New Netgear Router Will Monitor Bandwidth

August 17, 2009 — Mrs. Mecomber

I am happy to see this news from Netgear, although the news about bandwidth usage caps is disheartening.Here’s more information from the Netgear site:

If you haven’t heard of “Internet throttling” by now, you will soon in all likelihood. Major cable-based ISPs are considering (if not implementing) hard bandwidth caps on their users each month, which is really putting devout Netflix streamers and Hulu watchers in a bind. After all, if you get all of your TV/entertainment from the web, it doesn’t take long to suck down an incredible amount of bits and bytes.

While Netgear certainly can’t make those guys have a change of heart, it can help users stuck behind those walls keep tabs on how much they’ve used. Many people have argued that the companies enforcing the caps should provide consumers with a way to monitor throughput, but until that happens, it looks like the burden of responsibility is on you. In August (meaning next month), Netgear is planning to ship its WNDR3700 wireless router in America, which will be the first from the company to actually show users how much data they’ve used during a certain window of time.

I have DSL; I sure hope I don’t see any bandwidth caps anytime soon. Everyone in the family uses the computer ALL the time, for everything from research for term papers to weather videos, to movies and viral videos, to Internet marketing and working. A cap would really stifle our computing.

But even if my ISP never caps anything, I’m still very interested in our bandwidth usage, just from curiosity. I wouldn’t go out and buy a new router for that reason, but Netgear speculates that they may include this bandwidth-tracking technology in future firmware updates for people who already own Netgear routers.

It’s an interesting development, one that I will be keeping my eye on.

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Posted in computers, electronics, Internet, news, surveillance. Tags: , , , . Comments Off »

Superior Gate Security Systems and More

August 17, 2009 — Mrs. Mecomber

Got a business large or small, a mini-mansion, or are perhaps fencing off portions of your property such as a ranch? Unless you want to hop or pole-jump over the fencing every time you need to enter or exit, you’d better think of installing a gate! Gate opener technology has come such a long way with technological advances. Today, automatic gate operations can be controlled by radio receivers, telephone entry, microchips, and more. The technology is extremely sophisticated to make exiting and entering both safe and secure.

One of the leading companies in the United States for reliable and affordable automatic gate systems and parts is Access Control Distributors of Texas, and they have a website at GateOperator.net. Their product lines, quality of sales and service, and systems they offer is very impressive. And they are having an End of Summer sale on various gate systems– be sure to check out the website for their sales and other promotional offers.

Access Control Distributors of Texas offers a unique and versatile product line– automatic gates that are electric and solar; are suited for driveways large or small, for security access locations, and for any of the smaller barrier needs; are perfect for the homeowner, corporation, or small business; and more. The gates are in various styles for every need and taste: swing gates, slide gates, wrought iron, metal, and more. The selection is tremendous!

Access Control Distributors of Texas has headquarters based in Houston, TX. They proudly produce some of the best gate openers in the world, manufactured and made in the U.S.A. They offer sales and service around the world! And they promise to offer you superior customer service. Should you need help or service for your gate choices, you can go to their website and get a Custom Gate Operator Quote from a specialist; or you can call their office toll free at (877) 688-4283.

Access Control Distributors of Texas are members of the Texas Fence Association and the American Fence Association, and have been in the automatic gate business for over twenty years. Be sure to check them out for all your automatic gate needs.

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Posted in business services, security programs, technology. Tags: , , , . 1 Comment »

Twitter Tools: HugeFollowing

August 14, 2009 — Mrs. Mecomber

I’ve been on Twitter for a good two weeks, and already I’m “speaking the language.” And I’m discovering that a healthy roster of followers gets the attention of affiliates, marketers, and advertisers (not to mention that you get to meet and know some really neat people!). Therefore, Twitter is becoming more diverse, as people look for ways to monetize their accounts; it is a very, VERY difficult task, I think. But without a doubt, what necessary (whether you monetize anything or not) is gaining a large and diverse group of “followers,” or those who await with baited breath your every TWEET!

Well, it’s not THAT exciting. :D But having a lot of followers is neat. If nothing else, you feel great because you’re so popular! And if you’re trying to monetize your online social networking, well, you just can’t do it without a following.

I’ve come across various schemes, ploys, and Twitter groups that help you promote yourself and gain more followers. Such is the new group, Huge Following. This is from their website:

Huge Following helps you get more Followers on Twitter. To Join: Login via the Twitter Login box above and then Follow 20 Random Regular Users and All VIP Users. You are then added to Huge Following and everytime someone logs in, you have a chance of appearing as one of the random 20 accounts that they must follow. If you want to be added EVERY time someone logins in, then buy a VIP package and you will be added every single time! Login to your account to find more information about VIP Accounts.

Sounds reasonable. A Regular Account is free, so for the average Twitterer (like me), it’s a great way to get the word out about what wonderful and inspiring tweets you toot. And if you are serious about becoming a master Twitterer, the VIP program has what it takes. It will be interesting to see how Huge Following develops. Let me know if you decide to join. We can follow each other. :)

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Posted in Internet, marketing, networking. Tags: , , . 6 Comments »

Free Images, Vectors, and Icons

August 14, 2009 — Mrs. Mecomber

Because I do a lot of web and graphic design, I have a hefty list of bookmarks for free graphic images. Some of the images I find are just spectacular, and I am so glad they are free. Here’s a list of some of the best image sites I’ve found. Please be aware that most of these are free for personal use, but request permission and/or credit for commercial use.

DryIcons
Corel Paint Shop Pro Picture Tubes
Instant Shift Icons
Osoq Free Caricatures
Plan 59 1950s art
40+ Sources to Download Royalty-Free Stock Images
50s Retro Signs and Vintage Images
Icon Drawer
Retrographix Retro Clip Art
Soft Facade Icons and Graphics
Shorpy Vintage Photos

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Posted in desktop publishing, free stuff, image editing. Tags: , , . Comments Off »

A Contest for Small Business Owners

August 12, 2009 — Mrs. Mecomber

Here’s a really spectacular contest for business owners, from AT&T! This is an incredible contest! In a nutshell, it’s a FREE business technology upgrade! It’s in celebration of the launching of the classy new AT&T Small Business InSite website.

Now, I have said long and loud that a business– ANY business, large or small– MUST have a professional online presence. It’s necessary in today’s technological and information-hungry world. Having managed a couple of small businesses myself, I know how difficult (and expensive) the IT end of the spectrum can be. I commend AT&T’s efforts to make that effort a little more affordable and easy with their new contest. Kudos to
AT&T for recognizing and helping the “little guy”!

The AT&T Small Business InSite is a resourceful website. I have great interest in website security issues, so I scoured their Security articles for a while (Go to Manage Technology >> Security to see their articles). They have much more to offer the business owner, too– productivity tips, online marketing tips, and more. If you have a small business, this is one to bookmark, and share. And it’s all coming from one of the world’s leaders in business, so you KNOW they know what they are talking about.

OK, so the contest– believe me, you will not need an IT counselor to enter your business! It’s easy! Just go to AT&T Small Business InSite, and explain your need for a technology makeover in a short video, or write a review of the new AT&T Small Business InSite, and feature it on Technorati. Be sure to see the website for more details and contest rules and regulations.

The prizes include:

  • Two Samsung Epix Smartphones
  • 1-year subscription to AT&T Tech Support 360SM Advanced Service Package
  • 1-year subscription to AT&T UNIX or Windows Enhanced Web Hosting services
  • AT&T Web Design service
  • A one-on-one consultation with a small business expert, with a business assessment and more
  • A Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2008 Standard
  • and other perks, gadgets, and AT&T services

This is a golden opportunity for us small business owners. I’m going to have to come up with some ideas for my own “small business.” (I’m a free-lance writer, and I’d sure like to get my name and services out to more people; so I guess I need to work on the marketing aspect). Be sure to get more information about the contest, too!

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Posted in business services, marketing, technology, websites. Tags: , , , , , . Comments Off »

OMG Another WordPress Update!

August 12, 2009 — Mrs. Mecomber

I knew it was bound to happen… I just didn’t think it would happen a week after the previous update!! Wow, lol. Well, I am thankful that the WordPress Dudes (as I affectionately call them) are on their toes with security issues.

Yesterday a vulnerability was discovered: a specially crafted URL could be requested that would allow an attacker to bypass a security check to verify a user requested a password reset. As a result, the first account without a key in the database (usually the admin account) would have its password reset and a new password would be emailed to the account owner. This doesn’t allow remote access, but it is very annoying.

We fixed this problem last night and have been testing the fixes and looking for other problems since then. Version 2.8.4 which fixes all known problems is now available for download and is highly recommended for all users of WordPress.

So I guess I know what I will be doing this afternoon. :-p

WordPress has now made it so easy to update, I thank them for that. In a nutshell, here’s how to do it:

  • First thing: BACK UP YOUR BLOG.

    • I do database backups just about every week (log into my web host’s cPanel and use their Backup Wizard). I also then use the “Export” feature in the WordPress Dashboard. This saves all posts and comments in an XML file. It just saves the information, not your blog’s theme nor photos nor other dynamic content. I made a quick video tutorial about How to Exporting Your Blog in an XML File. It’s an “on the safe side” kind of backup tool.

  • Update and then disable plugins.

    • I used to disable all my plugins before doing any upgrade. Plugins are third-party software, and therefore may conflict with each other during the upgrade. However, for the past three recent upgrades, I have attempted leaving my plugins enabled, and I have had no problems. I do, however, ALWAYS upgrade my plugins before attempting my WordPress upgrade.

  • Click the WordPress “Please update now” link at the top of your Admin page.

    • This notification shows up on all your Wordress admin pages. I usually go to my Dashboard and proceed from there. The link will take you to a page within your admin site, giving a few scanty details, and clicking the link.

  • Go slowly, read everything, don’t be in a hurry to click the links.

    • I take my time whenever I upgrade. I make sure the kids are preoccupied, I am *relatively* clear-headed, and not in a hurry. I’ve had problems when I have been too click-happy. Depending on the speed of your web host’s server transactions, it may take a few more seconds to complete. Don’t rush anything!

  • If something happens, call your web host.

    • I have Hostgator as my web host (see the button to their website in my sidebar) and I have been thrilled with their service and support. I recommend them more than any other host (and believe me, I’ve had a lot of hosts). If your blog has problems, give them a call. You will have a database backup that you can fall back on (you DID make that backup, right??!), and they can reinstate the older version, and help you upgrade to the newer one. But I have never had any problem whatsoever with the new WordPress upgrade feature– it’s run AMAZINGLY smoothly.

    Hope this helps!

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    Posted in blogs, help, how to, security news, Wordpress. Tags: , , , , . Comments Off »
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