ATT optout "ad service"- You should do it

I got a postcard in the mail yesterday from ATT.  The bottom line:  ATT collects info on what equipment you have and "how you use it."  This includes info on VOIP services (If you use this, you know what this means, otherwise, think SKYPE as a kind of VOIP.)   Then they sell this info to others so they can target ads to you, by mail, phone, email, etc.  They postcard says they don't include your telephone number, your name, or address, but the wording is a little confusing because elsewhere in the postcard it talks about using your information to offer you additional products and services.

So, I recommend going to http://www.att.com/ecpnioptout and fill out the form to opt out.  Otherwise, no response and you've "opted in."

Windows 8 Cost Info + Buy New Windows Computer now or wait until Windows 8?

Windows 8 availability:  in time for the Christmas season.  You can get an advance beta copy here.  This link shows the new features of Windows 8 as well as giving a link to the download.

Windows 8 cost to buy separately:  Don’t know

If you purchase a Windows 7 computer and want to switch to Windows 8:  Between now and Jan 31, 2013 the cost is $15 and the information suggests you can get Windows 8 Pro for that price if you have any version of Windows 7 other than the Starter edition.  (More information)

Should you wait and buy a new computer with Windows 8 after Windows 8 is released?  (Article)  Net:  Only if you want to take advantage of new features, which are primarily oriented toward touch screen device.  So, to take advantage of new features you would buy a touch screen device.  There will be a new category:  laptops with detachable keyboards and a touch screen.  There will also be major changes in the new processor chips to make the machines faster.  However, if you just do email, browsing, music, general document editing, and pictures, the advantages of the new hardware is questionable.

New cost program to earlier Windows versions (eg XP) with Windows 8:  There will be a promotion to upgrade from XP through 7 to Windows 8:  $40 to download, $70 for disks.  This will last from release until Jan. 31, 2013. (Article)

For all upgrades on your old or new computer, factor in:

1. For your existing computer:  check hardware requirements; you have to move all your current programs and data over.  If XP or Vista, expect some pain.
2. For your new computer:  you have to get all the advertising crap and unwanted apps off; you need to add antivirus/malware (Windows 8 comes with the equivalent of Windows Security Essentials, so, for most home use behind a modem/router firewall, that should be sufficient.); you have to move all your current programs and data over.

If you need help, schedule some time. The best thing to do is to let me have your computer(s) to make the necessary changes. That way, I won't spend a lot of time just waiting for things to happen; I can be doing other things while I wait.

You need to run this test on your computer by July 9- FBI

I alway cringe at notes that fly around our communities that warn of this or that virus, scamware, etc.  Is it true or is the note itself a scam?  Today something crossed my email- "Will the FBI Shut Down Your Internet on Monday?"  I've provided a link to this discussion because it is a valid warning.  Basically, your computer internet link has been changed so your internet goes through a malicious computer before your message or request is routed on.  Look at the linked video for more information.  Note that I've seen this malware on several computers in our neighborhoods, and I've seen at least one instance of a "stealth" bug that hadn't changed the route YET, but was still on their computer, presumably waiting for some day when it will be activated.

There is a web site you visit to check if you have a problem and, if you do, to fix it:  click here.