Monday, February 27, 2012

smartdollars The Computer Savvy Weblog

smartdollars The Computer Savvy Weblog


i-Say Survey Panel – Survey Site Review (Feb 2012)

Posted: 26 Feb 2012 09:15 PM PST

Name: i-Say By Ipsos Survey Panel (Use to be Ipsos i-Say Survey Panel)

Link: http://www.i-say.com/

Who Is Eligible: Pretty Much Anyone

Type of Award Or Payment: Cash (points) / Gift Cards / Paypal / Charity Dollars / Instant Prize / Sweepstakes / Aeroplan miles

(500 point = $5.00 CDN/USD) Must have 500 points = $5.00 CDN/USD To Cash Out

Points Or Cash Normally Earned Per Survey: 0 – 50 points

Sign-Up Time: Not Very Long

How Many Surveys To Expect Per Week: 0 – 15

How Long Does It Take To Collect A Reward Or Cash Out: Varies quite a bit based on target demographic of the month. But often it will take most people way longer then they really would want to wait to cash out.

Do They Spam You: No

Overall Score: 1.5 out of 5 – There is still a real lack in overall surveys FOR MOST PEOPLE. Personally I have not received any surveys since my (Nov 2011) review of i-Say. i-Say seems to have a truck load of new options to cash in and redeem with your points.

But I still feel that even with a new lower 500 point level for a $5 CAD/USD cash out. i-Say will still take you some serious time to achieve even at the new lower $5 for 500 points level. Which is still insane to say the very least. When your not even getting 1 survey a week (Unless you are really lucky).

Very Important Side Note: i-Say seems to be very very picky with who they send surveys too. I say this with ease and way over a year of proof that they will only pick certain people based on sex, age and parenthood  status.

(Which makes sense. But suck for the likes of me and some of my crew. Who are male age 26 and older without kids)

Most often the surveys are going to mothers with kids under 18. The other huge segment is mothers or fathers with adult kids 18-25 years of age.

I would be very surprised if you got any surveys. If you were male age 26 or older without kids. It also seems to be lopsided with regards to the same age range with the ladies. If you are a female of almost any age. You are way more likely to get surveys and be able to cash out.

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Return To The Main Reviews Page

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Till The Next Review,

Remy "Se7en"

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Sunday, February 26, 2012

smartdollars The Computer Savvy Weblog

smartdollars The Computer Savvy Weblog


Blog Update #206 – This Week (CSW) Reviews Both Versions Of IObit Malware Fighter (1.3.0.3)

Posted: 25 Feb 2012 09:15 PM PST

Dear Readers,

This week the (CSW) crew will be bring you 2 full reviews of IObit Malware Fighter (1.3.0.3). We will be covering both the Freeware version and the Pro version of  IObit Malware Fighter (1.3.0.3).

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-Between Feb 20th 2012 – Feb 26th 2012-

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Last Weeks Top Computer Savvy Weblog News Post

- Mozilla FireFox (3.6.27) Is Now Available To Download

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Last Weeks Top Computer Savvy Weblog Feature

- Scam Watch: JustAnswer.com Is It A Scam ? Or Is It Just A Really Bad Investment ?

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Last Weeks Top Computer Savvy Weblog Review

- Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free (1.60.1.1000) Vs. IObit Malware Fighter Free (1.3.0.3) – Side By Side Review

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Till The Next Blog Update,

Danny

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Saturday, February 25, 2012

smartdollars The Computer Savvy Weblog

smartdollars The Computer Savvy Weblog


µTorrent (3.1.2) – P2P Software Review

Posted: 24 Feb 2012 09:15 PM PST

Con's

- Sometimes good Torrents are really really hard to find

- Sometimes it can take hours, days, weeks to download a file and or files. All will depend on your connection speed, the size of the file and the souring of the torrent and or torrents you are using.

- There can be some serious virus issues

- Depending on your Internet connection. You can use all your bandwidth for the whole house or business network without evening knowing it.

- Some options require you to be rather Computer/Internet Savvy person

- Setting up µTorrent for optimal performance can take some trial and error.

- You can encounter "Disk Overloaded 100% glitch". This is where you download will bottom out and may even stop altogether. This can take anywhere from minutes to many hours to get a solid download rate going again.

- You can encounter "Disk Flushing glitch". This is where you download will stop with between 0.01% to 5% download not completed. This will require you to stop the torrent then remove the torrent. Then close down µTorrent. Then re-start µTorrent. Now drag and drop the torrent file again and let it re-check what you haev actually downloaded.  After that then the download should show the correct % complete.

Pro's

- Free

- Simple to use

- There is a ton of customization options wise

-  App add-ons

- Very easy to set download caps and bandwidth caps. So you don't go over by accident

- Very easy to use Internet connection guide

- Files are generally pretty darn safe. Provided you know what files types you are looking for and or planning to download. (And with the Torrents with positive feedback/ also know as the Green comments)

- Way better then the bulk of their competition

- Very slick/clean interface

- Very light on resources (Both Ram and CPU)

- Provided you use a good torrent site, you can get some stellar file sourcing.

- You can find some pretty rare files, movies, music and or books

- Very decent download speeds for most torrents

- Very easy to change ports on the fly

- Can download any type of files you could ever possibly want.

- Can download multiple files at a time

- Can download huge files of several 100 gigs with ease.

- Has bandwidth and sourcing encryption

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Overall Score 4.5 out of 5 – Provided you are using a good torrent source such as ISOHUNT. You should be able to find pretty much anything you could ever want. But be very careful some Torrents can have some very nasty virus hidden inside them. So please use the Torrent Positive/Negative comment rule (If it is green it is a go).  So if there is no feedback or negative also known as RED feedback posted for that torrent. Then whatever you do don't download said torrent. If you do decide to download anyways you would be asking for a possible virus issues.

On the other hand if there are a bunch of positive comments (Green Comments/Positive + Score). Then you should be good, but I tend to read the comments even if there are a lot of positive comments. Just to air on the safe side.

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Here Is The Link To Download µTorrent (3.1.2): http://www.utorrent.com/

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Return To The Main Reviews Page

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Till The Next Review,

Kirbe

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Friday, February 24, 2012

smartdollars The Computer Savvy Weblog

smartdollars The Computer Savvy Weblog


EPD 82: Fan Mail Friday’s (02/24/2012)

Posted: 23 Feb 2012 09:15 PM PST

Dear Remy,

How can I contact the other members of your team ?

Sent In By "Lay Siege And Rain Havok"

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How can I contact the other members of your team ?

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Remy's Reply: Every member of my crew can be reached at computer.savvy@hotmail.com. Which is our main e-mail address of The Computer Savvy Weblog. If you want a person say "Danny" to read your e-mail. Say "Attn: Danny" in the subject line. Then it will be filtered into Danny private folder. Just make sure the persons name is in the subject line and your good to go.

If you forget to address it to say "Danny" or "Nico". And I read that it says "Dear Danny or Nico". I'll forward it on to them to reply to.

Danny's Reply: I know I was not asked this question personally. But it is important to note the main e-mail address Remy mentioned above. Is basically a hub for everyone involved with (CSW). But only the head admins have access to it. So that would be Remy and Myself. There are certain members who have private (CSW) related e-mail address. Theses can be found on our CSW Contact Info -Page-. If they don't have a private e-mail address there. Then we will send it to their other e-mail address they provided to us. (When we hired them)

So anyways, we hope that answers your question "Lay Siege And Rain Havok".

    ——————————————————————

Return To The Main Features Page

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Till Next Friday,

Danny

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Thursday, February 23, 2012

smartdollars The Computer Savvy Weblog

smartdollars The Computer Savvy Weblog


SUPERAntiSpyware (5.0.1144) Professional Edition – Full Review

Posted: 22 Feb 2012 09:30 PM PST

The Rating Scale Breakdown:

  • 0  – 0.5 – Abysmal
  • 1.0 – 1.5 – Terrible
  • 2.0 – 2.5 – Poor
  • 3.0 – 3.5 – Average
  • 4.0 – 4.5 – Great
  • 5.0 – Excellent
  • Undetermined – Too soon to tell or lacking evidence to provide a solid answer
  • Not Tested – Has yet to be requested or there is some limitations to prevent accurate test results
  • N/A – Not Available and or Not Applicable to this program

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V. 3.0 B"SAS" Professional Review Template

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Price: $29.95 USD For A 1 year Subscription For Up To 3 Users/PC's.

Is SUPERAntiSpyware Pro Worth The Price ?: Yes it is. If you want the full protection with the added benefits of Automatic Updating, Scheduling Scanning and Real-Time Protection. Then you will be more then happy with the $29.95 USD price point.

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A. Installation SUPERAntiSpyware 5.0 "Excellent" – Fast, Safe and Simple

B. Un-installing SUPERAntiSpyware3.5 "Average" – No start menu un-install feature. But you can un-install using Windows control panel.

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C. Stability Of Program5.0 "Excellent" – Absolutely no stability Issues

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D. Residential Shield Test - 4.5 "Great" – Very useful and its always great when you can add an extra layer to your PC protection

DD. Browser Hi-Jack And Registry Protection4.0 "Great" – Great. But there is still a lack of protection for Firefox and Chrome

DDD. System Repair OptionUndetermined – Have yet to need this option for any reason.

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E. Detection Rate Test:

E1. Windows XP4.5 "Great"

E2. Windows Vista4.5 "Great"

E3. Windows 7 -4.5 "Great"

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F. Speed of Scan4.5 "Great" – Scan times run on average from about 30 mins to over an 1hr and 30mins

FF. Scan Boost3.5 "Average" - This option does not work with every computer we tested. But when it did work, it worked very well. 

FFF. Types Of Different Scans Available - 5.0 " Excellent" - With 5 different types of scans to suite your fancy.

G. Update Manager5.0 " Excellent" – Works like a charm with no lag at all. As SUPERAntiSpyware has implemented smaller definition updates.

H. Scan Logs3.5 "Average" - The logs could be quite a bit easier to read. But they are in the same league as most programs in this category.

I. SUPERAntiSpyware Support4.0 "Great" – You have their "E-mail Support",  "Customer Support Request Form" or "User Forum"

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My Overall Score: 61/70

87.1 % = A

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My Final Verdict: SUPERAntiSpyware is a very easy and safe program to use. Regardless of your background knowledge of computers and or the Internet. SUPERAntiSpyware is truly your dependable one stop shop for Spyware, Adware and or Internet Cookie removal.

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Here are 2 links to download SUPERAntiSpyware Professional Edition:

1. http://www.superantispyware.com/download.html (SUPERAntiSpyware Main Site)

2. Out Of Date Link As Of This Review (Via download.com/Cnet)

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Return To The Main Reviews Page

——————————————————————

Till The Next Review,

Remy "Se7en"

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Scam Watch: Why Bluetooth Is A Security/Privacy Threat To You ?

Posted: 22 Feb 2012 09:15 PM PST

Dear Readers,

How many of us use some type of Bluetooth devices ? and how many of us don't even have any idea at all of type of how these devices work ?

Well, sadly I would probably have to say there are a lot of us out there. The main issue with "Bluetooth technology" is these devices work on a wide range different frequency's. This range is measured in hertz (MHz) and depending on the frequency / level. You can determine how strong or weak the signal is and how clear your reception will be. The range of Hertz can be from 0 mhz (No signal at all) to 1000′s of mhz (Very clear and long range think law enforcement or military use). Depends where you are in relation to the device and what the weather is like where you are.

So you are asking me. What are the the security/privacy issue then ? Well the issue arises mainly because of the general design of Bluetooth devices.

The main problem is anyone with a Bluetooth enabled device has a program on their phone called scan or search for a network or a Bluetooth enabled device with in range. The range or distance that can be achieved can be anywhere from around 1 foot away to as much as 100′s of feet away.

When using a "Bluetooth search" and or "Network search" in a public area (such as a park or office building). You yourself may even be able to pick up a stray signals. It might even be possible in some cases to be able to listen in on others peoples communications.

I found that any Bluetooth enabled phone and other hands free devices (such as Bluetooth ear buds) maybe able to do this to some degree. Some phones and some hands free devices (such as Bluetooth ear buds) now even have a scan feature were your phone (or hands free device) will randomizes the signal from 1mhz to 1000′s mhz every few seconds. The problem being as long as the person is with in the devices range and there is no password or number lock on that signal (also know as wireless channel).

There is a risk of someone could be listening in on your phone call without you even knowing it. There are no clicking or chirping noises. Like the very old school wire taps and no signal interruption like a cloned or hacked phone and or other wireless devices.

Just be aware that just because it is cool looking and easy to use, DOES NOT MAKE IT SAFE. Plus a lot of highly sensitive Corporate and Government jobs are not allowed using Bluetooth and other wireless devices. Mainly because of the fact it is one of the easiest hacked communication device on the market. Plus these devices are only getting cheaper and easier to hack or compromise everyday.

Till The Next Scam Watch Feature,

Danny

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New Spybot – Search & Destroy Definition Update Available (2012-02-22)

Posted: 22 Feb 2012 10:46 AM PST

Dear Readers,

Hello and welcome to my post that will be continuing to following all of the Spybot – Search & Destroy weekly definition updates.

Here is the full list of updates:

2012-02-22

PUPS

- PIPI.Player.cn

Malware

- Win32.DelResP.cn

- Win32.FakeAV

- Win32.FraudLoad.edt

- Win32.Renos

Trojans

- Atraps.br

- Win32.Agent.yjl

- Win32.Banker

- Win32.Bifrost

- Win32.DownIn10.cn

- Win32.Duqu

- Win32.Eyeon.ie

- Win32.Muollo

- Win32.OnLineGames.down

- Win32.OnLineGames.gen

- Win32.Rapport.eze

- Win32.ZBot

- Win32.ZBot.rtk

Total: 2511408 fingerprints in 784683 rules for 6546 products.

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To see the full list in it's original glory. Please use the following link: http://www.safer-networking.org/en/home/index.html

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If you would like to download Spybot – Search & Destroy please use the following link: http://www.safer-networking.org/en/spybotsd/index.html

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Till The Next Spybot Update,

William



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Wednesday, February 22, 2012

smartdollars The Computer Savvy Weblog

smartdollars The Computer Savvy Weblog


SUPERAntiSpyware (5.0.1144) Free Edition – Freeware Review

Posted: 21 Feb 2012 09:30 PM PST

The Rating Scale Breakdown:

  • 0  – 0.5 – Abysmal
  • 1.0 – 1.5 – Terrible
  • 2.0 – 2.5 – Poor
  • 3.0 – 3.5 – Average
  • 4.0 – 4.5 – Great
  • 5.0 – Excellent
  • Undetermined – Too soon to tell or lacking evidence to provide a solid answer
  • Not Tested – Has yet to be requested or there is some limitations to prevent accurate test results
  • N/A – Not Available and or Not Applicable to this program

————————–

V. 3.0A"SAS" Freeware Review Template

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Price: Free

A. Installation SUPERAntiSpyware 5.0 "Excellent" – Fast, Safe and Simple

B. Un-installing SUPERAntiSpyware3.5 "Average" – No start menu un-install feature. But you can un-install using Windows control panel.

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C. Stability Of Program5.0 "Excellent" – Absolutely no stability Issues

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D. Residential Shield Test -N/A – Not available In Free version

DD. Browser Hi-Jack And Registry ProtectionN/A – Not available In Free version

DDD. System Repair OptionN/A – Not available In Free version

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E. Detection Rate Test:

E1. Windows XP4.5 "Great"

E2. Windows Vista4.5 "Great"

E3. Windows 7 -4.5 "Great"

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F. Speed of Scan4.5 "Great" – Scan times run on average anywhere from 30 mins to over an 1hr and 30 mins.

FF. Scan Boost3.5 "Average" - This option does not work with every computer we tested. But when it did work, it worked very well. 

FFF. Types Of Different Scans Available - 5.0 " Excellent" - With 5 different types of scans to suite your fancy. SuperAntiSpyware has all the different types of scans you'll need. For any job you want to tackle.

G. Update Manager4.5 "Great" – Needs to be updated by manually. But works like a charm with no lag at all. As SUPERAntiSpyware has implemented smaller definition updates.

H. Scan Logs3.5 "Average" - The logs could be quite a bit easier to read. But they are in the same league as most programs in this category. 

I. SUPERAntiSpyware Support3.5 "Average" – You have their "Customer Support Request Form" or "User Forum"

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My Overall Score: 51.5/60

85.8 % = A

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My Final Verdict: SUPERAntiSpyware is extremely effective even in it's freeware version package. You are not choked to death with too many stupid software limitations. Like so so many other freeware programs out there now. You can still update SUPERAntiSpyware and you can still use its 5 different scanning options (minus of course the scan scheduler option). The only 2 very minor downsides that I can see, are that you have to manually scan and manually update SuperAntiSpyware yourself. (For most people this is not even a very big deal. Because we already do it anyways with our other freeware programs such as Spybot and Malwarebytes)

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Here are 2 links to download SUPERAntiSpyware Free Edition:

1. http://www.superantispyware.com/download.html (SUPERAntiSpyware Main Site)

2. Out Of Date Link As Of This Review (Via download.com/Cnet)

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Return To The Main Reviews Page

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Till The Next Review,

Danny

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NoScript (2.3.1) – Mozilla FireFox Add-on Review

Posted: 21 Feb 2012 09:15 PM PST

NoScript (2.3.1)

A. Ease Of Use: 3/5 – Not as easy to use as I would like to see. Most people tend to get very frustrated with this add-on in a very short time. Which often results in the person de-activating and or un-installing this add-on.

But for the people who stick around long enough have a real tool to help stem the tide of pop-ups , banner ads and other Internet annoyances.

B. Security: 4/5 - NoScript is very helpful in securing your computer from a lot of seen and un-seen threats across the net during your day to day activities. This add-on will not impede your security it will boost it if used correctly.

C. Usefulness: 5/5 – Both my life as a member (CSW) and my life on the net would be a lot harder without this add-on. If you ever wondered how to say something in another language. Or even if you just ran into a site and or blog that is not in your own language.

D. FireFox Slowdown: There is some lag (But will vary based on computer and Internet connection)

E. Computer Slow Down: No lag that I noticed. But FireFox does seem to use more memory faster. When NoScript  is active and in use.

F. Type Of User I Would Recommend To Use This Add-on: A more advanced Firefox user would find this way more useful. Then a novice no doubt about that.

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Download Link: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/noscript/?src=hp-dl-featured

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Return To The Main Reviews Page

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Till The Next Review,

Kirbe

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Tuesday, February 21, 2012

smartdollars The Computer Savvy Weblog

smartdollars The Computer Savvy Weblog


What Does The Short Form “OLED” Stand For ?

Posted: 20 Feb 2012 09:15 PM PST

OLED or organic light-emitting diode - is a light-emitting diode (LED) in which the emissive electroluminescent layer is a film of organic compounds which emit light in response to an electric current. This layer of organic semiconductor material is situated between two electrodes. Generally, at least one of these electrodes is transparent.

There are two main families of OLEDs: those based on small molecules and those employing polymers. Adding mobile ions to an OLED creates a Light-emitting Electrochemical Cell or LEC, which has a slightly different mode of operation. OLED displays can use either passive-matrix (PMOLED) or active-matrix addressing schemes. Active-matrix OLEDs (AMOLED) require a thin-film transistor backplane to switch each individual pixel on or off, but allow for higher resolution and larger display sizes.

OLEDs are used in television screens, computer monitors, small, portable system screens such as mobile phones and PDAs, watches, advertising, information, and indication. OLEDs are also used in large-area light-emitting elements for general illumination.

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Return To The Main Features Page

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Source: Wikipedia

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New VLC Media Player (2.0.0) Build Available To Download @ http://www.videolan.org/vlc/

Posted: 20 Feb 2012 01:51 PM PST

Dear Readers,

Well to my surprise, I found that there was a whole new (2.0.0) VLC Media Player build.

In The Mean Time Here Is TheVLC Media Player Download Link -

Till The Next Update,

William

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Mozilla FireFox (3.6.27) Is Now Available To Download

Posted: 20 Feb 2012 01:36 PM PST

Dear Readers,

It appears that there is still another update for Mozilla FireFox available to download right now. And for all of those people who are interested here is the list of some of the fixes and improvements in the (3.6.27) version…

————————-

Till The Next 3.6.xxx Mozilla FireFox Update,

William

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Monday, February 20, 2012

smartdollars The Computer Savvy Weblog

smartdollars The Computer Savvy Weblog


NPD Online Research Panel – Survey Site Review (Feb 2012)

Posted: 19 Feb 2012 09:15 PM PST

Name: NPD Online Research Panel

Link: http://www.npdor.com/default.asp

Who Is Eligible To Participate: Canadian & US Residence Only

Type of Award Or Payment: Cash / Prizes /Sweepstakes Entries

Points or Cash Normally Earned Per Survey: $0.00

Sign-Up Time: Fairly Short

How Many Survey Invitations Should You Expect Per Week: 0 – 5

How Long Does It Take To Collect A Reward Or Cash Out: A really long time

Do They Spam You: No

Overall Rating: 1 out of 5 – This survey company is great if you are really lucky. I have done a few very high paying  journal type surveys and they not only pay well. But they payout rather fast. But like I said you have to be rather lucky.

EXTRA INFO: NPD online research panel is the only survey site. That has proven itself to be honest in their sweepstakes contests. Both myself and many of my members and friends have won at one time or another.

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Return To The Main Reviews Page

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Till The Next Review,

Remy "Se7en"

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