A couple of posts ago…  

I wrote about how my tech support experience with Comcast was less than acceptable.  I ordered and had the AT&T UVerse system installed and gave myself a month to evaluate both.  I ran both AT&T and Comcast through the paces for a month and made a decision.  AT&T has the better internet and Comcast is the better value for TV, so it was time to make the cancellation calls.

To be fair to both…  The problem was actually my server for my websites and eMail and not either of these services.  Read my past blog to get insight into the struggles, but I had to do something to troubleshoot the issue and changing carriers was the only way I could narrow down what was giving me the “Spinning Wheel of Death”.

Now trust me… Being an ex-Catholic, I feel I know the true meaning of purgatory. Some of you think it may be spending eternity judging a Chicken Dance version of American Idol… But mine is calling tech support… EVEN WORSE… trying to cancel a service.  Now most people spend 1/3rd of their life sleeping and 1/10 of their waking hours waiting in line, but being a techie for over 30 years I have felt I have spent 1/2 of my career ON-HOLD!

AT&T on hold for an hour

So I get my first AT&T bill and realize I have a day to commit to my month free offer before being charged $60 for a TV service from AT&T I ordered in order to save $120 off installation charges.  So I go through 5 minuets of menus and get put on hold on a saturday (more to come…).

Comcast - Laugh out loud

So after 1/2 hour while on hold on the land line I pick up my cell phone to call Comcast to cancel the internet service.  I called them months back to switch and they gave me the discount (starter) rates for 6 months again.  Once I got a human on the line (another 5 minutes of press 1 for stupid prompts).  This time they offered $20 off my cable for life if I kept my internet.  The devil was working his magic but I thwarted temptation and said I have to cancel.  Then the blood from my head took a minute to get to my brian (funny later) again.  Did I hear what I just heard?  ”We have to charge you and $11.95 cancellation fee”.  I was laughing so hard my wife, two levels in my house below, knew who I was talking to.  The lady said ” You have been a good customer for 8 years so let me check with my supervisor”.  Well the waived the charges - Hallelujah (that was after I told her that I was willing to switch my TV to AT&T also).

Jello?  May I Welp You?

My experience with AT&T in the past few years had been less than stellar.  After helping friends get their DSL working and switching from SBC to Vonage, I had had my fill of talking to India.  After having my name butchered as “Brain Bagilacel”, and spending hours trying to get a person who knew the difference between an IP address and php code, I was wary of when the AT&T phone finally transferred me to a human after being on hold for over an hour.  Then process was less painful than the “Press 1″ menus at the beginning of the call.  The long and short of it is - no hassle and they are sending a box to return the UVerse TV box.

I know it’s still the honeymoon, but what has happened to our society that they can charge to cancel a service?  The next thing we know is the government is going to be able to add a health care tax to every McDonald’s Happy Meal because you are too stupid to know you are killing your kids with love.

$11.95 to cancel?  Are you kidding me?

Being a Mac geek has it’s privileges, but I am a closet PeeCee person as well.  I have to admit I have as many PeeCees in my office as I do Macs and my Macs have Windowz XP and Vista via VMWare Fusion.

But as much as I try to bring people over to the wonderful world of Mac, there are still a few people that for one reason or another have to stay on PeeCees.  From those people, I earn free rounds of golf and ITunes store gift cards.  How you ask?  I help them get their machines out of VIAGRA HELL.  Even worse is when they send you an eMail that your Anti-Virus needs an update.  One click and your machine will stay locked in a death loop until you either buy their crapware (NEVER DO THIS), or you have a friendly geek go in there and remove it.

Right before I did this post, I deleted 25 comments on an old post selling Viagra.  I had to shut down various forums because spammers figured out how to register and spam their way into all the posts.  I also had two servers crippled with spammers taking control of sendmail and uploading phishing sites looking for your credit card or paypal info.

WHY YOU ASK?  It’s all about money.  As long as there has been money, there have been schemes to take it away from you.  They want you to sign into a fake site so you enter your credit card info and they can drain it.  They want you to buy cheep illegal drugs that may kill you.  They want to use your computer as a launch pad for their evil viagra sales empire.

HOW YOU ASK? They trick you into giving them access to your computer. NEVER OPEN AN ECARD, JOKE, VIDEO or ANYTHING FROM ANYONE YOU DON’T KNOW.  They are using as small .exe program to bury software that turns your computer into a beacon that tells hackers you are open for business.  It pings them and let’s them and thousands of other hackers that your computer is now accessible.  They search your computer for personal information like bank accounts and social security numbers.  They can also use your computer to send out then same viruses to all the people in your address book.  That would easily tick off the 750+ people I have in mine.

The worst case of this was my mother-in-law Phyllis in Tucson Arizona.  She is a mild mannered 50’s something computer geek.  She buys cheap laptops and computers off eBay and Craigslist, repairs and upgrades them and then sells them for a profit.  She also started a small computer repair and upgrade business called Celtic Computers.  Her mostly retired clients call her to help set up eMail, install programs, upgrade and build computers and recently - remove spyware.  

She had 4+ laptops that were getting drilled with spyware.  She went as far as to format and even replace every hard drive and could not stop them from reinstalling every time.  After hours on the phone with Comcast and weeks of searching the internet for a solution, she narrowed it down that they had installed malware on her Netgear router so every time a computer hooked up to the internet it would re-install it’s evil grasp.

Phyllis is my mentor when it comes to ridding PeeCees of this mess. Because of her research and tenacious efforts to rid computers of this mess, I have so named her “The Queen of Quarantine”.  She has prescription filled with exacting steps and multiple programs that when followed step by step, will take your PeeCee back to normal until then next attack. An example was this week I had a friends computer and cleared it of all stuff (125+ malicious files).  I sent him off with the re-vitalized machine only to have them come back every time he re-booted.  Thanks to ”The Queen of Quarantine”, she reminded me that I skipped a step and she sent a new barrage of software to try just in case it was something new that these other programs can’t catch.

When my servers were being hacked I had to employ computer security experts that cost me THOUSANDS of DOLLARS.  They told me that this is a battle that they just can’t win.  They go to a conference to learn about hacker methods to protect their assets, but as soon as they are employing the latest greatest methods and software, then hackers have already found a new way to bypass they best.

Here are a couple of tips that I hope keep you out of Viagra hell…

1) Avoid music sharing sites, MySpace, and especially porn sites.  Those guys are the best at hacking you and have perfected new ways that by just visiting their sites, they send infected cookies that hijack you.  It may be a teenager in your house that innocently infect all the computers on your entire network so make sure you watch them and keep them clean in the process.

2) Isolate your important data.  I prefer to partition my PeeCee right off the bat into two disks.  One for my programs and one for my files.  Just in case you get infected you can wipe and reinstall without losing your pictures, music and stuff. Better Yet…  get a external drive for your data and back that up often.

3) If you get infected, isolate the computer immediately and take it to someone who knows what they are doing.  Geek Squad and other services at big box stores are known for charging a bundle just to clean and wipe your computer and normally you loose everything.

I just got off the phone with my friend who’s computer I fixed last week.  It’s jazzed again and he is bringing it back for the advanced dose of the ”The Queen of Quarantine” treatment.  He also said that he and his wife are sick of it and are buying a IMac.  When I convinced Phyllis  to buy a Mac Mini, she was a convert and has started to learn more so she can support the dozens of retirees that are making the switch on her recommendation.  She says her customers are calling her less and are loving how easy it is to use, and especially getting eMail and knowing they are safe.

Once you go Mac…  You Never go Back!

P.S.  12 hours and 2 additional programs later…  ”The Blue Screen of Death” virus is gone.  Thanks again to Phyllis “The Queen of Quarantine”, for her advice and guidance.  We tried new programs that she has not used yet with eventual success.

 Last week there was an app posted on the ITunes store called “I Am Rich”.  The cost was $999.99 and all it did was show you 1 screen with self proclaimed “Bling” on it.  

Now any person had to be nuts to reward such a stupid effort.  How it even got into the App Store is beyond me.  Well it did not last long…  Apple pulled it after one day.  But the rumors are that 8 people paid the price and one person was angry because he had 1-click set up and pressed buy just to see if it was for real.  Now seriously,  There are some stupid free apps and then there are some as high as $449.99, but who in their right minds would give this guy a grand.   But if seven people really wanted it then you have to give the guy credit for making over $6000 in a day for nothing.  He was not hacking, just using his imagination to see if people were gullible enough…  and they were.

 DOUGH!

There are over 1500 apps in the store (76 pages).  I wanted to see which ones were least popular or how the expensive ones are reviewed.  I had to click through all 76 pages to get there (they need a better search option with all that content).  I noticed that towards the end there were a bunch of $.99 books that just are not popular.  I can’t imagine people reading a book on an IPhone (I listen to them but that’s another story).  I can understand $10 for a game.  Hey I was one of those crazy kids paying $50 for Atari games so $10 for a Phone app just feels right.  

I wanted to see what people thought of $30 to $100 apps.  I just can see spending boxed software prices for a mobile device unless it is OUTSTANDING.

Finally I have found the feedback left by others invaluable to helping me determine which apps are worthy of parting with my ITunes Gift Card Credits.

Here is what I found.

Now here is a $449.99 app that is an enterprise accounting package that works with Great Plains Accounting for Microsoft.  This one taught me some things.  First off there are 130 reviews and some are positive and some are negative.  But the last reviewer pointed out that there have been ZERO downloads.  You cannot see that in the ITunes Apps Store.  You can however see that on the IPhone Apps Store if you scroll down to the very bottom.  So obviously people are having comment wars and the developers are baiting reviews.

This is an $80 app that tracks your billable hours. The reviews were one star and pretty much said “$80 for a stopwatch and with a list.  Needless to say people are clicking to buy too fast here. 60 reviews and ZERO downloads.

This $99.95 app is used to control, view and manage DMX Intelligent lighting fixtures and consoles.  Having no experience with these it sounds like and expensive option.  The last reviewer said that this is a good option and could replace $1000 in needed equipment.  59 reviews and 0 downloads.

$149.95 for a 32 channel remote control for ProTools…  Now you’re talking my language.  It looks cool but most reviews say that $150 for this kind of app is way to expensive.  I can’t imagine a need to remote control a ProTools or Logic session when it would be worth $150.  $20 maybe.  27 Reviews and ZERO downloads.

Now on a positive note.  This $39.95 program is a series of medical flash cards.  One reviewer said  this is much easier than lugging around a box with hundreds of cards and it costs less.  They have other sets for head and neck, musculoskeletal and histology.  This is obviously a great tool for med students and doctors and you can see the benefit at this price. 76 reviews and zero downloads.

So based on the fact the the last app had zero downloads my guess is that only applies to the IPhone downloads and not the ITunes App Store.  Apple has some work to do to make it easier to get solid information and offer better search tools as the store grows.  Out of over 1500 apps - there’s gonna be some good ones and some skunks.  If you don’t have the cash - then don’t press BUY APP!

P.S.  I would really love your comments and feedback if you have an IPhone.  What Apps have you paid for and which ones can you NOT live without?

As with most of my weeks, there is never a day goes by that I don’t get a phone call or an eMail that is asking a tech question? “How do the apps on the IPhone update?” , “Can I save a video from YouTube for use on my computer?”, “I just found Windows on my computer… How do I get out of it?”. I do my best to answer those questions but sometimes it takes time. Like today I was reading my new issue of Macworld and found the YouTube answer - TubeTV does it.

I also go to a bunch of networking meetings like Congregation Church Networking Group in Batavia and C.E.O. at Ginger Creek Church. There I am usually the geek with the IPhone where people ask marketing questions like “What’s a Blog?”, “How do I Podcast?”, “Is YouTube right for my business?”. In that case I try to answer and show samples. P.S. If you want to learn more about blogging - check out my podcasts (feedback appreciated).

I also teach part of a NxLevel program (Small Business Success) for Elgin Community College and this week I am going to be video taped and integrated into a nationally syndicated version of that program (sponsored by Lewis-Clark State College in Idaho). I teach the part about “Using the Internet” to market your business. Everyone likes the free or cheap options to build and create websites and eMail and the like, but I try to tell them to focus on what you do best and get a pro to help where you can afford it.

One of the lessons learned here is I know a lot of things but It pays to know your weaknesses and surround yourself with people that can fill in the gaps. I am not a good writer and sometimes my clients suffer by not choosing to hire a pro. I am always looking for ways to integrate new service and meet the ever moving target of client requests. This week I had meetings, conversations and projects that integrated or discussed, Filemaker Pro Development, Professional Writing Services, Flash Integration, PHP Programming all things I can do myself but each of these people are much better and more efficient at it.

The world of marketing is a moving target with Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, then throw in Podcasts, eMail, Websites, Blogs and more. It pays to have friends (or experts). Oh yeah… I can always answer some of your Mac questions as well.

This past week I went golfing with my daughters boyfriend.  He is a pretty good golfer (put it 10′ from the cup on a blind shot over a tree, from the rough, on his second shot on a par 5).  But I am not so sure he is as good when it comes to choosing his electronics.  With a choice between the IPhone and a Samsung Instinct, he went with the $129 Instinct with Sprint.  Other than the fact he has no bars in his home (they have no land line), he likes it.

When I told him about some of the IPhone apps he was floored.  iYardage is just like a SkyCaddie but better.  It has limited courses but it is just way cool. with over 40 Apps on my IPhone… I am just an Apps fool.

Here is a few things I have learned buying apps that I thought I would share. With over 500 apps so far and over 900 in the wings it makes sense to take your time buying an app.  I made that mistake in my excitement to swoop a few up on the first day. Read the reviews. These are a good indication of what people like and dislike about the apps.  Also visit the developers site to se what else they do. Usually a one app company has weaker stuff then a 5-10 app company.  Take a look at a few competitors.  I still have not found a golf app that I could find useful enough to part with some ITunes Store Credits.  IYardage is free but currently has 4 courses in Califronia.

Here are a few apps that I used over the last week.

Omni Tuner - $4.99

Last week at a Dough Show at RendeVu Mark asked me to borrow my IPhone so he could tune his twelve string.  He said he found it easier using that than the $300 tuner we have in our equipment rack… ‘nuf said.

Weather Bug - $Free

Making sure it was smooth sailing for golf, this freebie has a live radar map that let’s you see the nasty weather approaching.  I still use the Apple Weather to check conditions in other locations, but this offers more detailed information about your current location.

Jott  for IPhone - $Free

Sitting at a meeting.  Rather than write notes, I pulled out my IPhone, open Jott and record voice memos.  This cool tool, does voice to text and emails it to me. it’s a free service that you have to sign up for but once you do it’s pretty seamless.

Pick & Choose - $4.99

I looked at a few shopping list managers but this one fit the way I shop much better.  It was easy to add items to the list including quantities.  You can easily add custom items.  It remembers these and categorizes them for future use.  It has over 1500 stock items in 16 categories and even has sub categories.  Easy to add and very easy to check off.  I love the way it groups you list the same way stores place like items.  Well worth the five bucks.

Bejeweled 2 - $9.99

This has been my favorite cell phone game of all time. Simpler than Tetris and has some strategy involved. This version sports cooler animation and some special bonuses… if you get 5 in a row your get the killer power zapper that will delete each of a color jewel on the screen. This game is much more entertaining and less frustrating than Super Monkey Ball!

Labyrinth - $Free

Remember that game where you move a ball by tilting the top with two knobs?  Here it is.  The advanced rounds are a bit quirky but it’s still fun to tilt you IPhone to move through the maze.  Next I want IPhone clacker balls and that game where you make the large ball roll up ill with two metal poles.