Was reading a few posts and a few of them i thought wth?
So yea... I'll post again when I remember I have this.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Monday, October 18, 2010
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Hulu...
Not to fond of Hulu at the moment.. it is jumpy and skipps a little, even with FiOS. and on the Laptop it plays for a few minutes and then bufferes again.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Verizon DSL Speed Test: Part 2
FiOS is now installed and tested by the tech. I might add the tech I had was very informative and great.
Now on with the tests... Note: I should be getting 15mb down / 5mb up.
FiOS Speed Test 1, Java Based, Using 'Test speed to Los Angeles, Ca, USA' via LinkLine.net
FiOS Speed Test 2, Flash Based, Using 'Test speed to Los Angeles, Ca, USA' via LinkLine.net
The Flash Test was horrible, I got a better rating from the Java. I've also heard that the Flash Speed tests are sometimes not reliable. So I will try another speed test via http://www.speedtest.net/ which is were the tech went to to test and check the speed.
FiOS Speed Test 3, Flash Based, Using 'Test speed to Los Angeles, Ca, USA' via Dreamhost.com
Wow, that other one gave me a faster speed than I should be getting. Just for shits and giggles I ran two more tests roughly 5 minutes apart.
Test # 3.2
Test # 3.3
All in All I am satisfied with the speed tests, now on with the file download. This is the same file from the same location as before.
Approximate Download Speed at Begining of Download
5.7 MB/s - 46.5 MB of 75.6 MB, 5 secs left
The download of the 75.6 mb file took less than a minute. So I will have to say that yea, the different is huge, from 14 minutes to less than 1 minute. Fantastic.
Verizon DSL Speed Test
Here are some DSL speed test results via http://www.dslreports.com.
http://www.dslreports.com/speedtest?loc=2&premium=
DSL Speed Test 1, Flash Based, Using 'Test speed to Los Angeles, Ca, USA' via LinkLine.net
Both Speed tests have pretty much the same speed. Next I will download some drivers, note where I am downloading them from, the size and how long it takes and what it gives as the average speed is.
File: ATI Catalyst™ Display Driver (v10.2)
Size: 75.6 MB
Direct Download URL: https://a248.e.akamai.net/f/674/9206/0/www2.ati.com/drivers/10-2_legacy_xp32-64_dd_ccc.exe
Started download at: 12:34 PM
Approximate Download Speed at Begining of Download
166.2 kB/s - 3.5 MB of 75.6 MB, 7 mins left
Approximate Download Speed at Halfway point of Download
94.5 kB/s - 37.9 MB of 75.6 MB, 6 mins left
Approximate Download Speed at 1 minute left of Download
92.7 kB/s - 70.4 MB of 75.6 MB, 58 secs left
Finished Download: 12:48 PM
Overall download: 14 Minutes
Highest Wait time for download
106.3 kB/s - 10.8 MB of 75.6 MB, 10 mins left
I'll download the same file later with FiOS, and I'll try to do it t the time time of day.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Update 2: Verizon FiOS Plan
So I finally ordered Verizon's FiOS, just the Internet and Phone. Signed up for the 15/5 Fiber Optic internet and the same package for the phone (Freedom Plan). Verizon will finish the installation on Monday. They've already brought the Fiber connection up from the street and to the house. Monday they will complete the install by putting in the box. I'll post photos later of the installation.
What I plan on doing is removing the HBO, Show Time, Stars and other Movie channels from my Dish Network services to, hopefully bring the bill down by about $40.00 a month. In its place I have signed up for NetFlix, at the moment I am on the free trial for two weeks and so far I am liking it, why I didn't sign up sooner is beyond me. The connection I have now (DSL 768/256) actually streams surprisingly well. The buffer is great, its a bit blocky here and there but for the most part its good, even on a laptop (wireless).
One of the other things I need to setup is testing my internet connection speeds before I get the FiOS service, I want to compare the speeds with several different methods using different file type downloads, Speed Test reports and a few other things, like uploading and what not. So come Monday after about 3pm I should have the service installed. Check back then for a report on the installation and service.
~Cheers!
Monday, August 03, 2009
Update: Verizon Fios Upgrade Plan
I have since talked with a Verizon rep, he came to my house last week, asking about Fios and if I would be interested. So I decided to ask him my questions about it. The Rep actually explained to me the cost of all three services (Phone, Internet and TV). I asked whether or not the phone is VoIP and if the TV was DirectTV (I currently have DishNetwork). I asked this because I have not cared for what DirectTV offers and their customer service. In short, all three would actually save me about $50 dollars a month, compared to what I am spending now on these three separately.
The Phone is not VoIP, which is a plus, I do not care for it. I have several friends with this service, through different vendors/companies and they have had a few problems while talking with me on the phone. Mainly small issues, but none the less they are very distracting when having a conversation for a couple hours and the phone goes in an out. So I am taking the Reps word for it that it is not VoIP. I've also checked the Verizon site and did not see anything about VoIP service (unless I missed, then please let me know).
The TV, now this was explained to me by the Rep to be Verizon's service and not DirectTV (as it was previously), and that ALL channels are included in the price along with getting the DVR, and being able to watch anything recorded in any room (this is 4 rooms for me). So this is a plus and a plus.
As for the Internet, I do not have any qualms about it. It will be faster than my current 768kbs now. So this is a plus.
So, After spending some time with the Rep I proceed to setup a time for the Fios tech to come out and run the Fiber from the street to my house, this and all other setups are free/waved. Being that the Rep informed me that they are trying to get current and new customers updated to Fios, so they can do a mass install in the same area, rather than jumping from area to area. At this point the Rep calls in and talks to another Rep for ordering this service and setting up the time. After we set the date and time, we continue to order the service. While on the phone the rep informs me that I order could not be processed, due to my bill not being up to date and current, I informed him that it is and would be glad to give him a confermation number. The next item on hand was that they would need a $400.00 deposit on the TV hardware. What??? $400.00, for a deposit on the hardware, DishNetwork never asked for one, why should I? And it's not like I am a new customer, I am going on 6+ years with Verizon. The Rep informs me that all he would need is a credit card to place the hold of $400.00 on to and it would be removed after 10 months. Really, I then asked that I could not as I do not use Credit Cards, only Bank ATM/Credit Cards. Most people know that when you use the VISA/MASTERCARD side of the cards you are charged directly from your Bank account, thus withdrawing said amount from your bank, of course it will be put back in 10 months. I explained this issue I have to him, and he insisted that it would not be removed from my account, I explained to him that it would be the case. I know this from renting a car, they do the same thing. I asked why do they do this, it's not like I was going to be leaving any time soon and take the hardware with me. I asked how many people actually continue when they are told about the deposit, and he said and I quote "No one does." He said that he has lost the majority of his sign ups because of the deposits needed.
I ask the Rep to go ahead and cancel the order and to contact me again last week to talk about getting rid of the deposit and I would sign up. I have yet to heard back from them, and generally I have a few calls a week from Verizon about signing up with FiOS.
I'll post more later.
Cheers
The Phone is not VoIP, which is a plus, I do not care for it. I have several friends with this service, through different vendors/companies and they have had a few problems while talking with me on the phone. Mainly small issues, but none the less they are very distracting when having a conversation for a couple hours and the phone goes in an out. So I am taking the Reps word for it that it is not VoIP. I've also checked the Verizon site and did not see anything about VoIP service (unless I missed, then please let me know).
The TV, now this was explained to me by the Rep to be Verizon's service and not DirectTV (as it was previously), and that ALL channels are included in the price along with getting the DVR, and being able to watch anything recorded in any room (this is 4 rooms for me). So this is a plus and a plus.
As for the Internet, I do not have any qualms about it. It will be faster than my current 768kbs now. So this is a plus.
So, After spending some time with the Rep I proceed to setup a time for the Fios tech to come out and run the Fiber from the street to my house, this and all other setups are free/waved. Being that the Rep informed me that they are trying to get current and new customers updated to Fios, so they can do a mass install in the same area, rather than jumping from area to area. At this point the Rep calls in and talks to another Rep for ordering this service and setting up the time. After we set the date and time, we continue to order the service. While on the phone the rep informs me that I order could not be processed, due to my bill not being up to date and current, I informed him that it is and would be glad to give him a confermation number. The next item on hand was that they would need a $400.00 deposit on the TV hardware. What??? $400.00, for a deposit on the hardware, DishNetwork never asked for one, why should I? And it's not like I am a new customer, I am going on 6+ years with Verizon. The Rep informs me that all he would need is a credit card to place the hold of $400.00 on to and it would be removed after 10 months. Really, I then asked that I could not as I do not use Credit Cards, only Bank ATM/Credit Cards. Most people know that when you use the VISA/MASTERCARD side of the cards you are charged directly from your Bank account, thus withdrawing said amount from your bank, of course it will be put back in 10 months. I explained this issue I have to him, and he insisted that it would not be removed from my account, I explained to him that it would be the case. I know this from renting a car, they do the same thing. I asked why do they do this, it's not like I was going to be leaving any time soon and take the hardware with me. I asked how many people actually continue when they are told about the deposit, and he said and I quote "No one does." He said that he has lost the majority of his sign ups because of the deposits needed.
I ask the Rep to go ahead and cancel the order and to contact me again last week to talk about getting rid of the deposit and I would sign up. I have yet to heard back from them, and generally I have a few calls a week from Verizon about signing up with FiOS.
I'll post more later.
Cheers
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Verizon Fios Upgrade Plan
I've twittered a little bit about this, you can read that here: https://twitter.com/hosehead78 .Also, it has been a long time since I posted on my blog, sorry if anyone was actually reading this, or even still reading this. Busy lately and haven't had the time to post anything worth while, but now I am. So here it is...
So, is upgrading to Verizon FiOS Internet (15 Mbps/5Mbps) and their phone Freedom and getting the "Free" laptop worth it? Well, so far I have figured, my normal phone bill is $54.99 (not including any taxes they add) and my internet is $21.99, a total of $76.98, then add about 15 for taxes (added from home phone), so my monthly is usually about $91.98. So, in all I figure the bundle will cost me $ 79.99 a month plus maybe the same for taxes ($15), puts it at about $ 94.99. Thats almost 3 bucks more than what I pay now, but, I'll have the 15 Mbps/5Mbps internet speed and the "Free" laptop.
My next question is, Is the laptop worth getting it for "Free". I talked to a rep about it and the rep stated that I would have to add 14.95 for shipping (not a problem) and add the wireless card for plus a month charge for the wireless service. Mind you I asked, what if I only use the wireless at home, do I still need the card? Of course, the answer was Yes. The laptop that is offered is a Compaq Mini 110. I've checked the net for this laptop and see that it is not the same as what Compaq/HP has on their site, of course that is pretty much obvious. They are not going to give you a really good laptop for nothing.
Here is a link to laptop they give you and its specs. Verizon Laptop OfferSo, is it worth the time and effort to switch? I don't even know how the service is for the phone. I am guessing that it is Voice Over IP. It does not state if it is or not, I would think it would say that it is. I still need to look into this part.
All in all, I think it is worth it somewhat, I get a faster internet speed, new router and setup crap, of course I can do on my own anyhow. The other perk is the laptop, regardless the wireless thing, well more so the cost of wireless plan to use anywhere.
I'll be posting more here or on my twitter account about this, please let me know what your option is and what not.
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Something to read...
Thought I would share this, I haven't read it yet, I might later.
http://www.wikihow.com/Overcome-Procrastination-Using-Self-Talk
http://www.wikihow.com/Overcome-Procrastination-Using-Self-Talk
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Saturday, May 03, 2008
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Crossloop and You...
It has been a long ass time since I have posted. Yea, I know why now and why not yesterday or the day before that, well I've been meaning to post honestly, but I've been busy lately. So what is this Crossloop I speak of in the title. Well, awhile back I posted on my blog about this nifty service (previous post) that allows me to support my friends and family via the internet. I have done many in the past and still do now. However, Crossloop has released some new features.
Crossloop is making it easier and easier for the average every day user get support (Live Support). No waiting on the phone or talking to someone that lives on Mars. Check out the site, http://www.crossloop.com. Right off the bat your greeted with "I need help" along with a short list of things to help out with. Best off all setting up a user name is free. If your a techie type and want to help out, it is also free.
Do you have a small business or a home user? Don't want to wait for help or pay an arm and a leg for service from those big tech shops (and why when this could possibly be an easy and simple task), then this is what you need. It is simple, easy to setup and use. Are you behind a firewall? Crossloop is an easy setup, no hassling with Firewall settings, needing to allow this and allow that, but deny this and blah blah. Download, setup an (free) account, install the software and click, bang, wiz, your off to getting that much needed help.
There are a plethora of Users that are willing and waiting to help you out. Alot of them offer free estimates and free Q&A. I know I do, and you can find me here: http://www.crossloop.com/cfreiling.id.
If you want to you can read my previous post or check out their Marketplace post here.
Crossloop is making it easier and easier for the average every day user get support (Live Support). No waiting on the phone or talking to someone that lives on Mars. Check out the site, http://www.crossloop.com. Right off the bat your greeted with "I need help" along with a short list of things to help out with. Best off all setting up a user name is free. If your a techie type and want to help out, it is also free.
Do you have a small business or a home user? Don't want to wait for help or pay an arm and a leg for service from those big tech shops (and why when this could possibly be an easy and simple task), then this is what you need. It is simple, easy to setup and use. Are you behind a firewall? Crossloop is an easy setup, no hassling with Firewall settings, needing to allow this and allow that, but deny this and blah blah. Download, setup an (free) account, install the software and click, bang, wiz, your off to getting that much needed help.
There are a plethora of Users that are willing and waiting to help you out. Alot of them offer free estimates and free Q&A. I know I do, and you can find me here: http://www.crossloop.com/cfreiling.id.
If you want to you can read my previous post or check out their Marketplace post here.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
A Vist with Vista....
My son DJ recently received a new laptop, curtesy by his great grandma as a birthday present. It is now my responsibility to give support to, with the execption of the 1 year Limited warranty support. I have not touched Vista since it was still called Longhorn, and very much in Beta. So it is still pretty new to me. There are a few things I did like and a few things I'm having issues with, But these are no matter to my son, as he is not much of a computer geek like me. My son is more a Console Jockey, But he will soon fall to the darkside that is Microsoft. My Trials for Vista have started...
So far I have not encounter to many problems, just mainly nuances here and there, that others have stated before me. One of them being the networking thing, I can get the VIsta to see my pc one moment then the next I can't. The other is the fact that others have had issues about few games working on Vista, I find this so far to be some what true. A Few games that are installed on it I have not encountered problems, Other games like emulators or smaller Windowed apps, I have encountered problems. But this is really all to be expected.
More on my adventure to come...
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Monday, February 12, 2007
DSL Speed Check....
Heres a recent speed check, I was board.
Could be quicker
Speed check was done through: http://www.dslreports.com/speedtest
Could be quicker
Speed check was done through: http://www.dslreports.com/speedtest
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Review: CrossLoop, Simple Secure Screen Sharing
Product: CrossLoop
Version: 1.0.0.0
Description: Screen Sharing / Remote Desktop
Company: Crossloop (Download)
Price: $ 0.00 (The zero's means it free!)
As a techie and all around geek, I'm asked to help out with troubled PCs, from family to friends to clients. Sometimes I am not able to get to their home or businesses so the next best thing would be to remote in to their PC. And well, sometimes setting this up can be a drag. Especially when the user doesn't know much. Having to go through set by step of setting up their router or firewall is and can be a pain. And if that doesn't work, (which we all know can happen) your left with usually making a quick trip anyways, Oh and the time to set that up when you could have just gone there. Other times your not around or possibly in another city or state. So setup can be a pain. Crossloop, Like a mothers kiss to her kids scrape on the elbow, makes the pain go away.
Starting off, after installation your greeted with a very friendly small GUI. You have two tabs, JOIN and HOST. Under the JOIN tab (which is default), Your user name and computer name are displayed for you, so the person your going to connect to knows who you are. Below that field is where you place the Access code that is given to you by the remote PC your connecting to.
Under the HOST tab you have your user name and computer name, under that you are given a unique access code, which changes each time you start CrossLoop or a new session. After giving the code out click on Connect. This will give you a prompt that informs you of awaiting connection. When the user clicks connect on their end to join your screen, They will be given a notice about an awaiting connection, You will then need to allow the connection or deny it. 
A simple click on Allow and the user that is sharing will get a screen that shows who's connected and how long they've been connected. And the Remote viewer will get a screen that displays the host's screen in real time, in which he or she can move about effortlessly. (Of course your connection speed and speed of your computer can determine how fast the screen is refreshed and so far, I've had no problems with refresh rates.)
Now, when it comes to tech support for software or even hardware
we all know that it can be a pain in the ass to. But with Crossloop, Its one on one. My first time I reported a bug, I was greeted with an email right away by a representative, letting me know the information was passed to the support team, In which I was astounded to have an email from them later that afternoon, ever sense have gotten fantastic results from them. Also, When your finished with your session you'll have the chance to rate the software yourself.
All in all a very satisfying, well rounded remote desktop, er, Simple Secure Screen sharing tool. A must for those that are the "Tech support" for their family. It's a time saver!
Version: 1.0.0.0
Description: Screen Sharing / Remote Desktop
Company: Crossloop (Download)
Price: $ 0.00 (The zero's means it free!)
As a techie and all around geek, I'm asked to help out with troubled PCs, from family to friends to clients. Sometimes I am not able to get to their home or businesses so the next best thing would be to remote in to their PC. And well, sometimes setting this up can be a drag. Especially when the user doesn't know much. Having to go through set by step of setting up their router or firewall is and can be a pain. And if that doesn't work, (which we all know can happen) your left with usually making a quick trip anyways, Oh and the time to set that up when you could have just gone there. Other times your not around or possibly in another city or state. So setup can be a pain. Crossloop, Like a mothers kiss to her kids scrape on the elbow, makes the pain go away.
Starting off, after installation your greeted with a very friendly small GUI. You have two tabs, JOIN and HOST. Under the JOIN tab (which is default), Your user name and computer name are displayed for you, so the person your going to connect to knows who you are. Below that field is where you place the Access code that is given to you by the remote PC your connecting to.
Under the HOST tab you have your user name and computer name, under that you are given a unique access code, which changes each time you start CrossLoop or a new session. After giving the code out click on Connect. This will give you a prompt that informs you of awaiting connection. When the user clicks connect on their end to join your screen, They will be given a notice about an awaiting connection, You will then need to allow the connection or deny it. 
A simple click on Allow and the user that is sharing will get a screen that shows who's connected and how long they've been connected. And the Remote viewer will get a screen that displays the host's screen in real time, in which he or she can move about effortlessly. (Of course your connection speed and speed of your computer can determine how fast the screen is refreshed and so far, I've had no problems with refresh rates.)Now, when it comes to tech support for software or even hardware
we all know that it can be a pain in the ass to. But with Crossloop, Its one on one. My first time I reported a bug, I was greeted with an email right away by a representative, letting me know the information was passed to the support team, In which I was astounded to have an email from them later that afternoon, ever sense have gotten fantastic results from them. Also, When your finished with your session you'll have the chance to rate the software yourself.
All in all a very satisfying, well rounded remote desktop, er, Simple Secure Screen sharing tool. A must for those that are the "Tech support" for their family. It's a time saver!
Monday, January 29, 2007
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