) and automatic reverse lookup for numbers you don’t know (Caller ID).
• Phone Spam Blocker --  NUMBERCOP blocks spam calls and text from 50.000 telemarketers & scam artists Getting SPAM CALLS or TEXT SMS SPAM ? NUMBERCOP is the easiest way to block them. NUMBERCOP knows 50.000 spamming phone numbers: Phone scams, phishing calls and annoying telemarketers.  NUMBERCOP blocks spam calls and text from 50.000 telemarketers & scam artistsGetting SPAM CALLS or TEXT SMS SPAM ? NUMBERCOP is the easiest way to block them. NUMBERCOP knows 50.000 spamming phone numbers: Phone scams, phishing calls and annoying telemarketers.

As you can tell some of these that I've found do check caller ID but I am hoping that it will be easier to find the carrier that is being used to spam but at least these do have some ways to block text spam SMS.   My only hope is that someone app developer will come up with a way to report text spam messages to the right company and thus making it extremely hard to send text messages and the cost would out way spamming people.

Paul Sylvester