Tag Archives: cellphones

A Warning and a Screaming Good Deal

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First, a warning: there is a nasty piece of ransomware that lately been attacking unsuspecting computers. It’s the Cryptolocker virus. It attacks your system by encrypting it and then holding your hard drive for ransom. If you get hit with this, there is not a lot you can do to recover the drive. Some sources online suggest that paying the ransom is the only way to get it back. I say no way!

Prevention is your best ally. There are three things you should always do to keep yourself safe online:

  • Make sure you backup your system to a drive not on your computer. A backup service, such as Mozy, can put your backups on autopilot. Backing up to an external hard drive works quite well, too. Both of these are reasonably priced and really beat the loss of all your data. With a backup in place, you can replace your hard drive with a new one, reload your operating system, and restore your data without too much expense, certainly less than paying a ransom.
  • Download the free version of MalwareBytes and have it run scans frequently. This program finds Trojans and other malware on your system and eliminates them before they have a chance to do their evil deeds. Add this program in addition to your anti-virus.
  • Encrypt your system yourself. This protects you from all kinds of nasty things besides just Cryptolocker. Just remember that if you lose your password to unlock your encrypted drive, there is no way to recover it. Make sure you write it down and keep it, and copies of it, available.

Now, here’s the best deal I’ve found in a long time: Republic Wireless has the best prices on cell phone coverage I’ve ever seen. It starts at $10 a month for unlimited calls, text, and data. (I know!) If you want 3G or 4G, the plans are a bit more, as much as $40. (Again, an “I know!” with exclamation points!)

There are, of course restrictions and stipulations. You definitely need to have broadband at home. You have to use their one phone, Motorola’s Moto X, which costs $299 but is a good Android phone. Over the course of two years, which is how you should always price cell plans, you would only pay $240. That’s amazing! That’s what many people pay for just two months of service.

What makes this possible is the software that Republic Wireless has pioneered. It essentially pushes everything, including your calls, through the internet, if it’s available. If it isn’t, then calls, texts, and data go to cell service seamlessly. This plan isn’t for everyone, but for those who have good access to wi-fi, there’s nothing wrong with saving some green.

 

Cutting Costs on Cell Phone Coverage

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(This is for Tim…)

Here’s the deal: the Big Four cell phone companies no longer are the only game in town. There are many new companies offering cell phone service at a half to a third of the cost, with plans that are better tailored to how you use your phone. And, they don’t require contracts!

Here’s a quick list of some good ones: Virgin Mobile, Consumer Cellular, Boost Mobile, and the ultimate in low-cost smartphone cellular access, Republic Wireless. (That $19 a month price for unlimited access is not a typo!)

Here’s what you do: get some copies of your wireless phone bill so that you know what your usage is. Go to the web sites of each of these companies and see which of their plans might suit you best. Check to see if their coverage map includes your area. Then see how much you will save.

The best time to change your cell phone company is once you are no longer under a contract and you’ve found that it is time to buy a new phone. Most of these companies will want you to purchase a phone that is compatible with their system. Even if that costs a bit upfront, you’ll be saving so much over the course of the next two years, it will be entirely worth it. Your cell phone number is portable, which means that you can keep your number no matter what company you choose.

Currently, I’m using Virgin Mobile and I have an HTC EVO 3D smartphone. The phone cost me $239 to purchase and I pay $35 a month for unlimited text, data (web), and 300 minutes of talk time. This fits me to a tee. I am also quite impressed with the level of customer service at VM. It’s SO much better than I’ve experienced with any of the big companies.

Now, go save yourself some money!