iPhone Reset

The iPhone wants to update the iOS.  You authorize it to do so.  After completion, (it takes approx. 30 minutes), the phone will not boot up.  All you get is a picture of iTunes and a plug indicating you need to plug it into the authorized computer you have always used.

This issue is caused by a corrupted download.  The update for the iOS corrupted your current iOS rendering it unusable.  The only option is to reset the iPhone to factory settings, with the new software installed.  What happens to all your data?

When you plug the phone into your authorized computer, the iTunes software opens up with the option to Reset the iPhone.  Before doing that, make sure you have a backup of your data so you can reinstall it after the reset is complete.  To find that data, go to c:\users\(your name)\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobilSync\Backup.  Look at the dates to the right of the folders.  Look for the latest one and verify it is accessible.  Open the folder. Although you will not be able to see any of the data, if you can see the files, then it is accessible.  Note:  if you are using Windows XP, navigate to C:\Documents and Settings\user\Application Data\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup.

Close out of the folder and proceed with the restore if you are satisfied with the date of the backup.  Once complete, the iPhone will restart and reappear in iTunes.  The option to continue will appear with two selections.  Pick the one that will restore your data from a backup.  It should already have your latest backup listed, (light gray lettering).  If you want to use a different backup, click the down arrow and select the desired folder.  Continue with the process.

When complete, you will need to reinstate your passcode, if you had one, and reinsert your iTunes account information, if you had an account.  We then suggest opening your backup program and adding the backup folder you just used to the profile so your phone data is part of the backup plan.

When should I upgrade my modem?

In most cases, the old adage, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” applies. However, if you have the same dsl/cable modem and router for more than five years, you should consider upgrading to a new model. You should consider what you want to improve about the existing configuration.
If, for example, you wanted a better wireless connection throughout the home or office, upgrading the router may help. Check with your ISP to verify the best solution for your internet speeds. Also consider what will provide better security for your network.
When considering upgrading the network equipment keep in mind any change to the router will necessitate re configuring all hand held devices, wireless print centers and home entertainment systems. Make sure you are familiar with each devices setup, (usernames, passwords, account info., etc).

Email and the iPhone:

Many people who use system based email programs, such as Outlook or OE, have an issue where the email they download to their computers and iPads disappears from their smart phones. The disappearing act only happens when Outlook or OE is open on a computer. What happens?
To resolve this issue, open the computer based program, Outlook or OE, and get to the Account Settings feature. In Outlook 2010 click on the menu option, File and select Info. Then select Account Settings. Highlight your email address and click the Change button. Click the More Settings button in the lower right area of the window. Select the Advanced tab and then place a check mark to “Leave a copy on the server.” You may want to also select one of the other options to delete mail from the server after a period of days.
Your iPhone does not store email like the computer or iPad would. It reads what is on your email server. When Outlook or OE are active, they download all the email from the Inbox of your email server. Your iPhone updates constantly and notices there is no more email on the server. It then reads empty.
If you check your other email account boxes on the iPhone, sent, deleted and others, you should see email as these are not downloaded by Outlook or OE.

Improve your Wifi by changing the Channel

Most Wifi routers have 11 channels to choose from. However, channels 1, 6 and 11 can run at the same time without overlapping. Many routers use channel 6 as the default and that could result in a diminished wireless experience if it is being interfered with by other nearby routers using the same channel.
Resolve this issue and improve your wireless performance by changing the channel. Find your routers IP address, (Start, Run and enter cmd. At the command prompt type ipconfig and press Enter. The default Gateway is the ip address you need). Enter that number, (usually looks like 192.168.x.x or 10.0.x.x), in a browser address bar. The username and password window may appear. Enter the information and get to the routers control panels. If you do not know the username and password, they are listed in the paperwork that came with the router, or you can google the information. For Netgear the default is admin and then password. For Linksys it may be just password in the password line. The admin is blank. For Belkin routers you need to click the Submit button only.
Once you have gained access to the router setup go to the wireless settings control panel and find the channel it is currently using. Change the channel and click save at the bottom of the screen. Exit the router control panel and try to reconnect. If you still have the same issues, reenter the router control panel and select another channel.

FingerPrint

Need to print from your iPhone, iPad or another mobil device? You can use Apple’s Airprint technology, which does work well, but you need a printer that is compatible with Air Print. What if you have another type of printer that is not compatible?
FingerPrint allows you to print to any printer connected to your PC or MAC. Go to Collobos.com and download the appropriate version. A trial is available and if your experience is a good one, you can purchase it for about $20. A relatively cheap solution to a big headache.
In order for FingerPrint to work, both devices need to be on the same wireless network. Your DT or LT needs to be on the same wireless connection as the iDevice. For example, if your DT is wired and NOT wireless it will not work.
To print from your iDevice, go to a printable document, such as an email, select the Reply arrow and then select Print at the bottom of the screen. Your device should find the same printers that are listed on your wireless DT or wireless LT. Print to test the connection.

Cutting the Cell Phone Bill

Looking for ways to save on the cell phone bill?  The answers may lie within the bill itself.  Review the cell phone bill for the details, where hidden or unknown charges may lurk.  Are you being charged for GPS, Roadside assistance, visual mail, voicemail or mobil insurance?  See if any of those fees are necessary or relevant and contact your provider to stop the fees.

Data usage is a more common way to save on the bill.  Make sure you are not being charged for data usage you are unaware of.  For example, that free game may contain ads that use up your data plan.  Pandora, Netflix or Google Maps use a lot of data and run up the data usage bill.

Use Onavo Extend to make your data usage “up to five times more efficient.”  This free app installs easily and will monitor your data usage and strip out the extras you do not need and re-route your data through their servers, saving money.

Consider changing carriers to a smaller company, such as US Cellular or Boost Mobil that simply do not charge as much.

Use WiFi to access data.  Make sure that, whenever possible, connect to a hot spot.  You should not be charged for data usage while connected to wifi.

Finally, simply pay attention to the bill.  Watch for erroneous charges and sudden increases in the monthly charges.  Consider unlimited texting and using fewer services to further save on the cost of owning and operating a smart phone.

Spotify

Spotify is a Swedish music streaming service that offers selected music from a wide range of record labels.  You can access music using most platforms, including iOS, Windows, Mac OSX, Linux, Android, Blackberry, Windows Mobil and others.

Music can be browsed by artist, record label, genre and a user created playlist.  You can listen to one selection, tell the software you want more music like that one and Spotify will search and offer like music.

The first six months are free allowing you to try at no risk.  During that time you will access to an unlimited amount of music, supported by visual and audio advertising.  After the trial period, you will be limited to ten hours of music per month, unless you purchase a subscription.  The subscription removes the advertising and time limits.  Spotify Unlimited costs about $4.99 per month and the Premium subscription costs $9.99 per month.

To research and setup a Spotify account, Google the term Spotify to get to their home page and begin the process.

Data use on the smart phone

Sprint has an unlimited data plan that allows users to view movies, text, play music, games, etc, on the phone without the worry of paying more when the plan cap is exceeded.  Most companies, however, have a data limit associated with the plan.

First, check your plans limit, if you do not know what it is.  Typically, 200 MB is the limit per user.  If it is viable, bump that up to 2 GB to avoid the additional fees.  There are some activities that you can stop to reduce the chance of being charged an overage fee.

Stop watching videos on your phone.  They use up an average of 225 MB of data per feature length film, (approx. 1.5 hours).  Stop letting the music play, and play and play on.  If you are on Pandora, for example, you can use as much as 24 MB per hour.  Only use the GPS when really necessary.  Stp playing games online with friends, etc.  Uses a lot of data.  Do not share everything on the phone on sites like Facebook.  Data use here is heavy.

Keep track of the data usage on your own phone so you can react when you are close to the cap.  Most plans offer a tool to keep track of the data usage.  It is worth the download.

Cell Phone Locators

No matter where you are with your cell phone, you can be found. The cell towers you are using allow the provider to triangulate your position and locate your phone, and you, within an area the size of a football field. This can be a life-saving attribute, an intrusion or a great crime fighting tool. Depends.
Wherever you carry a phone the government can go to your provider and use the phone records to locate you. The advantages are numerous, beyond the potential life-saving capability. Tracking wanted criminals, suspects or delinquent persons can be a more affordable way to get persons of interest. However, where is the line drawn?
Tracking people without probable cause can be a messy topic, and one that the courts will have to decide upon. If you want to make it more difficult, but not impossible, for anyone to track you then turn off your GPS tracking chip. The only way to completely fall “off the grid” is to turn off the phone completely, even if it is for a short time.
Does the type of phone matter ? Not really. Although smart phones are better tracked due to GPS chips and other capabilities, tracking you still relies on the ability of your provider to triangulate your position via use of cell towers. All cell phones use towers…

iPhone Service

If you own an iPhone, you know the advantages it has over most other phones. Now that it is available on the Verizon network as well as AT&T, which service will provide the better service ? Both are very fine companies, but have some significant service differences.

The main difference between the two is the antenna. The Verizon phone is compatible with 3G EvDO, (not 4G) and the AT&T phone supports UMTS. EvDO can download about 1.4 Mbps and EMTS can download about 3 Mbps. However, speed is more a factor of how good a signal you are getting.

If you are getting a better signal using either of the services, that is the factor to first consider.

Another factor, not well known, is that Verizon’s CDMA technology will not allow you to simultaneously surf the web and talk on the phone. AT&T’s UMTS also is more common internationally. Verizon, however, has the larger and more reliable network, giving the user a better, stronger signal. Verizon also lets the user create a wifi hotspot with their version of the iPhone, giving web life for up to five users, (at least until the phone rings…)

It comes down to selecting the right set of advantages for your use. Carefully consider what you need the iPhone for and whether AT&T or Verizon is the correct choice.