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For those not familiar with tethering when it comes to cell phones, the following link does a good job of describing what it means. If you're feeling lazy about clicking, it's basically connecting a computer or networking device to a cell phone to utilize its internet connectivity.

What is tethering?

All that said, a colleague (and fellow Sprint Mogul user) pointed me to a Windows Mobile software application that specifically provides tethering. That package is WMWiFi Router. Similar to the Cradlepoint I mentioned in an earlier post, this software will turn a Windows Mobile device into a WiFi hotspot. More specifically, depending on what type of connection options your phone offers (e.g., WiFi, Bluetooth, USB), it will allow you to use the data service connection of your phone with multiple networking devices. After surfing the site and hitting a few reviews, I decided to try out the demo.

So. . .I'm very impressed. Although my phone doesn't have the Rev A (faster EVDO) firmware, the speed over the phone was very usable, and the install AND config ran flawlessly.

As some of you may know, I've been on the EVDO bandwagon for a while. Recently, I've been using a Novatel U720 to get me online. It has served me quite well on both Mac and PC platforms. It wasn't until recently that I found myself interested in acquiring an EVDO router to share the EVDO connection. Why? 'Cause sharing is caring.

I've been aware of the options and alternatives but didn't feel very compelled to drop any dough on such a device. Well, when it came down to connection competition (e.g., being the individual who gets to use the laptop while traveling because you have an internet connection but somebody else wants to use it so they can check their e-mail but then don't want to give it back because now they want to look something else up to entertain themselves because you're not as interesting as you thought you were, etc.), it seemed like it might be a good idea.

Enter the CradlePoint CTR-350. This slick portable piece of technology "creates a Secure WiFi Hotspot" using a broadband-enabled cellular phone or modem. In other words, this allows more than one person to use the EVDO connection.

It was very easy to set up and currently appears to be running pretty swiftly handling 2 users. BRILLIANT!

Like me, you may have recently received a flier about identity theft via the USPS. Courtesy of the FTC, I think it does a very good job of summarizing some practical points of how to avoid being a victim. It additionally provides some useful information you may not know.

The following information comes (almost verbatim) from that flier:

DETER
Shred - financial documents and paperwork with personal information before you discard them.

Protect - your Social Security number. Don't carry your Social Security card in your wallet or write your Social Security number on a check. Give it out only if absolutely necessary or ask to use another identifier.

Don't give out - personal information on the phone, through the mail, or over the Internet unless you know who you are dealing with.

Never click - on links sent in unsolicited emails; instead, type in a web address you know. Use firewalls, anti-spyware, and anti-virus software to protect your home computer; keep them up-to-date. Visit OnGuardOnline.gov for more information.

Don't use - an obvious password like your birthdate, your mother's maiden name, or the last four digits of your Social Security number.

Keep - your personal information in a secure place at home, especially if you have roommates, employ outside help, or are having work done in your house.

DETECT
Be alert to signs that reuire immediate attention:
- Bills that do not arrive as expected
- Unexpected credit cards or account statements
- Denials of credit for no apparent reason
- Calls or letters about purchases you did not make

Inspect:
Your credit report. Credit reports contain information about you, including what accounts you have and your bill paying history.
- The law requires the major nationwide consumer reporting companies-Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion-to give you a free copy of your credit report each year if you ask for it.
- Visit www.Annual CreditReport.com or call 1-877-322-8228, a service created by these three companies, to order your free credit reports each year. You also can write:
Annual Credit Report Request Service
P.O. Box 105281
Atlanta, GA 30348-5281

Your financial statements - Review financial accounts and billing statements regularly, looking for charges you did not make.

DEFEND
Place a "Fraud Alert" on your credit reports, and review the reports carefully. The alert tells creditors to follow certain procedures before they open new accounts in your name or make changes to your existing accounts. The three nationwide consumer reporting companies have toll-free numbers for placing an initial 90-day fraud alert; a call to one company is sufficient:
- Equifax: 1.800.525.6285
- Experian: 1.888.EXPERIAN (397.3742)
- TransUnion: 1.800.680.7289

Close accounts. - Close any accounts that have been tampered with or established fraudulently.
- Call the security or fraud departments of each company where an account was opened or changed without your okey. Follow up in writing, with copies of supporting documents.
- Use the ID Theft Affidavit at ftc.gov/idtheft to support your written statement.
- Ask for verification that the disputed account has been closed and the fraudulent debts discharged.
- Keep copies of documents and records of your conversations about the theft.

File a police report. - File a report with law enforcement officials to help you with creditors who may want proof of the crime.

Report the theft to the Federal Trace Commission. - your report helps law enforcement officials across the country in their investigations.
- Online: ftc.gov/idtheft
- By phone: 1.877.ID-THEFT (438.4338) or TTY, 1.866.653.4261
- By mail:
Identity Theft Clearinghouse
Federal Trade Commision
Washington, DC 20580

First game of 2007 World Series with the Sox 'n Rockies.

I'm a little late, but I turn on the screen to watch it in High-Def. Channel 434 comes up with the message "ONE MOMENT PLEASE, This channel should be available shortly." In fact, I noticed that all HD channels are working properly EXCEPT channels 434 and 435.

I then call up a friend to see they're get'n channel 434. They are. Now knowing that, has me thinking this issue is localized. I then try the good 'ole Windoze solution. Unplug the guy - wait - plug it back in - turn it back on. No success. Same krappy results. Time to call Comcast customer support. Oh boy, here we go.

The good? I didn't have to wait long. The customer service rep (CSR) was pleasant. Unfortunately, things didn't really get better.

The bad? Unfortunately, the CSR wasn't able to fix anything from their seat. The CSR then discovered that they are experiencing the SAME ISSUE!!! IN THEIR OFFICE! ON THEIR BOX/TV! They proceed to call 'engineering'. Engineering says they are getting the channels and it works fine. Yet, they don't seem to be doing anything to help diagnose the issue. I'm then told that engineering won't do anything unless more complaints are raised?

I've got nothing else to say right now.

I take that back - before hang'n up, the CSR is comp'n me $5 for the loss of service this evening.

[EDIT 1] - I also neglected to mention, I have an appointment to have a tech visit Friday morning.

Good News!
[EDIT 2] - It turns out to be a localized issue! With some help, a tech was able to come by earlier than scheduled. The cable signal registered fine coming in the house, but the signal at the cable box was very weak. To quickly resolve the signal weakness, we re-wired the guy with a more direct connection to the source (sans surge protector and splitter). Voila! It works. . .channel 434 has returned.

Conclusion:
1. Albeit procedure was followed, where 'engineering' could not help. The CSR's messaging did not inspire confidence. Perhaps they should have just moved to offer an on-site visit by a tech.

2. From another perspective, it's kind of a freakish coincidence that the CSR was experiencing similar issues. The other downside, is that something had transpired in my residence to affect the specific HD channels.

I'm glad that I should be able to watch game 2 tonight in all it's High-Def splendor and hope we can all learn from this Halloween experience.

Bad news
[EDIT 3] - Not 100% what's happening, but it appears that I'm getting hit again. :-/ The bonus? A channel I don't watch.

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