As with any new Apple product release, rumors start to churn sometimes months all the way up to product launch time. Apple just released it’s iPad 2 specs about a week ago, and now the iPhone 5 rumors are pouring in. Here, we take a quick look over our favorite rumors floating around. And, we offer some of our quick thoughts.

Coming this Summer

Yep, it’s about that time now. The new Macbooks have been sweetened, the iPad 2 was announced, and now it must be time for that new shiny iPhone. Or is it? Well, generally, Apple has been announcing and releasing devices on schedule, and usually in that particular order. So, naturally, they must be readying a new iPhone come June/July.

We can’t acknowledge or deny whether a new iPhone model is coming out (simply because we don’t know), but we can remain optimistic and ask this question: If and when a new iPhone is announced, what type of release will it be? Will it be an enhancement of the iPhone 4 as seen with the 3GS, another flavor of the iPhone (smaller and cheaper perhaps), or a brand new design complete with new faster and better hardware (aka “iPhone 5″)? Whatever the move is, our sources say, “it will be a big deal and satisfy.” – let’s hope so.

Antenna Re-Design

Although it didn’t stop many people from purchasing the iPhone 4, even after the discovery of “attena-gate,” one thing can be said: the iPhone 4 may experience signal issues ”when held a certain kind of way.” We think this will be likely because there have been enough complaints, free bumpers were provided, a new Apple antenna engineer position was opened, and Consumer Reports did not recommend the unit for reception issues, even for Verizon’s separate unit. Those are pretty big blows if you ask us.

Sexy Back

The current iPhone 4 sports a front and back “Gorilla” glass structure. However, there have been several reports of customers complaining about excessive scratching and even breaking of the back glass. And, with the new iPad 2 sporting an aluminum back, it is likely that Apple will do the same for the next installment, too.

The 4-Incher

Oh yes, the bigger screen. Who doesn’t want a bigger screen without adding extra size? We wouldn’t mind it. With more and more Android based phones having larger screens, it seems very plausible that Apple may just do that for the next iPhone. But, why make the unit bigger? Why not just, ahem, get rid of some of the baggage (aka “home” button) and replace it with more screen space. In a recent beta version of iOS, Apple demonstrated some new functionalities like the ability to get to the home screen using your fingers versus punching the “home” screen. A new feature to come? Maybe? Even better: it may eliminate that little space used for the physical button and swap it in for some more screen-age. Lastly, Steve Jobs expressed that he never really wanted any buttons on these iOs devices. We think it’s plausible; if not for the next iPhone, it may roll out thereafter.

Two is better than one

Who doesn’t want a faster processor that delivers similar battery life? With the iPad 2 sporting an A5 dual-core processor, it won’t surprise us if the new iPhone will follow in its footsteps – Well, it will make us happy, however. Ok, it will surprise us! One of the nice things about Apple is it keeps up with itself by ensuring that all of the iOS devices try to perform “identical” so that the experience is similar throughout its line. Hey, I guess controlling the hardware and software does have its benefits. So, cross your fingers.

The all-in-one

With the iPhone 4 being made available on two carriers now (AT&T and Verizon Wireless), the new unit may fashion a multiple band approach where it may operate on different carriers where by only producing one hardware unit. AT&T uses a form of GSM band while Verizon, currently, utilizes CDMA. Currently, Apple produces two different hardware models to satisfy both carrier’s compatibility. It should be noted that both AT&T and Verizon are in the works of expanding and developing “4G” networks. (We won’t get into the deal here in this article.) Although the idea would mean cheaper production costs and possibly carrier expandability, it is unlikely that Apple will take this approach anytime soon simply because of carrier concerns. This would involve things like, “hey, we just subsidized this phone, and users can take it anywhere now” type of things.

Rumors are fun and can provide ideas for the future as well as produce free marketing for any product. What are you thoughts or concerns? Tell us what you think.

Unless you have been living under a rock (a big one) for the last several years, you’ve probably heard of something called Android and iOS. These are the powerhouse operating systems that give life to those popular smart phones some of us cannot live or breathe without (you know who you are).     

Recently, we’ve seen many market-share comparisons between the “big dog” Reasearch In Motion (RIM) , Google, and Apple. The point of this article isn’t to go over the latest features or cite comparisons. Rather, I wanted to focus on one question, and one question only: Is it fair to compare all three companies using a flat market share analysis without taking into account providers, manufacturers, and availability?     

ComScore just released a data sheet regarding the share market value amongst the top smart phone companies. Included here are the ones mentioned above plus a few others. I’m only going to focus on the three mentioned already. Have a quick peak at the chart:     

Credit: ComScore 2011

So, what do you notice? Obviously, RIM takes the cake with almost a 40% market share while Google and Apple fall almost half shares each behind. We know RIM has been in the business for a while now with their enterprise-friendly Blackberries. So, it makes sense. Although, RIM’s share has been taking a dip with more and more competitors coming to the scene. Fast forwarding a few months ahead (look at December’s numbers), it looks like RIM’s shares have been eaten by Google and Apple with them, both, gaining ahead. Some can argue that Google’s Android has been around for a shorter amount of time, but it has gained an incredible strangle hold with 7% over RIM’s almost negative 6% – That’s a big deal in its self. It shows the ever rising popularity of Google’s OS. More importantly, it demonstrates competition and choice, which are, both, great for the consumer (you and I). I am not here to bash one vendor over another or put one up high on the stool. Rather, that simple question still remains: is this a fair and accurate comparison?     

Is that really the big picture? Is it really the whole picture? Zoom out for a bit. Forget the chart, and let’s go over some basics. RIM and Google, both, have an advantage over Apple’s iPhone. For example, RIM whores its products to, basically, any and every carrier – And, it should. After all, the more carriers the more units sold; hence, that translates to more mucho dinero. Google’s Android is, also, available on multiple carriers (Almost every carrier, too). But, Google goes one step further; it’s not in the hardware business. Yep, Google provides access to its operating system to many hardware guys like Motorola and HTC. Let’s call that one point RIM for diversifying to multiple carriers, and let’s give two points to Google with, additionally, allowing hardware vendors to use its software.  Again, these are, both, arguably marketing advantages over Apple’s choice to stick with one carrier while creating, both, the hardware and software to be strictly sold on their terms. (Side note: Apple has recently spurred out to Verizon.)     

With all that in mind, it is no doubt that Google and RIM are going head-to-head with Apple nudging up and away, too. Now, have a look at those top three bad boys, again. With that being said, Apple isn’t doing too shady of a job. Keep in mind, all of the iOS devices like the iPad or iPod Touch are not included in that share; the chart focuses on the smart-phone part only. So, the real question would be, “how much more market share would Apple control if it had those two points up like Google. The answer is that we don’t really know. And, there are many factors at play here. For example, Apple devices perform very well and the overall experience is the same across all of its iOS devices because, according to many, Apple controls and builds the devices.   

Here’s another statistic that is nothing to sneeze about: 44% of Verizon customers will likely switch to the iPhone. And, an astounding 66% of Blackberry users are willing to switch to the iPhone come the February 10th official launch date for non-current Verizon Customers. (Source: uSamp, 2011)     

The future will tell everything. As I’ve mentioned before, Apple has blessed Verizon with its iPhone. We shall see what we shall see. See you in the future folks.

#1 – Saving a Phone Number

One of the most recently talked about and released features is the ability to port any number to Google Voice. Before this, you could only choose a new number. Now, you can port, essentially, any number (cell phone or land line) to the service. So, if you’re still hanging onto an old number, you can save it by porting it to Google voice for a one-time fee. This is good for people that may have multiple cell phone numbers but don’t want to carry two phones or don’t want to loose one number by terminating service on one of the cell phones. Additionally, people going cell phone only don’t have loose their long-time land line phone number just because they may be getting rid it.

#2 – Calling all Phones at the Same Time

A popular service, offered by many virtual telephone companies, is something referred to as “Call blast” or “Simulring.” This allows one number to ring multiple telephone numbers at the same time. So, you may run your own business and want all of your employees to receive that important phone call. Google Voice allows you the option to set that up. Or, you may be a busy person and be in too many places like at home, work, or on the road. With this feature, you can have all your lines ring at the same time so you don’t miss the call. This is a great alternative to manually setting up call forwarding to point where you may be at or checking different voice mails.

#3 – Text and Call in Out of Service Range Areas

Yes, cell phones are great for calling and texting, but, sometimes, an area may have a weak signal or no coverage at all. Google Voice can send and receive phone calls and text messages via an online interface. So, all you need is an Internet connection – no cell service required. Obviously, a microphone is required.

#4 – Get Rid of Unwanted Callers

One of the coolest features that’s missing on cell phones, and many house phones, is the ability to block specific and ”private”  phone numbers from calling in. You can do this here. Additionally, you can setup custom greetings per phone number or phone number groups. So, if you have an annoying relative, you can send him or her to voicemail or block them entirely.

#5 – Make Free Phone Calls (even on your cell phone!)

One of the main features of Google Voice is the ability to make free domestic phone calls. This can be done via Google Voice’s online interface, cell phones, or right through Gmail. Many cell phone companies offer an “a-list” feature where you get to pick a set of numbers that don’t drain your minutes when called or calling you. You can punch in your Google Voice number into that list and, ultimately, not drain any minutes because Google calls you back with your phone number (the one on the list) even when you make the call. (I’m not advocating to steal service, but the features are available to make this possible. Check with your carrier before proceeding.) The Gmail interface fashions a nice dial pad interface where you can dial domestic numbers for free.

Try it for yourself: http://voice.google.com

*Google Voice logo copyright Google.

Client: Ameribanks, Inc.
Profile: With over 25,000 customers served, Ameribanks is a national bank providing merchant processing services.
Objective: Create a new online presence and marketing strategy for firm.
Status: In process
Milestone: Phase I – Discovery & Planning

http://www.bankruptcybarrister.com

http://www.tinozpizza.com

• They can, also, be found at http://pizzainmchenry.com
• Additionally at Google Places , Bing Local, and Yahoo Local.

Myth 1: Firewalls Protect You From Viruses

It’s surprising how many people don’t realize this, but your firewall is not going to protect you from a virus, trojan, or spyware—in fact, the only type of malware that you’ll definitely be helping prevent is a worm, because they travel over the network. And sure, theoretically an outbound firewall will alert you when a malware application is sending data back, but that’s a false sense of security, since once you are infected, a clever virus can simply disable the firewall.

Don’t misunderstand, we aren’t recommending that you go and disable your firewall—in fact you should keep it enabled at all times, especially when you’re on an insecure network like a coffee shop. If you aren’t sure what firewall to choose, we recommend you don’t pay for Windows security and use the built-in one.

Myth 2: Viruses Can Physically Damage Your Hardware

Sure, a virus like CIH can infect your firmware or BIOS, but the hardware itself is unaffected. Rumors of viruses causing your PC to go crazy and explode are unfounded and a little ridiculous. If your computer ends up infected by one of these more dangerous BIOS-level viruses, you’ll probably have to take the computer to somebody that can wipe the BIOS manually, or replace it, but software viruses aren’t going to murder your hardware.

Myth 3: My Computer Is Throwing a Lot of Errors, So It Must Have a Virus

Files can get corrupted on their own, without the involvement of any viruses—whether it’s through a bug in the software, a bad sector on your hard drive, faulty memory, or ironically, a conflict with your antivirus software. So the next time you get a warning about being unable to open a file, scan it with your antivirus software before you accuse your computer of having a virus.

Myth 4: I Can Just Reinstall Windows and Copy Everything Back

I can’t count the number of times I’ve seen somebody reinstall Windows on their PC after a virus infection, only to copy their files from a backup drive and then re-infect themselves all over again. You need to make sure that your documents and data have been scanned for and are free from viruses, especially after an infection.

To help prevent these problems in the first place, make sure that you’ve got an antivirus package installed and real-time protection enabled. If you aren’t sure which one to choose, we recommend the free Microsoft Security Essentials.

Myth 5: I Can Always Trust My Antivirus Application to Steer Me in the Right Direction

More often than you’d think, your antivirus software is just plain wrong, and especially when you’re using a scanner that employs heuristic scanning to check if a file might have a virus. Do you remember the recent McAfee fiasco? The computer is only as safe as the user.

Myth 6: The Blue Screen of Death Means I’ve Got a Virus, Right?

While some viruses can certainly cause an appearance by the feared blue screen of death, the majority of the time a BSOD is caused by bad drivers or faulty hardware. It’s very rarely a virus, and assuming that it is will increase your troubleshooting time.

Your best bet when dealing with the blue screen of death is to disable the automatic reboot so you have time to write down the error message. Once you’ve done so, chances are good that Google will help you out with an answer to what it could be.

Myth 7: Windows Is the Only Platform with Malware

While it’s true that almost all viruses are targeted at Windows, it doesn’t mean that Windows is the only platform with malware issues. There’s been a recent increase in trojans targeting Macs, usually through pirated software cracks (same as Windows), and the trend will probably continue as Macs become more popular. And since trojans exploit human error rather than a security hole, all platforms are susceptible to them.

If you’re using a Linux or Mac computer, you can protect yourself by following many of the same rules that you would for Windows: Don’t install software from places you don’t know, be wary anytime a piece of software asks you for your password, and avoid installing “codecs” from porn sites. Some simple common sense will keep you from being the victim of a malware attack.

Myth 8: This Damn Virus Went Browsing for Porn—It Wasn’t Me!

I always get a good laugh when somebody brings a PC over to me and tells me that it’s infected with viruses—and then they proceed to tell me that those darn viruses opened up all these sleazy porn sites, and they have no idea how it happened. If you’ve spent any time in the tech help world, you’ve probably heard the same thing before.

Sure, you might accidentally see a porn ad popup if you don’t have a popup blocker in your browser and you’re already browsing sleazy sites, but viruses don’t browse through porn sites, people do. It’s usually at this stage that I point out that just like the people on the screen, anything downloaded from a porn site is much more likely to contain a virus.

Myth 9: Viruses Can Infect Humans, or Alien Spacecrafts

Yeah, so this one is a little ridiculous, but there are just too many movies and TV shows that have a plot dependent on the idea of humans infecting an alien spacecraft with a virus that spreads from one ship to another, until it finally infects the mothership and kills them all. I mean, really? Is that the best plot they can come up with? We can barely even share files between Macs and PCs without problems, much less infect a human being or an alien spacecraft with a virus.

What kind of virus tall tales have you heard during your time in the computer era? Share your funny moments in the comments.

LAPTOP / DESKTOP

Diagnose and repair all software problems 
• Diagnose, repair or replace any bad hardware  
• Backup all personal information  
• Install Virus / Spyware Scanners  
• Upgrade Hardware (Ram, Hard Drive, Video, etc.)  
• Install any programs  
• Replace / Repair DC jack  
• Clean case/fan dust  
• Install Windows Updates / Optimize Windows  
• Install printers / scanners / cameras etc.  

$159 flat

*Some restrictions apply and parts not included, so, call for details.

• ANTI-VIRUS: Avast! Free
  • Players: McAfee, Symantec
    Why pay for anti-virus software when you can get Avast! for free, which includes free program updates. (AVG Free also recommend).
     
• COMPRESSION: 7-Zip
  • Players: Winzip, WinRAR
    It’s free and powerful. Yes, newer versions of Windows have built-in compression features, but, you may need some add-on software open up certain archives.
     
• DEFRAG: Defraggler
  • Players: Disk Keep alternative
    The Windows built-in defrag utility is ok, but Defraggler does what many pay-for defrag applications do. Try it.
     
• ANTI-SPYWARE: Malware Bytes
  • Keep your computer free from spyware by scanning it with Malware Bytes. The basic version is free, which, also, removes spyware/malware.
     
• PDF MAKER: PDFCreator
  • Players: Adobe Acrobat Pro
    You don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars on the Adobe product. Instead, try PDFCreator, which, basically, installs a “PDF Printer.” So, you can turn any file to a PDF using the print-to-pdf function.
     
• DATA RECOVERY: Recuva
  • Players: IBM OnTrack, SpinRite
    Try recovering your deleted files with this little free utility. No promises, but, if it’s recoverable via software, then this utility may do the trick.
     
• FTP CLIENT: FileZilla
  • Players: WS FTP, Smart FTP alternative
    Easy, lightweight FTP client that packs on the features, and it won’t cost you a nickle.

You can ‘Google these programs to download them. Alternatively, hop on over to http://www.filehippo.com.

#1 http://www.bohlmanlw.com