Apple: If you have an iPod Nano (1st Generation) you may qualify for a replacement from Apple. (Due to exploding battery issue)

Over the years there has been numerous reports of iPod’s unexpectedly exploding (Not that one should ever expect their iPod to explode). Here are just a few of the online stories about the iPod exploding issue (LINKS)

2007 – iPod sets mans pants on fire (From WSB-TV / Atlanta) (http://www NULL.wsbtv NULL.com/news/news/ipod-sets-mans-pants-on-fire/nFDP9/)

2009 – Apple tries to silence man and his daughter over exploding iPod (From Daily Telegraph / UK) (http://www NULL.telegraph NULL.co NULL.uk/technology/apple/5963015/Apple-tries-to-silence-man-and-his-daughter-over-exploding-iPod NULL.html)

2009 – Exploded iPod video (From YouTube) (http://www NULL.youtube NULL.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=gqTDUjbHueE)

2009 – Exploding iPod sets kids pants on fire (From Engadget) (http://www NULL.engadget NULL.com/2009/03/13/exploding-ipod-touch-sets-kids-pants-on-fire-melts-his-underwe/)

In some countries, Apple has acknowledged that there is an issue with the iPods battery. Apple started offering replacements in Japan last year, as well as in South Korea over two years ago. Apple has finally made the replacement program global. In an announcement on the (LINK) Apple support site (http://www NULL.apple NULL.com/support/ipodnano_replacement/),

Per Apple, “Apple has determined that, in very rare cases, the battery in the iPod nano (1st generation) may overheat and pose a safety risk. Affected iPod nanos were sold between September 2005 and December 2006.”

“This issue has been traced to a single battery supplier that produced batteries with a manufacturing defect. While the possibility of an incident is rare, the likelihood increases as the battery ages.”

“Apple recommends that you stop using your iPod nano (1st gen) and follow the process noted below to order a replacement unit, free of charge.

Note: This battery issue is specific to the iPod nano (1st gen) and does not affect any other iPod.”

Some key notes

You may order a replacement unit via the web. Click here (https://supportform NULL.apple NULL.com/201110/) to begin.
Your iPod Nano serial number will be checked to verify that it is eligible for this program. You will receive a replacement unit approximately 6 weeks after we receive your current iPod nano (1st gen).
If you have a personalized iPod nano, you will receive a non-personalized replacement. Make sure to use iTunes to back up any data on your current iPod nano before sending it in for a replacement unit. \
Your replacement iPod product is warranted to be free from defects for 90 days from the date of service.

You can see the complete iPod Message on the (LINK) Apple site (http://www NULL.apple NULL.com/support/ipodnano_replacement/)

Alert: Adobe issues a critical update for its Shockwave player. You really need to update your system if you have Shockwave installed.

Adobe has issues a “Critical” update for its Shockwave player. By Critical, they mean that a bad guy could potentially run software on your machine that could expose you to malware or viruses without you knowing. In the past, you got viruses because you downloaded a file or clicked on an email attachment, so you knew you were “safe” as long as you followed basic common sense. Now a days, instead of trying to trick you, they just look for issues in software and then use those issues to get past you and any security you may have on your pc.

Imagine your home, every time you leave, you check all your windows and doors and make sure they are locked (at least I hope you do). Now imagine that the lock to the front door breaks and falls off, and instead of getting a new lock, you just shut the door and hope no one notices. Guess what, you may get away with it for a while, but eventually your luck may run out and a bad guy will use the broken lock to get in and steal from you. These critical updates are the computer equivalent of that lock on your door. By updating, you are going out and getting a newer / better lock.

For those Geeks out there, here is some basic information on the alert. The complete alert can be found at (LINK) Adobe (http://www NULL.adobe NULL.com/support/security/bulletins/apsb11-27 NULL.html)

Security update available for Adobe Shockwave Player

Release date: November 8, 2011

Vulnerability identifier: APSB11-27

CVE number: CVE-2011-2446, CVE-2011-2447, CVE-2011-2448, CVE-2011-2449

Platform: Windows and Macintosh

Summary

Critical (http://www NULL.adobe NULL.com/devnet/security/security_zone/severity_ratings NULL.html) vulnerabilities have been identified in Adobe Shockwave Player 11.6.1.629 and earlier versions on the Windows and Macintosh operating systems. These vulnerabilities could allow an attacker, who successfully exploits these vulnerabilities, to run malicious code on the affected system. Adobe recommends users of Adobe Shockwave Player 11.6.1.629 and earlier versions update to Adobe Shockwave Player 11.6.3.633 using the instructions provided below.

Affected software versions

Shockwave Player 11.6.1.629 and earlier versions for Windows and Macintosh

So how do you know if your computer has Adobe Shockwave installed. PC users, you can go to Start –> settings –> Control Panel –> Add/Remove programs (XP and earlier) or Programs and Features (Vista and Win 7). Then look at the list of installed programs, if you see Adobe Shockwave installed, then you have it. (It doesn’t matter if it is used or not, it just matters that its installed on your pc).

So you ask “What is the Shockwave program, and more importantly, why do I have it?” or “I don’t remember downloading that?”. The answer is that you didn’t, at least most likely not directly downloaded. From (LINK) Wikipedia (http://en NULL.wikipedia NULL.org/wiki/Adobe_Shockwave)

“Adobe Shockwave (formerly Macromedia Shockwave) is a multimedia platform used to add animation and interactivity to web pages”

Which means that if you play 1 of 1000’s of various online games, you probably saw a pop up that said something along the lines of “This program requires Adobe Shockwave, Do you wish to download it” (That’s NOT the exact wording), and since the majority of people never read those pop up’s, you just clicked run and went along playing your game.

So now what do you do if you find that you have it. Here is the solution directly from Adobe

Solution

Adobe recommends users of Adobe Shockwave Player 11.6.1.629 and earlier versions upgrade to the newest version 11.6.3.633 available here: http://get.adobe.com/shockwave/ (http://get NULL.adobe NULL.com/shockwave/).

When you click on the link from Adobe, you will arrive at the following page.

Click on Agree and Install now. This will bring up one of the following pop ups where you will click on Install (Yes I know again)

**Be aware of a pop up that you may see after you click install. (This pop up really gets me !@#!@$!%%^!&!*&)

If you see a pop up for the Google Toolbar or Any other Toolbar make sure to uncheck the box before clicking next. (Commentary: If this is a critical update, as noted, Why Adobe, WHY! are you trying to sneak in software that should stand on its own. If people want a toolbar let them go and get it, don’t try to get paid or whatever other benefit you are getting for tricking people who either don’t know or don’t read messages to end up with something else they probably DON’T NEED! That’s the end of my soapbox)

Once you see your browser show the following message

You have completed the update for this browser. I know your saying WHAT! Unfortunately Shockwave comes in 2 versions. One version is for Internet Explorer and One version is for all other web browsers (that’s the program you use to surf the web). The instructions above were based on Internet Explorer, if you have a 2nd (or more) browser installed like Firefox, Chrome, Opera, etc. then you need to do this again using one of those browsers. Remember it doesn’t matter if you don’t use them, if they are installed on your pc, then you MUST do the upgrade. Just follow the exact same steps with the other browser to complete the upgrade.

Lastly, the focus of this post was for Windows users, but Mac users, keep in mind this affects you too. If you have a Mac you should do this update as well.

11/7/11 UPDATE–Tracy has been found alive and safe. (From Technorati) Missing Person: Tracy Williams, Technorati Employee

Update: November 7, 2011 at 9:15am PDT – We are relieved to share that Tracy Williams is indeed alive and safe at a local hospital. We want to thank everyone who helped spread the word about Tracy’s disappearance.
Read more: http://technorati.com/women/article/missing-person-tracy-williams-technorati-employee/#ixzz1d3zKndJU (http://technorati NULL.com/women/article/missing-person-tracy-williams-technorati-employee/#ixzz1d3zKndJU)

The following information comes from Jill Asher (http://technorati NULL.com/people/svmom123/) and was originally published on the Technorati website (LINK (http://technorati NULL.com/women/article/missing-person-tracy-williams-technorati-employee/)). Tech Geek and More is posting the information in an effort to help get the word out.

If you are or were in the San Francisco area over the past couple of days, please see information below. If you have any information concerning the disappearance of Tracy Williams, please call San Francisco Police Department at 415-553-0123. Please reference case #110892541

To the family and friends of Tracy Williams, you are in our thoughts.

Technorati needs your immediate help. Our employee and friend, Tracy Williams, went missing on November 2, 2011. We are extremely concerned about her well being and reaching out to our community to spread the word and find her.

At this stage, here is information we can share:

Tracy was last seen at 7:45pm PDT on Wednesday evening at the Whitehorse Bar (http://www NULL.yelp NULL.com/biz/white-horse-tavern-and-restaurant-san-francisco) located in San Francisco. She was there with colleagues from Technorati Media. During this time, friends went outside for a “smoke”. When they returned inside the bar, Tracy was gone. They simply thought she was heading to North Beach to meet a friend and not concerned.

After leaving the bar, we believe Tracy texted a friend to let him know she was going home.

On Thursday, November 3, 2011, Tracy did not show up for work. Many of our employees tried to contact Tracy through email and phone without success. A close friend was alerted about the situation and went over to her apartment, in the Tenderloin section of San Francisco. There were no signs that Tracy returned to her apartment the prior evening.

Tracy is 40 years old, dark wavy hair that she usually wears back in a ponytail, prominent freckles on her face, brown eyes, light brown skin, athletic build, 5’8 inches tall, approximately 135 pounds and was wearing blue jeans, a black hoodie and carrying a small bag.

We have notified the San Francisco Police department and hospital checks are being conducted.

We are urging you to help us locate Tracy. If you have any information about Tracy, please contact the San Francisco Police Department at 415-553-0123. Please reference case #110892541 Please use all social media channels to circulate this news.

[update]

November 6, 2011 at 11:55am PDT: Employee’s from Technorati Media are passing out fliers in Union Square and the surrounding San Francisco neighborhoods. Still looking for anyone that has information on Tracy’s disappearance.

November 4, 2011 at 9:21pm PDT: A Facebook page (http://www NULL.facebook NULL.com/pages/Missing-Tracy-Williams/160644534031945?sk=wall) has been created to update and collect information about the disappearance of Tracy Williams. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Missing-Tracy-Williams/160644534031945?sk=wall (http://www NULL.facebook NULL.com/pages/Missing-Tracy-Williams/160644534031945?sk=wall)

Read more: http://technorati.com/women/article/missing-person-tracy-williams-technorati-employee/#ixzz1czOnYT5o (http://technorati NULL.com/women/article/missing-person-tracy-williams-technorati-employee/#ixzz1czOnYT5o)

Alert: Verizon Wireless has made changes to its Privacy Policy. Allows Verizon to monitor/share your mobile web habits (From Computerworld)

Verizon is making a significant change to its privacy policy for mobile users this week. By default, the company will now use a bunch of your info for “certain business and marketing reports” and for “making mobile ads you see more relevant.”

This info includes the URLs of websites you visit over Verizon’s network and also your device’s location data. Some of those details may be shared with outside companies as well. Verizon says none of it will personally identify you

If you don’t want Verizon to use your data in this way, you need to go to verizonwireless.com/myprivacy (http://www NULL.verizonwireless NULL.com/myprivacy) and opt out. The page has two different places where you can check “Don’t use my information” for any or all of your Verizon cell numbers.

By default, you will be opted in to this new program — so if that isn’t what you want, take a minute now and change those settings

**(Tech Geek and More Note) One of the comments on the original Computerworld post says “There’s also a 3rd area on that myprivacy page that’s hidden under the “Customer Proprietary Network Information Settings” section”. You should check and see if you have this setting as well.

Post Originally by JR Raphael at (LINK) Computerworld (http://blogs NULL.computerworld NULL.com/19089/verizon_mobile_web_privacy)

Facebook: Check your FB setting for the People, Pages, Places Directory

The Facebook People, Pages, Places directory feature (LINK) https://www.facebook.com/directory/people/ (https://www NULL.facebook NULL.com/directory/people/) has been out now a couple of weeks, however I still find people that don’t know about it. If you were concerned about (hoping for) privacy, well this feature just pretty much ends any and all hope. With the PPP directory Facebook has every user, page, place easily accessible to everyone.

All you need to know is a name (or you can just throw in a fake name if you want to meet strangers). The screen shot below is the current 1st page of the directory (as of 10/10/11)

Every user on Facebook is in this directory, and unfortunately (AGAIN!) Facebook does NOT give a way to completely opt out of being listed. However, there is something you can do to limit your visibility in the Facebook PPP directory.

There is now a setting (which seems to be set to Everyone by default) by going to your privacy settings (Top right of page) –> How You Connect (Bottom of page) as shown in the example below

Once you are in the “How You Connect” window, you will see as the very 1st choice “Who can look up your timeline by name or contact info?”

Any Facebook user who is still trying to hold out for just that little bit of privacy while still being able to use Facebook will want to change the setting to Friends only, or Friends of Friends if you are ok with privacy middle ground.

Making this change should limit your exposure from the PPP directory. As always its suggested that you look over all the settings under privacy (even make notes if you have a hard time remembering) on a regular basis, you never know when a setting could be changed or added “for your benefit” that you would rather not have.

Alert – If you use an In-Room Hotel safe when travelling, make sure that the Hotel has changed the default password. *For your protection

Skyranger Productions posted an interesting video recently (on YouTube)concerning a possible issue with a hotel room safe at a location they were staying. Even though this issue is specific to the location they were at, you can rest assured that other hotels have done the same thing (LINK) Hotel Safe YouTube Video (http://www NULL.youtube NULL.com/watch?v=vW7M84khZy8&feature=player_embedded)

Hotel Room Safe Issue–Default Password

The issue involves the “default password” that comes with those hotel room safes. The instructions (which are posted on the front of these safes) allows you to create your own password that resets after a specific amount of time. What most people don’t seem to understand is that every single one of these safes comes with an Administrator or “Master” password that allows the hotel management access to the safe in case of an Emergency situation or in case you forget the password that you configured.

The safes come with a default password like 000000 (as shown in the video), 999999, 123456, 111111, among others depending on which manufacture made the safe. Any hotel worth its name will before installing these safes change that default password to something that only specific members of their staff know. In addition, if you need to have them open the safe for you, they should (as part if proper procedures) walk up with you and open the safe. They should never give you their Master account.

Some of the biggest risks with the default password being left involves a bad guy just waiting for cleaning time (where it seems housekeeping always has every room open at same time while they clean just 1 at a time), then just walk in use the default password and take whatever they can find.

So very simply, look at the steps printed on the front of the safe and then try opening the safe with 000000 and the other codes listed above (plus anything you can think of) and if you can open the safe, I would consider if you really want to trust it.

Alert: “If I Die” fake Facebook App scam (Via Email) – Virus Alert

Another alert, this time in the form of a new email that has started circulating around the internet, as found/reported by anti-virus software maker Bitdefender (http://www NULL.malwarecity NULL.com/blog/fake-app-sends-you-and-your-pc-on-memento-mori-trip-1140 NULL.html). The email which will appear to come from someone you know talks about “A new Facebook Application”. The claim that you can download a file that will let you record a message on Facebook, so that “If you die” your loved ones can get a final goodbye from you. The email carries an attachment that ends in .exe (That alone should be your 1st WARNING SIGN).

Death obviously isn’t an easy subject and I can only assume the bad guys are hoping to pull at the emotions of the end user. So what happens if you download/open this attachment. The .exe file will install 3 encrypted executables, and when I say encrypted, I mean they will be extremely difficult to remove once they have made it on to your machine.

Once installed the files will

- Install and use a keylogger to record all user name / passwords and other “important” number sequences (like SS#, credit cards #’s, address information) from any visited website or email account and send that information to the bad guys

- Install software so that your installed webcam (and virtually all laptops these days have a built in webcam) will automatically take snapshot pictures and send those to the bad guys. (Which could put you in an even more compromising position depending on what these pictures show)

- Install software that could let someone (the bad guys) take over and remotely control your pc. (Haunted PC anyone)

As a side note concerning the bogus email, there is a legit Facebook app called “If I Die” (LINK) http://ifidie.net/ (http://ifidie NULL.net/) , which allows you to record a message for your Facebook. Those who are aware of the legit app may confuse this email for the legit app. This email has nothing to do with the legit app.

So what should you do

NEVER NEVER NEVER open any attachment unless you can confirm with the sender that they actually sent it and what it actually does.
Make sure to have your system updates (Windows, Office, Adobe Flash / Acrobat, Java, etc) up to date. Many of these malware software scams try and use bugs, holes, or issues with older versions of software to get into your system. (Like locking your front door but leaving a window wide open)
Always make sure that your Antivirus software is up to date. When I say up to date, I mean both the software itself and the “signature files”. If your software program is more than 3 years old, you really need to be getting a newer version. You should not be running Norton Antivirus 2003 in 2011 and expect the program to protect you. You should also go into whatever AV program you are running look for the signature file date and make sure that its no more than a couple of days old. Signatures are what AV companies update to include all the new viruses/malware that’s created.
LASTLY, DON’T BE STUPID AND DON’T BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU SEE ON THE INTERNET OR IN AN EMAIL. When in doubt always make sure and ask someone before clicking where you don’t know. Remember the computer you save may be your own.

Cell Phone: For those looking to get out of your Sprint contract without paying Early Termination (ETF) Fee

I’ll start this post by saying that I’m a long time satisfied Sprint customer. I’m not currently looking to leave Sprint to go to another carrier. Sprint is currently the only U.S. Cell carrier with true unlimited data, going to Verizon or AT&T will get you Data Caps and T-Mobile will get you Data Throttling.

With that being said, someone out there may want to get out of their contract because they are in an area without good Sprint reception, or maybe to get out of individual contracts just to get on a family plan, or a number of other reasons. For whatever your reason is (and the iPhone shouldn’t be one as its expected that Sprint will be offering the iPhone 5), you now have a chance to get out of your contract without having to pay the early termination fee.

How do you get out of your contract, you ask, well the reason is on your latest bill. Sprint has announced a change to the “Terms & Conditions” of your Sprint account. The following was on your latest Sprint bill

Terms & Conditions Changes for Consumers

Effective 9/9/11, the Administrative Charge will increase to $1.50 per line for customers that receive the charge. For details, visit sprint.com/taxesandfees. In addition, the Sprint consumer Terms (Ts&Cs) are changing. Please review them carefully at your local Sprint store or sprint.com/termsandconditions.

Here is why this change is important to those who want to get out of their Sprint contract. In a different section of the Sprint Terms and Conditions…
(LINK: http://shop2.sprint.com/en/legal/…conditions (http://shop2 NULL.sprint NULL.com/en/legal/ NULL. NULL. NULL.conditions))

When You Don’t Have To Pay An Early Termination Fee
You aren’t responsible for paying an Early Termination Fee when terminating Services: (a) provided on a month-to-month basis; (b) consistent with our published trial period return policy; or (c) in response to a materially adverse change we make to the Agreement as described directly below.
Our Right To Change The Agreement & Your Related Rights
We may change any part of the Agreement at any time, including, but not limited to, rates, charges, how we calculate charges, or your terms of Service. We will provide you notice of material changes—and may provide you notice of non-material changes—in a manner consistent with this Agreement (see “Providing Notice To Each Other Under The Agreement” section). If a change we make to the Agreement is material and has a material adverse effect on Services under your Term Commitment, you may terminate each line of Service materially affected without incurring an Early Termination Fee only if you: (a) call us within 30 days after the effective date of the change; and (b) specifically advise us that you wish to cancel Services because of a material change to the Agreement that we have made. If you do not cancel Service within 30 days of the change, an Early Termination Fee will apply if you terminate Services before the end of any applicable Term Commitment.

So now you’re wondering “what do I need to do to get out of my contract”. Here are the steps required

- You need to call Sprint (by calling 888-211-4727 or *2 from your HTC EVO, and select options 4, 5, 2). Online chat will NOT work for this.

- Once you speak to Sprint you MUST cite this specific fee increase (to $1.50) as the reason you wish to exit your contract

- If you get a Sprint Rep. that is uninformed, ask to speak to someone in retentions. The Retentions department are the ones with the most power and knowledge.

- This process must be done before September 30, 2011.

Even if you don’t want to leave Sprint, this may just be the excuse you need to speak to the Retentions Department at Sprint and see if you can negotiate a better deal with Sprint.

Information for this post comes from

John @ (Good and Evo) (http://www NULL.goodandevo NULL.net/2011/08/get-out-of-your-htc-evo-contract-etf-free NULL.html#more) and Scott @ (Slick Deals) (http://slickdeals NULL.net/forums/showthread NULL.php?t=3212758)

Apple: GameStop will now by your old iPod, iPhone, iPad

GameStop has announced today that in addition to consoles, games, and accessories that they accept as trade-in, that they will now take your iPod, iPhone, or iPad. (LINK: http://www.gamestop.com/gs/landing/events/idevice/default.aspx?cid=eml_10000286 (http://www NULL.gamestop NULL.com/gs/landing/events/idevice/default NULL.aspx?cid=eml_10000286) )

Rumors (that are unconfirmed) are still circulating that GameStop also soon start selling iOS products, which makes sense with the upcoming iPhone 5.

GameStop does have a few rules for trading in your iOS device

Trades must be in full working condition to receive full value
Trades with case damage or unsightly scratches, personalization or engravings will not be accepted
All trades are subject to manager approval

Web: Links to Live News Streams–New York and Philadelphia

During bad weather one of the things that can be affected is your TV signal. With the current Hurricane Irene (8/27/11) hitting the East Coast, if you lose your signal and want to keep up with the latest news, here is a list of LIVE (web) Streams from the major TV stations in New York and Philadelphia.

Philadelphia

CBS 3 Philly (http://video NULL.philadelphia NULL.cbslocal NULL.com/global/video/flash/popupplayer NULL.asp?vt1=l&d1=0&ClipId1=mms%3A//a986 NULL.l10239840985 NULL.c102398 NULL.g NULL.lm NULL.akamaistream NULL.net/D/986/102398/v0001/reflector%3A40985&LiveURI=mms%3A//a986 NULL.l10239840985 NULL.c102398 NULL.g NULL.lm NULL.akamaistream NULL.net/D/986/102398/v0001/reflector%3A40985&h1=Live%20Event&at1=News&LiveURITitle=Live%20Event&LaunchPageAdTag=News&fvCatNo=undefined&secure=undefined&akPort=undefined&akProfile=undefined&rnd=22734607)

6 ABC Philly (http://abclocal NULL.go NULL.com/wpvi/livenow?id=7129670)

NBC 10 Philadelphia (http://www NULL.nbcphiladelphia NULL.com/news/local/Hurricane-Irene-Barrels-Toward-Philly-Jersey-Delaware-128468208 NULL.html???)

My Fox Philly – Fox 29 (http://www NULL.myfoxphilly NULL.com/subindex/video/live_news)

New York

CBS 2 – New York (http://video NULL.newyork NULL.cbslocal NULL.com/global/video/flash/popupplayer NULL.asp?vt1=l&d1=0&ClipId1=mms%3A//a634 NULL.l10239830633 NULL.c102398 NULL.g NULL.lm NULL.akamaistream NULL.net/D/634/102398/v0001/reflector%3A30633&LiveURI=mms%3A//a634 NULL.l10239830633 NULL.c102398 NULL.g NULL.lm NULL.akamaistream NULL.net/D/634/102398/v0001/reflector%3A30633&h1=Live%20Event&at1=News&LiveURITitle=Live%20Event&LaunchPageAdTag=News&fvCatNo=undefined&secure=undefined&akPort=undefined&akProfile=undefined&rnd=20398627)

NBC 4 – New York (http://www NULL.nbcnewyork NULL.com/video/#!/news/local/Operation-Santa--Behind-the-Scenes/135281358)

ABC 7 – New York (http://abclocal NULL.go NULL.com/wabc/livenow?id=8330259)

My Fox New York – Fox 5 (http://www NULL.myfoxny NULL.com/subindex/good_day_ny/watch_live)

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