IS YOUR CHILD TRAVELING ABROAD THIS SUMMER?
The Internet has changed the rules for traveling. Gone are the days when keeping in touch from abroad was both a challenge and expensive. More college aged children are spending summers traveling and taking advantage of semester abroad programs. The following are some of the things parents and students must know before leaving home:
– What is the Internet situation where the student will be living?
– Does he/she have an International mobile phone?
– Do you and your child have a plan to reach each other in an emergency?
– Are both of you aware of the differences between phone and data services, domestically and overseas?
– Have you considered whether or not your child should rent a phone while traveling?
– Are you familiar with the rules surrounding Internet services abroad such as Skype, iChat, e-mail, and accessing the web?
A couple of years ago, my daughter spent 4 months in Spain. Despite daily phone calls to and from the United States, my total phone bill for the time she was away was under $200. If you need assistance understanding the rules of international travel and would like to know how our communication costs were kept in line, give me a call at 917 921-4518 or e-mail me at jblue@bluetutor.com
ARE YOU PART OF THE NEW MOBILE WORLD?
We are all spending more and more time on the road, whether for business or pleasure. The operative word now is “Mobile.” Are you ready? To be a true “road warrior,” you must be able to:
– Select a mobile device (iPhone, Android, Blackberry, iPad, etc.) based on your needs.
– Choose the right provider (Verizon. AT&T, Sprint, etc.)
– Understand the differences between “data” and phone plans.
– Understand the rules for accessing the internet while traveling.
– Use mobile apps for travel sites (hotels, flights, etc.) as well as information such as restaurants, weather, news, movies, online banking, stocks, etc.
– Control your telephone costs.
– Manage your e-mails.
– Text messaging.
– Access your contacts.
– Maintain your calendar.
– Set up reminders.
– Access your critical files.
– Store important personal information such as medications, emergency contacts, passwords, etc.
– Watch movies.
According to the most recent report issued by Ericsson, the number of worldwide mobile subscribers in 2011 was 6 billion. Within the next five years, the number will grow to close to 9 billion.
The population of the United states is 315 million. There are over 325 million cell phones in use in the US. Smartphones (iPhones, Androids, Blackberries, etc) now represent over 50% of all mobile phone sales.
I can make you a true “road warrior.” To set up a free consultation, I can be reached by phone at 917-921-4518 or by e-mail at jblue@bluetutor.com.
STILL UNDECIDED ON WHICH SMARTPHONE IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
Recent studies, as reported in the Wall Street Journal, indicate that in the first quarter of 2012 , Google’s Android and Apple’s iPhone combined market share is now over 80%, up from 54% during the same period last year. Rim’s Blackberry, which once dominated the market for so long has seen its market share drop to well under 10%. Both Google and Apple have developed operating systems and services with greater appeal in the new mobile world than offered by Rim and other resources.
Within the next few years, more than three quarters of all mobile phone purchased will be smartphones. So, how does one decide which one to buy? The first step is to determine your needs. How much time do you spend out of your home or office? Are you a phone person? Is e-mail your primary means of communication? How often do you access the Internet from the road? Are you comfortable with a touch screen or do you prefer a keyboard?
Need help making the right decision? Give me a call at 917 921-4518 or e-mail me at jblue@bluetutor.com.
UNDERSTANDING VERIZON’S NEW WIRELESS PLAN
On June 28th, Verizon Wireless will introduce a new wireless data plan. The rationale for the change (which will be followed by other providers) is for them to cash in on the ever increasing demand for data services on mobile devices such as smartphones (iPhones, Androids, and Blackberries) and smaller laptops. While the news services are offering varying opinions and explanations, here are some basic things you should know about the new plan:
– The new plan only applies to smartphones and computer tablets, not iPads,
– The plan is not mandatory, current Verizon customers are not obligated to revise their existing plans.
– Based on how you use your smartphone, you can actually save money by switching to the new plan. People who are heavy data users (e-mails, Internet browsing, streaming videos, etc.) should consider the new plan.
Below is a summary of the Plan:
– There is no tiered pricing for telephone calls. Presently, 450 minutes costs $39.95 per month and the price escalates for additional minutes. Under this new plan, the only choice will be unlimited minutes and free text messaging for $40 per phone. This is a substantial savings for anyone on a plan for more minutes or an unlimited plan.
– The new data plan starts at 2GBs for $60 and goes as high as 10GBs for $100 per month, based on your usage. If you have a family plan with several phones, the data plan is shared with each of the lines. It is possible to have up to 10 mobile devices share the same plan. The present cost for 2GBs of data is $30 PER PHONE and rises for more data. According to the leading providers, most people use less than 2GBs per month unless they stream a lot of videos and music from the Internet.
– If you change to the new plan, and are presently on an unlimited data plan, you will lose it.
As I have indicated in the past, there is never a standard answer when it comes to one’s technology needs. If you are currently a Verizon customer, I suggest you call them for an evaluation of your present plan and discuss whether or not a change will save you money.
If you need a further explanation of Verizon’s new plan, or have any other technology questions, do not hesitate to contact me at 917 921-4518 or by e-mail at jblue@bluetutor.com. Feel free to click here to receive my NEW white paper, “TIPS ON BECOMING A TRUE MOBILE WARRIOR”
THE NEW IMPROVED MAGICJACK
MagicJack, the popular (VOIP) internet based phone system has recently introduced a new program that allows you to make and receive phone calls without your computer being turned on.
For those of you who are not familiar with MagicJack, the system lets you make free telephone calls to anywhere in the United States, regardless of your location, whether you are in the US or abroad.
How does it work? When you sign up, you select a phone number with your local area code (in New York, either 917,646, or 347). What this means is when you plug your MagicJack into your computer, you are calling through the Internet making it possible to make what appears to be a local call within the US, MagicJack is a tiny device that is plugged into one of the USB slots in your computer. The device costs $39.99 with an annual fee of $19.99. Not only that, but when you purchase a MagicJack, you get the first year for free – no monthly charges. You can purchase one at places like Best Buy or online at magicjack.com.
With its new enhanced program called MagicJack Plus ( at a slightly higher rate), you no longer need a computer. No more having to keep your computer on at all times. You can use any phone, stationary or portable and simply plug it into your new phone jack in the MagicJack PLUS which can be plugged into the wall now. The MagicJack Plus device is than plugged into your router. If you want to reduce your telephone costs, you can now “port” over your existing home phone number to MagicJack Plus and take your home phone number wherever you go.
If you have any questions regarding MagicJack or any other technology issues, give me a call at 917 921-4518 or e-mail me at jblue@bluetutor.com. Feel free to click here to receive my NEW white paper, “TIPS ON BECOMING A TRUE MOBILE WARRIOR”
HAVE YOU BEEN A VICTIM OF “PHISHING”?
Have you responded to e-mails or text messages requesting personal information such as passwords, bank account information, credit cards, or social security numbers? Has your e-mail account been compromised or is your computer now infected with one or more viruses. If so, you have been victimized by one of the biggest Internet scams called “Phishing.”
Wikipedia defines phishing as “an attempt to acquire information (and sometimes, indirectly, money) such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details by masquerading as a trustworthy entity in an electronic communication. Communications purporting to be from banks, popular social web sites, auction sites, online payment processors, etc. Phishing is typically carried out by e-mail spoofing or instant messaging and it often directs users to enter details at a fake website whose look and feel are almost identical to the legitimate one.”
Here are some tips on how to avoid phishing.
– Do not respond to any email with urgent requests for personal financial information.
– Avoid filling out forms in email messages that ask for personal financial information.
– Do not click on any links in an email, instant message, or chat that leads to a web page if you if you do not know the sender.
– Log in to your online accounts (banks, Ebay, Amazon, retailers) regularly and check for suspicious activity.
If you think you have been a victim of phishing, be sure to:
– Notify your bank if you have given out any credit card information. Cancel your account and open up a new one.
– Report the theft to the three major credit reporting agencies, Experian, Equifax and TransUnion Corporation, and request that they place a fraud alert and a victim’s statement in your file. Request a free copy of your credit report to determine whether any new accounts were opened without your consent.
– Change your passwords to your online accounts including your e-mail account.
– Make sure your anti-virus program is up-to-date and run a scan of your computer.
If you feel you have been a victim of phishing or your computer appears to be infected with a virus, do not hesitate to contact me at 917 921-4518 or by e-mail at jblue@bluetutor.com. Feel free to click here to receive my NEW white paper, “TIPS ON BECOMING A TRUE MOBILE WARRIOR”
IS “SIRI” ON MY IPAD?
Can’t find Siri on your new iPad? Well, it’s not there! While Apple included this speech-recognition personal assistant on its new iPhone 4S, it is not one of the many new features on the latest iPad.
I like speech recognition, as do many of my clients who are not thrilled with the touch screen on either their iPhones or iPads. Siri is limited only to the iPhone 4S and not on the iPhone 4, iPod touch, or other smartphones. In search for a speech recognition app for my new iPad, I discovered and downloaded Dragon Go, a mobile application that hears what you say, and delivers the results you want within seconds!
There are several distinct differences between the two services. Siri speaks back to you while Dragon Go reports its findings on the screen. Dragon Go interacts with other apps and websites, such as Open Table for restaurant reservations, Fandango, YouTube, and Twitter.
While there are many competitive apps out there, such as Vlingo, Dragon Go is a worthy alternative to Siri for those of you who don’t want to upgrade to the iPhone 4S and would like speech recognition for their iPad.
If you’d like to discuss any features of your iPad or have questions about any other technology issues, do not hesitate to contact me at 917 921-4518 or by e-mail at jblue@bluetutor.com. Feel free to click here to receive my NEW white paper, “TIPS ON BECOMING A TRUE MOBILE WARRIOR”
STILL NOT INTERESTED IN SOCIAL MEDIA?
“We don’t have a choice on whether we do social media, the question is how well we do it.” – Erik Qualman, author of Socialnomics: How Social Media Transforms the Way We Live and Do Business.
If you don’t believe the impact that social media has had on our lives, both personally and professionally, click on the link below and listen to this remarkable video. The statistics are several months old, however the message is loud and clear.
The most interesting statistic I found was the one indicating that 93% of marketers use social media for business – do you?
If you want to discuss what social media can do for you, whether on a personal or professional level, do not hesitate to contact me at 917 921-4518 or by e-mail at jblue@bluetutor.com. Feel free to click here to receive my free white paper on Technology Tips on setting up a home office and becoming a true road warrior.
LOOKING TO BUY A NEW COMPUTER? YOU MIGHT WANT TO WAIT
There are plenty of reasons for buying a new computer, especially if your current one is older, slow and in constant need of maintenance.
However, if your only reason is to get the “latest and greatest,” you might want to consider waiting. In his column in the Wall Street Journal this week, http://on.wsj.com/IBxfzr, Walter Mossberg presents his argument for waiting, unless it is absolutely necessary to replace your existing equipment.
Both Microsoft and Apple will be introducing new operating systems within the next few months, and while there might be some excellent deals available now, the preliminary news on the changes indicate that it might be worth waiting.
So, if your incentive to buy is because your existing computer has slowed down, your equipment might just need a maintenance checkup.
If you need advice on whether you should be scheduling a checkup, or any other technology issues, do not hesitate to contact me at 917 921-4518 or by e-mail at jblue@bluetutor.com. Feel free to click here to receive my free white paper on Technology Tips on setting up a home office and becoming a true road warrior.