By:Isabel Rodrigues

There has been a rapid growth in demand for cell phones. Today, cell phones have become an important part of communicating with your friends and relatives. With the growth of mobile phone users many mobile companies are trying to capitalize on mobile web markets. Many cell phone companies are coming up with different ideas to provide value added services to its customers.

There are number of mobile phone outlets that are developing number of specialized soft wares and services for mobile phone users. They provide free cell phones for promoting their product in the market. Many cell phone companies offer free cell phone screensavers, free cell phones, free ring tones, free cell phone wall papers and free cell phone games. One of the best aspects of these free cell phone services are that they are updated frequently. This enables its customers to get latest cell phone ring tones, cell phone wall papers, cell phone games and screensavers.

Are these cell phones really free?

It is been seen in the market that many merchants most often offer you a cell phone for free and you really believe that it’s the best purchase you can make? But have your father explained you that there is no such things that can offer you free because there is nothing for free.

The real fact is that offers for free cell phone are not completely free. Even if you get cell phone free, then also you have to activate it on the network. And as they give you free, you will have to follow their guidelines and follow the necessary steps.

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Internet companies are leveraging their advertising dollars by compiling and exchanging personal information that tells more about who we are and what we do than we might ordinarily admit.
Internet companies are leveraging their advertising dollars by compiling and exchanging personal information that tells more about who we are and what we do than we might ordinarily admit. Watching and being watched from afar, many of us have been overwhelmed by technology and commerce, and we have let our defenses down.

Electronic markers called “cookies” monitor and unflinchingly report our online movements to advertisers and others who are curious about our browsing and surfing habits, or paid to report or exploit them. Information that people casually or unwittingly disclose on faceless Web sites may be bought or subpoenaed by their bosses, spouses, insurers and banks. And the corporate appetite for minutiae, more ravenous than ever, may undermine any right of privacy we believe the Constitution guarantees. ASnitchware@ programs can now track the books and magazines we read and TV shows we view.

The trend is pernicious and irreversible. After all, the data-collection juggernaut efficiently and profitably uncovers and catalogs clusters of consumers with shared interests (read: buying patterns).

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently endorsed a privacy policy drafted by a consortium of nearly all the major online advertisers. At first blush, the plan appears to advance the consumer’s agenda.

It requires that consumers be notified about Internet profiling practices and be given reasonable access to their cyber-profiles. It allows people to opt out of an advertiser’s database. Most important, it prevents companies from using personally identifiable information of a sensitive medical, financial or sexual nature, or Social Security numbers.

But, on closer examination, the industry’s voluntary plan stops short. It specifically authorizes Internet-based advertisers to merge personally identifiable information with the record of an individual’s online habits. Although marketers have been in no rush to mine private data, the Orwellian prospects are chilling: A dossier on each of us may be created, maintained and possibly exploited at the whim of any advertiser.

One tech firm hired by 11 drug companies is already testing the pact’s limits. It is recording activities on its clients’ sites to see who is interested in HIV or other specific drugs. The firm knows whether a visitor is a consumer, a physician, a journalist or a government official, and it plans to identify the people it surreptitiously tracks.

The FTC has backed away from its earlier call for a federal law to protect consumers’ online privacy comprehensively. Weakened in its resolve, it is pressing Congress merely to ensure that all Internet advertisers follow the industry’s modest, even dangerous, initiative in self-regulation.

But why, too few ask, should we relinquish our privacy and become willing victims of technology that accommodates the fast and easy collection and use of our personal data?

We dare not submit to surveillance without a fight. To allow our hard-won civil liberties to be compromised invites their dismantling, right by right.

The FTC’s backpedaling leaves no alternative for those who are worried but self-censorship and self-help. Some already feel forced to cover their electronic tracks with encryption techniques. Others are adopting digital pseudonyms.

This fall, the U.S. House of Representatives is expected to consider creating a special commission to examine concerns about privacy in the information age. But, if history is a reliable predictor, only when abuse leads to outrage will the political process responsibly protect the interests of the individual.

In the meantime, public confidence in Web commerce remains fragile. And, ironically, we run the risk that the fear of scrutiny will stifle the very creativity and eccentricity that have built the Internet.

About the Author

Marc Lane is a business and tax attorney, a Master Registered Financial Planner, a Registered Financial Consultant, and a Certified Investment Specialist. Marc is the author of 30 books on business organization, taxation, and personal finance. His newest book, “Advising Entrepreneurs: Dynamic Strategies for Financial Growth” draws from his experience working with those who have successfully built their businesses. Marc is an Adjunct Professor of Law at Northwestern University and an Adjunct Professor of Business at the University of Illinois. His practice areas include Individual Taxation, Corporate Tax Planning, Business Tax Planning, Estate Planning, Investments, Retirement Planning,Elder Law, International Trade, Business Law, and Wills, Trusts and Estates. Additional articles, case studies, and a free email newsletter are available at www.marcjlane.com.

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Part of being online is learning certain basics so that you are not only informed and perceived as an individual who understands the technology in which you are participating but to also ensure those you communicate with have a pleasant and easy experience.

This article covers the basics of how to name and organize your files and send them via e-mail. Not knowing these basics, and understand, these are the basics, could cause you lost opportunity with potential customers whose e-mail you shutdown and who are aware of and practice these basic skills.
Learn How To Name Files Properly:

There are several basics when naming files that you should make an effort to follow. This is important in keeping files cross platform and ensuring that when they arrive on the other side that the intended recipient is able to open them.

LENGTH OF FILE NAMES: Many programs allow you to use long file names and eliminate file extensions from your file view. That doesn’t mean that long file names are O.K. or that the ending extensions (.doc, .jpg, .gif, etc.) are not necessary. For best results try and stick to the 8.3 pattern only. Remember that MS DOS, which requires an 8.3 pattern, lurks in many computer systems, including most Windows (PC) systems.

By an “8.3 pattern” I mean eight letters in the filename followed by the three-letter file extension. Extensions are needed for browsers and programs to “recognize” a file and engage or display the proper program/utility. Examples are: .doc, .wps, .gif, .txt, .jpg, .rtf, .tif, .ppt.

If the files themselves are going to be used on your Web site, the filenames become part of the page’s URL or the code to display the file so picutureofmykidsfifteenthbirthdayboywasitfun.jpg is simply not a good idea - shorter is better! Example: johns15.jpg. Don’t name files with sentence-long names. Keep file names short and sweet.

NAMING FILES: As mentioned above, using an 8.3 pattern is a good safety measure to follow anytime you are naming computer files, especially if they will be used on the Web. Even though you may be able to use a longer filename on your computer, (I received a file just this week that broke every rule and was 106 characters, including spaces, in length!) I recommend getting used to and using the 8.3 convention (8 or less character name with a 3 character extension such as ‘yourpage.doc’ or ‘your_graphic.jpg’).

Yes, you can use longer names, but as a courtesy to those you are sending to - keep it short and sweet - no more than 10-15 characters if you must. For those who work with files as part of their job, having to scroll to read the entire file or determine the extension is a real PIA. The 3 main biggies are:

* NEVER put any SPACES in the name or the extension.

* Name files in all small case!! Caps or suffixes .GIF or JPG may require that they be renamed in order to ensure they are useable/viewable.

* Only use alpha (abc) or numeric (123) characters. Punctuation, dashes, or other characters should not be used. You CANNOT use any of the following: ” \ / : * <> ? ¦. The period can only be used before the suffix, which must be three characters long.

SIDEBAR: For those with digital cameras, you need to rename the file to be descriptive of each specific photo. All this requires is that when the file is opened on your system, you click on File then Save As and rename that file to be descriptive of the subject. If you do not rename the camera generated file name, you do run the risk of overwriting previous files with the same name.

Use descriptive file names that note the content of the file. To just name them photo1, photo2 or photo3 requires that the recipient open them to determine what it is a photo of. And in the future, you may not remember what the photos are of either. Descriptive file names are a great help for those who receive attachments from various sources. If you receive files by e-mail you will appreciate this as well.

DOCUMENTS AND SPREADSHEETS: People from different countries may speak completely different languages. Similarly, different computer programs store their files in different formats. A file created with WordPerfect might not be intelligible to Word for Windows. A file created with Lotus 1,2,3 might display gibberish when viewed with Excel or may not be openable at all.

Fortunately, many of the newer programs have built-in translators for common file formats. Word for Windows will automatically try to translate a WordPerfect file, and vice versa. Often, the internal translators work fine. Occasionally, there are wacky errors that will make the file unreadable to the other party.

If you’re exchanging files with other people, you cannot be completely sure that whatever program they use will be able to read files created by the program you use. Just as different versions of the very same program may not be able to read each other’s files. Frustrating, right? Avoid this unnecessary frustration by asking what programs the other person uses and if you both have the same program and version - no problem.

If you don’t use the same programs, or if you simply don’t know what the other person is using, the best approach is to translate your files to an intermediate format that both programs will most likely understand. Your word processor (or other program) will usually have an option called “Save As…” which allows you to save a file in a different format. A program’s default format is usually called its “native” format. In Word for example, that is a .doc extension. Often, different file formats are associated with different filename extensions. That is how your computer knows what software to use to view/open the file.

Every word processing program (and most other programs) can read files in “text” format (sometimes called “ASCII” format), which is signified by the file extension .txt. Text format, unfortunately, does not preserve special layouts like margins, underlining, bolding, italics, etc.

Fortunately, there is a format that tries to preserve most of those features. Most word processing programs can read files in “Rich Text Format” (sometimes just called “rtf”), which is signified by the extension .rtf. Bottom line for word processing files that you’re going to exchange with someone: save them in both .txt and .rtf formats. If the recipient’s program can read .rtf, then he/she will use that; if not, he/she will have no choice but to use the .txt file. Just a good rule of thumb!

SIDEBAR: I can hear you Mac users - what about us? Well, as you are well aware PCs are the majority online and that is whom this article is targeted. That said, PC users can get software that converts Mac files so they are readable on PCs. You Mac users know that Macs allow you to save files in PC format, which still may not make the file viewable in any or all software on the other person’s PC but at the very least it is an effort worth making.
Learn the RIGHT WAY to Send Files Via e-mail:

ATTACHMENTS: It is easy to attach a file to an e-mail. Almost too easy! It shields you from the basic information you need to know before you send your attachment to the other person. Specifically size and format. For size you can view the file’s size in Windows Explorer. Make sure the LIST option at the top is set to DETAILS. There you will see a SIZE column. Any file over 200K, either ask permission first to send the large file so the recipient is expecting the file, zip it up or reduce its size.

Never, ever, ever, never send anyone an e-mail with an attachment about anything, (especially your product or service) if the recipient did not specifically e-mail you for that information and you are responding to his or her request. If you send overly large files you can cause the other person’s e-mail box to fill and all subsequent e-mail to bounce. Many e-mail accounts are only 5M in size and can be filled up very easily by those who either don’t care to or don’t know how to determine file size and/or either minimize or compress the file to make it more manageable. Files over 1M shouldn’t be send by e-mail and will have a hard time going through the pipeline if at all.

To include a large attachment someone didn’t ask for is the epitome of lack of courtesy for those you are e-mailing and your actions will most certainly have a negative effect on your reputation. Common courtesies go a long way online when trying to foster relationships of any kind. Include an overly large attachment (over 200K) that is not compressed or in a format that requires one have the same software as you do (don’t count on the fact they do) will cause those on the other side to wonder what else you don’t get. Files should only be sent in a format that you know the other side has the appropriate software to view - because you asked first! (No, not everyone has MS Publisher, Excel or Power Point.)

SIDEBAR: When it comes to graphics, just assume the file is gargantuan. Whether it is business or personal you need to compress either the file’s size with one of the many compression utilities available or reduce the physical size of the graphic itself. Learn how to resample/resize the graphic to no larger than 600 pixels in width. That size is large enough for the majority of uses - especially if you are just sharing photos with friends or family. For use on your Web site, they need not be larger than this either. Photos thousands of pixels wide easily get up into the 2-4M range - Yikes!
Learn How to Organize Your Files:

GETTING ORGANIZED: I recently read an online study that mentioned a Gartner Group study which claimed computer users typically spend up to 30 percent of their time searching for previously stored documents and data. Most computer users do not know where their files are! This unproductive and frustrating activity ranks among the most time-consuming for professionals working with computers. No time like the present to learn! Here are some basic tips to help you get your files organized:

* Can’t find a file? To find a file (data or document), go to Start, Find Files. Then, type in the file name or any of terms you think the file is named with and the computer will find all data with that identifier. Choose the one you want and the appropriate program will open it.

* Before you save a file, either write down or make a mental note of the folder or location on your hard drive (C:MyDocuments) where you saved the file. When downloading files or programs off the Internet create a “Downloads” folder and make a point of pointing to that directory for all downloads. This will ensure the files that you download, some of which may take quite a long period of time depending on your connection, are available at a later date if you need them and you won’t have download them again. Also, having all you downloads in one in one central location is pretty darned convenient!

* Save all your data in one folder, such as “My Documents.” For your Web site, create a folder called “Web site.” For your photos - “My Photos”. Whatever works for you so that you will remember what you put where. You can create a folder on your C: drive by going into Windows Explorer, click on C (or an already established folder like “My Documents”). Once you have clicked on the location of where you would like to create a new folder, click on File/New/Folder and a new folder will appear that you can name intuitively to suit your purposes. Want to rename a folder? Simply right click on it and choose rename.

* You can create folders within My Documents for each program, e.g., Docs (Word), PPT (Power Point), Excel, Photos, Taxes, Home, Office, etc. This is a great idea to keep all your printed materials in one central location.

* When you want to save a new file, go to File; Save As and not only name the file properly but save it in the appropriate location right off the bat!

* Name your files so they are short, descriptive and intuitive.

Yes, you can ignore all this information and your computer will allow you to have up to 255 character file names. And, that is just dandy if the file is remaining on your computer for your eyes only. But when you want to send to others either for business or just to share information with friends or family via e-mail, renaming the files to shorter names and checking their size is manageable will ensure those with whom you are communicating will want to continue to do so!

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By:PaulG

I know that everyone who is on MySpace has had the same burning questions that I’ve had. How can I see who has viewed my MySpace profile? Where can I find a MySpace Tracker? Since MySpace has become so popular, so have the MySpace profile stalkers. Could be your friends, neighbors, ex-boyfriends or ex-girlfriends, or even someone you don’t even know. We are fortunate enough to have the technology for 3rd party websites to provide the code to allow you to see who visits your profile. Unfortunately, the majority of the code that these websites offer have been eliminated because they violate MySpace’s TOS (terms of service). Don’t get disappointed yet, there are some alternatives.

I still remember the short reign of a very popular website, Profilesnoop. This site provided members with a MySpace tracker code they could enter into their MySpace profile which allowed the tracking of anyone who viewed their profile. After entering the code, you could login to Profilesnoop to see everyone who has viewed your profile. It even had their MySpace pictures! This was very convenient for a short while, until without notice, it stopped working. Apparently, this code violated MySpace’s TOS and the code automatically was cut out of your profile. After this, Profilesnoop quickly lost fan base. This left millions of MySpacers in question and looking to find another MySpace tracker.

Another option that does not violate MySpace’s TOS is using a website counter in your MySpace profile as a MySpace tracker. The downside to this is that it is very difficult to what MySpace member has viewed your profile, however it does track how many people have viewed your profile along with a detailed analysis on location, system, and IP address of that viewer. What is also possible is using the IP address to find out who that viewer is by performing some tests with your friends’ profile. For example, you can call your friends and tell them to one by one view your profile. While they do this, you log into your counter’s member area and keep track on their IP addresses. Now you can see what each friend’s IP address is, and you know which friend is viewing your profile.

There are many other tricks to creating a usable and free MySpace tracker and also many sites that allow you to track the old fashion way like Profilesnoop. But don’t expect them to last long because if MySpace finds out you are using them, your profile will probably be deleted.

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There comes a time in a person’s life where no matter how much you fight it time takes its toll and we begin to slow down in how we perform our daily activities. However, in order to extend our youthful glow and energy levels it is important to eat right, exercise, and keep a positive outlook on life.

Now you may ask what has any of that got to do with “Secrets To A Healthy Computer?”

Well, in a way we’re all just like a computer. If you neglect to take care of yourself you soon will cease to function properly and the many tasks that once were easy to do now take twice as long to accomplish and often require you to rest or “reboot” after a malfunction.

I can’t tell you what foods to eat or what exercises to perform because I am not a nutritionist. Although, with my experiences in the personal computer field I can share with you some tips of how to keep that rectangle box of circuitry that sits within sights range functioning at maximum performance as long as time will allow.

Some important steps to follow are…

*Make certain that your computer is located in a well ventilated area and that all air vents are unobstructed to prevent overheating and premature failure to any internal components.

*Clean out the dust build-up at least every 6 months from the inside of the computer case including case vents, power supply vents, and all visible circuitry with a few cans of compressed air that can be purchased from any major computer store or electronics outlet. This will help reduce the chances of overheating and circuitry damage.

Before cleaning just be certain to always unplug the computer from the wall outlet and never physically contact the circuitry inside the computer case to prevent damage.

*Be prepared for an unsuspected failure by always making backups of any important data that you do not and can not afford to lose.

I personally keep updated backups of my website and even store the disks at a remote location away from my every day use computers just in case a disaster were to occur and my main computers were destroyed resulting in the need for those lost files.

*Purchase and install a well known anti-virus program that can be regularly updated with the latest virus definitions and ran during boot-up to help protect your computer from being the victim of an unwanted infestation.

*Every few months or so run your computer’s “Scandisk” program followed by the “Defragmenter” program to maximize the efficiency of your hard drive.

If you are not certain of how to use these utilities and being that the steps to execute these programs varies slightly from one operating system to the other it would be easiest to simply use the “Help” option that can be found by clicking on the START button found on your computers desktop.

The START menu will open up a drop-down-box that should display the “Help” option. By going here you can enter the keywords that deal with the answers to the subject you are searching for.

*Run your computers “Disk Cleanup” utility every other week or so. If set the “Disk Cleanup” utility will automatically empty the recycling bin and recover some wasted disk space by removing the internet temporary files that seem to always accumulate.

Again, use the “Help” option if you are uncertain of how to perform this task.

*Never smoke near a computer because the cooling fans will pull the smoke into the case where it can coat the inside parts of the computer with a residue which in turn can damage sensitive components.

*Place the computer case in an area where it will not be accidentally kicked or bumped to prevent the loosening of cables and damage to internal parts.

*Invest in a high quality surge protector to provide your computer and monitor against voltage spikes or “surges” that can dramatically shorten the life of your system. Just like most items in a store, “You get what you pay for”. So don’t skimp out on this important device!

Its also not a bad idea to invest in a surge protector that includes what is called a “Data Line Protector” which allows you to connect your telephone lines to and serves the same purpose for the telephone line to your modem just like the surge protector does for the electrical household current lines.

*Finally, if you plan on being away from home for more that a few days at a time or if there is a thunderstorm brewing in your area it is a very wise decision to always unplug all electrical lines and modem telephone lines from your system. Even with a surge protector installed it is possible that such a large voltage spike such as one caused by a lightening strike could prove fatal to any computer system.

Dan Preston is the webmaster of a neat site called InfoHeaven Digital Books and The Online Book Store where you can find useful and Fr’ee information along with many how-to digital books that cover a large variety of interesting topics. http://infoheaven-digital-books.com and http://online-book-store.net.

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