Monday, December 03, 2007

AT&T DNS Server Outage - Bellsouth DNS issue

The AT&T DNS Servers in Miami, Florida were down this evening. When you call their tech support phone number: 1-888-321-2375, they don't even answer. Here is my solution to get your DSL service back up and running.

1. Go to https://www.opendns.com/start

2. Go to your router at http://192.168.1.254 (2Wire)
(Your setting may vary depending on the router that you have)

3. Use the OpenDNS server settings.

I tried this and it worked!

Do you think I can get a credit on my bill?

Friday, November 16, 2007

How fast is your Broadband Connection?


I recently upgraded my DSL service from AT&T's 3.0 service to their 6.0 service. The service rep used the SpeedTest.net website at: http://www.speedtest.net site for determining the speed of my DSL line. Here's the link to find out the your broadband connection speed. Here's the link:

http://www.speedtest.net

Tuesday, November 06, 2007

Apple iPhone Outlook Calendar Synchronization - Fixed with ITunes 7.5

I am very pleased to report that the Microsoft Outlook Calendar Synchronization and MS Outlook sync contacts finally work with my Apple iPhone. My .PST file is over 1GB and with previous iTunes versions, I received an error. After installing itunes 7.5, the iPhone synch with MS Outlook finally worked!

Great job Apple iPhone developers, it took 4 months but this is finally fixed!

Tuesday, October 09, 2007

iPhone IT Guy - Installing iPhone 1.1.1 iTunes 7.4.3.1

Before installing the iPhone 1.1.1 (iPhone firmware 1.1.1) and iTunes 7.4.3.1 updates, make sure you successfully synchronize before you install it. There is no utility to backup your iPhone other than an iPhone successful sync. In addition, make sure:
  • iPhone Photos -- Your iPhone Camera Roll photos are backed up or a copy is on your computer (in some cases, you must import them from your Photo program such as Google Picassa)
  • iPhone Contacts -- If you are not using Yahoo or some other non-standard method to synchronize your contacts, make sure that you have a copy on your computer or a backup copy.
  • iPhone Wireless settings -- Make sure you know your wireless settings or password to access your wireless networks.
This upgrade deletes and replaces your iPhone software or firmware and restores your iPhone applications and settings at the very end of the installation process. At a point in the installation process, your iPhone will be de-activated and locked and you will not be able to abort the process. If you run into a issue, you should call Apple Care!

Apple Care
U.S. iPhone technical support: 1-800-MY-IPHONE (1-800-694-7466)

This upgrade adds three main features:
  1. Disable Edge -- You can disable Edge when traveling internationally or if you want to force a wireless connection which I have used when initially configuring a new wireless connection with a weak signal.
  2. iPhone Home Button -- You will be able to set the Double-clicking the Home Button to either iPhone Favorites or iPod.
  3. iTunes Icon -- A new iTunes will appear in the fouth row of your iPhone which is used to connect to the iTunes store to purchase music if you have a wi-fi connection or are in a Starbucks.

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

How do you remove information from the Internet?

I often get asked how someone can get information removed from the Internet. Here are my suggestions:

  • If you are looking to delete information from a particular website, contact that website owner or their Internet Service Provider. You can usually find their contact information on the site or look it up at: http://www.whois.net/ or www.arin.net/whois/ Most web publishers can and should take responsibility for removing information that violates copyright infringement as well as false and inflammatory information.
  • If you are looking to delete information from a search engine or from the search engine cache, see below.
  • There are a very small number of new services that will remove the information. Most will focus on removing it manually using webmaster tools rather through legal means. I am not too familiar with these companies and have not yet used them.
1) SEARCH ENGINES -- Here is the contact information for the four major search engines for removing information on the internet. I have used this information for the removal of both copyright infringement as well as information that was false and inflamatory.

A) GOOGLE
Google Legal Support
Send the written communication to the following address:

Google, Inc.
Attn: Google Legal Support, DMCA Complaints
1600 Amphitheatre Parkway
Mountain View, CA 94043

OR fax to:

(650) 963-3255, Attn: Google Legal Support, DMCA Complaints

http://www.google.com/dmca.html#notification


B) YAHOO

Yahoo
http://info.yahoo.com/legal/us/yahoo/utos/utos-173.htm


Yahoo!'s Agent for Notice of claims of copyright or other intellectual property infringement can be reached as follows:
By mail:
Copyright Agent
c/o Yahoo! Inc.
701 First Avenue
Sunnyvale, CA 94089
By phone: (408) 349-5080
By fax: (408) 349-7821
By email: copyright@yahoo-inc.com

C) Microsoft
http://www.microsoft.com/info/cpyrtInfrg.htm
Service Provider(s): Microsoft Corporation; The Microsoft Network, LLC; MSNBC Interactive News, LLC; MSBET, LLC; LinkExchange, Inc.; WebTV Networks, Inc.
Name of Agent Designated to Receive
Notification of Claimed Infringement: J.K. Weston
Full Address of Designated Agent to
Which Notification Should be Sent: One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052
Telephone Number of Designated Agent: (425) 703-5529
Facsimile Number of Designated Agent: (425) 936-7329
Email Address of Designated Agent: jkweston@microsoft.com


D) Ask.com
http://about.ask.com/en/docs/about/copyright.shtml
Copyrights and Copyright Agent
Ask.com asks our users to respect the intellectual property of others. Pursuant to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, 17 U.S.C. sec. 512 ("the DMCA"), Ask has designated an agent to receive Notifications of Claimed Copyright Infringement on its site, who can be reached as follows:

copyright@ask.com, or
IAC Search & Media
Legal Dept.
Attention: Copyright Agent
555 12th Street, Suite 500
Oakland, CA 94607

2) NOTICES -- This site contains sample legal Notices

http://chllingeffects.org


A) Inflamatory Notice -- http://www.chillingeffects.org/dmca512/notice.cgi?NoticeID=1308

Friday, September 14, 2007

Apple iPhone Store Credit

On September 14, 2007, 11 AM ET, as soon as I learned about the Apple iPhone Store Credit, I went to the link below and submitted my info.

http://www.apple.com/iphone/storecredit/

My SMS message arrived less than a minute later, I entered that number and printed my store coupon.

That was easy!

Thursday, September 06, 2007

iPhone International Use - Disable Edge

If you are traveling Internationally with your iPhone and want to disable Edge and the cell phone service to avoid the costly iPhone International phone charges so that you can use wi-fi, stocks, maps, mail and Safari, here's a recommendation. I've tried it and it works.

Note: There is a rumor the iPhone Firmware 1.1.1 will allow you to disable the iPhone Edge service.

Assign a Pin to your iPhone SIM Card


  • From the iPhone Home screen, choose Settings > Phone > SIM PIN
  • Enter 1111 (The default AT&T SIM PIN or iPhone factory pin number is 1111)
  • Note: If you do not enter the correct SIM PIN, you will be prompted to enter the PUK code. It can be found on the AT&T Wirless website at: http://www.wireless.att.com/, click Phone/Device > Unlock SIM Card (Your iPhone PUK code will be displayed) or by calling AT&T at: 1-800-311-0500. Caution: Once you try and change the PUK code, you must enter the correct code or you will not be able to use your phone! If you enter the wrong PUK code ten times, you SIM will be deactivated and you will need to visit a AT&T store for a new card. Once you get an invalid PUK code message, call AT&T!
  • Once you succesfully enable your SIM PIN, whenever you turn your iPhone completely off (Press and hold the Sleep/Wake button for a few seconds until the red slider appears, then drag the slider), you will receive the following prompt: SIM Locked [OK] [Unlock]
  • [OK] Press [OK] to use your phone with your phone service and AT&T Edge (data) disabled. In this mode, you will be able to use wi-fi (if available), mail, stocks, maps etc.
  • [Unlock] Press [Unlock] and enter your pin to use your phone normally with the phone service and AT&T Edge.

iPhone Apple Care & AT&T Support

I heard you can call AT&T and get them to enable an International service for you. They wanted me to buy an International yearly plan and the Edge data would make it very costly. I understand that Blackberry users get unlimited International data.

I called Apple Care but the support rep I talked to told me that airplane mode was my only option and did not know the SIM PIN 1111. It was also not on page 36 of the iPhone User Guide. The AT&T Rep was very nice but also did not provide this solution. She did tell me that I should look for the iPhone manufacturer's SIM PIN in the iPhone User Guide.

Applie iTunes 7.4

I installed this upgrade today. After the install, I was asked to reboot my PC. I received a brief error message that my iTunes Store was not accessible, but I was still able to access the store. Additionally, iTunes took several minutes to recognize my iPhone in its cradde, but it eventually did. Here are some notes:

  • Ringtones -- There is a new ringtones tab in iTunes 7.4.
  • Software Version 1.0.2 -- There was no update to the iPhone software.
  • Bookmarks -- They synced fine with the new version.
  • OutlookSyncClient.exe -- I still get the OutlookSyncClient.exe error message with my 1GB outlook.pst file. If I use a smaller .pst file, it works. The iTunes 7.4 update did not fix this. I have tried using the scanpst.exe Outlook tool but it didn't fix my .pst file. For now, I have a work-around but I will eventually try and resolve this when I have more time.

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Apple iPhone 1.0.2 Software Update

I'm installing the Apple iPhone Softare Update 1.0.2 today.

Thursday, August 09, 2007

John Mayer Concert

Last night we attended the John Mayer concert in West Palm Beach, Florida. This picture was taken with a Nikon Coolpix S50. This is my fifth digital camera in the family and I'm beginning to believe that I don't need to take my bulky Cannon Digital SLR and telephoto lens, wherever I go. In fact in most sports event venues such as American Airlines Arena in Miami and Pro Player Stadium, you can't bring in a camera with a detachable lens.

In any regard, John Mayer was incredible and I am surprised that I have a few pixs from this very small camera. This shot was taken with the flash off from row 11.

Friday, August 03, 2007

Apple iTunes 7.3.2 update - OutlookSyncClient.exe


Today, I installed the new Apple iTunes 7.3.2.6 update. I really hoped this update would fix my Microsoft Outlook contact and calendar synchronization issues. However, it did not. I received the following error message: OutlookSyncClient.exe has encountered an issue and needs to close. I called Apple Support but they were unable to resolve it, even after uninstalling and reinstalling, Apple Mobile Software, Apple Software update, iTunes and QuickTime. The rep was very helpful but it did not help me resolve this issue.

With my current 1.6GB Outlook .pst file, I was not able to get my Calendar to synchronize. It does synchronize on another profile on my laptop. When I get a chance, I will try and isolate the problem.

Thursday, August 02, 2007

iPhone Firmware Update 1.0.1

I installed my Apple iPhone Firmware update 1.0.1 today. I was hoping it would fix my Outlook Calendar synchronization issue. It did not.

Apple Firmware update 1.0.1
Firmware Update Info

Wednesday, July 25, 2007

iPhone IT Manager Woes

In my family including my wife, daughter and some of my close relatives, we now have five iPhones. Since the iPhone launch on June 30th, I am the designated iPhone IT Manager for everything that goes wrong with everyone's personal Apple iPhone, from iPhone synchronization, iPhone battery life, iPhone wi-fi, iPhone storage, iPhone YouTube videos, iPhone photos, iPhone airplane mode, iPhone lack of games, iPhone ring tones.

First of all, I want to say I QUIT! I don't want this job! That said, I am not ready to give the job up yet since it does have some benefits. How quickly I forget the concert tickets, restaurant reservations and the necessities of my happy marriage. So here is my list of recent trouble tickets.

1. Do Not Ring -- How do I put my phone on Do No Ring.

Answer: In the upper left top corner of the iPhone, slide the button the red position.

2. iPhone Wi-Fi Reset -- My iPhone wi-fi mode doesn't work anymore, it automatically goes to Edge and will not connect to my wi-fi network.

Answer: Apple installed a feature to reset the network settings. I cruised the iPhone forums and help blogs and read about individuals inserting IP and DNS settings, resetting their iPhone and even returning them. You should reset or clear the network settings before to proceed with those hacks. Here are the steps.

Settings -->
General -->
Reset -->
* Reset Network Settings

3. Wi-Fi Settings -- How do I enter my Wi-Fi 64-bit or 128bit encryption string.
Answer: Select WEP hex or ASCII then enter a $ before your encryption string.

WEP Password -->
*WEP hex or ASCII

Password: $XXXXXXXX or XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
(enter a $ before your encryption string)

4. My Outlook Calendar doesn't synchronize
As of August 2, 2007, even with the iTunes 7.3.1.3 and the iPhone 1.0.1 firmware, my Outlook Calendar does not synchronize. Here are suggestions from Apple:

Apple FAQ

Monday, July 09, 2007

My iPhone Rocks!

We are now a three Phone family. Here is my list of its top features and benefits.

1. AlwaysOn -- With the Cingular Edge and Wi-fi, you are always connected to the Internet. This is great for some airports that don't have free wi-fi service and when I am waiting for the one important email from the office or need to access a specific website for my business.

2. Phone/iPod -- I absolutely love being able to listen to music on my iPhone and if my cell phone rings, I can immediately switch over to a take the call. In fact if I am working in my home office with my headphones, my W will call on my cell phone, she knows she won't be ignored.

3. User Interface -- The scrolling user interface for contacts and music is unbelievable. I actually enjoy scrolling.

4. Stocks -- This month have enjoyed checking my stock, especially AAPL.

5. Maps -- Okay, we're in the car and arguing about directions, so now we have three versions of Google Maps/Earth directions with the satellite view to navigate to our location. I still don't do maps.

6. Email Accounts -- I have several gmail and aol email accounts, some which I need to check but rarely do. When I am at my favorite spot in the morning, reading my newspaper and drinking my coffee, I can now check my email for these accounts.

7. Photos -- The quality of the 2MB photos is great. It's much better than that old Razor phone.

8. YouTube.com -- I can now show my friends some of my home movies on youtube.

There are a few features on my iPhone that aren't fully operational yet, like the Outlook Calendar synchronization and the Contact synchronization (use Yahoo Synchronization if you have this issue), but for now I'm enjoying my iPhone!

Thank you Steve Jobs and the rest of the Apple Team!

Sunday, July 01, 2007

My iPhone is now activated!!

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Saturday, June 30, 2007

iPhone Processing Activation Email - 15 hours 6 minutes

Hi All,

If you iPhone is in the Completing Activation state and you haven't yet received an email with an order number, check your spam folder. This email was received 15 hours and 6 minutes from the time the activation was submitted.

===========================================================
From: do_notreply@att.com
Subject: Thank you for your recent purchase

We are currently processing your order. Your order number is XXXXXX
You will receive an additional e-mail when your order is complete that will provide further instructions to activate your iPhone.
===========================================================

BTW, after this email was received, our old phones were no longer active.

iPhone Activation Delay


AT&T is now processing your activation.


You will receive an email confirmation once your activation is complete.

iPhone Activation Issues - processing your activation
  • This is the message you receive on your iTunes screen after you submit your iPhone activation.
  • I have surfed the AT&T iPhone Customer Forums and there are iPhone customers that have waited more than 12 hours with this message, from 9pm Eastern Time last night.
  • We submitted ours at 11:58PM ET on June 29th, and 12 hours later, our old Cingular phones still work for both incoming and outgoing calls, and we have not received our iPhone successful activation email.
  • We ended up ejecting the iPhone from its docking station in the morning and were able to re-dock it without harming the activation as we not so patiently are waiting.

Resources

iPhone Activation Problems

We just returned from the Apple Store this evening and we are trying to activate our iPhones. Here are some of the issues we've encountered so far:

Resources

Activation Specialists
1-877-777-4189
iPhone Activation
1-866-907-3484
AT&T iPhone activation support
1-877-419-4500

AT&T Website
http://www.att.com/iphone

iPhone Support Website
iPhone Support
iPhone User Guide


iPhone Customer Support Forums
AT&T iPhone Support Forum
MacRumors iPhone Forum
Apple iPhone Support Forum
Howard Forums for iPhone

Tips
1. iTunes 7.3 -- Before you activate your iPhone, make sure you upgrade your Mac OS X so that you can install the new iTunes. If your are a Windows Customer, make sure you download the latest iTunes.

2. Phone Bill -- If you plan on porting your numbers from another carrier or are a Cingular customer, make sure you have your account number from your phone bill and your password (let's hope you know what it is).

3. iPhone will not work until Activated -- In order to do anything on the iPhone, you must activate it first which requires selecting your cell phone plan. This also means that you are unable to play with it before transferring or porting your old number, which could take up to 6 hours or longer.

4. AT&T Wireless (not Cingular Customer) -- We had to call AT&T Customer Service to assist us with the activation (only a 45 minute wait). Since we were not an Cingular customer, the rep had to manually change our plan over from the old AT&T Wireless (not Cingular) before we could activate our phones.

5. iTunes Apple ID -- Make sure you have your Apple ID or your iTunes user name and password.

6. Activation Busy Try Again Message -- We received this message on our iMac and tried multiple times and finally gave up. I really hate to say this, but it worked on our three Microsoft Windows Machines without a failure.

7. Microsoft Outlook iTunes Plug-in Disabled -- After installing iTunes 7.3, the iTunes Outlook Plug-in was disabled and Outlook crashed. You can re-enable it in Outlook by clicking About, Help, Disabled Programs.

8. Activation Submitted -- When your activation is successfully submitted, you will receive an email.

9. Don't Take your iPhone Out of its Cradle -- When waiting for activation which could be as long as 6 hours or more, don't take your iPhone out of its cradle according to the activation specialist we spoke to on the phone. You need to wait to receive a second email notifying you that your activation has been completed.

iPhone Activation Video


Friday, June 29, 2007

Buying an iPhone

We went down to the Apple Store on June 29th at 8:30pm and after standing in line for only a few minutes, we walked in the store past a group of security guards.

Any of the Apple Store employees can place your order with their hand held device. You are limited to purchasing 2 iPhones per person. This is a revolutionary purchasing experience:

1. You simply give them your credit card and identification and email address.
2. You will be asked for your electronic signature.
3. The iPhone comes in a small box, about the size of a watch
box.
4. As you would expect the Apple store employee gives you a very nice Apple iPhone bag for your new iPhone.
5. You do not leave the store with a paper receipt, it will be emailed to you.

Our iPhones


Wednesday, April 18, 2007

Web 2.0: What is a Widget?

For Web 2.0/Social Networking 2.0, a good definition and example of a widget can be found on the NBA site.

What is a Widget?
According to Wikipedia, a Web Widget is a portable chunk of code that can be installed and executed within any separate HTML-based web page by an end user without requiring additional compilation. Web Widgets can be utilized by end users to enhance a number of web-based hosts, or drop targets. Categories of drop targets include social networks, blogs and personal homepages.


A widget that displays updated NBA scores in my blog.


A widget that displays information on NBA player, Dwyane Wade that includes updated news.

As many of my friends know, I'm an fanatic Miami Heat fan and you'll find me at the American Airlines Arena for the playoff games this year. Go Heat!

Martin