--- Begin Message ---
- From: "Gary E. Baker" <baker@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Wed, 25 Aug 1999 23:42:07 -0400
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>>>> WJR'S INTERNET ADVISOR NEWS <<<<<<br>
<br>
This Week's Issue is for the show on Saturday, August 28, 1999 <br>
at 8:30am on WJR - 760 AM Detroit.<br>
<br>
If you are out of range of the WJR radio signal, you may listen <br>
to WJR live on the Internet by going to the WJR Website: <br>
<font color="#0000FF"><u><a href="http://www.wjr.net/"; eudora="autourl">http://www.wjr.net</a><br>
<br>
</font></u>Visit us online by selecting the "WJR Internet
Guide" on the <br>
WJR Website or visit our portion of the WJR Website directly: <br>
<font color="#0000FF"><u><a href="http://www.internetadvisor.net/"; eudora="autourl">http://www.internetadvisor.net</a><br>
<br>
</font></u>============================================ <br>
This Week's Show...<br>
<br>
Shall we try it again?<br>
<br>
THE MICHIGAN ELECTRONIC LIBRARY may actually be the <br>
subject of the show this week -- or not. Tune in and find
out...<br>
<br>
<font color="#0000FF"><u><a href="http://www.internetadvisor.net/thisweek.html"; eudora="autourl">http://www.internetadvisor.net/thisweek.html</a><br>
<br>
</font></u>============================================ <br>
A Foster Favorite...<br>
<br>
"Sprinting into the phone future"<br>
<br>
In the never-ending saga of new digital frontiers to be fought over,
<br>
Sprint has fired one of the first salvos in the new phone wars. <br>
Have you ever wondered why you have to have a phone for portable <br>
voice communications, a pager for text or voice messages and a <br>
laptop to access your email? That's a lot of hardware for functions
<br>
that are basically using the same electronic highway. Now Sprint <br>
is announcing its new generation of web-enabled phones. <br>
<br>
<font color="#0000FF"><u><a href="http://www.zdnet.com/zdnn/stories/news/0,4586,2313190,00.html"; eudora="autourl">http://www.zdnet.com/zdnn/stories/news/0,4586,2313190,00.html</a></font></u>
<br>
<br>
In the next 12 months, according to the attached article, this <br>
communication giant is putting out phones that will allow you to <br>
communicate, receive pages and voice messages, read email and <br>
surf the Net all through one wireless communication service and one <br>
piece of hardware. Not that the concept is exactly new, Palm VII tried <br>
to do the same thing but ended up with a clumsy, slow and very limited <br>
service. Right idea, wrong technology. Sprint has the clout to both <br>
provide the innovative hardware AND the smooth connection. But they <br>
better not look behind them because Microsoft is making plans to do <br>
somewhat the same thing with Nextel. Curioser and curioser! One <br>
more technology for Uncle Bill to try and corner! Enjoy -- Foster ;-)<br>
<br>
<font color="#0000FF"><u><a href="http://www.zdnet.com/zdnn/stories/news/0,4586,2256150,00.html"; eudora="autourl">http://www.zdnet.com/zdnn/stories/news/0,4586,2256150,00.html<br>
<br>
</a></font></u>============================================ <br>
A Foster Warning... New Scam Alert <br>
<br>
Thanks to Marian Tuttleman for this latest warning. <br>
<br>
This is a very important issue of Internet ScamBusters because <br>
it alerts you to a scam that is: <br>
-- spreading *extremely* quickly <br>
-- can easily cost you $100 or more, and <br>
-- is difficult to avoid unless you are aware of it. <br>
<br>
There are lots of different permutations of this scam, but here <br>
is how it works: <br>
<br>
Permutation #1: Internet Based Phone Scam Via Email <br>
<br>
You receive an email, typically with a subject line of <br>
"*ALERT*" or "Unpaid account." The message, which is <br>
being spammed across the Net, says: <br>
<br>
I am writing to give you a final 24 hrs to settle your <br>
outstanding account. If I have not received the settlement <br>
in full, I will commence legal proceedings without further delay. <br>
If you would like to discuss this matter to avoid court action, <br>
call Mike Murray at Global Communications at <br>
+1 809 496 2700. <br>
<br>
Permutation #2: Phone Or Pager Scam <br>
<br>
You receive a message on your answering machine or your <br>
pager which asks you to call a number beginning with area <br>
code 809. The reason you're asked to call varies: it can be <br>
to receive information about a family member who has been <br>
ill, to tell you someone has been arrested or died, to let you <br>
know you have won a wonderful prize, etc. In each case, <br>
you're told to call the 809 number right away. <br>
<br>
Since there are so many new area codes these days, people <br>
unknowingly return these calls. If you call from the US, you will <br>
apparently be charged $25 per-minute! Sometimes the person <br>
who answers the phone will speak broken English and pretend <br>
not to understand you. Other times, you'll just get a long <br>
recorded message. The point is, they will try to keep you <br>
on the phone as long as possible to increase the charges. <br>
Unfortunately, when you get your phone bill, you'll often be <br>
charged more than $100.00. <br>
<br>
Here's why it works: The 809 area code is located in the <br>
Caribbean. The 809 area code can be used as a "pay-per-call" <br>
number, similar to 900 numbers in the US. Since 809 is not in <br>
the US, it is not covered by US regulations of 900 numbers, <br>
which require that you be notified and warned of charges and <br>
rates involved when you call a "pay-per-call" number. There is <br>
also no requirement that the company provide a time period <br>
during which you may terminate the call without being charged. <br>
Further, whereas many US phones have 900 number <br>
blocking (to avoid these kinds of charges), 900 number <br>
blocking will not prevent calls to the 809 area code. <br>
<br>
We recommend that no matter how you get the message, if <br>
you are asked to call a number with an 809 area code that <br>
you don't recognize, investigate further and/or disregard the <br>
message. Be *very* wary of email or calls asking you to call <br>
an 809 area code number. <br>
<br>
It's important to prevent becoming a victim of this scam, <br>
since trying to fight the charges afterwards can become a real <br>
nightmare. That's because you did actually make the call. <br>
If you complain, both our local phone company and your long <br>
distance carrier will not want to get involved and will <br>
most likely tell you that they are simply providing the billing <br>
for the foreign company. You'll end up dealing with a foreign <br>
company that argues they have done nothing wrong. <br>
<br>
============================================ <br>
Joyce from Caro, MI identified a way for the Internet to help with<br>
the above problem.<br>
<br>
Area code changes are upon us again and effective October 1.. <br>
I manage a database for a statewide organization and publish the <br>
membership directory in October. I attempted for an hour, working <br>
with CenturyTel, ATT, and Ameritech to obtain a list of prefixes that <br>
would be part of the 616 area code split. The best I could determine <br>
was "North of Big Rapids!" While in Harbor Springs, one of the <br>
affected areas, I found in small print at the bottom of a page in the <br>
Ameritech telephone directory this website.<br>
<br>
It worked! A great tool! Thought other fans of Internet Advisor might <br>
find this useful. -- Joyce <br>
<br>
<font color="#0000FF"><u><a href="http://www.codefinder.com/"; eudora="autourl">http://www.codefinder.com<br>
<br>
</a></font></u>============================================ <br>
<br>
ImproveNet is an Internet-based independent service, which <br>
connects homeowners with qualified contractors, designers and <br>
architects free of charge. ImproveNet created a database, which <br>
gathers information about more than 630,000 pre-screened <br>
contractors, architects and designers nationally. The company <br>
matches homeowners with ImproveNet-certified remodeling and <br>
design experts in their local area who are both available and <br>
qualified, having passed a rigorous proprietary screening test.<br>
<br>
In addition to the matching service, ImproveNet offers homeowners <br>
the following services:<br>
<br>
· Personal Idea Files - ImproveNet offers a free service to <br>
homeowners gathering design ideas for future home improvement <br>
projects. ImproveNet allows its users to "tear" images out of the <br>
site and save them in a personal folder. <br>
<br>
· Visual Design Gallery - Many of the nation's foremost architects <br>
and designers have contributed their design projects to ImproveNet's <br>
Design Gallery. These projects are placed in one of seven major <br>
home categories, including kitchen, bath, exteriors, landscape, <br>
living spaces, bedroom and the rest of the house. <br>
<br>
· ExpertAdvice - With ImproveNet's online network of home project <br>
specialists, a homeowner is as close to great advice as a computer <br>
mouse. Visitors who come to ImproveNet's website can get free <br>
expert advice as well as problem-solving ideas from industry experts <br>
directly through homeowner message boards. <br>
<br>
· Credit/Legal Check - Some homeowners come to ImproveNet with <br>
a contractor they found through a friend. For $29, ImproveNet will <br>
run its comprehensive credit and legal screens on any given <br>
professional in order to insure that a homeowner connects with a <br>
reliable professional.<br>
<br>
During the past 18 months, ImproveNet has grown rapidly and helped <br>
more than 50,000 homeowners find reliable sources for more than <br>
$1.7 billion in construction and design projects.<br>
<br>
<a href="http://www.improvenet.com/"; eudora="autourl">http://</a><a href="http://www.improvenet.com/"; eudora="autourl"><font color="#0000FF"><u>www.improvenet.com</a><br>
<br>
</font></u>============================================<br>
<br>
During last week's show Erin called in with a problem. We did <br>
not have time on the air to ask enough questions to solve the <br>
problem. Even after talking with her off the air, we are not sure <br>
of the exact problem or the solution. Here is a general answer<br>
and then another suggestion from a listener.<br>
<br>
Erin was attempting to delete html and gif (an image format) files<br>
as was not able to do so. <br>
<br>
In general, if a file is in use, you will not be able to delete it.<br>
<br>
Erin was told to go in and delete files that she was not using. While<br>
generally good advice, the safest move would be to make very sure <br>
that you do not need files that you intend to delete. Remember, it <br>
is better to leave files there doing nothing than to delete the wrong<br>
file. <br>
<br>
Another suggestion:<br>
If you have specified Internet Explorer to look like a web page with <br>
image previews, during the time the preview is being generated, <br>
which can be a long time for an image file, you cannot delete it <br>
because the image display program has it open. That could <br>
happen with both gif and html files. <br>
Murray from <a href="http://www.crossroadsbooks.com/"; eudora="autourl"><font color="#0000FF"><u>http://www.crossroadsbooks.com<br>
<br>
</a></font></u>============================================<br>
<br>
On more than a few occasions in the early days of the commercial<br>
Internet(3 or 4 years ago) I would be asked if every business <br>
would offer Internet services. At that time, I used the corner gas <br>
station as an example of a business that would not offer Internet <br>
services. Why should they? <br>
<br>
Well, I was wrong again... Check out the end of this article.<br>
<br>
<a href="http://www.zdnet.com/anchordesk/story/story_3748.html"; eudora="autourl">http://www.zdnet.com/anchordesk/story/story_3748.html</a><br>
<br>
============================================<br>
PLEASE FORWARD THIS TO FRIENDS and associates that <br>
may be interested in Internet news and commentary. Encourage <br>
them to sign-up for their own subscription by going to our Website.<br>
<br>
<font color="#0000FF"><u><a href="http://internetadvisor.net/"; eudora="autourl">http://internetadvisor.net</a><br>
<br>
</font></u>============================================<br>
HUMOR FOR THE WEEK will focus on -- what else -- Internet & <br>
computer humor. Please send us your favorite Internet humor. <br>
<br>
##<br>
<br>
Twas the night before Y2K, <br>
And all through the nation <br>
We awaited The Bug, <br>
The Millennium sensation. <br>
<br>
The chips were replaced <br>
In computers with care, <br>
In hopes that ol' Bugsy <br>
Wouldn't stop there. <br>
<br>
While some folks could think <br>
They were snug in their beds <br>
Others had visions <br>
Of dread in their heads. <br>
<br>
And Ma with her PC, <br>
And I with my Mac <br>
Had just logged on the Net <br>
And kicked back with a snack. <br>
<br>
When over the server, <br>
There arose such a clatter <br>
I called Mister Gates <br>
To see what was the matter. <br>
<br>
But he was away, <br>
So I flew like a flash <br>
Off to my bank <br>
To withdraw all my cash. <br>
<br>
When what with my wandering eyes <br>
Should I see? <br>
My good old Mac <br>
Looked sick to me. <br>
<br>
The hack of all hackers <br>
Was looking so smug, <br>
I knew that it must be <br>
The Y2K Bug! <br>
<br>
His image downloaded <br>
In no time at all, <br>
He whistled and shouted, <br>
"Let all systems fall!" <br>
<br>
Go Intel! Go Gateway! <br>
Now HP! Big Blue! <br>
Everything Compaq, <br>
And Pentium too! <br>
<br>
All processors big, <br>
All processors small, <br>
Crash away! Crash away! <br>
Crash away all! <br>
<br>
All the controls <br>
That planes need for their flights <br>
All microwaves, trains <br>
And all traffic lights. <br>
<br>
As I drew in my breath <br>
And was turning around, <br>
Out through the modem, <br>
He came with a bound. <br>
<br>
He was covered with fur, <br>
And slung on his back <br>
Was a sackful of virus, <br>
Set for attack. <br>
<br>
His eyes-how they twinkled! <br>
His dimples-how merry! <br>
As midnight approached, though <br>
Things soon became scary. <br>
<br>
He had a broad little face <br>
And a round little belly, <br>
And his sack filled with virus <br>
Quivered like jelly. <br>
<br>
He was chubby and plump, <br>
Perpetually grinning, <br>
And I laughed when I saw him <br>
Though my hard drive stopped spinning. <br>
<br>
With a wink of his eye, <br>
And a twist of his head, <br>
I was given to know <br>
A new feeling of dread. <br>
<br>
He spoke not a word, <br>
But went straight to his work, <br>
He changed all the clocks, <br>
Then turned with a jerk. <br>
<br>
With a twitch of his nose, <br>
And a quick little wink, <br>
All things electronic <br>
Soon went on the blink. <br>
<br>
He zoomed from my system, <br>
To the next folks on line, <br>
He caused such a disruption, <br>
That all gave a whine! <br>
<br>
Then I heard him exclaim, <br>
With a loud, hearty shout, <br>
"Happy Y2K to all, <br>
This is just the first bout!"<br>
<br>
============================================<br>
LISTEN TO WJR LIVE ON THE INTERNET. Detroit's super <br>
station is now a super, super station. You will never travel <br>
out of range of WJR again. If you are in Tokyo or Milwaukee, <br>
you can still hear all of what makes WJR special. <br>
<br>
We actually have subscribers to the Advisor News from as far <br>
away as Guatemala City. Even people in Cleveland listen to us.<br>
WJR is becoming an international brand. Listen to WJR in the <br>
background while you check email and do other things on your <br>
computer.<br>
<br>
<font color="#0000FF"><u><a href="http://www.wjr.net/wjr.ram"; eudora="autourl">http://www.wjr.net/wjr.ram</a><br>
<br>
</font></u>You will need the realaudio plug-in (the same software you <br>
will need for most audio and video on the Net) which you <br>
can get free by downloading it from:<br>
<br>
<font color="#0000FF"><u><a href="http://www.real.com/"; eudora="autourl">http://www.real.com</a></font></u> <br>
============================================<br>
The Advisor News is distributed every Wednesday evening <br>
to "support and extend" WJR's Internet Advisor radio show on <br>
Saturday mornings at 8:30 EDT on WJR 760 AM Detroit. <br>
<br>
Please join us as we explore the far reaches of cyberspace. <br>
Call 313-875-4476 or 800-859-0957 during the show to us <br>
ask any question about using the Internet or email us at: <br>
<br>
Gary Baker gary@xxxxxxxxxxxx 734-971-3321 <br>
Foster Braun foster@xxxxxxxxxxxx<br>
<br>
=========================================== <br>
Thank you for listening to the show and visiting our Website.<br>
<br>
<br>
<div>======================</div>
<div>Gary E. Baker</div>
<div>Arthur Andersen</div>
<div>Business Consulting </div>
<div>E-Commerce/Internet Practice</div>
313-596-7834
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