Category Archives: Hints

beware of perion.com & codefuel.com

Computer Aid Posted on by

I just got an unusual email from victor.vlad@perion.com

At first it doesn’t seem unusual, he says he’s from codefuel.com, a division of perion.com

he started off saying:

I’m contacting you to discuss a possible partnership between CodeFuel and your company.

CodeFuel offers a free software monetization service, including:

* Search Monetization: Get paid per user with our SearchFuel solutions.
* Smart Installer: Monetize software with the InstallFuel recommendation engine.
* Advanced Analytics: Analyze data, traffic & boost revenues with our Control Center.

Yep, it all sounds vague, yet interesting enough to get a software developer interested in getting money for software.

Hovering my mouse over some of the links in the email shows that the links point to a conduit.com portal.

In this day and age, it pays to be suspicious, and since the only address I recognise is conduit.com (from my experience in helping customers with computers bogged down with junk software (ie its not virus/spyware/malware, but it gets in the way of using the computer the way it should be used), I know that conduit should be avoided at almost any cost.

So rather than click on any links, I decide to go directly to perion.com and codefuel.com

at perion.com, I see mention of software like:

  • incredimail
  • smilebox
  • sweetim
  • molto
  • photojoy

and various other junk software.

So now I know for sure:

Stay away from perion.com and codefuel.com

As far as I’m concerned, based on all the negative experience I (and many of my customers) have had with incredimail alone, I know that this leopard might have changed its spots, but its still something you should stay well away from.

You have been warned!

Career77.com and workvictory.com another scam alert

Computer Aid Posted on by

If you are looking for work and you get an email that begins with:

Thank you for your recent submission for a role at Employed Success.

To progress your submission further, you must finish an Online Assessment. This has to be completed within the next 7 days in order for your submission to get consideration for roles with Employed Success.

Then my advice is: don’t bother. Just move it into your spam folder and move on.

Its actually a variation on the: Work At Home Mom Makes $6,397/Month Part-Time

They say you make the money from google, but I doubt it.

My website and blog make me about $40 per month, and thats after 7 years of blogging (about 850 blog posts to date), so your chances of making 100 times as much depends on what kind of interesting / depraved / wacky nonsense you can serve up, in the hopes that it goes “viral”. Just because 1 person got lucky and got millions of hits on their youtube video of their pet rock which suddenly developed the ability to play chess, doesn’t mean you will too.

Great ADSL internet plans

Computer Aid Posted on by

This one will only apply to people who live in Australia.

I don’t often advertise goods and services for other companies, but after 7 years with the same ISP, and having helped many people with changing their current plan to a much cheaper one, all without asking for anything in return, I decided to become a TPG reseller.

I’m hoping to generate a small amount of revenue from being a reseller, but my main aim is to let you know that I’m so happy with my own personal experience with TPG over such a long period, that you can genuinely save a lot of money by switching to TPG.

I regularly look around for cheap internet plans, but in the last 7 years, I’m yet to find a company that provides a better value internet service than TPG.

Since I do a lot of my work on the internet, and I also design websites, I find I spend most of my time on the internet… probably more that most people.

Yet it might surprise you to find that I am using TPGs cheapest internet plan at $29.99 per month

For that, I get 50GB per month, which I rarely exceed. And on top of that, the 50GB is actually split into 25GB peak, and 25GB off-peak… So I rarely exceed 25GB per month during normal daily hours.

And the internet is used by 3 active PCs, 2 mobile phones, and a few android tablets.

Now, if you want to check out the details, go to:

Great value internet plans

Please note:

What you pay will be the same, regardless of whether you go to TPG directly, or if you signup via my reseller links, except:

  • with TPG direct, TPG gets to keep all your money
  • with me, you will be helping out a struggling computer repairer (me)

Amazing mobile phone plans

Computer Aid Posted on by

OK, this one will only apply to people who live in Australia.

I don’t often advertise goods and services for other companies, but after 7 years with the same ISP, 2 years with the same ISP for my mobile phones, and having helped many people with changing their current plan to a much cheaper one, all without asking for anything in return, I decided to become a TPG reseller.

I’m hoping to generate a small amount of revenue from being a reseller, but my main aim is to let you know that I’m so happy with my own personal experience with TPG over such a long period, that you can genuinely save a lot of money by switching to TPG.

Honestly: when I first found out that TPG had mobile phone plans, I was skeptical (I was with Virgin at the time).

At the time, there were 2 companies that I did not trust: Dodo and Soul (due to very bad customer service)

And TPG purchased Soul… So I decided to stay away from TPGs mobile phone offerings for about 2 years.

I eventually noticed that they had a $15 per month plan, that seemed similar to my Virgin $29 per month plan (both use the Optus Mobile Network)

When I looked more closely, I found it was actually MUCH better.

$550 of calls per month, 1.5GB of data per month (so I could actually use my android phone as a modem if I really wanted to).

So I tentatively tried 1 of my phones, and didn’t have a single problem.

There were no unexpected “gotchas”, and no need to worry about going over my call or data limits.

I then decided to get a phone for my 9 year old son, and try out the TPG $1 per month plan.

I figured that there had to be some sort of catch with this one… most likely the calls and SMS TXT messages would be much more expensive (per minute), compared to other plans.

Instead it was just the opposite: 9.9¢ TXT messages, and phone calls were 10¢ flagfall and 9.9¢ per minute. How good is that!

I now have 3 phones with TPG, and I’m paying a total of $31 per month (actually a tiny bit more, as the $1 plan sometimes involves paying an extra $1 or 2, and calls are made).

Now, if you want to check out the details, go to:

Cheap mobile phone plans

Please note:

What you pay will be the same, regardless of whether you go to TPG directly, or if you signup via my reseller links, except:

  • with TPG direct, TPG gets to keep all your money
  • with me, you will be helping out a struggling computer repairer (me)

If you are also looking for a good, and inexpensive android smartphone, I also sell those.

Scam warning: Terry Riley bettennis.com.au

Computer Aid Posted on by

By now, most of us can pick a well-polished scam quite quickly.

With Terry Riley (bettennis.com.au), its a not well-polished, so initially, it fell into the realms of: “unlikely, but possible”.

I got a call from a “Cathy White” just before I was going to visit a customer. It sounded like a scam, but since she just wanted my email, and permission to send 1 week of betting tips, I decided: why not. She said Terry “lives and breaths tennis”.

So I ended up getting 3 tips from Terry and (without actually betting anything), I checked the outcome, and all 3 were winners.

There is very little information about Terry Riley on the internet.

Since his email tips also show his Varsity lakes address (gold coast, QLD), I figure: a real scammer wouldn’t do something like that.

To prove his past track record, he sends you a scan of hand-written tips for 4 months (Jan 2011 to April 2011), and the results seem reasonable: between 1 and 4 losses per month, and about 14 to 21 wins per month.

Overall, the wins more than cover the losses.

After a lot of thought, I decided that the yearly payment of “only” $600 was a reasonable risk, as I could bet at whatever level I wanted … I was just buying tips, so I wasn’t locked in to losing many thousands of dollars… and I could stop anytime I liked.

So I started a betting account (with a modest amount of money that I could afford to lose), and started receiving Terry’s tips.

After a few months, it I got the feeling that Terry was a big tennis fan, and that someone might have convinced him to use his knowledge of tennis to make some money.

After a few months, it also became obvious that Terry could not pick winners as well as he thought he could.

Sure, in the 10 months since I started receiving his tip, I’ve probably had 2 months that were profitable, and 2 months that were break-even, but otherwise its been a downward slide.

After a few months, Terry decided to introduce 2 tiers of tips: tier1 = tip is likely to win, but tips are less frequent, while tier2 is more frequent, but less likely to win. Obviously I started ignoring all the Tier2 tips.

I’m now down to 15% of the initial money deposited into my betting account. If I had started with the “recommended” $10,000, then I’d be down to just $1,500. Luckily, I used a much smaller starting amount.

To his credit, Terry doesn’t make excuses for any incorrect tips, but when I received 5 losing tips in a row, followed by 10 tips of alternating win-lose outcomes, it became obvious that Terry has either taken his eye off the ball, or he exaggerated his abilities.

After having done some research in this field, Terry’s results are no better than if you randomly pick results yourself, or if you follow a simple rule like: only bet on players whose odds are between 1.1 and 1.2

Verdict: Terry tries hard, but just doesn’t deliver.

Cheap student Software

Computer Aid Posted on by

Microsoft software has become the standard for computer users the world over. There will always be debate over whether the products Microsoft offer are actually the best, but it cannot be denied that at the present time, for many people, knowing how to use a computer basically equates to knowing how to use the Windows operating system or being familiar with software packages such as Microsoft Office.

The familiarity Microsoft has with so many uses means that they are able to charge a particularly high price for the software they offer, and whilst businesses may be able to afford this cost it is prohibitive for many home users.

These heavy price tags are, however, avoidable. Microsoft know that the key to their future profits is in ensuring that tomorrow’s business leaders still see their products as the industry standard. It is therefore vital to Microsoft, that the penniless students of today learn how to use computers with Microsoft products.

To do this, Microsoft are making student licences available on much of their software. The price of this software in many instances is subsidised by Microsoft as an investment in their future. This means completely genuine and legal versions of programmes like Windows and Microsoft Office are being sold for up to 90% less than the price you would normally pay.

To get these discounts you need to find an educational retailer licensed by Microsoft such as Phoenix software for students which has an online shop.  As long as you have access to an email address linked to an educational establishment you are then able to purchase the software with a student license, making many Microsoft products affordable.

It’s not just Microsoft that offer these licences, many other major software manufacturers are offering big discounts to student customers in an attempt to retain the industry standard amongst future generations of business leaders. This means that many extremely powerful pieces of software such as Quark and Adobe Creative Suite could now be realistic options for the home user; professional results at home are now affordable.

Setting Up Your Online “Dorm Room”

Computer Aid Posted on by

I’m a “tweener”. That is, I was born between those who did not need computer skills and those who inherently had them or were exposed to computers as part of their public school education. Finding it necessary to update my skill set so as to stay employed in an ever evolving workplace, I decided to go back to school to learn CSS and related web design techniques. With little extra time and a demanding work schedule, returning to campus was simply not in the cards. I chose online study through the continuing education division of a local 4 year college.

Being a bit “long in the tooth” as it were, I was unaware of all the peripherals that would be required for online study. If you’re thinking about taking courses over the internet, consider how you’ll set up your “online dorm room”.

The first step I took was to decorate my den with the same things I had adorned my dorm room with 40 years ago. “Let’s see, the moose head will go above the fireplace, the keg tap in the corner, lava lamp over here…” Hang a bra on one of the moose’s antlers and we’re done.

After deciding that I liked being married and wanted to stay that way, I removed it all post-haste.

It was time to get down to business and figure out what tools and peripherals I would need, so I put my beer goggles on and got to work. Here are the tools I found to be extraordinarily helpful:

  • Wireless Modem/Internet card

Having the flexibility to study anywhere in my home was essential. Also, if you spend most of your time running from one task to another, having the ability to study in a coffee shop is quite a perk.

  • Adequate Internet Connection

While almost any internet connection will do, if you’ve still got dial-up then you’ve got a problem. Even the least expensive DSL or cable packages will do, so check with your provider and upgrade if you need to. My basic DSL package worked great.

  • Chat Programs like Skype

You can still get to know your professor or classmates via Skype, a now widely used and FREE program. Just download the software and you can get face time with anyone anywhere, so long as they have the Skype software installed too.

  • Webcam

You can use Skype with just audio if you wish. To get the full experience though, you’ll need to attach a camera to your desktop. They are quite inexpensive for PCs. Cameras for macs are a bit more pricey. Shop around on e-bay as used ones are often posted
for sale at reasonable prices.

  • Open Office Software

Doing homework will require some kind of word processing software. While Microsoft Office is great, it’s also expensive. Expect to pay between $200-$400 US for your software. Open Office is a better alternative. It is an open source software that enables you to do everything Microsoft Word can do. And Open Office is FREE.

 

Whether you’re getting your teaching degree online or taking a one time course on how to handle hazmat materials, I suggest that you consult your course recommendations before compiling your list (and in the case of the hazmat course, please move far away from me).

By the way, all went well with my online final exam. My dog, cat, and I have decided to celebrate by having a frat party. We’ve invited a nearby sorority (that would be my wife) so it should be a blast. No need to worry as I’ll be the designated driver.

Maybe next semester we’ll hold our frat parties on Skype. Look for me. I’ll be the guy wearing beer goggles.

Richard Rossi is a guest blogger, published humor writer and children’s book illustrator from Greensboro, North Carolina. You can find him at his website, www.rossibook.com.

Thunderbird master password reset

Computer Aid Posted on by

I recently had a customer call to ask if I could setup their email client.

I couldn’t see why they would need this, as they seemed competent enough.

Anyway, when I arrived, I was told that a well-meaning employee had tried to setup Mozilla Thunderbird, but did not get anywhere.

When I started Thunderbird, I was asked for a master password as soon as I tried to do something meaningful (eg complete setting up an email account, or changing the settings of an existing account).

It was annoying, as I could make all the changes I needed, but as soon as I tried to save the changes, I’d get the master password dialog box.

Since nobody knew the master password, I decided to find out how to reset the password.

I soon found the trick:

Start Thunderbird -> tools -> error console -> paste the expression openDialog("chrome://pippki/content/resetpassword.xul")-> evaluate button

Please note that there is a very real possibility that you will lose any other stored passwords… But this wasn’t an issue in this case, as it was a new account.

Control Internet Access: help your kids focus on their homework and your employees focus on their job

Computer Aid Posted on by

Computer Aid has now released another great software utility:

Control Internet Access

CIA is a tool for restricting and monitoring internet access on a computer.

Developed by Mike Hansell, it was designed to help parents keep their children focussed on their homework, by restricting internet activities that can cause hours of distraction (eg youtube, various messenger applications like MSN, Facebook, Twitter, as well as websites that contain various taboo/blacklist words (like poker, gambling, etc… the list can be easily altered).

CIA was mainly designed to be as simple to use as possible. You don’t have to be a geek to use it.

Probably the most difficult part of setting up CIA, is picking a password that others cannot guess.

After that, you setup a weekly schedule, by simply pointing and clicking at a visual timetable.

Each 15 minute block, can be configured for:

  • No restriction
  • Homework (restrict time wasting activities including YouTube)
  • Homework (restrict time wasting activities excluding YouTube)
  • High restriction (No web browsing, chatting or messaging)
  • Shutdown PC (PC cannot be used at all)
  • Monitor Only (take regular screen snapshots)

If a parent needs temporary access to the PC while a CIA restriction is in place, then just clicking on the taskbar icon will let you enter your password, and then you can use the PC normally.

Of course, CIA can also be used for the office, where employees can waste many productive hours on the internet. CIA can help reduce these productivity losses.

And don’t forget the advantage of restricting access to sites that could infect a computer. CIA can help increase the effectiveness of your antivirus software.

Download the 10 day trial of CIA, you’ll find that its different from most other parental control software currently available.

Xbox 360 – Fixing The Console

Computer Aid Posted on by

Xbox 360 gaming consoles are the new craze of the youngsters. Well, not that new, but yes, the trend of being crazy over the Xbox 360 gaming console seems to have taken a great rise. Now people who are in their teenage and the people who are in their twenties love to play on the Xbox 360 and watch multimedia files through it. As Xbox 360 is a gaming console which happens to fall in the category of machines, it undergoes the process of wear and tear and so, the issue of the Xbox repair starts.

Any person who is new to Xbox 360 may find himself in a mess, as he does not know what to do and how to do it. He may think of sending his Xbox 360 to Microsoft for Xbox repair but this idea is only good for those people who actually own Xbox 360 gaming console which has the warranty still applicable to it but if the warranty has expired then Microsoft option will be quite an expensive one as Microsoft charges a lot when you do not have the warranty on your gaming console and hence, it becomes a problem for many people.

People who get disappointed with Microsoft often have to look for the ways to fix their beloved Xbox 360 gaming console as soon as possible. Many of such people do not know what to do and what to go for. They are left asking many Xbox 360 repair FAQs to one another. Some of these questions are written below.

What are the possible options left to fix the Xbox 360 after the Microsoft one?

Well, the answer to this question can be given by showing the two possible options that are left for any user who cannot send his Xbox 360 gaming console to the Microsoft for any reason. The first option is that to send the Xbox 360 gaming console to any repair shop in your nearby area, which is a little risky, and the second option may that be of doing the repair on your own.

Why is the repair shop option a little risky?

It is risky because you have to trust the local technicians with your expensive Xbox 360 unknowingly of their capabilities and skills, and things can turn bad for you here.

How can one repair his own Xbox 360 gaming console by himself?

Well, there are many resources and materials that are available in the internet for the assistance of those people who are actually looking to fix the Xbox on their own. You can find manuals and guides in this respect for every single possible error that can occur to your Xbox 360.

These and many other questions rise in the mind of the people with the broken Xbox 360. Well, when there are questions there are obviously answers and so you should keep looking for these answers for the sake of knowledge and the health of your Xbox 360.

WD SmartWare removal

Computer Aid Posted on by

It seems that everyone who buys a recent WD external USB drive, will get lumbered with a virtual CD called SmartWare.

Now, there are many reasons to dislike SmartWare.

  • An extra drive letter in Windows explorer
  • Extra software on the Virtual CD that you cannot easily remove.
  • The extra letter can cause many problems with existing external drives that are being used as automated backup drives… I hate it (and most non-technical users get severely confused) when previously working backups to, say, drive E:, now don’t work any more.
  • Your computers drive layout is effectively changed without your permission.

An initial look for a solution resulted in a huge 20-step process (involving updating the firmware to each WD drive, then disabling the virtual CD).

No thanks.

It shouldn’t be so hard.

Then I found a much simpler solution:

in XP (you can use a similar process for Vista and W7):

Control Panel -> System -> Hardware -> Device Manager -> expand DVD/CD-ROM Drives -> right click on the “WD Virtual CD device” -> disable -> OK

I didn’t have time for a comprehensive test, so its possible for the VCD to re-appear if you plug the WD drive into a different USB port… but if this happens, just repeat the process.