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NEVER Use Your ISP's Email Address
by Crestien
 Chris On Tech
Jul 28, 2011 | 4488 views |  0 comments | 15 15 recommendations | email to a friend | print | permalink

I know it's easy to just go with what you're given when you sign up for your internet service. Your internet service provider (ISP) , be it CableOne, AT&T, Comcast, or another, will offer you that free email account, and it can be tempting to just go with it. However, that's a mistake you, just like millions before you, will eventually regret.

The Reason

You will swap ISPs at some point. That is a fact. As long as you're using your ISP's email address, you've tied yourself to that ISP unless you're willing to go through the hassle of changing your email address and telling everyone you know.  It is a big hassle and can be frustrating enough to just stay with an ISP, even if they're overcharging you for slower speeds. CableOne's 50mbps service is now available in our area and I can't help but think of all the people who are stuck on AT&T's DSL service that will likely never see speeds that high.  To swap they will have a nice bit of work on their hands. Just think of the eBills, social network profiles, online stores, friends, family, and other places you'll need to update your email address.  Not fun.

The Solution

Get an email address from one of the big three.  Yahoo, Windows Live, or Google Gmail. Personally, I can't stand the slow, clunky looking, advertising filled, webmail interfaces of Yahoo and Microsoft. I'm a Google Gmail user through and through and I can't recommend it high enough.  It works with Outlook or Windows Live Mail if you prefer that method of getting your email, it's very fast, and the spam filter is unmatched from any other provider I've seen.

Please take this next bit as good all around advice and not an insult. Do not even think of getting an aol.com address.  It makes you look very out of touch when you email a potential employer, clients, or anyone that might expect you to be even slightly computer savvy from an @aol.com address.  If you have one, go ahead and go through the hassle of switching to Gmail right now.  At least get one and begin the process slowly.

At my website design company, WideNet Consulting, we even use Google's Gmail For Business product for nearly all 300 of our clients.  So when I say I trust the service and push it, I mean it.  Even my chris@chrisontech.com uses Google Apps to power it.

Email Intervention

Google has just launched a pretty clever marketing ploy asking people to help their friends make the switch away from bad email providers.  You can watch the video below and visit EmailIntervention.com, a simple site where Gmail users can send intervention letters to convince their friends to switch. It's straightforward and points out the incredible features of Gmail.


My Advice:

The choice is yours of course and I have many friends with Yahoo and Live addresses that seem to be perfectly happy with them.  I guess this could be an instance of to each their own, but I like to think after all I've looked at I am a pretty good judge of what's best in tech, and I say, go Gmail.

Chris Williams, Web Developer, WideNet Consulting

If you have a news tip or a topic you would like to see me write on, please email me at chris@chrisontech.com or write on my facebook page's wall.


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Best College Football Viewing Experience? Maybe!
by Crestien
 Chris On Tech
Jul 27, 2011 | 1441 views |  0 comments | 11 11 recommendations | email to a friend | print | permalink

You know how in the article about streaming I wrote yesterday I mentioned that missing live sporting events was the biggest drawback to cutting the cord on your satellite or cable subscription? Well today ESPN announced ESPN 2.0 for Xbox 360 Live via the Gizmodo blog.  There's a demo video of the ESPN App to watch on Gizmodo.

"You officially have a reason to watch ESPN on your Xbox 360 come this fall - ESPN 2.0 is pretty awesome. Watch multiple games in HD. Pause one while keeping the other going. Stats! So many stats. And oh lord, the mini-guide with live thumbs and scores.

Confession: The only sport I give even the slightest bit about is college football. Fortunately for me, ESPN on Xbox 360 is re-launching August 25 with college football in mind."
Continue Reading At Gizmodo

August 25th is the day and personally, I can't wait to consume my favorite sport in my favorite way.  I just got my Xbox 360 about a month ago and it's worth it's weight in gold to me.  It's perhaps the perfect option to play Netflix and Hulu if you already have one instead of buying the Roku box I mentioned previously. Stats, Pausing, Split Screens, Mini Guide, and oh so much more goodness.  If you don't have an Xbox 360 be jealous.  Be very jealous.

My Advice:

This one is super simple.  On August 25th go and download the free ESPN 2.0 app onto your Xbox 360 and enjoy the mess out of college football and all other sports in the coming days.

Chris Williams, Web Developer, WideNet Consulting

If you have a news tip or a topic you would like to see me write on, please email me at chris@chrisontech.com or write on my facebook page's wall.


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Netflix & Hulu. Do you Stream?
by Crestien
 Chris On Tech
Jul 25, 2011 | 2189 views |  0 comments | 13 13 recommendations | email to a friend | print | permalink
Netflix & Hulu. Do you Stream?
Netflix & Hulu. Do you Stream?
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Any Time. Any Where. Any Content. That is how I want to consume my TV shows and movies. With the plethora of online services that exist, there's hardly any reason to keep your cable or satellite subscription. They're filled with endless commercials that you are either forced to watch or fast-forward through, and it's only on when it's on. The DVR has made this experience a little more "Any Time" than it used to be, but it is still very frustrating when you want to watch your favorite episode of Big Bang Theory.

For many years now I've been hacking computers together to pull off what Netflix, Hulu, and the like now serve you with very little effort on your part. If your TV doesn't already have these services built in, you can pick up a Roku 2 XD box from $59 - $99 and have Netflix, Hulu and most other services on your TV pronto. All of the services run through your internet connection and have been structured specifically to be very easy to use from the comfort of your couch. See a full list of services on the Roku. 

Another plus is that these services are breaking new ground all the time. According to Hollywood Reporter, Netflix will soon announce they have penned a streaming deal with DreamWorks Animation which will bring a ton of new content to the service. Netflix is no stranger to gaining and losing content providers which can be a bit frustrating at times if your favorite movie disappears from the service. However, HuluPlus offers you another source of content which, combined with Netflix, should satisfy your movie and TV show needs.

The only things lacking dwell in the realm of live TV. The available live sporting events and news updates are a bit slim, but they are available at times.  You could always pick a pair of "digital rabbit ears" and get most of the local channels free if they're important to you. If not, this is still a small price to pay for a family who rarely consumes live events when the benefit is the reduction of your monthly bill from $70 to $15.

My Advice:

Pick up a Roku 2 XD box if you have any interest at all and give the services a chance through their free trials.  It's super easy, and once you see how great having all of this content on demand is, you'll likely never go back. Especially if you have young children.

Chris Williams, Web Developer, WideNet Consulting
If you have a news tip or a topic you would like to see me write on, please email me at chris@chrisontech.com or write on my facebook page's wall.


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3G, 4G? What it means to you
by Crestien
 Chris On Tech
Jul 25, 2011 | 2858 views |  0 comments | 12 12 recommendations | email to a friend | print | permalink

Verizon Wireless Speed ComparisonLast week Verizon Wireless flipped the switch on for their 4G LTE phone service in 28 new markets around the nation.  Most people around Calhoun County are just getting over the excitement of AT&T finally bringing 3G to our area only now to find out that we're behind again.

What is 4G? Well it depends on who you're asking and when. The most basic of answers is that 4G is the next generation of data speed available for your wireless devices.  The more complicated answer is that AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, and Verizon all claim to have 4G and they're all talking about something different.  If anyone is telling the truth however, it's Verizon.  LTE (Long Term Evolution) is the most common type of true 4G networks being produced by the big 4 (soon likely to be the big 3 when AT&T buys T-Mobile) and that's what Verizon is rolling out.  HSPA is what the others are claiming is 4G which is really just slightly faster 3G.  So please don't get confused when buying your new phone or Mifi device when they start spouting on about 4G.  We don't have it in Calhoun County and you don't need it right now.  Currently the closest Verizon 4G areas are:

  • Alabama:  Decatur, Huntsville, Mobile, Montgomery
  • Florida: Ft. Lauderdale, Gainesville, Jacksonville, Lakeland, Miami, Orlando, Pensacola, Sarasota-Bradenton, Tallahassee, Tampa, West Palm Beach
  • Georgia: Athens, Atlanta, Augusta
  • Tennessee: Chattanooga, Clarksville, Cleveland, Knoxville, Nashville
The current Verizon LTE Map is available off of the Verizon LTE page. Verizon is way ahead of the game on 4G coverage just like they have always been with their 3G.

My Advice
If you're going to get a phone in the next year and you don't travel outside of this region very often, don't wait on your favorite phone (i.e. Apple's iPhone) to go 4G, because we're not going to be seeing those speeds around here anytime soon.  If you're going to get a Verizon Mifi, go ahead and get the 4G because it won't cost you any more than the 3G, and you'll have it just in case it's ever available to you.

Chris Williams, Web Developer, WideNet Consulting
If you have a news tip or a topic you would like to see me write on, please email me at chris@chrisontech.com or write on my facebook page's wall.
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Dispute over records charge keeps JSU off teacher training ratings list
by Madasyn Czebiniak
Star staff writer
Jun 20, 2013 | 650 views |  0 comments | 17 17 recommendations | email to a friend | print
Jacksonville State University’s teacher preparation program, one of the biggest in the state, doesn't have a ranking in the first-ever nationwide survey of teacher preparation programs. The authors of the study released this week say it’s because the university wanted to charge them $9,800 for data. “We thought that charge was excessive,” said Arthur McKee, the managing director of teacher preparation studies at the National Council for Teacher Quality. The council asked 1,100 colleges for information about their teacher preparation programs as part of what the study’s authors say is the first nationwide assessment of teacher training. John Hammett, dean of the college of education and professional studies at JSU, said school officials didn’t agree with the study’s methodology. “We didn’t think it was a valid evaluation of our program. They don’t look at the empirical data,” he said. Checking on teacher training The council was created in 2000 to increase the number of effective teachers in the nation. Researchers with the council requested syllabi, alumni surveys and outlines of the courses taught in each preparation program from teachers’ colleges across the country so they could see whether prospective teachers were receiving proper training. The council got responses from 608 schools. The review team was made up of 84 analysts under the supervision of McKee. They rated institutions on four standards: admissions, subject preparation, practice teaching and how well alumni felt the program served their needs. Chet Linton, the CEO and president of the School Improvement Network, said he thinks the country is at a point where everyone wants things to get better, especially when it comes to education. “Students need to be prepared for the work environment. They need to collaborate. They need to be able to use technology. But we don’t have teachers who can walk into classrooms and teach students those skills,” he said. Linton said colleges have the opportunity to implement Common Core training for upcoming teachers so they can hit the ground running when they start working. The implementation of Common Core teaching standards in teaching programs were included in the ratings. Hammett said the council graded JSU on Common Core math standards that had yet to be implemented. “We weren’t even doing that yet and they were trying to evaluate us on it,” he said. The price tag McKee said most institutions charged around $250 to provide information for the study. At least two other Alabama institutions asked for four-figure amounts to provide data, the council said. The University of Alabama at Birmingham asked for $3,395. The University of Alabama wanted $4,000. UAB spokeswoman Dale Turnbough declined to comment Wednesday. Attempts to reach officials of the University of Alabama’s college of education for comment were not immediately successful Wednesday. Hammett said he was confused by the council’s review of JSU’s education preparation programs because he eventually sent them the information they requested. Hammett said he originally told the council the information they requested could cost the group up to $10,000. Both McKee and Hammett said after the council shortened its list of requested documents, Hammett compiled the information on his own and sent it to them for free, he said. “I sent them six emails full of data,” he said. But by then it was too late. The deadline for information was mid-January. Hammett sent the information on Jan. 29, said Stephanie Zoz, the council’s manager of data collection said. JSU in the ratings JSU did not appear on the council’s overall program rating chart Tuesday because the university originally resisted the council’s request for information. The ratings scale went from zero, the lowest, to four, the highest rating. Hammett said he believes JSU should have received a four on the rating system, especially because it has been accredited by the Education Department and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. Attempts Wednesday to reach officials with the state Education Department were unsuccessful. Zoz said she could not say what rating JSU would have received if it had released its information earlier, only that the information would be added to the review next year. According to McKee, the council originally had ambitions of rating more than 1,100 programs but were still pleased with the effort’s progress. “The institutions we have in the review produce 72 percent of the teachers in the nation,” he said. McKee said he hopes to add JSU’s data to next year’s review. “We’re glad the dean wants to provide the information. We think it’s a happy ending,” he said. Staff Writer Madasyn Czebiniak: 256-235-3553. On Twitter: @Mczebiniak_Star
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by Laura Camper
lcamper@annistonstar.com
Jun 20, 2013 | 274 views |  0 comments | 17 17 recommendations | email to a friend | print
Two Cleburne County commissioners’ use of inmate labor is being scrutinized by the Alabama Ethics Commission. The state body requested records connected to Commissioner Laura Cobb’s employment of a county inmate at a gas station she manages, according to documents provided by Cleburne County Probate Judge Ryan Robertson this week in response to a request from The Star. The Ethics Commission also has requested records of Commissioner Emmett Owen’s use of inmate labor. Cobb, who took office in January, interviewed the inmate, who was later hired to work full-time in the gas station on Alabama 46, she said. The inmate is paid $7.25 per hour, the federal minimum wage. Cobb said that inmate, Kevin Walker, was released from jail about two weeks ago and still works for the station doing cleaning and yard work. According to the records provided by Robertson, the Ethics Commission requested the records of the gas station’s payments to Walker as well as the records of Owen's payments to inmates at his place of business in Georgia. Cobb told a reporter she has not spoken to an investigator. The Ethics Commission does not discuss its investigations, a legal research assistant said last week. Owen has spoken to an investigator and last week he acknowledged taking prisoners to work with him at the Candler Building in Atlanta. Taking the inmates out of state is an infraction of the rules of the program, but according to John Hamm, director of member services for the Association of County Commissions of Alabama, it’s not against state law. Owen last week declined to talk with The Star about whether he had broken any other rules of the program. Cobb was "confused" as to why her employer’s use of inmate labor is being questioned now, she told The Star. “He (Walker) would not have been able to get out if he had not had a full-time job,” Cobb said. Walker told The Star Wednesday that he was grateful to be a part of the program. He said he started out doing community service through the program and later got the paying job at the station. It gave him a chance to pay his fines and support his two children while he was in jail, Walker said. It also gave him a chance to meet people in the community, said Walker, who is from Georgia. “I have community support to where I didn’t have any,” Walker said. The gas station, owned by Won G. Cho, has been using inmates through the program for two or three years, Cobb said. The station was having a difficult time finding reliable employees and the coordinator of the work release program suggested using inmates, she said. It’s worked out very well for the station, and it gives the inmates the opportunity to pay their fines, Cobb said. Cho’s daughter, Maria, confirmed Cobb's comments. She said the inmates have been hard workers and that they have helped her father, who is getting older, she said. “They’re really generous to my daddy,” Cho said. “They help him.” Lane Kilgore, jail administrator, said he could not find an employer contract for the gas station in part because he doesn’t know whose name to look under. The corrections officer who manages the program has been out sick and was unable to help search. But, Kilgore said, Walker is the second inmate who has worked at the station. Staff writer Laura Camper: 256-235-3545. On Twitter @LCamper_Star.
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Heflin PD applies for free stuff
by Laura Camper
lcamper@annistonstar.com
Jun 19, 2013 | 181 views |  0 comments | 6 6 recommendations | email to a friend | print
The city of Heflin Police Department has applied to receive tens of thousands of dollars of free equipment through a military surplus program. Captain AJ Benefield, interim police chief in Heflin, said the department is trying for a boat, two golf carts, three all-terrain vehicles and a 36-passenger bus through the 1033 Military Surplus program. It has been approved at the state level but is waiting for final approval, Benefield said. If the department gets all the requested items, it could total about $150,000 worth of equipment, he said. “And all of this is no cost,” Benefield said. The department does have to pick up the equipment and pay any fees or permits to transport it back to the community, he said. The department has gotten other equipment through the program including M16 guns and a bulldozer, Benefield said. “You have to do justification for your department to use these items,” Benefield said. The city could use the golf carts and ATVs to help patrol special events like the concert a few weeks ago or the upcoming Fourth of July parade, Benefield said. The boat could be used for a water rescue on Lake Heflin or at the watershed, he said. And if the city finds that it doesn’t use the equipment, with the exception of demilitarized weapons and such, after a year the department can auction it off to recoup their investment, Benefield said. Sgt. Kenneth Perryman, program coordinator for the state of Alabama, said by 2012, Alabama law enforcement agencies had received more than $16 million worth of equipment through the program. The program is open to all federal and state law enforcement agencies with arrest authority, Perryman said. The program was created by federal act in 1995 with a focus on counter-drug and terrorism efforts. Not all police departments have to deal with terrorism, but they do deal with drug arrests, he said. The program gives them access to high end equipment that they may not otherwise be able to afford, he added. “Whenever (the military) turns things back in, it’s available for law enforcement agencies,” Perryman said. The equipment can run the gamut from buildings, to aircraft, to weapons, to night vision goggles to protective clothing, he said. It’s all given away on a first-come, first-served basis, Benefield said. He gets emails when new equipment becomes available and lets the state know when he is interested in an item. It can take anywhere from two hours to two days to hear back from the state if the department’s request is approved, but it takes longer to go through the rest of the process, Benefield said. Approval for the equipment has to go through three departments, the state, the Department of Defense and the Defense Logistics Agency, which oversees the program, Perryman said. It can take a few weeks before the department will know for sure that it got the equipment, Benefield said. But it’s worth the wait. It’s equipment the department doesn’t have the money to go out and purchase otherwise, he added. “It’s a very beneficial program if used right,” Benefield said.
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