Internet and Web

Your internet connection, web sites and services.

How can I get business email to my clients without being considered spam?

Alan from LaPorte, CO

Episode 1034

Alan needs to use a service like Constant Contact or Mailchimp for his business emails, but he's concerned that people may not read them or that they won't even get through because of spam and malware. Leo says that's the entire idea behind using those services since they know how to format the email with opt-out options, proper settings, etc.that prevent them from being relegated to Spam filters.

How can I get DSL without a phone number?

Barry from Sierra Madre, CA

Episode 1033

Barry would like to get DSL Extreme without having to pay for a Verizon phone number. Leo says that's called "Dry Loop DSL" and the carrier should to offer it, according to the FCC. But the phone companies do make it very difficult to get because there's no money to be made from it. Leo says that DSLExtreme will fight for him to get connected. From the chatroom, AT&T offers Dry Loop. So if he has AT&T it in the area, that may be the option.

(Disclaimer: DSL Extreme is a sponsor).

How can I prevent Facebook from using my contacts?

Robert from Palm Springs, CA

Episode 1032

Robert wants to install the Facebook and Twitter apps, but he's worried about the apps having access to his address book. Leo says it's best to just say no to that. The apps should ask beforehand, so he should take his time when he installs, and just say no. Twitter does it different on Android, though. It makes him think the contacts are on Twitter by having a check beside all his addressees. And that can be embarrassing when Twitter is harassing them with emails. That's what happened to Leo.

How can I get my Cox email to work on my PC?

Mary from Vista, CA

Episode 1032

Mary is having trouble getting her email. Leo says her email may be configured incorrectly. It may also be getting blocked from her antivirus software suite. Norton 360 is a perfect example. Leo suggests using POP3 as opposed to IMAP to see if that works. She can also try using port 9954 for incoming, and 465 for outgoing mail. That can bypass any blocking from the ISP. Here's a technote from Cox on how to fix it.

What's the safest way to share photos and live video online?

Brent from Tennessee

Episode 1032

Brent wants to share photos with friends and family and wants to know the safest way to share them. Leo suggests DropBox. He can securely share images by dragging and dropping images to a folder on his PC that will then upload them to the cloud. Then he can share the images by sending his friends a link to the folder he's given them permission to access.

How can I guard against key logging software?

Pat from Anaheim, CA

Episode 1031

Pat is concerned about key loggers being installed onto his computer. What software can he get to prevent it? Leo says any good antivirus, like Eset's Nod32 will look out for that stuff, but it won't protect him against his own behavior. He could easily get a malicious email from someone he knows who got infected, and end up with malware. He should keep Automatic Updates turned on in Windows, too.

(Disclaimer: ESET is a sponsor)