Friday, January 25, 2013

Blocked by Google

Now this may seem like such a big deal however it is not that big of an issue.  Let me further explain.  



Automated requests sent from your machine


When I received the message:



We're sorry...

... but your computer or network may be sending automated queries. To protect our users, we can't process your request right now.

See Google Help for more information.

According to the website and help documentation I should check for Viruses, Malware and Spyware using a whole list of software they recommend to use.   I however know 100% prior to this my computer was clean.  So then why did I get this message.

Internet Service Providers (ISPs)  only have a number of Internet Protocol  (IPs) addresses they can use.  Thus they do not give you an internet address you can use on the internet.  However one address that is used on the intranet.  Then once you go out the internet you share your IP with 100's of other people on the internet.  This is know as being behind a proxy.

So how do you check if you are behind a proxy or actually assigned an IP address.  Well the process is very simple.

If you just type into Google what is my IP it will give you what your IP address is.    Then you will have one or two things you must do.

If you are connected through a router go to the router admin page and look for the WAN IP.  If that number is the same as the IP given on Google then you are not behind a Proxy.   Now if you are not behind a router and connected directly you will go to your   Windows start icon and type in the search for programs type "CMD".  (no "").   A box will appear and inside the box you will type ipconfig /all.  Look for IPV4 address and that will either match or not.   If it does not match then you are behind a proxy server.   Proxy address normally begin with either 192 or 10.

Simple and if you are unsure if you are clean from viruses, spyware and malware please read my tips on keeping your computer clean.


Bit Torrent 102 for Newbies


Second article for torrents.  



Tim Potter Sugar land Peek again



This is my second article about Bit torrents for Newbies. Read the first one here.  I can say that Bit torrents as good as they can be there are people who try and take advantage of this.  They do this through placing advertisement in the Bit Torrents or they have you follow links on the web that are useless to get an unlock code.  What I will attempt to do is show how to figure out if the torrent is fake or if that torrent is worth your time to down load.  The Biggest thing is if you get a fake torrent delete it asap. Do not seed it and propagate that torrent through the system.



First 

BitRocket torrent

When you get to your favorite torrent site. The first thing to do is look at the comments.  Read what others are saying about the torrent.  If it is a fairly new torrent look at the seeder vs leecher.  Spammers have this incredible seeder side and very few leechers.  No always an indicator but it is a place to start.

Second 


Now lets look at what files are actually in the torrent you want to download.  When torrent program opens it up it shows you the files that ready for you to download.  Most torrents  have an information file a *.nfo you can be opened this file with a simple text editor.  This will give you details about the file and if you need to do anything prior to using the file.  You should always read this file. Other files that may be contained are a readme.txt or readmefirst.txt file again these are simple text files. Things you should be on the watch for are HTML or website pages, password info or zip files.  This are key indicators that the file is fake. There are normally more then one source so move on.

Third 


English: A download symbol.

Things that indicate that a torrent may be good. Are details about the items and screen shots of item. These are all real good indicators the torrent is good. do not worry not always do these things exists and does not mean it is fake. You just may want to move on to another source for download. Just remember the more detail about the file will help you not waste your time with a download.


Fourth 


I really love this site. What it does is verify that what you are getting ready to download does in fact work.  So click here and search your favorite.  When and if it comes up there will be a NFO file.  Click it. that should open in the browser and right there is the seeder that is providing the working torrent.


Thursday, January 24, 2013

Tablets changing the world

Tablets changing everything

Samsung Series 7
Samsung Series 7 (Photo credit: Stratageme.com)

Recently I bought a Samsung 7" tablet and this has changed the way I view things on the internet and just in life in general.  So also I am a Newbie to this experience  I no longer have a need for books.  I can down load them on the internet and review them right here on my tablet.  I no longer have this need for newspapers I again get my total news feed right here off the internet.  I check my mail and check my social status right here on the the tablet.

You say well I have been doing that for years on my computer. 

 It is not the same as I have also.  I lay in bed at night and read a book holding the tablet.  I wake up to my morning coffee with the tablet open to my favorite page.   I can pull it out of pocket or just open up on the go and check my email.  I have my favorite TV Schedule on the tablet and it is a companion for my TV viewing pleasure.

Tim Potter Sugar Land texas Blue tooth phone

This size of tablet is what they call a Phablet.  


Not really big enough to be a true tablet but also not small enough to be a smart phone.  However the size and weight seem just perfect for everything.  It is light weight and easy to carry.  This device has become my everything go to computer device.  See where this is different is I can carry it every and it is simple easy to use.  My tablet is a little different is that it also has a Sim card and full phone and text capabilities.  So I have a blue tooth phone and it acts as my home phone also as my to go phone.

The apps that make this work are just the best.  Flipboard is my favorite by far it is like turning the pages of your favorite magazine.  Steve Jobs once said it was his favorite application and I must agree it is mine also.


So tablets are changing the way we view the internet.  They are changing the way we view the world.  The size, functionality  and weight make this my perfect travel, at home, and everywhere gadget.


Tuesday, January 22, 2013

"6" Simple Facebook Safety Steps

FaceBook Privacy and Safety


facebook Lock down tim Potter


I have been a victim of a CyberStalker.  Give you an idea I do not know this guy nor have ever met him.  I was on a forum that he posted an opinion that I disagreed with.  So he started a crusade against me online.  He stole pictures from my Facebook and other guest blogs I had done.  Now I have been vigilant ensuring that my picture and likeness never appear on the web.  Nor pictures of my family.  Now there are things you can do that will ensure your safety and that of your family if you Facebook.  Even if you are not a victim it can happen to you.




Internet Safety Center
Internet Safety Center

I recommend that everyone head over to this website for additionally tips to help you  with Internet Safety.


 

Step 1: 


You need to go to you Account Privacy settings

Profile Drop down Facebook


Step 2: 


Then you will click on profile.  Listed here are the safety setting for your entire profile. It is an easy break down for all your personal information.  You should be setting every single one of these to Only Friends.


Facebook Personal Info


Step 3: 


Now select your albums and ensure that only friends have access to view and look through all your photos.
facebook Info

Step 4: 


Now go back to your account privacy information.  Ensure that everything is set to only friends.  Now you should change one setting that is add me as a friend to everyone.  Then people will be able to allow you to become their friend.
Facebook Safety



Step 5: 


This is the one that has me worried the most.  You have applications that friends use that allow those applications full access to your profile.  They can then get in there and use, take, distribute your information. So you are going to want to change these settings.  Go to Privacy, applications and websites.  You are going to want to un-tick every single one of those.  Then save your changes.

Applications and websites



Step 6:


 Last thing is to verify that activity on your Applications and dashboard are set to Friends only.

Privacy Settings


Enjoy


Internet Blogs
Internet blog

Bit Torrent File Sharing 101.

Upload / Download

Bit torrent for the Newbie




Bit Torrents?  What is this and how do they work. Where can I get with Bit Torrents?  Can I use such a program?  This is going to be kept simple.  So that average user can start downloading torrents.  Also as warning to you torrents and  file sharing can cause damage to your computer. This can happen through viruses, spyware and malware.  Follow my blog on computer maintenance to ensure you are protected.

I will say that torrents can give you great entertainment pleasure.  There is so much out there.  You willl find TV shows from days gone past or that artist you have been so long to hear again. There are movies and videos that would have seemed to be lost over time.  So it can be very useful when you want to find that long lost form of media.


To define Bit Torrents 


BitTorrent is a protocol that underpins the practice of peer-to-peer file sharing and is used for distributing large amounts of data over the Internet.


 Any large file  that runs or operate on your computer can be shared via Bit Torrent. 


People today are familiar with programs that allow you to share large files.   Napster was a program that allowed users to share music via a central hub and people downloaded the music to their computer. The federal government shut them down and Napster paid heavy fines for copyright violations.  Today there are  1000's of locations today you can share and download.  Where a torrent is vastly different is you do not have just one computer or single user you are downloading from.  However you have thousands of other people sharing the exact same file.  That is where a torrent is different it will take pieces of the program from several people that have the file and share it with you.  Then as the pieces of the program are collected it is reassembled and into a whole program on your computer for your use.

So you ready to give this a Go?


Bittorrent 7.2 logo

First:


You will need a program to download the files.  I prefer to use a program called U torrent.  I use it and it seems very light weight on the computer resources and contains zero spyware or malware when I install it.


Second


Next thing you need to do is look to where to find these torrents.  I will tell you there are 100's of torrent sites on the web.  These sites are under handed and will have pop ups and advertising in the hopes you click through to generate money.  Hoping to generate cash as you click these ads.   This will give you a list of locations you can down load legal content from the web. There are sites such as The Pirate Bay that deal in illegal content.  Yet the music industry and film industry have been in lawsuits against the users and owners of the site.


Third


So now you have the program and site.  From there it is easy just search your favorite artist.  As you do that it you will find what you want.  Just click down load this torrent.  Taking a closer look before you download the file will help.  Seeders are the number of people that have the program and leachers are the number getting the program. So a seeder to leecher ratio is important.  Find a high seeder and low leecher number.  Your torrents will be faster. .  U torrent does have an estimate time to completion in the interface. So when you see a result for 100's for your favorite artist always select the one wit the high seeder low leechers.

Final thought


 Bit Torrents work because of people sharing small amounts of data with the community you will be uploading and downloading at the same time.  When the download has completed you going to be still  sharing. you must close the program or stop the sharing your download.  Remember that this is a community of people and that the more that share the file the faster you go. So your part is to take and give and equal number back the community.

This should get you started on downloading your favorite things from the web.  I started thiswit it may contain virus when you do not know the source.   Good anti-virus is a must.


 Enjoy.

Sunday, January 20, 2013

Proxy Server and You

What can done with a Proxy Server



English: A schematic representation of a proxy...



First what is a proxy server:




Quote
In computer networks, a proxy server is a server (a computer system or an application) that acts as an intermediary for requests from clients seeking resources from other servers. A client connects to the proxy server, requesting some service, such as a file, connection, web page, or other resource available from a different server. The proxy server evaluates the request according to its filtering rules. For example, it may filter traffic by IP address or protocol. If the request is validated by the filter, the proxy provides the resource by connecting to the relevant server and requesting the service on behalf of the client. A proxy server may optionally alter the client's request or the server's response, and sometimes it may serve the request without contacting the specified server. In this case, it 'caches' responses from the remote server, and returns subsequent requests for the same content directly.
Click here for more

Is this not what you talked about in your article about VPN's?  No a VPN is different then a proxy server for the primary reason your data is encrypted prior arrival and when it is sent back.  Thus what actual traffic is being sent is unknown to the internet service provider and the world.  This is an just sending your data via another route.  This is just sending your data via an unsecured means through another computer so your location is unknown.

What can you do with a proxy server.


Primarily a proxy will hide your location on the internet. So if not knowing your location is important then a proxy server is the way to go. I use a proxy server to stream media from the internet. I use a pay service to do this with Hide My Net. It cost $5 a month and works with Hulu and other restricted data. As Videos from Youtube, Itunes Amazon and many others restrict your ability to go on those sites.

Where can I get a Free Proxy Server.


Remember that if you use a free proxy server they may be capturing your data. This is a risk. However if it is just to see Videos or surf geo restricted sites. Then there are sites out there you can set up a free proxy server through.

Here are a few lists of free proxy servers:
Proxy-Ip-list
IP List by Country


How do I set-up Proxy server with Browser.

IE
FireFox
Chrome


For Browsers I like to use programs that Automatically switch between the Proxy and the Direct Connection.

In FireFox I use:
FoxyProxy

In Chrome I use
Proxy Switchy

In IE I use
Proxy Switch


Last thing;


Is what to do about desktop applications that need access to the internet. What can I do about those applications that do not have have way to setup a proxy. I use a program called Proxifier to route all traffic through this. http://www.proxifier.com/

However remember that with free proxy servers you do not know who is capturing your data. This is not a secure way to send any data. It is highly not recommended. USE ONLY FOR SURFING AND STREAMING...

Internet Blogs
Internet blog

Life With A Tablet PC

What is it like owning a Tablet PC

Tim Potter Samsung Tab Plus


Well I bought a Samsung 7" tablet a few months back. The reason I bought a 7" and not a 10" was the fact I wanted something I could carry. However I wanted it large enough to see without having to expand the screen size. What I have found is this an excellent complimentary device that is portable light and easy to use. Additionally this has the capability for cell phone and messaging. Along with a blue tooth device it is just awesome. With a keyboard style layout and messaging in conversation mode. It makes for excellent communication. Also because it has 3G and 4G capabilities I can use Google Voice to call the US free of charge. (3g or wifi charges may apply). The size and weight of the device is also a plus we can carry it around to mall or to stores. This has replaced our cell phones and used as much as a laptop or desktop. It also has almost replaced the camera we have. It takes excellent pictures and with various apps it makes it so easy to take great pictures.
Google Play
Google Play

Google Play


The other benefit is Google Play a site dedicated to applications that you can use on the device. Many are free and some charge. There are games, e-readers and just so much it is hard to explain. I was an Apple guy and thought Ipad has this market all sowed up with ease of use. Not the case. We have the 16Gb model and that is so much storage. We have hundreds of songs and thousands of pictures that can so easily be flipped through and listened to or watched.

Features


The other question many have are they all the same. Do all tablets that offer android have the same features and specs. I tried many of them and laid them down side by side. Ipad was the best of the bunch yet it had a price tag that says hey I am a Cadillac. Then I got to the Android tablets. I looked at specs and looked at storage on the device. I have a Tab Plus which minus (specs wise) the screen is better then the Tab 2 (not available when I purchased). The biggest thing I found with the cheaper models was the screen responsiveness. How hard I had to push or hold to make things happen. Clarity of icons and camera was another issue with the cheaper off name brands. The best thing to do is shop around there are so many brands to choose from. The Tab Plus is cheaper because of the release of the Tab2. One thing you should look for is a device that has Ice Cream Sandwich or Honey Comb. They are the latest OS for Android Devices. Stay away for a device that has Froyo as it may not be able to be upgraded as the case with the Original Samsung Tab. 

These devices are just awesome for the casual user that wants to surf or just wants to get on the web, check email or facebook. Without the hassle of a laptop. The battery life is reasonably good 9+ hours of surf time. Plus it makes life so easy.

Enjoy..... 
Computers Blogs
Computers blog