The word "free" always captures my attention. Sometimes there is a catch to products that have the word "free" attached to it. But, sometimes we get lucky, especially when it comes to freeware software. Here are a few products that I and others consider quite good...including a free accounting software from Microsoft and a free office suite from Sun Microsystems.
Keynote 1.6.5
This is a powerful notepad program compares favorably with commercial applications, and, in some respects, is even more flexible and convenient. A note file may contain any number of notes, which appear as separate tabs. In turn, each tab can hold a tree of subnotes. The software can handle rich formatting, images, and hyperlinks to other files and notes. It also supports templates, plug-ins, and macros.
This is a great application for high school and college students as their lecture notes can be categorized by class, then sub-categorized by date. It is also a great way for people to organize their own notes by what ever method they want. I have lots of notes from seminars, classes and by items I find on the Internet doing research that need to be categorized. I have been using the Notebook feature in Lotus Organizer to do this for a while, but of course that is not a free program. In so many ways, Keynote is better. I have found it to be easy to use and easy to organize lots of notes on different subjects. I might switch over to it for some specific tasks.
If you looking for a way to better organize your life and all your random notes, Keynote may be the one for you. It can be downloaded from Download.com.
Microsoft's Office Accounting Express 2007
Within the few days, Microsoft has turned its accounting suite for small businesses into two separate offerings, one of which users can download for free. Office Accounting Express 2007, an updated version of Office Small Business Accounting 2006, is now available as a free download at Microsoft's IdeaWins site.
Microsoft also expects to begin offering a slightly higher-end version of the software, Office Accounting Professional 2007, from retailers early in 2007. The professional edition of the software has more robust features than the free version for handling inventory management, budgeting, cash flow and other tasks mature small businesses require. Office Accounting Express 2007 is aimed more at small businesses that are just getting off the ground and need help starting up.
I haven't tried this program yet, but it might be worth a look if you are looking for a business accounting program. It is a big surprise to me that Microsoft would make such a program available for free, but sometimes surprises are nice.
OpenOffice.org 2.0.4
If you read yesterday's blog about Microsoft's new version of Office, you know that office suite programs aren't exactly cheap. But, OpenOffice blows that theory away. This office suite of programs contains a word processor, spreadsheet, presentation program, a database, and a drawing program. OpenOffice has been around for six years now and is being shepherded by Sun Microsystems. The current version was released only a few months ago.
As I mentioned recently, I put together a new home computer for myself from three older computers that I own. This replaces my powerful desktop that was moved over to my new studio. I decided to try OpenOffice and downloaded and installed it in this new/old machine. I only installed the word processor and spreadsheet because that is basically all I use at home.
My first impressions is that it is an excellent piece of software. It looks so much like Word and Excel that it was easy to learn how to use and I was immediately productive. I can save the files as Word and Excel documents so that they are usable by my Microsoft Office programs at my studio. If I have any complaints, is that sometimes it seems slow to load. Other than that, it is a terrific piece of software and I plan to keep using it at home.
You can download it from the OpenOffice web site and from the Download.com website. One of the advantages of going to Download.com website is that you can read their review and the reviews of lots of users who installed it. The OpenOffice web site does offer a good list of links to other websites and blogs where you can learn a lot of neat tricks and tips on using the programs.
The GIMP 2.2.10
I must admit that I have not used this program yet, but the reviews I have read are very favorable. The GIMP is a powerful general-purpose image editors. The application's advanced features include channels, layers and masks, filters and effects, tabbed palettes, editable text tools, and brightness/contrast adjustments. It may be the ideal tool for amateur photographers, Web designers, and anyone who wants to create and edit professional-quality digital images on a budget. It is also available on the Download.com web site.
More free software recommendations soon.
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Office 2007 Heads for Manufacturing
Microsoft has released their final code for the new Office 2007 to manufacturing so production of the CD's can begin in earnest. So, while big companies may get their hands on this new version in December, it will not be available to us consumers until January.
In fact, there is a very good chance that both Office 2007 and the new "Windows Vista" operating system will show up on dealer's shelves at the same time. Prices are not cheap. Prices for a first-time purchaser of Office 2007 begin at $399, while upgrade prices begin at $239. There are eight different packages of Office 2007 ranging from Office Basic to Office Enterprise...and they can contain up to 14 different software programs.
I won't cover all the changes made to the package, except to highlight the biggest change of them all. They have dropped the file menu and other menus along the top of the screen and changed it to what they call, "The Ribbon." Independent writers and bloggers are calling it a radical change, but one that is intuitive and easy to use. And most agree that it will be a successful change.
If you would like to see some good screen shots of the new interface, head over to a blog I found on the net by Jensen Harris that has lots of good pictures.
For an in-depth look at what is new is Office 2007, Microsoft has put up a terrific series of pages featuring all the new features for each of the Office component on their website. They have also put up a free on-line test drive on their website which is a hands-on look at the product. No downloading required.
PC Magazine's review says that everyone should upgrade to this new version. In fact, they gave it their editor's choice. If you would like to read PC Magazine's rave review, you can do so on their website. I always am a bit wary when magazines give rave reviews to Microsoft products as they receive lots of advertising revenue from the Redmond folks, but there are too many good reviews from independent sources that say they are correct in their appraisal.
Another good in-depth review, perhaps more dispassionate than PC Magazine's review can be found at the ComputerWorld website.
This should give you enough information to be able to make an intelligent decision on whether to upgrade to the new Office 2007.
In fact, there is a very good chance that both Office 2007 and the new "Windows Vista" operating system will show up on dealer's shelves at the same time. Prices are not cheap. Prices for a first-time purchaser of Office 2007 begin at $399, while upgrade prices begin at $239. There are eight different packages of Office 2007 ranging from Office Basic to Office Enterprise...and they can contain up to 14 different software programs.
I won't cover all the changes made to the package, except to highlight the biggest change of them all. They have dropped the file menu and other menus along the top of the screen and changed it to what they call, "The Ribbon." Independent writers and bloggers are calling it a radical change, but one that is intuitive and easy to use. And most agree that it will be a successful change.
If you would like to see some good screen shots of the new interface, head over to a blog I found on the net by Jensen Harris that has lots of good pictures.
For an in-depth look at what is new is Office 2007, Microsoft has put up a terrific series of pages featuring all the new features for each of the Office component on their website. They have also put up a free on-line test drive on their website which is a hands-on look at the product. No downloading required.
PC Magazine's review says that everyone should upgrade to this new version. In fact, they gave it their editor's choice. If you would like to read PC Magazine's rave review, you can do so on their website. I always am a bit wary when magazines give rave reviews to Microsoft products as they receive lots of advertising revenue from the Redmond folks, but there are too many good reviews from independent sources that say they are correct in their appraisal.
Another good in-depth review, perhaps more dispassionate than PC Magazine's review can be found at the ComputerWorld website.
This should give you enough information to be able to make an intelligent decision on whether to upgrade to the new Office 2007.
Monday, November 06, 2006
Check Out CNET TV
Oh, how I miss Leo LaPorte, "Call for Help," "Screensavers," and many of the other programs that used to be on TechTV. This great cable channel was dedicated to technology and helping you understand it and work with it. It was available on some advanced cable company offerings, Direct TV and Dish.
A couple of years ago, TechTV was bought out by G4, another fairly new cable channel that specialized in shows about computer games. Within no time at all, it killed off all the good tech shows like "Call for Help" and "Screensavers" in favor of some of the most mindless, brainless TV twaddle of all time. If you would like to have your IQ lowered to below 75 or have your educational level lowered to that of a 4th grader, watch G4 sometime for a few minutes and you will see what I mean. I think this station is part of the conspiracy to dumb-down America.
Before I get too far off track here, I really want to tell you about a new "TV" service offered by CNET, called CNET TV. While it is not available on Direct TV or any other cable or satellite channel, you can watch it on your computer by going to the CNET TV website.
I must admit it is pretty slick and filled with some good information. There are hundreds, if not thousands of program contents to choose from. What makes it better than a TV show is that you choose the content that you want to watch. New content is added daily and is listed under the date so you can easily see what is new.
Choose from categories like Gadgets and Gear, Tips and Tricks, Gaming, Car Tech, Movies and Music, and Tech News. I watched an interesting video this morning on how to run Linux on your computer without installing it to your hard drive or ruining your Windows installation.
So while CNET TV does not replace TechTV, it gives all of us some good tech education options that we haven't had for a while.
A couple of years ago, TechTV was bought out by G4, another fairly new cable channel that specialized in shows about computer games. Within no time at all, it killed off all the good tech shows like "Call for Help" and "Screensavers" in favor of some of the most mindless, brainless TV twaddle of all time. If you would like to have your IQ lowered to below 75 or have your educational level lowered to that of a 4th grader, watch G4 sometime for a few minutes and you will see what I mean. I think this station is part of the conspiracy to dumb-down America.
Before I get too far off track here, I really want to tell you about a new "TV" service offered by CNET, called CNET TV. While it is not available on Direct TV or any other cable or satellite channel, you can watch it on your computer by going to the CNET TV website.
I must admit it is pretty slick and filled with some good information. There are hundreds, if not thousands of program contents to choose from. What makes it better than a TV show is that you choose the content that you want to watch. New content is added daily and is listed under the date so you can easily see what is new.
Choose from categories like Gadgets and Gear, Tips and Tricks, Gaming, Car Tech, Movies and Music, and Tech News. I watched an interesting video this morning on how to run Linux on your computer without installing it to your hard drive or ruining your Windows installation.
So while CNET TV does not replace TechTV, it gives all of us some good tech education options that we haven't had for a while.
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Casino in the Sky
I love RyanAir. In case you are not familiar with them, they are a budget airline that flies all over Europe for extremely low fares. How low, the last time I was there I flew from London to Rome for $18. That is not a misprint. The most I have ever paid to fly on Ryan Air was $38 from Turin to London. My brother-in-law flew from Venice to London for $26. There are even times when you can fly for $2.
How good are they? Frankly, they are just fine. They fly modern jet aircraft and have limited, but good in-flight service. They usually don't fly from the major airports in big cities, which helps cut down their cost. For instance, in London, you fly from Stansted instead of Heathrow. Check them out, the next time you are in Europe.
But the purpose of this blog is to tell you about Ryan Air's newest plan to launch online bingo and gaming next year following the introduction of its in-flight mobile phone service for passengers. Passengers will be able to use their mobile phones and other handheld devices on flights to play Ryanair's online bingo and a number of other instant-win games that will offer jackpots in excess of $380,000 (200,000 pounds).
The launch of this innovative in-flight online gambling service, however, is dependent on European regulatory approval for Ryaniar's mobile phone service. The service is due to launch by the middle of 2007 and will allow passengers to make and receive voice calls and instant messages via satellite broadband links.
To help promote next year's launch of the in-flight gambling service, Ryanair has this week teamed up with a U.K. online bingo operator to launch Ryanair bingo and other games on the airline's own Web site. During the first week all Ryanair customers who play any of the online games will receive a free flight.
You just can't beat technology.
How good are they? Frankly, they are just fine. They fly modern jet aircraft and have limited, but good in-flight service. They usually don't fly from the major airports in big cities, which helps cut down their cost. For instance, in London, you fly from Stansted instead of Heathrow. Check them out, the next time you are in Europe.
But the purpose of this blog is to tell you about Ryan Air's newest plan to launch online bingo and gaming next year following the introduction of its in-flight mobile phone service for passengers. Passengers will be able to use their mobile phones and other handheld devices on flights to play Ryanair's online bingo and a number of other instant-win games that will offer jackpots in excess of $380,000 (200,000 pounds).
The launch of this innovative in-flight online gambling service, however, is dependent on European regulatory approval for Ryaniar's mobile phone service. The service is due to launch by the middle of 2007 and will allow passengers to make and receive voice calls and instant messages via satellite broadband links.
To help promote next year's launch of the in-flight gambling service, Ryanair has this week teamed up with a U.K. online bingo operator to launch Ryanair bingo and other games on the airline's own Web site. During the first week all Ryanair customers who play any of the online games will receive a free flight.
You just can't beat technology.
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Catching Up with the Corkrum's
A long time ago, during the days of my newsletter, I used to write a few paragraphs here and there about what was going on in my personal life and those of my wife Susan and our three kids. It became very popular and always generated lots of e-mail, especially from folks who knew members of our family personally. With the change over to a blog format, it didn't work as well.
So, I decided to write the occasional personal blog in addition to my tech blog, usually on the same day as a tech blog so as to not cheat my tech readers. Today, as I promised a few days ago, is the day I write that second blog about what is going on in our lives. So, here goes.
First, I am going to mostly exclude me and save that one for another day as a lot is going on in my life. As for Susan, she is still working away at Family Services of Grant County. Because of federal budget cuts on the Head Start Program, she now only works 32 hours a week, in a four-day week. She would like to work more as the loss of income hurts a bit, but she is torn as she really enjoys being off three days a week. Right now, she is right in the middle of putting together a three-day retreat program for women at her church, which will occur in the next weekend.
We finished our back yard project during the summer (thanks to Lynn Sanders for all her hard work) and if you are interested, you can see some of the pictures on my website. Bear in mind that these pictures are a couple of months old now and many new plants and ground covers have been added.
She was able to travel with me for a few art shows this summer including Coeur d'Alene, Richland, and a couple of shows in Leavenworth. Her help is always greatly appreciated. As I think I mentioned a few months ago, we were able to take a trip in early May to Yosemite for four days before the start of the art show season. There, we met up with my brother David and three of his friends from San Francisco and Oakland (our friends, too). We spent four nights together in a cabin up in the Wawona area and spent our days in Yosemite Valley. It was spectacular as the waterfalls were filled to overflow. There are also a few pictures of our time together on my website, although these are mostly just family pictures. The spectacular pictures of Yosemite are in process now and will be put on my regular website when I get a chance.
As for our kids, there are a lot of changes since we last talked. Starting with our youngest, Aimee, she has made some major changes. I think the last time we talked, Aimee was working as a full time substitute teacher in the choral department, replacing her mentor Chris Youngberg, who retired. The plan was that Aimee would then be in a good position to be hired as the full time choral teacher. Well, that did not happen. To everyone's surprise, another person was hired because the school wanted to "go in a different direction" for the choral program.
We were all shocked and Aimee was very sad because she and Brian loved living here in Ephrata and being close to her family. But, somehow I had a premonition that this was going to be a good thing for Aimee. And, it turns out, I was right.
In almost no time at all (or so it seems), she was hired to be the choral director at an academic high school in Pocatello, Idaho, so they moved there in August. The school wanted someone to build up their program, as opposed to Ephrata who wanted to cut back. And she has risen to the challenge. Already, students from the non-Academic high schools are applying to be part of Aimee's program (you can do this in Idaho) and she has been asked to be a part of the city's wonderful symphony organization. Her first review by her principal was excellent, so she is really blossoming in this new environment.
Meanwhile, her husband Brian is still working as the sound technician for the music group m-Pact. Their bookings have really started to increase as has their income so Brian is working more often for more money, although his work takes him away from Pocatello, which is difficult for both the kids. Lately he has been working in the US, but will head for Europe in December.
As for our daughter Kristen, she moved in late August from Seattle to Chicago (What?). She wanted to give her relationship with her boyfriend Kevin the best possible chance to mature and grow. She and Kevin don't live together, but she got a nice apartment in the same building as Kevin in Chicago's South Side. She is not working yet as of this writing. According to her latest reports, she is not crazy about Chicago and doesn't understand how it could be so cold and windy in October. We reminded her about Chicago's nickname, "The Windy City."
No word yet about whether or not her relationship with Kevin is going to work out. They just returned from spending some time with his family in Georgia and she enjoyed seeing the southern states.
The good news for Kristen is that she does have family close by. Her Uncle Don and his wife Noreen moved from Iowa to a suburb of Chicago several months ago. And her Uncle Kent is only a few hours away in Decorah, Iowa.
Lots of changes going on in our son Eric's life. First, he and his wife Kim amicably parted ways in the summer. It just wasn't working and Eric really wanted to leave the cold environs of Bellingham. He is a warm weather person. Eric, Susan and I are all still good friends with Kim and communicate with her on a regular basis.
Eric moved to the Tacoma area and went full time with the National Guard. To his surprise, he was recommended for promotion. Then he was really surprised when got it and was made a sergeant in the medical corp. He spent much of the summer in Yakima, both for his own training, then on loan to other units for his medical abilities. Then, to our surprise, he volunteered for the border mission in Arizona. He spent a month down there until the mission ended.
But, he was asked by his colonel to put together the medical operations for a new mission to Arizona, which he did after he came back. We got to spend a weekend together in Ephrata and Leavenworth before he had to go back to Tacoma to help organize the new mission. After two weeks of preparations, he and his units headed back to Yuma, which is where he is today.
He has had many interesting stories to tell about this mission, which we can only shake our head at. One thing he told us was that the troops are not allowed to patrol in vehicles, because of a treaty with Mexico. So they sit in their parked vehicles at the border (24 hours on, then 24 hours off), and notify the Border Patrol when they see illegal aliens crossing into America. The Patrol then shows up to nab the poor folks crossing into America looking for a new life. They must be doing a good job as illegal immigration is down 85% since the Guard showed up.
Eric's job is to drive from unit-to-unit making sure their supplies and medical needs are up to speed. Because he is in a moving vehicle, he is not carrying his weapon, as that would be considered patrolling. What a world we live in. But, we are all proud of Eric and what he is doing with his life. Being in the Army is probably the best thing that could have happened for him.
So that's what going on with us. I will write another blog soon about what I have been doing and the major changes going on in my life as an artist and photographer. Thanks for reading.
So, I decided to write the occasional personal blog in addition to my tech blog, usually on the same day as a tech blog so as to not cheat my tech readers. Today, as I promised a few days ago, is the day I write that second blog about what is going on in our lives. So, here goes.
First, I am going to mostly exclude me and save that one for another day as a lot is going on in my life. As for Susan, she is still working away at Family Services of Grant County. Because of federal budget cuts on the Head Start Program, she now only works 32 hours a week, in a four-day week. She would like to work more as the loss of income hurts a bit, but she is torn as she really enjoys being off three days a week. Right now, she is right in the middle of putting together a three-day retreat program for women at her church, which will occur in the next weekend.
We finished our back yard project during the summer (thanks to Lynn Sanders for all her hard work) and if you are interested, you can see some of the pictures on my website. Bear in mind that these pictures are a couple of months old now and many new plants and ground covers have been added.
She was able to travel with me for a few art shows this summer including Coeur d'Alene, Richland, and a couple of shows in Leavenworth. Her help is always greatly appreciated. As I think I mentioned a few months ago, we were able to take a trip in early May to Yosemite for four days before the start of the art show season. There, we met up with my brother David and three of his friends from San Francisco and Oakland (our friends, too). We spent four nights together in a cabin up in the Wawona area and spent our days in Yosemite Valley. It was spectacular as the waterfalls were filled to overflow. There are also a few pictures of our time together on my website, although these are mostly just family pictures. The spectacular pictures of Yosemite are in process now and will be put on my regular website when I get a chance.
As for our kids, there are a lot of changes since we last talked. Starting with our youngest, Aimee, she has made some major changes. I think the last time we talked, Aimee was working as a full time substitute teacher in the choral department, replacing her mentor Chris Youngberg, who retired. The plan was that Aimee would then be in a good position to be hired as the full time choral teacher. Well, that did not happen. To everyone's surprise, another person was hired because the school wanted to "go in a different direction" for the choral program.
We were all shocked and Aimee was very sad because she and Brian loved living here in Ephrata and being close to her family. But, somehow I had a premonition that this was going to be a good thing for Aimee. And, it turns out, I was right.
In almost no time at all (or so it seems), she was hired to be the choral director at an academic high school in Pocatello, Idaho, so they moved there in August. The school wanted someone to build up their program, as opposed to Ephrata who wanted to cut back. And she has risen to the challenge. Already, students from the non-Academic high schools are applying to be part of Aimee's program (you can do this in Idaho) and she has been asked to be a part of the city's wonderful symphony organization. Her first review by her principal was excellent, so she is really blossoming in this new environment.
Meanwhile, her husband Brian is still working as the sound technician for the music group m-Pact. Their bookings have really started to increase as has their income so Brian is working more often for more money, although his work takes him away from Pocatello, which is difficult for both the kids. Lately he has been working in the US, but will head for Europe in December.
As for our daughter Kristen, she moved in late August from Seattle to Chicago (What?). She wanted to give her relationship with her boyfriend Kevin the best possible chance to mature and grow. She and Kevin don't live together, but she got a nice apartment in the same building as Kevin in Chicago's South Side. She is not working yet as of this writing. According to her latest reports, she is not crazy about Chicago and doesn't understand how it could be so cold and windy in October. We reminded her about Chicago's nickname, "The Windy City."
No word yet about whether or not her relationship with Kevin is going to work out. They just returned from spending some time with his family in Georgia and she enjoyed seeing the southern states.
The good news for Kristen is that she does have family close by. Her Uncle Don and his wife Noreen moved from Iowa to a suburb of Chicago several months ago. And her Uncle Kent is only a few hours away in Decorah, Iowa.
Lots of changes going on in our son Eric's life. First, he and his wife Kim amicably parted ways in the summer. It just wasn't working and Eric really wanted to leave the cold environs of Bellingham. He is a warm weather person. Eric, Susan and I are all still good friends with Kim and communicate with her on a regular basis.
Eric moved to the Tacoma area and went full time with the National Guard. To his surprise, he was recommended for promotion. Then he was really surprised when got it and was made a sergeant in the medical corp. He spent much of the summer in Yakima, both for his own training, then on loan to other units for his medical abilities. Then, to our surprise, he volunteered for the border mission in Arizona. He spent a month down there until the mission ended.
But, he was asked by his colonel to put together the medical operations for a new mission to Arizona, which he did after he came back. We got to spend a weekend together in Ephrata and Leavenworth before he had to go back to Tacoma to help organize the new mission. After two weeks of preparations, he and his units headed back to Yuma, which is where he is today.
He has had many interesting stories to tell about this mission, which we can only shake our head at. One thing he told us was that the troops are not allowed to patrol in vehicles, because of a treaty with Mexico. So they sit in their parked vehicles at the border (24 hours on, then 24 hours off), and notify the Border Patrol when they see illegal aliens crossing into America. The Patrol then shows up to nab the poor folks crossing into America looking for a new life. They must be doing a good job as illegal immigration is down 85% since the Guard showed up.
Eric's job is to drive from unit-to-unit making sure their supplies and medical needs are up to speed. Because he is in a moving vehicle, he is not carrying his weapon, as that would be considered patrolling. What a world we live in. But, we are all proud of Eric and what he is doing with his life. Being in the Army is probably the best thing that could have happened for him.
So that's what going on with us. I will write another blog soon about what I have been doing and the major changes going on in my life as an artist and photographer. Thanks for reading.
Federal Decision Reaches Beyond Airports
In a new federal decision just released today may have widespread ramifications for the distribution of free Wi-Fi wireless Internet access. The Federal Communications Commission has ruled that the Massachusetts Port Authority cannot block a Wi-Fi access point in the Continental Airlines lounge at Boston's Logan International Airport. Here is the background:
The feud between airport authorities and Continental Airlines began last summer, when Massport, the governing body of Logan Airport, instructed the airline to remove a Wi-Fi system it had installed in July 2004 in its "President's Club" frequent-flier lounge at Logan International. The airport authorities claimed that the system, which was accessible for free by passengers with lounge privileges and by some airline employees, violated the terms of Continental's lease. Massport charges $7.95 per day for its own terminal-wide wireless service. In response, Continental filed a petition last July with the FCC, asking it to declare Massport's demands a violation of federal rules.
The FCC concluded that the lease terms were "unreasonably" restrictive. The commissioners also dismissed Massport's argument that Continental's service would cause it economic harm by taking away revenue from the airport's own Wi-Fi offerings. The airport shouldn't expect to make money off of unlicensed devices, the FCC wrote, and furthermore, the government in this case has a stronger interest in promoting broadband availability and competition.
The FCC's order is not only good news for the many airlines and more than 2,000 Continental customers that filed comments in support of Continental's position. Beyond that, it could be a turning point for those hoping to roll out community wireless projects, said a senior vice president of the Media Access Project, a public interest law firm.
For example, city officials in Boston have recently been discussing how to go about setting up wireless access points in apartment buildings where residents cannot afford their own broadband subscriptions. Without the FCC's decision in place, landlords may have been able to get away with blocking certain free or low-cost wireless services and equipment.
The feud between airport authorities and Continental Airlines began last summer, when Massport, the governing body of Logan Airport, instructed the airline to remove a Wi-Fi system it had installed in July 2004 in its "President's Club" frequent-flier lounge at Logan International. The airport authorities claimed that the system, which was accessible for free by passengers with lounge privileges and by some airline employees, violated the terms of Continental's lease. Massport charges $7.95 per day for its own terminal-wide wireless service. In response, Continental filed a petition last July with the FCC, asking it to declare Massport's demands a violation of federal rules.
The FCC concluded that the lease terms were "unreasonably" restrictive. The commissioners also dismissed Massport's argument that Continental's service would cause it economic harm by taking away revenue from the airport's own Wi-Fi offerings. The airport shouldn't expect to make money off of unlicensed devices, the FCC wrote, and furthermore, the government in this case has a stronger interest in promoting broadband availability and competition.
The FCC's order is not only good news for the many airlines and more than 2,000 Continental customers that filed comments in support of Continental's position. Beyond that, it could be a turning point for those hoping to roll out community wireless projects, said a senior vice president of the Media Access Project, a public interest law firm.
For example, city officials in Boston have recently been discussing how to go about setting up wireless access points in apartment buildings where residents cannot afford their own broadband subscriptions. Without the FCC's decision in place, landlords may have been able to get away with blocking certain free or low-cost wireless services and equipment.
Media Access Project also said that this ruling, "provides a powerful affirmation to the community wireless movement in the United States by protecting the rights of users to operate Wi-Fi access points and other unlicensed devices, whether or not a landlord has an exclusive arrangement with a provider."
Look for this ruling to have long-term ramifications throughout the United States. Many cities are in various stages of trying to set up free Wi-Fi access inside their city limits. Now, the wireless companies that charge for access inside the city limits can't stop it from happening.
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Computer Bargains May Be On The Way
If you are thinking about getting a new desktop computer soon, you might be able to get some great buys over the next few weeks. The investment banking company, Goldman Sachs is reporting that demand for desktop computers "is falling off a cliff."
Motherboard orders for the clone, or white box, desktop PC market has slid nearly 20 percent from its early October peak. Goldman Sachs says that people and companies are not buying now in anticipation of the new Windows Vista operating system that will be released in the first quarter of next year. There is also an increasing demand for laptop computers, thereby helping to kill off demand for desktops.
As motherboards and other desktop PC components pile up in November, Goldman Sachs believes companies will start a price war to clear their inventories. So, get ready for some big bargains.
As for laptops, the demand is outstripping supplies. At an investors conference last week, Acer executives said they expect to be able to procure only 95 percent of the components they need to sell laptop PCs in the fourth quarter, which is the peak season due to year-end holidays.
Also, a massive recall of laptop batteries by major PC vendors such as Dell and Apple Computer has caused a shortage of batteries because it comes at the time of peak laptop demand for the year. The recall was due to defective Sony parts that can cause the batteries to overheat and possibly catch fire. Sony expects the recall to total around 9.6 million batteries.
Motherboard orders for the clone, or white box, desktop PC market has slid nearly 20 percent from its early October peak. Goldman Sachs says that people and companies are not buying now in anticipation of the new Windows Vista operating system that will be released in the first quarter of next year. There is also an increasing demand for laptop computers, thereby helping to kill off demand for desktops.
As motherboards and other desktop PC components pile up in November, Goldman Sachs believes companies will start a price war to clear their inventories. So, get ready for some big bargains.
As for laptops, the demand is outstripping supplies. At an investors conference last week, Acer executives said they expect to be able to procure only 95 percent of the components they need to sell laptop PCs in the fourth quarter, which is the peak season due to year-end holidays.
Also, a massive recall of laptop batteries by major PC vendors such as Dell and Apple Computer has caused a shortage of batteries because it comes at the time of peak laptop demand for the year. The recall was due to defective Sony parts that can cause the batteries to overheat and possibly catch fire. Sony expects the recall to total around 9.6 million batteries.
Monday, October 30, 2006
Free AntiVirus and Spyware Software
As I have said here many times, I love free software, especially as there are so many good one out there. In an upcoming blog, I will tell you about some of the good ones that I have found and recommend. But, for this blog, I will concentrate on free antivirus and spyware software.
Recently, Download.com came out with their top ten list of the best free antivirus and spyware killer software. It is a good list that you should carefully read to see if there is something there for you.
Two of the best antivirus software programs that are on their list are AVG and Avast!. I have been using both for some time now and both perform quite well. I have used Avast! on my office and laptop computer for sometime now and have been very pleased. I recently rebuilt an older computer to use at home since I moved my main computer to my new studio. I decided to try AVG and it is also very good, as best as I can tell. After reading the reviews, I would say that both Download.com and lots of their readers agree with me on the quality of both software programs.
As for spyware detection software, the review lists Microsoft's Windows Defender as a beta software. As of a few days ago, this program is out of beta and is now released as a final version. It is free and available on the Microsoft website. I used it when it was a beta program and found it to be quite good. I don't use it anymore as I purchased CounterSpy (see below). Never-the-less, Windows Defender is a good package and deserves your attention if want one for free.
Two other programs that are on their list are Hijack This and Spycatcher Express. I don't know much about either, but they both got good reviews from users. Might be worth a try.
Another interesting program on their list is a program called CC Cleaner. It cannot be classified as either antivirus and spyware software, but it does sound interesting. It removes unused and temporary files from your system, as well as cleaning traces left by Windows, Internet Explorer, and many third-party applications. It looks like it is worth a try, at least according to the reviews.
There are two other items to relate to you about a couple of commercial software packages that you are probably familiar with. Recently, a friend brought his laptop computer to me because it was running so slow and strange things seemed to going on. After running a couple of tests, I found out that my friend was not exaggerating. It wasn't just slow, it was crawling.
Their spyware software didn't find any issues and neither did their Norton Software. I downloaded a courtesy copy of Counterspy, the spyware software I use. It took over 20 minutes to download over a fiber connection (compared to less than a minute on my own laptop).
After installation, I ran Counterspy. It found that someone had installed a vicious spyware software on my friend's laptop. With this program, they could easily spy on my friend from a remote location, record their keystrokes, and read all their e-mail, just to name a few things. The software can only be loaded manually, not by planting a virus or from an attachment on an e-mail. Identity theft is a breeze with this program. The best we can figure is that someone loaded the software while the computer was in a hotel room (he travels a lot).
The point of this story was to tell you how good CounterSpy is and that it is worth the $19.95 to buy it (there is also a $9.95 annual renewal fee after the first year). I am not sure that many programs could have picked up the nasty spyware on my friend's computer. In fact, the manufacturer of this spyware brags on their website that it is undetectable. Sometimes it pays to pay.
The second part of this story is about what happened after I deleted the spyware. I found the computer was still running slowly. I had heard that Norton software really slows down a computer and my friend had both Norton Antivirus and Firewall software installed. After uninstalling the Norton software, the computer suddenly was much faster and worked normally. By uninstalling Norton, I picked up an additional 80 mgs of usable memory.
So, I guess the moral of this story is that their definitely is some software that is worth buying and some big name brand software that is not worth buying. I hope you get something useful out of all this.
PS: I install one of the free anti-virus program on his computer after deleting Norton.
Recently, Download.com came out with their top ten list of the best free antivirus and spyware killer software. It is a good list that you should carefully read to see if there is something there for you.
Two of the best antivirus software programs that are on their list are AVG and Avast!. I have been using both for some time now and both perform quite well. I have used Avast! on my office and laptop computer for sometime now and have been very pleased. I recently rebuilt an older computer to use at home since I moved my main computer to my new studio. I decided to try AVG and it is also very good, as best as I can tell. After reading the reviews, I would say that both Download.com and lots of their readers agree with me on the quality of both software programs.
As for spyware detection software, the review lists Microsoft's Windows Defender as a beta software. As of a few days ago, this program is out of beta and is now released as a final version. It is free and available on the Microsoft website. I used it when it was a beta program and found it to be quite good. I don't use it anymore as I purchased CounterSpy (see below). Never-the-less, Windows Defender is a good package and deserves your attention if want one for free.
Two other programs that are on their list are Hijack This and Spycatcher Express. I don't know much about either, but they both got good reviews from users. Might be worth a try.
Another interesting program on their list is a program called CC Cleaner. It cannot be classified as either antivirus and spyware software, but it does sound interesting. It removes unused and temporary files from your system, as well as cleaning traces left by Windows, Internet Explorer, and many third-party applications. It looks like it is worth a try, at least according to the reviews.
There are two other items to relate to you about a couple of commercial software packages that you are probably familiar with. Recently, a friend brought his laptop computer to me because it was running so slow and strange things seemed to going on. After running a couple of tests, I found out that my friend was not exaggerating. It wasn't just slow, it was crawling.
Their spyware software didn't find any issues and neither did their Norton Software. I downloaded a courtesy copy of Counterspy, the spyware software I use. It took over 20 minutes to download over a fiber connection (compared to less than a minute on my own laptop).
After installation, I ran Counterspy. It found that someone had installed a vicious spyware software on my friend's laptop. With this program, they could easily spy on my friend from a remote location, record their keystrokes, and read all their e-mail, just to name a few things. The software can only be loaded manually, not by planting a virus or from an attachment on an e-mail. Identity theft is a breeze with this program. The best we can figure is that someone loaded the software while the computer was in a hotel room (he travels a lot).
The point of this story was to tell you how good CounterSpy is and that it is worth the $19.95 to buy it (there is also a $9.95 annual renewal fee after the first year). I am not sure that many programs could have picked up the nasty spyware on my friend's computer. In fact, the manufacturer of this spyware brags on their website that it is undetectable. Sometimes it pays to pay.
The second part of this story is about what happened after I deleted the spyware. I found the computer was still running slowly. I had heard that Norton software really slows down a computer and my friend had both Norton Antivirus and Firewall software installed. After uninstalling the Norton software, the computer suddenly was much faster and worked normally. By uninstalling Norton, I picked up an additional 80 mgs of usable memory.
So, I guess the moral of this story is that their definitely is some software that is worth buying and some big name brand software that is not worth buying. I hope you get something useful out of all this.
PS: I install one of the free anti-virus program on his computer after deleting Norton.
Friday, October 27, 2006
A Look at Firefox 2
As I mentioned in our last edition, the new Firefox Version 2 is now a reality. Like IE7 it was in beta stage for the last few months, but now it is released to the general public.
First reviews are nothing short of raves. Said E-Week Magazine, "eWEEK Labs found Firefox 2.0...to have the greatest out-of-the-box usability of any Web browser that we have tested (and that's a lot of Web browsers)." They also found it easier to use than any other browser on the market. Meanwhile, the folks at CNET awarded Firefox 2 its Editor's Choice Award.
As we stated yesterday, IE7 is very limited in the operating systems it can run in...while Firefox will work with almost any operating system, past, present and future.
Here are some of the new features, as listed by Mozilla on their web site:
First reviews are nothing short of raves. Said E-Week Magazine, "eWEEK Labs found Firefox 2.0...to have the greatest out-of-the-box usability of any Web browser that we have tested (and that's a lot of Web browsers)." They also found it easier to use than any other browser on the market. Meanwhile, the folks at CNET awarded Firefox 2 its Editor's Choice Award.
As we stated yesterday, IE7 is very limited in the operating systems it can run in...while Firefox will work with almost any operating system, past, present and future.
Here are some of the new features, as listed by Mozilla on their web site:
Tabbed browsing. Firefox popularized tabbed browsing, enabling multiple Web sites to be viewed as separate tabs contained within a single browser window, and improving peopleÂ’s efficiency by helping them better organize their desktops. In Firefox 2, tabbed browsing has been further improved with the addition of individual close buttons on each tab, enhanced tab navigation features, and a session restore system that automatically restores previously-open windows and tabs when a new browsing session is started.
Spell checking. Modern Web sites are increasingly complex with the rollout of new, rich Internet applications, such as word processors, spreadsheets and blogging tools. Inline spell checking in Firefox 2 automatically checks for spelling errors and suggests corrections as users interact with Web sites, bringing a common desktop feature to the Web.
Search. Search is one of the most frequently used features of the Web. With Firefox 2, Mozilla improves the browser'’s integrated search capabilities, making it even easier for users to find the information they are looking for. The new Search Suggestions feature dynamically updates a drop-down list of suggested search terms as users enter text into the search bar for Google, Yahoo! or Answers.com search engines.
Web feeds. Firefox users can now take better advantage of the frequently updated content offered by Web sites, with increased options for handling Web feeds. Users now see a preview of the content being offered and are given the option to subscribe to a feed as a Live Bookmark, using a Web service such as Bloglines, My Yahoo!, or Google Reader, or with a desktop application.
Identity theft protection. In addition to its award-winning safeguards for blocking drive-by installation of spyware and unwanted pop-up windows, Firefox 2 helps protect users from identity theft by quickly informing them when they surf to a questionable Web site. To protect users'’ privacy, Phishing Protection is active by default with a local blacklist that updates hourly, rather than sending information to an external online service. An enhanced mode is available where users may optionally elect to have Firefox check the validity of Web sites with a third-party Web service, such as Google, prior to loading the site. Phishing Protection provides warnings, advice and guidance when Firefox encounters a Web site that appears to be fraudulent or malicious.
Proven security model. Mozilla'’s open and transparent community-driven security model helps ensure Firefox provides the safest possible online experience. Thousands of security experts and technical contributors from around the world examine and analyze the Firefox source code, uncover potential threats and vulnerabilities, and work together to quickly identify and address emerging threats. This open, distributed, innovative approach to security puts people'’s interests first and delivers the safest Web experience possible.
Customization. No other browser can be customized like Firefox 2. With thousands of add-ons that enhance the browserÂ’s functionality and features, Firefox lets users personalize their Web browsers to fit their interests and style.
Another feature not mentioned above, but that I found intriguing is "Live Titles." Live Titles are regularly updated summaries of the most important information on a Web page. As the information on the page gets updated, so does your Live Title. For instance, you can track an eBay auction item in one small area of your screen while you continue working on other pages.
To be honest, I didn't get a chance to download it or work with it until this morning. I did find it easier to use and more feature-rich than the last version. I look forward to playing more with its new features. And since I have been using Firefox for over two years now, I recommend heartily that it should be your browser of choice also.
Here are a few links to help you learn more about Firefox 2.0:
Thursday, October 26, 2006
The New Internet Explorer
Hello, everybody. I'm back. Yes, the art season is finally over and although my plate is still full with my new studio and gallery in Ephrata, I am going to get back in the swing of writing these tech blogs. It has been an interesting few months since we last spoke, to say the least. There are a lot of changes in our lives (mostly good) and those of our family. So, I will write you an update about all this in separate blogs.
But, today, its time to get back to the tech world. Obviously, a lot has happened since my last blog, so I will try to catch you up as best I can with the stories that really matter. One of the big stories happening right now is the release of Microsoft's latest version of Internet Explorer (IE), known as Version 7. It has been five years since Microsoft released a major revision of IE, which is part of the reason they are losing more and more market share to other browsers like Firefox and Opera.
And, of course, Microsoft has spent much of its time in the last couple of years fixing the security holes that seem to pop up on a weekly basis with IE6. And don't look for that trend to change much with IE7. In fact, a new security hole has been found in IE7 even before it has been sent out. But that is another story.
Here are the facts about the new release: Sometime over the next few weeks, Microsoft will be sending you IE7 as an update release. But, be aware that IE 7 only works with Windows XP using Service Pack 2 and with the forthcoming release of the new Windows Vista operating system. It will not work with older operating systems. When you get the update notice from Microsoft, you will be given the option to install IE7 or not.
If you don't want to wait, IE7 is available now. You can get it from Yahoo, preinstalled with the Yahoo toolbar and using the Yahoo search engine. You can also get it by going to the Download.com website. Microsoft is staggering their release of IE7 to allow their tech support personnel to handle the calls in a reasonable manner.
What is new about IE7? Mostly, Microsoft is playing catchup by adding features that have been available in other browsers for sometime. They have added support for Web standards, RSS Web feeds and, the big one, tabbed browsing. The new browser also offers protection against phishing sites, malicious Web sites designed to trick users into handing over their personal information. None of this is new browser technology. Microsoft has fallen behind in browser software innovation and may never catchup completely.
What are the first reviews saying about IE7? Not great, but not bad either. One reviewer called IE7, "Yesterday's browser tomorrow," while another reviewer called it, "Microsoft's homage to Firefox and Opera." There is little or nothing new in IE7 that has not been available with other browsers for sometime. If you would like to take a video tour of IE7, CNET has a good 3+ minute on-line video.
Should you get it? Probably the answer is yes, whether you use another browser or not. If you still use IE6 exclusively, you will love all the new features. If you use Firefox or Opera or some other browser, you should still upgrade to IE7 as IE is part of your operating system whether you use it or not. Every once in a while, most of us who use other browsers have to resort to IE for one reason or another, so you might as well upgrade.
While the release of IE7 is important, it is now being overshadowed by the release of Firefox Version 2 which has just become available. The first reviews on it came out yesterday and, according to them, it is a real winner. More on Firefox 2 in our next blog.
But, today, its time to get back to the tech world. Obviously, a lot has happened since my last blog, so I will try to catch you up as best I can with the stories that really matter. One of the big stories happening right now is the release of Microsoft's latest version of Internet Explorer (IE), known as Version 7. It has been five years since Microsoft released a major revision of IE, which is part of the reason they are losing more and more market share to other browsers like Firefox and Opera.
And, of course, Microsoft has spent much of its time in the last couple of years fixing the security holes that seem to pop up on a weekly basis with IE6. And don't look for that trend to change much with IE7. In fact, a new security hole has been found in IE7 even before it has been sent out. But that is another story.
Here are the facts about the new release: Sometime over the next few weeks, Microsoft will be sending you IE7 as an update release. But, be aware that IE 7 only works with Windows XP using Service Pack 2 and with the forthcoming release of the new Windows Vista operating system. It will not work with older operating systems. When you get the update notice from Microsoft, you will be given the option to install IE7 or not.
If you don't want to wait, IE7 is available now. You can get it from Yahoo, preinstalled with the Yahoo toolbar and using the Yahoo search engine. You can also get it by going to the Download.com website. Microsoft is staggering their release of IE7 to allow their tech support personnel to handle the calls in a reasonable manner.
What is new about IE7? Mostly, Microsoft is playing catchup by adding features that have been available in other browsers for sometime. They have added support for Web standards, RSS Web feeds and, the big one, tabbed browsing. The new browser also offers protection against phishing sites, malicious Web sites designed to trick users into handing over their personal information. None of this is new browser technology. Microsoft has fallen behind in browser software innovation and may never catchup completely.
What are the first reviews saying about IE7? Not great, but not bad either. One reviewer called IE7, "Yesterday's browser tomorrow," while another reviewer called it, "Microsoft's homage to Firefox and Opera." There is little or nothing new in IE7 that has not been available with other browsers for sometime. If you would like to take a video tour of IE7, CNET has a good 3+ minute on-line video.
Should you get it? Probably the answer is yes, whether you use another browser or not. If you still use IE6 exclusively, you will love all the new features. If you use Firefox or Opera or some other browser, you should still upgrade to IE7 as IE is part of your operating system whether you use it or not. Every once in a while, most of us who use other browsers have to resort to IE for one reason or another, so you might as well upgrade.
While the release of IE7 is important, it is now being overshadowed by the release of Firefox Version 2 which has just become available. The first reviews on it came out yesterday and, according to them, it is a real winner. More on Firefox 2 in our next blog.
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Is Quality Customer Service Dead?
I am back from a two week road show in Oregon, but only for a couple of days before I head over to Gig Harbor for yet another show. Life on the road is cruel these days...most shows results are far less than last year. Oh, well. Will keep plugging away.
I noticed the following excellent article in the latest edition of "WinXP News." It talks about the low level of customer service that many large companies offer these days, including several examples. I have also noticed the decline of customer service even in many local businesses. I waited for over two weeks for one local company to give me a quote and it wasn't until I went back in their offices that I got the quote. My bad luck to be out of town, even though I had given them my cell number.
Not long ago, I read an article about how many large companies have cut back on their customer relations department and are making more money with bad service and higher fees. Banks especially fall into this category. As you can see from the following article, cell phones seem to be falling into that category.
Something I found out quite by accident is that if you do not sign and return your cell phone contract you might get lucky and not have to worry about being locked in. We never returned our AT&T contract and found out when I called Cingular (remember, they merged) on some other issue that I can get out of my contract any time I want. I don't know if this would work all the time, but it did for me.
Anyway, I hope you find the following article informative and thoughtful. It should make your blood pressure rise.
---------------------------------
Whatever happened to the "customer is king" philosophy?
There are plenty of drawbacks to being older in our youth-obsessed society, but one of the good things, to me, is that I'm able to remember a time when most businesses actually cared about pleasing and keeping their customers - or at least they made a good stab at pretending to. Now many of them don't even try to pretend. Oh, they're falling all over themselves to get your business, but once they have it, you find yourself feeling completely taken for granted.
This seems to be especially a fact of life in so-called "service" industries. Maybe that's why so many of them feel compelled to lock you in with long term contracts obligating you to continue to do business with them or pay a hefty price. We visited that subject about a year and a half ago, when I moved to a new home and discovered that the "two year" contract a security monitoring company salesman told me I was signing was actually a three year contract and I had to keep paying for another 13 months for a service I was no longer using or risk damaging my credit record. Well, hallelujah, that contract was finally up last February, though it took numerous phone calls and certified letters to get them to confirm my cancellation and prevent the heinous "automatic renewal" clause from kicking in.
My latest experience with customer non-service is with our cell phone company, Verizon Wireless. First I have to be fair and say that up until now, I've been pretty pleased with Verizon. I left Cingular several years back because of what happened when my mom died. She had a cell phone with approximately a year left on a two year contract. I wanted to keep the phone and pay out the rest of the contract, but there was a problem. We couldn't find her phone. I still don't know what she'd done with it. I went to the Cingular store and asked to buy a new phone - I didn't expect to get it replaced for free. But they wouldn't let me do it because my name wasn't on the contract. Instead, they wanted me to take out a whole new contract - for another two years - in my own name.
I patiently explained that if they would let me take over this contract, they'd get paid for the rest of the contract term, and if they didn't, they wouldn't because mom was deceased and had no estate to speak of. It would have been in their own best interest because I probably would also have taken out a new contract in my name at the end of that contract term, but I didn't want to be forced into doing that yet. No go. I went to Verizon and they sent "past due" notices to mom for the next six months, threatening to damage her credit and refer her account to a collection agency. I'm not sure what part of "deceased" they didn't understand.
So I've been with Verizon for the last four years and I like their service and coverage. When I renewed my contract last time, I got Samsung i730 Pocket PC phones for both my husband and myself, with unlimited Internet access. I also have my son's phone on my plan, so we spend a nice little chunk of money with them every month. We've been loyal customers and recommended them to others who were thinking of switching cell phone providers.
Then last week my husband saw a new PPC phone they have out, the Starcomm XV6700 (link below). He liked the "side slide" keyboard and the claims of better battery life, and wanted to upgrade from the Samsung. The Verizon web site advertises the phone for $399 with a $100 online discount, so a new customer can get it for $299. That seemed pretty reasonable to us for this type of phone.
http://www.wxpnews.com/9LH8QB/060711-XV6700
Unfortunately, existing loyal customers don't get the same deal. We soon discovered that to upgrade, we'd have to pay $519 for the phone - more than $200 more than the cost for a new customer. The "screw the customer" policy strikes again.
I'm sure you all have your own examples of this policy in action, since it seems to be prevalent all over these days. You see it when you buy a computer from a major vendor - the sales folks are quick to smooth talk you in fluent English, but just wait 'til you've already paid for it and need tech support. You get to wait on hold for long minutes to try to communicate with someone in a foreign country who barely speaks the same language.
And it's not just in the tech-related industries that customer service is doing a disappearing act. I just bought a very fancy Jenn-Air outdoor grill from Lowe's. Paid extra to have them come out and set it up. They didn't tell me until they got here with it and had it all in place that they "weren't allowed" to connect the propane tank. Okay, so how hard could that be? We consulted the manual, screwed the hose to the tank, turned on the gas - and there was a loud screeching noise.
Now what? I'm no propane expert, so I figured the thing to do was call one. First I tried a plumbing company that had done work on some natural gas appliances for us. Sorry, they only handle built in NG grills. Calls to a couple more plumbers yielded the same results. Then I tried a company that sells propane. Sorry, they don't do that unless you bought the grill from them - even for a fee. They suggested I send the grill back to the manufacturer. Now we're talking about a huge contraption that has two "island" wings on each side and spans a corner. It's not like I can even load it in the car and take it back to the store, much less somehow ship it back to the manufacturer.
So we have an enormous grill that cost us $1500 and looks real pretty, but we can't cook on it. I suppose we could throw charcoal in the bottom and use it that way. I'm going back to Lowe's tomorrow to hunt down a manager and plead for some help. I'm willing to pay someone to make the thing work - if I can just find someone who does that. Who knows? Maybe they'll surprise me. I fully understand that sometimes things don't work. I just don't understand why there seems to be no one who'll fix it, even for extra money.
So: is it just me or are others having the same sorts of experiences? Does it seem to you that once a company gets your money, they have no more use for you? Are there some companies out there that do provide good customer service (I've had good experiences with Sears following through and taking care of problems that arise with their merchandise and services). What's causing this decline in customer service, and is there a way to turn it around? Let us know what you think at feedback@wxpnews.com
I noticed the following excellent article in the latest edition of "WinXP News." It talks about the low level of customer service that many large companies offer these days, including several examples. I have also noticed the decline of customer service even in many local businesses. I waited for over two weeks for one local company to give me a quote and it wasn't until I went back in their offices that I got the quote. My bad luck to be out of town, even though I had given them my cell number.
Not long ago, I read an article about how many large companies have cut back on their customer relations department and are making more money with bad service and higher fees. Banks especially fall into this category. As you can see from the following article, cell phones seem to be falling into that category.
Something I found out quite by accident is that if you do not sign and return your cell phone contract you might get lucky and not have to worry about being locked in. We never returned our AT&T contract and found out when I called Cingular (remember, they merged) on some other issue that I can get out of my contract any time I want. I don't know if this would work all the time, but it did for me.
Anyway, I hope you find the following article informative and thoughtful. It should make your blood pressure rise.
---------------------------------
Whatever happened to the "customer is king" philosophy?
There are plenty of drawbacks to being older in our youth-obsessed society, but one of the good things, to me, is that I'm able to remember a time when most businesses actually cared about pleasing and keeping their customers - or at least they made a good stab at pretending to. Now many of them don't even try to pretend. Oh, they're falling all over themselves to get your business, but once they have it, you find yourself feeling completely taken for granted.
This seems to be especially a fact of life in so-called "service" industries. Maybe that's why so many of them feel compelled to lock you in with long term contracts obligating you to continue to do business with them or pay a hefty price. We visited that subject about a year and a half ago, when I moved to a new home and discovered that the "two year" contract a security monitoring company salesman told me I was signing was actually a three year contract and I had to keep paying for another 13 months for a service I was no longer using or risk damaging my credit record. Well, hallelujah, that contract was finally up last February, though it took numerous phone calls and certified letters to get them to confirm my cancellation and prevent the heinous "automatic renewal" clause from kicking in.
My latest experience with customer non-service is with our cell phone company, Verizon Wireless. First I have to be fair and say that up until now, I've been pretty pleased with Verizon. I left Cingular several years back because of what happened when my mom died. She had a cell phone with approximately a year left on a two year contract. I wanted to keep the phone and pay out the rest of the contract, but there was a problem. We couldn't find her phone. I still don't know what she'd done with it. I went to the Cingular store and asked to buy a new phone - I didn't expect to get it replaced for free. But they wouldn't let me do it because my name wasn't on the contract. Instead, they wanted me to take out a whole new contract - for another two years - in my own name.
I patiently explained that if they would let me take over this contract, they'd get paid for the rest of the contract term, and if they didn't, they wouldn't because mom was deceased and had no estate to speak of. It would have been in their own best interest because I probably would also have taken out a new contract in my name at the end of that contract term, but I didn't want to be forced into doing that yet. No go. I went to Verizon and they sent "past due" notices to mom for the next six months, threatening to damage her credit and refer her account to a collection agency. I'm not sure what part of "deceased" they didn't understand.
So I've been with Verizon for the last four years and I like their service and coverage. When I renewed my contract last time, I got Samsung i730 Pocket PC phones for both my husband and myself, with unlimited Internet access. I also have my son's phone on my plan, so we spend a nice little chunk of money with them every month. We've been loyal customers and recommended them to others who were thinking of switching cell phone providers.
Then last week my husband saw a new PPC phone they have out, the Starcomm XV6700 (link below). He liked the "side slide" keyboard and the claims of better battery life, and wanted to upgrade from the Samsung. The Verizon web site advertises the phone for $399 with a $100 online discount, so a new customer can get it for $299. That seemed pretty reasonable to us for this type of phone.
http://www.wxpnews.com/9LH8QB/060711-XV6700
Unfortunately, existing loyal customers don't get the same deal. We soon discovered that to upgrade, we'd have to pay $519 for the phone - more than $200 more than the cost for a new customer. The "screw the customer" policy strikes again.
I'm sure you all have your own examples of this policy in action, since it seems to be prevalent all over these days. You see it when you buy a computer from a major vendor - the sales folks are quick to smooth talk you in fluent English, but just wait 'til you've already paid for it and need tech support. You get to wait on hold for long minutes to try to communicate with someone in a foreign country who barely speaks the same language.
And it's not just in the tech-related industries that customer service is doing a disappearing act. I just bought a very fancy Jenn-Air outdoor grill from Lowe's. Paid extra to have them come out and set it up. They didn't tell me until they got here with it and had it all in place that they "weren't allowed" to connect the propane tank. Okay, so how hard could that be? We consulted the manual, screwed the hose to the tank, turned on the gas - and there was a loud screeching noise.
Now what? I'm no propane expert, so I figured the thing to do was call one. First I tried a plumbing company that had done work on some natural gas appliances for us. Sorry, they only handle built in NG grills. Calls to a couple more plumbers yielded the same results. Then I tried a company that sells propane. Sorry, they don't do that unless you bought the grill from them - even for a fee. They suggested I send the grill back to the manufacturer. Now we're talking about a huge contraption that has two "island" wings on each side and spans a corner. It's not like I can even load it in the car and take it back to the store, much less somehow ship it back to the manufacturer.
So we have an enormous grill that cost us $1500 and looks real pretty, but we can't cook on it. I suppose we could throw charcoal in the bottom and use it that way. I'm going back to Lowe's tomorrow to hunt down a manager and plead for some help. I'm willing to pay someone to make the thing work - if I can just find someone who does that. Who knows? Maybe they'll surprise me. I fully understand that sometimes things don't work. I just don't understand why there seems to be no one who'll fix it, even for extra money.
So: is it just me or are others having the same sorts of experiences? Does it seem to you that once a company gets your money, they have no more use for you? Are there some companies out there that do provide good customer service (I've had good experiences with Sears following through and taking care of problems that arise with their merchandise and services). What's causing this decline in customer service, and is there a way to turn it around? Let us know what you think at feedback@wxpnews.com
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Top Google Products
As you have read here and other places, Google is no longer just where you go to search the Internet. They are much more than that now and their successes have made them the darling of the stock market.
With that in mind, CNET has put together a review of Google's top 10 products, in their view anyway. I found it interesting reading, especially as their new products come on line faster than I can keep up. You might find it interesting also, so I highly recommend it for your perusal.
One thing that I found interesting was that they reviewed a new product called "Picasa Web Albums" (in beta) and they do mention in passing the parent "Picasa" program, but they don't list it in their top 10 products. A major oversite, in my humble opinion.
With that in mind, CNET has put together a review of Google's top 10 products, in their view anyway. I found it interesting reading, especially as their new products come on line faster than I can keep up. You might find it interesting also, so I highly recommend it for your perusal.
One thing that I found interesting was that they reviewed a new product called "Picasa Web Albums" (in beta) and they do mention in passing the parent "Picasa" program, but they don't list it in their top 10 products. A major oversite, in my humble opinion.
Thursday, June 22, 2006
AT&T Changes Policy to Accomodate Spying on Americans
My Thanks to the San Jose Mercury News daily tech news summary for this this interesting report. It is presented exactly as written (italics and paragraph changes are mine). Draw your own conclusions as I have done.
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Accused of sharing of consumer records with federal investigative agencies without court-approved warrants, AT&T has retrofitted its privacy policy to allow it to do just that. "While your account information may be personal to you, these records constitute business records that are owned by AT&T," the company explains in a policy revision that will go into effect tomorrow. "As such, AT&T may disclose such records to protect its legitimate business interests, safeguard others, or respond to legal process."
That's quite a change from the language of the previous privacy policy which said nothing about customers' data being owned by AT&T. But not to worry, AT&T says these new adjustments are simply a "clarification" of existing policy. There's no connection between the updated policy and lawsuits claiming that it violated customers' privacy by participating in the government's domestic spying program.
The intention is "to make our policy much easier to read, with more common language and less legalese," spokesman Marc Bien said in an interview. "Our new privacy language does not expand access to user data for AT&T or anyone."
Tough to take him at his word, though, things being how they are (see "AT&T. Your world, delivered (to the Government)," "Big Mother," "It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen," and "Big mother, redux"). It's simple coincidence that AT&T, on the eve of a hearing on charges that it assisted in the government's illegal spying on millions of Americans, changes its privacy policy to reserve the unqualified right to exploit the personal information of its customers in any way the company sees fit? Riiiiggggghhhhtttt.....(rolls eyes).
"They're obviously trying to avoid a hornet's nest of consumer-protection lawsuits," Chris Hoofnagle, a San Francisco privacy consultant and former senior counsel at the Electronic Privacy Information Center, told The San Francisco Chronicle. "They've written this new policy so broadly that they've given themselves maximum flexibility when it comes to disclosing customers' records."
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Accused of sharing of consumer records with federal investigative agencies without court-approved warrants, AT&T has retrofitted its privacy policy to allow it to do just that. "While your account information may be personal to you, these records constitute business records that are owned by AT&T," the company explains in a policy revision that will go into effect tomorrow. "As such, AT&T may disclose such records to protect its legitimate business interests, safeguard others, or respond to legal process."
That's quite a change from the language of the previous privacy policy which said nothing about customers' data being owned by AT&T. But not to worry, AT&T says these new adjustments are simply a "clarification" of existing policy. There's no connection between the updated policy and lawsuits claiming that it violated customers' privacy by participating in the government's domestic spying program.
The intention is "to make our policy much easier to read, with more common language and less legalese," spokesman Marc Bien said in an interview. "Our new privacy language does not expand access to user data for AT&T or anyone."
Tough to take him at his word, though, things being how they are (see "AT&T. Your world, delivered (to the Government)," "Big Mother," "It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen," and "Big mother, redux"). It's simple coincidence that AT&T, on the eve of a hearing on charges that it assisted in the government's illegal spying on millions of Americans, changes its privacy policy to reserve the unqualified right to exploit the personal information of its customers in any way the company sees fit? Riiiiggggghhhhtttt.....(rolls eyes).
"They're obviously trying to avoid a hornet's nest of consumer-protection lawsuits," Chris Hoofnagle, a San Francisco privacy consultant and former senior counsel at the Electronic Privacy Information Center, told The San Francisco Chronicle. "They've written this new policy so broadly that they've given themselves maximum flexibility when it comes to disclosing customers' records."
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Newest Version of Opera is Now Available
Opera Software has officially released the latest version of its popular browser software and it offers several improvements over its predecessors. Opera 9, which had been in beta since April, includes features designed to improve the efficiency of Web surfing, enhance security and allow users greater control over the content they view.
Opera 9 allows users to relaunch their browser where they last left off, as well as block advertisements on a site-specific basis. Other content-related features include widgets, or small Web programs, designed to help users organize their browsing preferences, play games or follow sports teams.
A security bar has also been added to Opera 9, a response to the prevalence of phishing scams and identity theft. The security bar aims to reduce users' encounters with phishing scams and also includes technology to strengthen blocking of pop-up advertisements. There is also a thumbnail feature, which enables users to mouse over an open tab to see a thumbnail preview of the page. Opera 9, which is offered as a free download, runs on a variety of platforms, from Windows to Mac to Linux. It also supports BitTorrent's file distribution technology.
To learn more and to download Opera 9, head over to the Opera Web site. I have always had an excellent opinion of Opera and it is certainly far better than any version of Internet Explorer...past, present, or future.
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Europe May Show Us the Way
The 25 European Commission member countries and nine accession countries have all signed up for a plan that could make accessibility to the Internet mandatory. The 34 countries all signed an agreement in Riga, Latvia, last week, committing themselves to the "Internet for all" action plan, designed to ensure that the most Web-disadvantaged groups can get online.
The EC has now pledged to increase broadband coverage across the continent to 90 percent by 2010. Rural areas are still underserved, according to the Commission, with about 60 percent penetration. Urban areas fare better and are already at the 90 percent mark. The EC has also committed to putting new measures in place to increase people's skills in using computers and the Internet by 2010.The question of accessibility for disabled people also looms large in the EC's plan for inclusion. The Commission is studying the possible introduction of mandatory accessibility standards in public procurement, to be brought in by 2010.
What makes this amazing is that this is 34 separate countries all coming together to agree on the importance of high speed communications, specifically the Internet, for the future of their countries.
We live in one country and we cannot make this happen. We seem to be controlled by politicians who put their own fund raising and political agendas ahead of the good of our country's future. Now you know a big reason why our place as the economic leader of the free world is quickly slipping away.
This lack of leadership and vision is not just at the federal level, but extends all the way down to our local areas. In some areas, leaders are working hard to provide high speed Internet to all their citizens, while in others, people with forward looking vision are in short supply.
Here in my own area of Grant County, Washington, we have a marvelous fiber optic system put in place by our Public Utility District...created by people with a vision for our future. These folks knew that because our County is largely a rural one, no communications corporation would spend a dime to help us out, leaving us in the communications stone age. They made it happen, albeit with some mistakes and errors in judgment along the way.
While the large urban areas of our county are pretty well connected via the system, the rural areas are unfinished because the people with vision have largely been replaced by people with no vision...Bean counters with no imagination or view of the future. These people seem to be on a mission to destroy our fiber system and stop all future development. They shut down the Network Operations Center that monitored the system and they have surplused all the video equipment to provide television alternatives, and of course they fired the vast majority of experts that understood and believed in the system. While these leaders claim they are not anti-fiber, their actions show just the opposite.
The good news for us is that Microsoft and Yahoo are moving into our area and forcing the PUD to continue fiber operations. To turn down their requests for continued fiber growth would be a political death knoll for the anti-fiber politicians who control the PUD Commission, although one commissioner did vote against a rate system to help bring these companies into our area.
Hopefully, the voters of our area will wake up and replace these bean counters over the next couple of years. If you are reading this and don't live in my county, I hope you will ask your leaders the hard questions about your area's communications plan for the future. And, maybe with luck, our federal government will follow the lead of the European Commission and make high speed Internet a mandate for all areas of our country.It is just hard to believe that one great country like the U.S. can't do the same thing that 34 European countries just agreed to do. I fear for our future when we continue electing fools on a local, state and national level.
Monday, June 19, 2006
Securing your Wireless Network
Thanks to the good folks at "WINXP News" for this short, but interesting article on wireless networks. If you have one in your home or are thinking of installing one, you might find this of interest.
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With wireless fast becoming the easiest and most economical way to set up a home network, we get lots of questions about how to make sure it's secure. Here are some tips for securing your wireless router/access point and computers with wireless adapters:
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With wireless fast becoming the easiest and most economical way to set up a home network, we get lots of questions about how to make sure it's secure. Here are some tips for securing your wireless router/access point and computers with wireless adapters:
- Change the defaults. Wireless routers and access points come with a preset administrator password and SSID (network name). These are usually the same for all routers/WAPs of that model, so it's common knowledge to tech savvy folks. A hacker can use that info to change your WAP settings or connect to your network.
- Turn off SSID broadcasting. This makes your network visible to anyone in the area who has a wireless-equipped computer. Turning it off doesn't hide it from WLAN "sniffers" but it does keep casual browsers from knowing it's there.
- Turn on MAC address filtering. This allows only computers whose MAC addresses have been entered by the WAP administrator to connect to the network. It's not foolproof since some hackers can spoof MAC addresses, but it provides a layer of security.
- Assign static IP addresses to your wireless clients and turn off DHCP, so that unauthorized persons who try to connect won't automatically get an IP address.
- Use encryption. And use WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) encryption instead of WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy). For instructions on how to configure WPA in XP, see:
http://www.wxpnews.com/9LH8QB/060620-WPA_XP - Turn the WAP off when you aren't using it. This will prevent "war drivers" from connecting to your network and using your Internet connection or accessing the computers on your network.
- Limit signal strength. The typical range of an 802.11b/g wireless access point is about 300 feet. If you use a high gain antenna, that can be extended considerably. Only use such an antenna if you must, and if possible use a directional antenna that will only transmit in one direction. Test the signal strength to see how far it extends outside your house and grounds and adjust the positioning of your WAP and antenna to limit it.
- If you're really worried about security, use 802.11a equipment instead of the more popular 802.11b and g. It transmits on a different frequency and can't be accessed with the built-in wireless adapters included in most new laptop computers. It also has a shorter distance range.
Monday, June 12, 2006
Google's New Challenge to Microsoft supremacy
The question is: Is Google challenging Microsoft's supremacy in the office arena? Could be. Just recently, Google launched a web-based spreadsheet program that allows users to simultaneously edit data while conducting an "in-document" chat. Google Spreadsheets supports the import and export of documents in the .xls format used in Excel and the .csv (comma-separated values) format. FYI...Although Microsoft has launched a Web-based office-style system, the spreadsheet portion of Microsoft Office is not on the Web yet.
The launch is further proof that Google is eyeing Microsoft's Office stronghold, but should Microsoft really be worried? In March, Google acquired Writely, a collaborative word processor that runs in a browser. The company hasn't made clear its plans for that product, and it remains in the beta stage of testing. Still, as the pieces come together, there's little doubt that Google is quietly providing Web-based versions of the Office applications upon which Microsoft has built an empire.
Is this new spreadsheet a serious challenge to Microsoft? Probably not. After all, the major users of spreadsheets are companies and organizations. And do you think they would store their spreadsheet data on a publicly-accessed server owned by a company that they have no contract with. Also, the Google spreadsheet does not have the in-depth capabilities contained in Excel, according to reviewers.
Google just keeps on innovating so it will be interesting to watch their growth in the office arena.
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
Flying with Wi-Fi
If you fly a lot on commercial airliners, you may welcome this news: In-flight Internet access may soon become a reality, thanks to a Colorado company that wants to offer Wi-fi service aloft.
AirCell has announced that it plans to use a newly acquired radio spectrum license to offer "affordable" broadband service aboard commercial airplanes. Formed in 1991, the company already sells satellite-based voice and data services to the general aviation sector, primarily the corporate jet set. The new wi-fi service would begin operations sometime early in 2007.
Just like cafe hot spots, AirCell's idea would let passengers link up any computer or handheld using the 802.11b or 802.11g wireless standards while in the air. The network would work by channeling communications from at least one miniature cell site, called a "picocell,"on the plane to special cell sites on the ground.
AirCell's plan would not conflict with a federal ban on in-flight cell phone use because the proposed network operates at a different frequency than that which could pose interference threats to aircraft navigational systems, according to a Federal Communications Commission official. But offering Wi-fi service also means that air travelers could use voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phones and applications like Skype to make voice calls, a development sure to make fellow travelers more than a little angry.
Frontier Airlines, which ranks 11th or 12th in size among carriers, is definitely considering a Wi-Fi network for its next phase of in-flight entertainment, but it would likely block VoIP conversations and continue to prohibit cell phone calls. At the moment, AirCell has no other takers in sight.
Precisely how much the company will charge consumers remains unclear. The company says it would aim for a price "well below what one has seen historically in these premium aviation services" in hopes of luring not only business travelers but also the general public.
Monday, June 05, 2006
Big Changes in My Professional Life
(Warning...the following is a shameless self promotion)
Surprise...I am opening a new photo studio and art gallery here in Ephrata. My business has expanded enough that the change was necessary. It has all come together very quickly as a good opportunity presented itself unexpectedly and I went for it.
My new place is located at 256 Basin St NW, next door to the Gourmet Kitchen Store and across the street from the Bamboo Shoot Chinese Restaurant and the Country Deli. I like the location and the park-like setting in front of the store...and I have a great landlord, Ed Forester.
There are two distinct aspects to my business. First, my photo studio is headquarters for my professional photography business which includes wedding and event photography, portraits, and commercial photography. It is also where I create my new digitial paintings for display (and sale) in art galleries and, of course, at art shows around the west coast.
The second part of the business is an art gallery. Here, I will not only display some of my own works, but also quality artworks of other reknown artists from around the country. In my travels, I have met and become friends with many great artists. I have spoken with several of the them and all have agreed to show their works in my gallery.
I plan to run the gallery (however small it may currently be) the same way other quality art galleries are run...by picking and choosing the works to be displayed and changing them out on a regular basis. There will be specific themes selected for each display as well as a featured artist. I am excited about all this and have big plans to help make it a sucess. I want this gallery to be a nice addition to the expanding cultural scene that is unfolding in our area.
When does all this take place? Actually, I have already moved in. All my photographic, printing, and production equipment is mostly in place, although I have as yet done nothing about the gallery. Balancing my current art show schedule with my studio/gallery hours will be tricky for a while, but I will be open on a regular basis, depending on my travel schedule. I will post my hours every week.
Next weekend is Ephrata's Sage 'n Sun event. While I will be gone on Thursday and Friday for our daughter Aimee's college graduation, I will return early Saturday morning and set up a tent in front of my studio/gallery in time for the big event. This will be my announcement to the folks here in the area that I am open for business. I hope you will stop by and say hello.
Surprise...I am opening a new photo studio and art gallery here in Ephrata. My business has expanded enough that the change was necessary. It has all come together very quickly as a good opportunity presented itself unexpectedly and I went for it.
My new place is located at 256 Basin St NW, next door to the Gourmet Kitchen Store and across the street from the Bamboo Shoot Chinese Restaurant and the Country Deli. I like the location and the park-like setting in front of the store...and I have a great landlord, Ed Forester.
There are two distinct aspects to my business. First, my photo studio is headquarters for my professional photography business which includes wedding and event photography, portraits, and commercial photography. It is also where I create my new digitial paintings for display (and sale) in art galleries and, of course, at art shows around the west coast.
The second part of the business is an art gallery. Here, I will not only display some of my own works, but also quality artworks of other reknown artists from around the country. In my travels, I have met and become friends with many great artists. I have spoken with several of the them and all have agreed to show their works in my gallery.
I plan to run the gallery (however small it may currently be) the same way other quality art galleries are run...by picking and choosing the works to be displayed and changing them out on a regular basis. There will be specific themes selected for each display as well as a featured artist. I am excited about all this and have big plans to help make it a sucess. I want this gallery to be a nice addition to the expanding cultural scene that is unfolding in our area.
When does all this take place? Actually, I have already moved in. All my photographic, printing, and production equipment is mostly in place, although I have as yet done nothing about the gallery. Balancing my current art show schedule with my studio/gallery hours will be tricky for a while, but I will be open on a regular basis, depending on my travel schedule. I will post my hours every week.
Next weekend is Ephrata's Sage 'n Sun event. While I will be gone on Thursday and Friday for our daughter Aimee's college graduation, I will return early Saturday morning and set up a tent in front of my studio/gallery in time for the big event. This will be my announcement to the folks here in the area that I am open for business. I hope you will stop by and say hello.
Searching for Alien Life Forms
Now, there are two ways in which you and your computer can help in the search for alien life from the comfort of your own home. The first way is to join the long-running SETI@home project that lets computer users sift through cosmic data for signs of intelligence. This project has been ongoing for several years and works by downloading and analyzing recorded data when you are not using your computer.
The second and newest method for finding aliens is the brainchild of Texas Gov. Rick Perry, who announced plans to install hundreds of video surveillance cameras, equipped with night vision, along the border with Mexico. The cameras, to be located on the land of cooperating private property owners, will be in "very far reaches where it's hard to get to, where there are very few roads in but we know there is criminal activity, drug dealing and human trafficking," Perry said.
The camera feeds will be available on the Internet, where anyone with a computer will be able to put in a shift watching the scrub brush along the Rio Grande for illegal immigrants, with their fingers poised to dial the toll-free reporting number. The first cameras will begin operation in 30 days. Some will use wide-angle lenses, and all will be positioned so they won't reveal specific geographic landmarks.
The second and newest method for finding aliens is the brainchild of Texas Gov. Rick Perry, who announced plans to install hundreds of video surveillance cameras, equipped with night vision, along the border with Mexico. The cameras, to be located on the land of cooperating private property owners, will be in "very far reaches where it's hard to get to, where there are very few roads in but we know there is criminal activity, drug dealing and human trafficking," Perry said.
The camera feeds will be available on the Internet, where anyone with a computer will be able to put in a shift watching the scrub brush along the Rio Grande for illegal immigrants, with their fingers poised to dial the toll-free reporting number. The first cameras will begin operation in 30 days. Some will use wide-angle lenses, and all will be positioned so they won't reveal specific geographic landmarks.
The $5 million "virtual border watch program" is part of a much larger initiative he unveiled last week. The state will allocate another $20 million to expand "Operation Rio Grande," a program that began in February that sought to better coordinate local, state and federal agencies on the border, but also increased the presence of state law enforcement officers - among them DPS "strike" teams that quickly react to hot spots.
"I look at this as no different than the neighborhood watches that we've had in our communities for years and years," said Perry. Which makes you wonder what kind of neighborhood he lives in.
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