Consumer Labels for Broadband Services

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Comparing prices, performance and network practices of broadband service providers can be challenging, even for savvy consumers. With this in mind, the FCC created Open Internet transparency rules requiring providers to convey sufficient information for consumers to make informed choices about available broadband services. Based on recommendations from its Consumer Advisory Committee, the FCC provides templates for broadband labels – one for landline and one for mobile – that service providers may use to supply consumers with information about their services.

If a provider uses a broadband label template, here’s the type of information you can expect to see:

  • Pricing details, including all of the various charges that seem mysterious to consumers – overage fees, equipment fees, early termination fees, other monthly fees beyond service fees such as insurance, administrative fees, or regulatory recovery fees.
  • Monthly data allowance – namely, the carrier-defined plan limit after which consumers will incur additional charges.
  • Broadband speed and other performance metrics.
  • Network management practices – namely, precautions providers may take to manage heavy traffic on their networks.

Service providers who use the labels will satisfy the FCC’s requirement to make transparency disclosures in the proper format, or a format that meets the needs of consumers. However, providers may still be in violation of FCC rules if the content of their labels is misleading or inaccurate or if they make misleading or inaccurate statements to customers in ads or elsewhere. In such cases, consumers can file complaints with the FCC at https://consumercomplaints.fcc.gov.

The new rules will go into effect later this year, but service providers may begin using the broadband label templates anytime. The labels can serve as a helpful comparison shopping tool for consumers. Look for and consider them when you shop for service.

More information

ADEQ Announces New Search Feature for Public Records

PHOENIX — The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) announced today it now has available through its website an online search engine allowing faster, more direct access to the agency’s 19 environmental databases containing information such as a facility’s operating permits and compliance history.

Known as MegaSearch, the tool allows customers to enter search criteria such as a facility’s name and address or its unique ADEQ file number to view a list of relevant environmental records and files of interest. Once identified, the files may be selected from the results page and emailed to the ADEQ Records Center for retrieval and viewing. By conducting their own independent research, customers can save time by eliminating the need to wait for results from a traditional records request with the help of Records Center staff.

MegaSearch helps prospective land and business owners or anyone who wants to see instantly what environmental activity has been reported for a given location,” ADEQ Records Manager Eric Flohr said.

For example, Flohr said if you previously had wanted to know if a nearby gas station had a history of leaking underground storage tanks, you would have contacted ADEQ to submit a research request. Staff would then have accessed these same databases now available online to see what records of activity had occurred at the site. The process could take several days depending on the number of pending research requests, he said.

“Tools like MegaSearch give customers direct and instantaneous access to ADEQ’s vast amounts of environmental data from all over the state, which supports more transparent government for our citizens,” Flohr said.

ADOT: Beware of fraudulent ‘DMV’ websites and misleading

PHOENIX — Many motor vehicle services can be performed online nowadays. Unfortunately, scam artists, misrepresenting themselves as official motor vehicle division entities, are using the Internet to take a customer’s money and personal information.

The Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division wants to alert customers that there are fraudulent websites falsely offering motor vehicle services such as Arizona driver licenses, IDs, and vehicle titles and registration. The fraudulent websites appear in searches with keywords such as MVD or DMV.

ServiceArizona.com is the only authorized website for all Arizona MVD transactions. Customers can use ServiceArizona.com to conduct many routine motor vehicle transactions, such as applying for a duplicate driver license or driver license reinstatement, renewing a vehicle registration and purchasing a specialty or personalized license plate.

Currently, a person cannot obtain a driver license online. To do so a customer must visit a local MVD or Authorized Third Party office.

Additionally, ADOT does not offer MVD services through phone solicitations, nor does it endorse or advertise for online businesses claiming to provide MVD services.

There are, however, legitimate Authorized Third Party businesses that are licensed and authorized to perform MVD transactions in person. A list of Authorized Third Party businesses can be found at azdot.gov/locations.

ADOT’s goal is to prevent its customers from becoming victims of fraud or identity theft. ADOT also wants customers to be aware of unauthorized sites that may offer MVD services at an extra cost. The only authorized ways to conduct Arizona driver license or motor vehicle services are either in person at any ADOT MVD or Authorized Third Party office, online through ServiceArizona.com or by standard mail.

For more information about MVD services, please visit azdot.gov/mvd.

New Windows scam emerging

phoneA friend of mine on Facebook reports that he received a call from an 800 number from someone purporting to be from “Windows Security.” The person asked if he could go to his computer and type in what the person instructed.

Sadly, my friend could not. He owns a MAC.

With the problems associated with Windows 10, people might be lead to believe this is the real deal. IT IS NOT.

Microsoft will not call you to do anything over the phone. They charge you to call tech support. Why would they give up a cash cow for free? They will continue to force the security updates down your throat through their update mechanism. Since you also agree to allow Microsoft to store your emails anytime they want, they will even check your spelling.

Scams are getting more sophisticated and there are those who will prey on your lack of computer knowledge and scares over viruses and updates. Do not fall prey to any scams. If you are not sure, hang up and call a friend who is more knowledgeable. These people are simply trying to get you to set up a remote link—so convenient with Windows—to steal your personal information.

If your remote access feature is not turned off, you need to do it. Have a person with knowledge do it for you if you do not know how. It is different in each version of Windows.

I just refuse to answer any calls that are not in my book or not identified by caller ID. Some of the scammers will actually leave a message on your phone. There are no “free” trips to Jamaica. If you want to travel, consult a reliable travel agent.

PDFZilla PDF converter review

I have a need to convert Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) files to various formats. Mostly text. As an author, I sometimes have to convert PDF files to text so that I can copy and paste certain portions for articles and reviews. As a news reporter I often get large files in PDF format. The need to convert these to text format is obvious. In those PDF files there are sometimes graphics which I require for news reporting. I have been using the old Print Screen and save system requiring a graphics program to cut out the graphic. If I could extract the graphic easier, it makes my job that much easier.

Supreme Court decisions are a good example. Many are in PDF. It is helpful to convert to text so that I can copy and paste portions of the decisions into my articles. Other times I need to covert the whole file with graphics—as in the case of military manuals or other PDF files I might download from Archive.org or Project Gutenberg.

I have searched for and used several online options. They do all right, but tend to produce some gobbledygook in the translation. They do not seem to work well with graphics.

During my search I ran across PDFZilla. Having experience with Mozilla and Filezilla, I was hoping this was free. It is not, however. As a disclaimer I should note that I downloaded the trial version that only translates 50% of the file and has other limitations. I am writing this review based on that version and am told I can get a license for writing this review.

I will give you the bad first. You can select where the output file goes, but you cannot create a new folder while saving a file. You should plan to set up your folders before translating PDF files or separate them into folders later if you need to. Also the windows cannot be resized for easier viewing.

You can see the various conversion options in Figure 1. I did not use the PDF to Excel Converter because I do not have files that I need converted into that format. At least I have not run across any yet.
slide-1aTwo options I like are the PDF Merger and PDF Cutter. The PDF Merger is a good option. In the trial version they add a water mark. I had two particular files to test. I downloaded two SEABEE manuals. The came in Volume I and Volume II. Though the word “Merger” is misspelled in the window for this option, PDFZilla merged the two files seamlessly. This option I can find useful at times. The one problem with this option is that it does not give you the option to export the file to a folder you select. You can select the output folder by clicking on the link at the bottom.
PDFMeger-2
PDFCutter-1The other option, PDF cutter, allows you to cut out pages. I had some problems with testing this one. I chose a file over 700 pages longs with graphics at first. This file sent the PDF Cutter into a tizzy. It uses drag-and-drop functionality. That is you drag the PDF to the cutter window. The file did not show up and I had to eventually restart the computer to clear the memory. The second time I tried a plain Supreme Court text PDF and it displayed (50% of it) and I edited out a few pages. The edited output file appeared in the folder that I selected it from. You can resize the file, but not the window. The window should be about the same size as the main screen to see the file easier. Again the cut file in the trial version adds a watermark.

Transferring from PDF to Word was difficult for me, but might not be for you if you use Microsoft Word. I use Openoffice.org—A Microsoft Word clone. It has to import the Microsoft Word DOC file into ODT format. It does well, but the formatting is odd. In most cases I would not use that option anyway preferring PDF to text.

The PDF to Text converter works well saving in RTF format or TXT. While on this feature, I will go over some of the options on the screen.
conversion-screen-1
On the upper-right portion of the window you will see a drop-down menu for output formats. I selected PDF to txt and this is what shows. You can use the drop-down menu to select other formats in case you mistakenly push the wrong option from the main screen. Just above that is the Options where you can select the first page and last page to covert and whether or not you desire page breaks. Below that you can select the folder you desire to output to and, of course, the button to start the conversion is at the bottom.

You can drag-and-drop the PDF to the screen. Or you can choose the file by selecting the green cross on the File Menu. Next to the green cross is a folder with a green cross. This option allows you to add an entire folder of PDF files for bulk conversion. This is very useful to convert bulk PDF files to a specific format. The red X allows you to delete some of the PDF files if you do not desire to convert them. Thus you could select a folder and delete those you do not want to convert.

The PDF to text works good. Especially with straight text PDF files such as articles and Supreme Court decisions. There will be some formatting required. For example if you convert a file with a large a table of contents. You might have to remove the table of contents depending on your need. But it converts the text well. I have used the PDF to RTF format and it converts everything including the graphics, but the graphics appear upside down. You can rotate the graphics depending on the program you use to for your final print. You can also save the graphic and adjust it for your need in a graphics program.

The PDF to HTML seems to convert the text flawlessly even to recreating the format of the PDF. This makes a long HTML file, in some cases, with narrow columns. The trial version does not seem to translate any graphics, but the registered version might. It also automatically adds links to other portions of the HTML file. For example the file I translated adds an appendix and the HTML added several links to that Appendix and various graphics.

The other option I found useful was the Image to PDF Converter. I just happened to download several graphics for a technical document. PDFZilla converted them into a PDF file with watermarks. I then tried to convert that document to text, but only got the watermarks. The Image to PDF converter, as you see in the figure, allows you to add your own document title, an author, subject and keywords. You can also select an output path for the file. You can also adjust the quality of the file which will in turn make it smaller or larger.

Overall the trial version seems to work well. I would give it 3.5 out of five stars. I do not know if the registered version, allowing all functions, will work better. Some of the faults I cite may be corrected in future upgrades.

You could, of course, use register for Acrobat Pro. This requires a subscription of $14.99 a month (as of this writing) and a one year commitment. That is $179.88 per year. This is a good option for a large company having to edit or convert a large number of files. In addition to that you convert online in “the cloud” were anyone can have access to your files and the national government normally does.

PDFZilla is a program on your computer which converts the file on your computer. Although the NSA still has access to the file, it makes it difficult for others. If you are converting files for research for, say, a new invention idea, you probably do not want it floating on a “cloud” where any devil can intercept your work and develop your idea first. It is still a little more difficult to hack into your computer. The other advantage is that PDFZilla is $49.95 (as of this writing).

This program seems to be relatively new and may not covert everything absolutely flawlessly. What it does convert for me makes the price worth it. They could probably even squeeze a few more dollars from poor reporters such as me.

Can you stop the Windows 10 upgrade?

As we have been reporting, the Windows 10 update is causing some problems and people might want to wait a few months before upgrading. If, however, you accepted the “invitation” of Microsoft to update, you may be forced to. Unless you can stop it.

We previously reported on a procedure offered by Wired, but that did not work. The following procedure from SuperSite for Windows did seem to work. Having tried it, it removed the Windows 10 upgrade icon from the task bar.

The update is KB3035583 and has to be removed.

We will present the steps from the article, but you may wish to check the article for the graphics.

1. Open Windows Update through the search.

2. Click on the Installed Updates link in the lower left corner of the window.

3. In the Search box in the upper right corner of the new window, type in KB3035583.

4. The update should be the only one to appear. Click on it and agree to remove the update.

You will have to allow the system to re-boot. I do still get a box that states that the Windows 10 download failed when I bring up the Windows Update. Hopefully this information will help.

See you on the other side

Today is the big Windows 10 upgrade. I have decided to wait a few days and research any problems. GIZMODO Review says that the it may be a risky upgrade and it is not easy to revert to Windows 8.1.

If your computer is working fine, you might want to turn off automatic updates for a few days and install only hardware and security updates. Wired has a procedure to make sure you do not upgrade right away.

Anyone having a good, or bad, experience are welcome to comment on this article.

Uh-oh. Windows 10 roll-out may cause problems

We suggest that you back-up your computer system, or at least important files, immediately. If you have not created a restore disk, we suggest you do so immediately. Consult your manual or check the website for your computer system to see how to do this. If your computer stops booting properly, you may need the restore disk(s) to return your computer to factory condition.


windows-10 Although the official Windows 10 upgrade is supposed to start July 29, Forbes is reporting that it may already be causing problems; including stopping computers from booting. Gordon Kelly also reports that the Microsoft Windows 10 upgrade cannot be stopped. He quotes Microsoft:

The software periodically checks for system and app updates, and downloads and installs them for you. You may obtain updates only from Microsoft or authorized sources, and Microsoft may need to update your system to provide you with those updates. By accepting this agreement, you agree to receive these types of automatic updates without any additional notice.

The flaw apparently is due to an update for a Nvidia graphics card driver which interferes with the operation of the graphics card and may cause PCs to stop booting entirely. This flaw may mostly effect multi-screen users.

The obvious security suggestion right now is that you should immediately back up your system and conduct a daily back-up until Microsoft forces Windows 10 onto your system. Be afraid. Be very, very afraid.

Reviews from those using beta copies have been positive, but have continually noted bugs. It is reported that most of those bugs are fixed, but this may be a prelude to other drivers not ready ready for the roll-out.

Computerworld reported last week that you might want to wait to upgrade for several reasons. Author Preston Gralla writes that you have a year to upgrade from the release date of July 29. According to the Forbes report, this might not be true.

Gralla does suggest that if you are happy with your Windows 7, you might want to avoid upgrading all together. He points out that the whole object of Windows 10 was to replace Windows 8 which removed the familiar START menu. You already have that in Windows 7.

In addition—as with any Microsoft upgrade—new drivers might not be available for the peripherals you might have installed, such as printers or scanners.

{It is our understanding that the Windows 7 upgrade to Windows 10 is not automatic, but this might not be true. Back-up your system, at least important data, just in case.}

According to an article on c|net, the Windows 10 PC build 10240 is the final build for Windows 10 before its release date. Beta testers are still testing and reporting on the build. Lance Whitney writes:

Microsoft needs to hit a home run with Windows 10, not just to make up for the debacle of Windows 8 but also to prove that it can still create an OS that generates appeal, excitement and demand among users. …
But even if Windows 10 isn’t 100 percent bug-free and rock-solid come next Wednesday, that doesn’t spell doom and gloom for the latest version. …

The problem is that Microsoft has gained its “appeal” by making deals with computer manufacturers over the years by giving special deals for their software to be used on those computers. Microsoft only provides the operating system itself and, understandably, is not concerned with any proprietary drivers which might be included by hardware manufacturers. Much less games and other software.

Windows users notified Windows 10 coming July 29

Windows10-01Microsoft passed its original June estimation for release of Windows 10. It appears to be set for the July 29 release of the new operating system. So much so that you might have even got a notification to reserve your copy today.

I know this because my system began dragging this morning for no apparent reason. A notification appeared on my task bar alerting me to reserve my copy of Windows 10. I clicked it to get the window in the graphic above which led me to the window following.
Windows10-02

If you are operating in Windows 8.1, a notification should have appeared in the notification section of your task bar to the right. This notification is to reserve your copy, not to download it. You will be notified when the installation files have been added to your system. You can proceed with the installation anytime thereafter.

According to the Windows 10 Q&A page:

For devices running Windows 7 SP1 or Windows 8.1 Update with Windows Update enabled, the app shows up automatically as a Windows icon in your system tray at the bottom right-hand side of your screen.
The only requirements are that a) your device is compatible, and b) you’re running genuine Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1) or Windows 8.1 (Update).
Windows 10 is designed to run on Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 PCs. That means your device is likely compatible and will run Windows 10.

There are many theories as to why Windows 10 and no Windows 9. The fact is, however, that Windows 10 will be the newest upgrade to the Microsoft operating system.

The upgrade is absolutely free and will be available to those using Windows 7 SP1 or later. This is probably because Microsoft is rather red faced about the worse operating system since Vista. Microsoft is hoping to correct many of the terrible features of the Windows 8 operating system. If the videos produce on line are any indication, they may have succeeded.

Apps will now be adjustable in size and you can use them while remaining in the desktop. You will be able to snap up to four windows in place on your screen and swtich between them simply by selecting them. They will have the familiar “X” on the right side of the menu bar at the top like any other program or application. You simply click on it to close it out. Instead of having to go to the “Apps Page” to start an app, you will be able to pin it to the Windows Start menu button on the desktop. There are a myriad of other proposed improvements. Some have been tried in the beta copies and some may not make it into the final version.

The Q&A page goes on to explain that it could take up to an hour to complete the installation on older systems. On newer systems, it could take as little as 20-minutes. They recommend that you plan for an hour. It is also a good idea to back up any important data whenever installing any upgrade this massive.

After you reserve your upgrade, you can confirm whether or not your device is compatible with Windows 10.

Between reservation and when your upgrade is ready, the files you need for the upgrade will be downloaded to your PC to make the final installation go more quickly. Then, when your upgrade is ready after July 29, 2015, you get a notification that lets you get started with your upgrade.
Get Windows 10 is an app that’s designed to make the upgrade process easy. It checks to make sure your device is compatible, and it reserves your free upgrade; it also has information to help you learn about the features in Windows 10.

It will be interesting to see if, this time, Microsoft lives up to its own hype.

SMART meters explode in Stockton after accident

Updated 4/2/2015, 9:49 p.m.

STOCKTON, CA [March 30]— According to CBS 13 in Stockton, California, more than 8,000 customers were left without power when their SMART meters exploded after a truck crashed into a utility pole.

Leigh Martinez reported that residents of South Stockton:

…described it as a large pop, a bomb going off, and strong enough to shake a house.

She said that more than 100 PG&E workers were working to restore power. The amount of time to restore power to a home depended on how bad the meters were damaged.

SMART meter caused fires have been suspected for some time, but utility companies are obviously reticent to reveal just how many. The California Public Utilities Commission has proposed an opt-out plan for customers who do not want the wireless technology. It would require the customer to pay additional charges.

Utility companies are allowed to sell the personal information they gain from SMART meter technology to other companies without your permission. SMART meters collect data on how you use electricity including what appliances and how you use the Internet.

SEE ALSO: Wireless Smart Meters and Potential for Electrical Fires (PDF)