Tech Geek and More Needs your Help

I started Tech Geek and More a couple of years ago as a way to communicate Tech issues and Tech suggestions to clients I work with, friends, and family. Since the start TGM has been a labor of love for me, and a way that I could help inform people about tech things in a simple NOT tech way. I think TGM has met and continues to meet the goal of “Tech Made Easy”.

In addition, I’ve also tried to focus on content for TGM not its advertising. No pop up/under ad’s or ad’s in the middle of story posts, or ad’s all around a a post so that you don’t know what’s the ad and what’s the post. Those are all things that drive me crazy when I visit other tech sites, and I have never wanted to do that to those who visit Tech Geek and More. Up until now, the donations that I’ve received plus those limited “sponsored ad’s” that I try and make as unobtrusive as I can have covered expenses for Tech Geek and More.

Unfortunately, another round of expenses is coming up (Domain and Hosting) for TGM and right now funds are low.

So now I have to if you like what we are doing with Tech Geek and More, and can spare a little change (or a lot) please help support Tech Geek and More.

I thank you for visiting and supporting Tech Geek and More

Sincerely

Alex

Head of Tech Geek and More

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.

Deals: Lenovo IdeaPad Tablet on sale at Best Buy (10/9/11) for $329 (a $120 savings)

For anyone looking to get a good quality Android Tablet, Best Buy has a great deal on a 32 GB IdeaPad K1. The IdeaPad that is on sale runs Honeycomb 3.1 which is that latest version of Android, in addition to 32 GB of storage. This sale price puts this 32 GB tablet price in line with the 16GB tablets from Asus, Motorola, Samsung among others. The Tablet information can be found at (LINK) Best Buy (http://www NULL.bestbuy NULL.com/site/Lenovo+-+IdeaPad+K1+Tablet+with+32GB+Memory+-+Black/3074132 NULL.p?id=1218376442151&skuId=3074132&st=ideapad&cp=1&lp=3).

Product Features (From the Best Buy site)

From our expanded online assortment; not available in all Best Buy stores
Android 3.1 operating system
Along with an NVIDIA Tegra 2 processor that features a 600MHz system bus for staying connected and productive on the go.
Built-in 802.11b/g/n wireless LAN
Connect to the Internet without wires.
1GB memory
For multitasking power.
10.1″ high-definition multitouch screen
With a 16:10 aspect ratio and 1280 x 800 resolution to showcase movies and games in stunning clarity.
32GB on-board flash memory
Offers spacious storage.
NVIDIA GeForce graphics
For lush images. Mini HDMI output for connection to an HDTV.
Built-in 2.0MP front-facing camera
Makes it easy to video chat with family and friends. The rear-facing 5.0MP camera allows you to capture special moments on the go.
microSD card slot
Lets you store or transfer media using compatible microSD cards (not included).
Bluetooth 2.1
Easily link with other Bluetooth-enabled devices, such as a mobile phone or MP3 player.
Weighs only 1.7 lbs. and measures just 0.5″ thin
For lightweight portability.
Preloaded apps
Include Android Marketplace, Netflix, Twitter and more.

Deals: Sale on Skype calling (From Groupon)

Groupon has a deal going on today for those who like to use Skype to as their home phone service. The Skype sale has 2 options -

For $30, you get one year of unlimited domestic calls, a $10 credit that buys about 400 international minutes, and a Skype-certified phone adapter by Freetalk (a $64.99 value).

For $30, you get three months of unlimited global calls and a Skype-certified phone adapter by Freetalk (a $59.99 value).

The Skype adapter, that you attach to your broadband router, uses your home phone to make calls. There are a few requirements for the Skype adapter, which you can view online (http://www NULL.skype NULL.com/intl/en-us/get-skype/home-phone/phone-adapter#sysreq). Users need a computer to set up the adapter, but not to make calls.

The Groupon deal expires at 11:59p on 10/8/2011, so this is a very limited time offer. The offer and additional information can be found on (LINK) Groupon (http://www NULL.groupon NULL.com/deals/skype-philadelphia?c=button&division=philadelphia&utm_source=newsletter&s=body&utm_medium=email&p=5&utm_campaign=skype-philadelphia&sid=10991356&utm_content=all-deals_philadelphia&date=20111007&user=fb6b85aadd837c8af610af8758b032fcab074d9b56faf9d196e70e0fea3791c6).

Apple: New iPhone–iPhone 4S now confirmed

Updates as of 2:45 p -

~~Many things will be coming out in the next hour or 2 concerning the new Apple iPhone 5 and the rumored 2nd version of the iPhone~~. It seems just short of the announcement from Apple (scheduled for 10 am PST), there is now 1 thing that can be confirmed

~~There will be 2 phones released by Apple this year. There will be an iPhone 5 (based on all the hype and information so far) and~~ there will also be an iPhone 4S edition (rumored to be the lower end / cheaper version).

The iPhone 4S seems to now be confirmed based on the Apple Tokyo site (LINK) http://www.apple.com/jp/retail/ginza/#onetoone_browser_gettingstarted (http://www NULL.apple NULL.com/jp/retail/ginza/#onetoone_browser_gettingstarted)

which is now showing an iPhone 4S listed on its site.

The screenshot above has been translated to English via (LINK) Google Translate (http://translate NULL.google NULL.com/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww NULL.apple NULL.com%2Fjp%2Fretail%2Fginza%2F%23onetoone_browser_gettingstarted&act=url)

More Information to follow -

UPDATE: @ 2:40p –>

Prices for the iPhone 4S are as follows:

$199 for 16 gigabytes of storage,

$299 for 32 GB, and

$399 for 64 GB.

There will be an iPhone 4 with 8 GB for $99. And there will be an iPhone 3GS for… free, with a two-year contract.

Preorders for the 4S start Oct. 7, delivery on the 14th.

Sprint gets it too! So a world phone on three out of four major networks

So it seems that there is NO iPhone 5 (Don’t believe all the rumors). The new iPhone is the 4S. The only rumor that appears to be correct is that yes Sprint will also have iPhones.

New Spec’s and additional information to follow –

And More: For your Friday Afternoon Entertainment–The Star Wars Imperial March (Floppy Drive Style)

Let me start by saying “I so wish I would have though of this” (Yes that’s my uber-geek talking). YouTube Channel sh4dowww90’s shows “Another useless device” (His words) that made me just bust out laughing.

With that may I present you the Star Wars – Imperial March. Performed tonight by two 3.5 Floppy drives (I you though you would never find a reason to use a floppy again).

Genius

To sh4dowww90 – Thank you. To everyone else, if you would like to see more of sh4dowww90’s work, you can visit his YouTube channel (LINK) http://www.youtube.com/user/sh4dowww90 (http://www NULL.youtube NULL.com/user/sh4dowww90)

Apple: Using an iPad 3G without getting a data plan (Basically Wi-Fi only mode)

In this economy there are times where you just don’t want to pay for all the bells and whistles. People are always looking for a way to cut the “FAT” out of expenses.

One way to save a little is to not pay the ridiculous prices cell providers charge for data services. (Keep in mind, that some of you may be under a data contract that has REALLY HIGH PENALTIES if you cancel, so check how much its going to cost you before trying to get out of your data plan) For those that already have expired contracts or can get out of your data plan, you could be seeing $50 or more a month in savings while still being able to use your device via Wi-Fi.

The specific situation I will be addressing at this point comes because of helping a friend (Shannon this one is for you) that has a 3G iPad from Verizon that she would like to use but doesn’t need the 3G access. Since the main uses for her iPad will be at home where she is already paying for internet (and has Wi-Fi) or maybe while out at Starbucks or McD’s. The error / issue she was getting was an error message about “Needing access to her account”. That message is because the 3G service is turned on with the iPad 3G by default.

So here is how you convert the iPad 3G in to a Wi-Fi iPad

Steps -

Turn on your iPad. (Ok I know this one is obvious but I still have to include it)
Go to the “Home” screen on your iPad.
Tap “Settings” –> Then tap “Cellular Data”
Change the selection that says “Cellular Data” to “Off” (3G service is now off)
At this point, The iPad should automatically detect wireless networks (as long as you are somewhere that has Wi-Fi, so yes make sure you are in a Wi-Fi area)

-> If your Wi-Fi (or the Wi-Fi in the area you are in) is secure, You may be asked to type in a username and password to connect, depending on the network security settings. .

6. That’s it, you should now be able to use your iPad with only Wi-Fi

Additional Notes -

You may see random values displayed for Cellular Data in the General Settings when after you turn off cellular data. If you do you can ignore it. These numbers do not represent any real data being transferred (At the moment cant really explain why the numbers appear)
Also Keep in mind these changes don’t have to be permanent, its just a matter if contacting your iPad provider and getting a data plan from them, then turning the Cellular Data back on to get your iPad back on a 3G data plan

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.

Cell Phone: Ringtones from NASA (Free)

As a geek, I find the following info REALLY SWEET! NASA has released free ringtones using some classic NASA sounds. Even Rachel Maddow (from MSNBC) did a story on the NASA ringtones for her show this past week. I would do a full write up for this post, but I think the video from the Rachel Maddow show does a GREAT job explaining it. (Video starts with 41 seconds where Ms. Maddow talks about a satellite that was crashing down to Earth before talking about the Ringtones)

Video from The Rachel Maddow show on msnbc

The NASA ringtones are broken into 4 categories

The NASA ringtone page (LINK) http://www.nasa.gov/connect/sounds/ (http://www NULL.nasa NULL.gov/connect/sounds/)

From the ringtone page NASA has the following recommendations

Ringtone Directions
Android (MP3 format) – We recommend downloading the most recent version of the NASA App for Android (https://market NULL.android NULL.com/details?id=gov NULL.nasa) for previewing and installing these ringtones. The ringtones option is found on the main screen of NASA App for Android by hitting the menu button on your phone.

iPhone (M4R format) – Please visit our iPhone directions for downloading and installing M4R ringtones page. (http://www NULL.nasa NULL.gov/connect/sounds/iphone_install_directions NULL.html)

Other (MP3 format) – Most smartphones can play MP3 files as ringtones. The process for downloading and installing ringtones to a smartphone may vary greatly based on phone, operating system, and service provider. Check your phone’s user manual or your provider’s website. Some providers may limit your access to ringtones not sold through their site. You can still enjoy the MP3 files on your computer.

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.