1) Scam Contest – Since I started off with this, I wanted to talk about scam contests. Some blogs have done this in the past with a really high cash prize to help them build up a buzz and then they end up not offering a cash prize to the winner anyway. In some other situations, I have seen the prizes go to family members or friends, who obviously dont receive any prize.

2) Fake Bloggers – Sometimes you’ll see a blog with a beautiful female blogger or a model-like male blogger that actually doesn’t exist. Its not that people are not as pretty or are ugly but they feel the better image will attract more people to their blog which would help them build traffic.

3) No Payout from Advertisers – This doesn’t seem that likely lately but some advertising websites don’t actually make payouts. When I started talking about InfoLinks, I was asked to provide a proof of payment because it seemed to be a trend in the past that people advertise a service or product and do not receive any compensation or payment from the advertisers.

4) Dissolving MMO Schemes – Something else we’ve seen is certain websites pop up and rake in a lot of traffic or new ways to make money and as soon as they’ve reached their goal, they dissolve and do away with the blog. There are 3 blogs that I can think of where this has happened. The bloggers do this by coming up with a scheme that will help bring traffic to the people that pay in to this idea and when the scheme doesn’t do well, and the money has been received by the person that came up with the idea, the website and the blogger disappear into the dust.

5) Selling things that dont exist or never ship – This is probably the most common crime that is not only experienced in the blogosphere but also through other mediums such as eBay or other forums. People decide that they will sell items that are high value and never really exist and if they do exist, they never ship. This was seen more commonly with the iPhone and the Wii. Either way, this is a major scam on the internet that we see all the time and even some new businesses have done that. Sometimes, such new websites would even sell your credit card information after they dissolve.

I hope this post has been entertaining. My exams are finally letting up so I’ll have more posts soon. Hope everyone is doing good and let me know if youve been a part of such a scam or deceit before. Have a good rest of the week!

VocalCity keeps focusing on the business aspect and thats because most businesses frequently make phone calls that are not local – they may be statewide, nationwide and even global and VocalCity’s business VoIP service allows you to do all that and much more. All this with a low start-up cost and lower phone bills every month so that you won’t be scared to see your monthly invoice online.

I looked over the website and its very well designed, its got a really clean layout and the initial intro video footage is very amusing so even if you aren’t looking for a VoIP service you should atleast check out the website. They do have a 1-877 number that you can call as well which I do like.

The best thing I like is that they have Cisco phone equipment which as many of you will easily agree, is the best system out there. They don’t have you get any other additional equipment and the sign up process is fast and theres no contract. The savings also range from 50% to 85% which I thought was quite phenomenal. So why not give them a shot? Visit VocalCity!

Well, I decided that instead of spending $2,000 to buy a brand new computer, that I’d go through and build my own computer from scratch so I decided to do some research and maybe you can guys can give me some pointers if you’ve built your computer before. Here is a list of all the parts I’ve ordered or already purchased:

1) Intel Core i5 Processor – This is one of the new processor systems by Intel and its the younger brother of the i7 system but apparently theres not much of a difference in performance so I picked up the i5. The price? $160. These usually sell for around $230 so I saved about $70 on this purchase by picking it up at MicroCenter which seems to have some good prices on the processors.

2) A-DATA Gaming DDR3 Low Voltage 4GB RAM – This is one of the requirements of the new chipset on the i5 processor units. It seems as though the mobo’s that support the 1156 socket for the i5 and i7 processors require DD3 and a voltage of 1.65 or less. With that said, the RAM usually runs about $90 for 4GB but I picked this up at the local Fry’s for $70.

3) MSI P55 CD53 Motherboard – The MSI Motherboard is all brand new for the i5 processor because its the 1156 socket motherboard. Most motherboards are 775 sockets and all that means is that these new motherboards are a bit on the expensive side, or atleast they can be more expensive. I paid around $105 for this motherboard through ZipZoomFly.

4) OCZ Technology ModXStream Pro 700W Power Supply - All my experience with Dell meant that I needed a better and more powerful power supply in order to provide juice to the system. The old power supply, provided by Dell, was a 350W and so I decided to double it up and move to 700W with the OCZ Power Supply. Best part is, that it comes with some wire management goodies so I can make sure things look organized inside. The Power Supply runs around $130 but I picked it up for $80 with a $30 rebate, so we’re looking at $50 after the rebate.

5) HAF 932 Full Tower Case – Now, this case was not something I was expecting to buy. I decided that a mid-tower case around $60 would have been perfect but the HAF 932 is definitely a full tower case with 4 fans. 3 of the fans are 230mm with one fan being 140mm. These fans are much larger than average and all that means is that the case will be super cool at all times. So in other words, firing up the motherboard, wont be an issue next time around. The case runs for $140, but I spent around $100 at the local Fry’s.

The total price of everything was around $485 since shipping was usually free and tax was eliminated on quite a few of the products. You might be wondering, what happened to the video card and such but I am actually using my video card, audio card, hard drives and dvd drives from the old computer. That allowed me to save quite a bit of money since I actually had a really good video and audio card and my hard drives were over a 1TB. I felt there was no need to upgrade those so lets hope that I can put all this together.

My first issue is, where some of the pins go on the motherboard and actually, how would I actually install the processor and although these seem like dumb questions, for someone who has never done this before, I think its actually not a bad place to start. Ive been doing my reading and I might even put a video up of me building the computer. Hopefully things work out just fine! Wish me luck! and if you have any tips or guides on how I can do this without ruining anything, I would appreciate it!

Problem is that a lot of homes in my neighbor use these large Sony CCD cameras and it just makes it really obvious. Some even have the dummy camera system which obviously is no use. I wanted to install something that was more of a hidden camera system so I decided to do some hunting and came across Brick House Security.

The thing is that sometimes cameras that are “hidden” are so small that their lenses and clarity is no good but apparently brick house knows what they’re talking about. Check out the options they have, everything from cameras in a tissue box to a coke can. Theres even mailbox cameras and bird feeder cameras, the possibilities are truly endless. I actually thought this would be great just to have as a safety net. Its not that I’d probably use this as my main camera system but just something I could use in the event that I needed it. Either way, pretty cool website and lots of great little gadgets. The prices are on the high side though but im attempting to find an actual youtube video to see how this actually works. In the mean time, you guys should check it out!

You might wonder why I would be asked to review a review? Well, the basic idea is that theres an affiliate link for Host Monster on the blog and every time someone clicks the link and purchases hosting, the owner makes a certain percentage. Theres nothing wrong with this but that leaves me with barely anything to really review or talk about. Not really too fair, I dont think.

The problem is that when I get review offers like this, I really dont know what to say but I accept them because, well, to be honest, its fairly easy money and secondly this gives me a chance to show you a money making tactic.

Its a great idea, dont get me wrong. EVERYONE does it. John Chow, Shoe Money, they all do it. By having someone do a review of your work though isn’t going to help you much. I think affiliate links are awesome and if you can make money by advertising and promoting them, then why not. I don’t think I’ve made too much money from my affiliate links but it does help quite a bit, specially if youre hosted by the same company.

While I am talking about this, let me say that Host Monster is a good hosting company. They do offer lots of solutions and they are cost-effective – meaning that you get a good bang for your buck. Since this is a review, definitely check out the website and let me know what you think. Also, tell me what you think about having a blog review your review and include an affiliate link. I think its actually very smart but I wonder how effective it really is!

Desktop Issues
In addition, last night a fiasco ensued when my desktop – with all my blogging and webdesign goodies decided to close its doors. I was in the middle of a 6-page paper when my desktop froze and then decided that it won’t boot up again. Maybe I can describe the issue and someone might be able to help me out. Every time I start the computer, the fan runs really fast but doesn’t boot the computer up. I think its because its getting quite a bit hot in texas and the computer isn’t getting enough cool air causing things to get over heated but thats just my theory. Any suggestions?

Follow me on Twitter
I also seem to be closing in on the 500 Twitter followers which makes me quite happy because about a month ago I only had a 100 or less. I think thats not too bad but I also have been trying to tweet quite a bit when I get time. I installed the Twikini App on my Windows Mobile cell phone and I have the TweetDeck app on my iPod as well as my ex-Desktop. I figure that way, even if I’m in class, or walking to get lunch, I am able to get online and send out a message really quick. It seems to be helping and actually, helps me still send out messages to my followers and readers. If you aren’t following me yet, you definitely should!

Reviewing UK Webhosting Company
I have also had quite a few review opportunities come my way and its no surprise as my Alexa Rank has been steadily declining which is a great thing. Recently, a UK based webSite hosting company asked me to give them a brief mention. I guess a lot of my readers are in the US based on my AwStats numbers (about 58%) but I seem to forget that about 20% of my readers are from the UK. Some might argue that web hosts in the US are cheaper and I actually do think they are. Lets consider this, the price for a .com domain on FreeZone is 8 pounds which is close to $15 in the US. Most webhosts in the US charge close to $9. In addition, all their hosting packages are 4 pounds or $7 or so a month and the maximum space is 10GB. That seems a bit low for most of us who have unlimited server space. I know a lot of people aren’t big fans of 1and1 but I use them and I pay around $5 a month for unlimited space. I think, that you can find better deals elsewhere but if you don’t want your server to be in the US, then maybe you can check them out.

I hope everyone is doing okay. I’ll probably have another post on Friday or so. I have my midterm in a few hours so wish me luck! Have a great rest of the week everyone!

Students will most likely spend the entire day at the training and the trainning requires lots of focus and long, consecutive days of intensive learning and training programs. Students will be required to spend the entire day attending classes and working in computer labs as well as practicing for the upcoming exams. There will be instructors present in order to help deliver the message as well as help and answer any questions the students may have.

The CBT Planet courses have got some good reviews on the last post that I did so I am sure they provide exactly what they promise. 2010 seems like a long time away but its definitely not and why wait when you can sign up now to ensure that you’ll have a spot when the time comes around.

The CBT Planet courses help you learn whatever you need to know in a manner that saves you time and is efficient to help you get back to your daily life. The programs are compressed into much shorter periods – usually a week rather than months. This can help those who are truly devoted on learning to sign up for the program, attend the classes and training sessions for a week and then go on and take the exam.

My question is, these MCITP bootcamps? How many people are actually interested in such bootcamps? If you have the time you might opt for a different program but what is the market for a program like this? Are there are a lot of jobs that require it? I’m not too well-read on this aspect so any help is appreciated but I have always wondered. Either way, hope everyone has a great week and I hope that youre waiting to hear more from me soon!

They have a highly qualified instructor list and their unique qualifications can ensure you that you will recieve the best training course out there. Theres always books and websites and other methods of learning but those programs are always boring and will never be tailored to your needs unlike the MCITP courses that they have. Students get to spend the entire day learning and going through a rigorous regimen compared to having to learn the same material over months at a time. The idea is to get the job done in the shortest amount of time and CBT is attempting to do just that.

The CBT Planet courses have actually received some good reviews on some past posts and even on some other websites. I did a few google searches and came up with some interesting new links and some pretty good reviews which actually impressed me. It seems like the training courses trend has been going around though but CBT definitely seems to be doing something or the other right.

The best part is that since the course is actually taught by an expert instructor, you don’ have to worry about learning the information in a text based book format. You can actually watch a training instructor give you tips and teach you how to pass the exam and it can’t get any more personalized than that. You learn what you need to know, from qualified instructors and you have access to all the resources such as computer labs, computers, software and even help when you need it? How more convenient can it get?

The problem that I have is that I have seen CBT Planet, CountryWide and KAlliance. Whats the big difference in the companies and doesn’t competition mean that prices would be lower? It seems that the prices for these courses can get quite expensive even for everything you get. I don’t have a list of prices but does anyone know? and do you even see the difference between these training course websites?

Although I create weekly backups or so of the database, I am always worried about what would happen if the main contents got ruined. Well the only thing I can think of is to schedule a backup to your hard drive of your ftp folder. The first time you do such a backup, it will take a while to copy all the files but every time after that, only the changes will be added on or taken off. So, basically, if I create a full backup today and then add a picture to my blog tomorrow. If today was the first time I ever did the backup, then it would take a while but tomorrow, it might only take a few seconds to download that picture I had added. This can really help you save time and keep your mind at ease.

My Computer & Specs
Lately, however, I have been worried about my computer. My computer isn’t that new. It is about 5 years old now but it has been upgraded and for those of you who are curious and want to know the specs, here they are:
22″ HDMI Connected Samsung Monitor
Pentium 4, 3.0 Ghz with HT Technology
3GB RAM + ATI Radeon HD 3600 with 512MB RAM
Dual Drives – DVD Burner + CD Burner
1.2 TB Internal Hard Drive + 250GB External
Audigy 4 SE 5.1 Audio Card + Logitech THX 5.1 Z-5300e Speakers

The specs are not bad considering that I have invested quite a bit of time and have upgraded the computer over time. Lately though, I have began wondering about the Antivirus protection on my computer. Many people swear by Norton but I am not such a big fan of Norton. It has turned out to be a memory hog for me and I was wondering if you guys had any suggestions. Some software that comes to mind is as follows:

Trend Micro
Trend Micro is a company that comes to mind mostly because of the free tools that they have out. They have this tool called HouseCall which you can check out here. Basically, the tool allows you to scan your computer for malware, viruses and spyware online and best of all, its free. Now, this isn’t something that will protect you all the time, but its good if you need to quickly check your computer. Aside from that, they also have a few Clean-up tools to help you get rid of malware and bots such as HijackThis and RUBotted that you can check out here. They also have some prevention tools for the iPhone, your email and your computer here.

AVG AntiVirus
Other popular choices are AVG AntiVirus which is a resident antivirus software that is completely free. The thing about AVG that bothers me is that although its free, it does have upgrade options which means that sometimes updates are delayed and you may not have the best coverage at all times. I know that companies need to make money, but as far as I can remember, AVG never had upgrade options before and used to be completely free. Aside from that, and the fact that AVG also hasn’t been too good at blocking some Trojan horses, I wonder how effective it really is.

Avast AntiVirus
The software that I use is Avast which is also free with several upgrade options. Avast, is good and although I’m not a big fan of the user interface, it does seem to do a pretty decent job. The only thing that really bugs me about Avast is that its not too user friendly. The interface can be a pain and the software is a bit of a memory hog. I mean, its free so I really can’t complain but it has worked for me quite effectively.

I’m trying to think of some other free solutions but nothing really comes to mind. At the moment, I’m trying out Trend Micro’s HouseCall and seeing how well that works. Generally, I would use Panda Antivirus’s free online solution but that has deteriorated over time and from the looks of it, Trend Micro’s HouseCall is definitely looking like a great replacement. Hope you guys are having a great day so far and if you have an antivirus software thats free or has free tools, do write me back so that I can check them out!

Then i headed over to WendoverArt.com which is primarily an office wall art store but they offer some great prices and they have lots of paintings and art to choose from.

They are based out of Clearwater, Florida and they have wall art choices for your home, office, or both. They even have a line of wholesale art that you can actually find in stores across the US. They custom design and frame all their art themselves and they can even design some art for you based on what you want.

They have art selections that are geared towards retailers, interior designers and purchasing agents for project-based artwork. Their art can be placed in homes, restaurants, hotels, office, or any other suitable location. They even have categories of art to match each setting so that you can find the art you need to satisfy your needs.

The company has been in existence since 1992 which is great for credibility and their design staff also provides corporate art services to help you with your current project as well as later on if you decide to purchase any artwork from them. I have to say that I will be ordering a piece of artwork from Wendover Art so when it does arrive, I’ll have to make a video about it. For those of you who buy art, what is your preference?