 Mike Klubok the Owner of Computer Concierge NY LLC has trained seniors as old as 95 to better use their computer. The other day I spoke with a high level person in a non-profit organization that has a large senior membership about doing a technology related presentation to members of his organization. The person responded that as many of his members are in their 80s they would not find it useful. After mentioning a few items like how computers can help with health care for seniors, the social aspect, and being an enabler of life learning he suddenly became interested. Keep in mind that when I talk about computers I am including smartphones and tablets like the iPad , Kindle Fire and others as they are computers. I have worked with people as old as 95; Helping them to use their computer to keep in touch with friends and family, discover old friends, track their investments, and better use the features of Google search. These are some of the benefits of seniors using computers. Those I have worked with were very motivated to improve their computer skills and with good reason. Connected seniors are more likely to be happier and healthier than their counterparts who do not use the internet. Evidence has shown that those seniors who are connected are less likely to suffer from depression. In an era where more of us live further from family and friends than ever before the internet has helped to stay connected. I helped a woman in her 80s set up a Facebook account a while back to keep in touch with her grandchildren and see pictures of them and their travels in life. She also wanted to connect with friends she lost touch with from her childhood in Germany. I don’t know how much luck she had connecting with her lost friends but I know she was thrilled to see pictures of her grandson’s travels in Spain on Facebook that she likely would not have seen otherwise. I worked with another woman who received what she thought was a picture of her great-grandchild living in England who she had never seen and was unable to open it. When I arrived to address the problem she had opening up the file I realized it was not a picture but rather a video. Her tears of joy in seeing the video of her great-grandchild crawling was something special. When I left she gave me a big hug and thanked me for helping her to see the video. Skype is also a great connector of friends and family that live miles and miles away. Many years ago the phone company said that long distance was the next best thing to being there. Maybe then it was but now it has to be Skype. The internet gives seniors better access to health care. Communicating by email is a method used by more and more doctors. If you want to monitor what you are eating there are sites such as FitDay that allow you to do so. You also can do research. Want to know more about a drug you are taking? Go to PDR.net. Sites like WebMD and MayoClinic.com are just two sites that have an abundance of medical information. Both of them also have a symptom checker where you can find possible causes of your symptoms. Studies have shown that truly lifelong learners have a better quality of life. The internet provides the ability to quickly get information about world events, politics, sports, etc. Wikipedia is one factor in why very few people these days have books of encyclopedias at home anymore. The last item I will mention is that the internet fosters independence for seniors. Seniors are now less likely to need someone to take them shopping. I have shown seniors how to shop using Amazon. Their orders get delivered to their door. Groceries can be ordered from sites such as FreshDirect. So if you think you are too old to use a computer think again. Ask some of the seniors I have worked with how using a computer has added to their lives and don’t be surprised if you see a 90something person in the park Skyping with their friend or grandchild. Whether you are a senior or advancing towards one day being chronologically gifted I am available to help you better use your technology. I can be contacted at (917) 572-3468 or email me at mike@computerconciergeny.com . Feel free to join the conversation and post comments and questions on my Facebook page at Computer Concierge NY LLC . There also are tips there to better use your computer, smartphone, iPad and other technology you may have or are thinking of buying. Computer Concierge NY LLC provides expert computer and technology services in the Queens, NY area. This includes Albertson, Bayside, Bayside Hills, Bay Terrace, Bellerose, College Point, Douglaston, Floral Park, Flushing, Forest Hills, Great Neck, Jamaica Estates, Kew Gardens, Kings Point, Lake Success, Manhasset, Mineola, Munsey Park, New Hyde Park, North Hills, North Shore Towers, Oakland Gardens, Plandome, Rego Park, Roslyn, The Bay Club, Thomaston, University Gardens, Williston Park, Whitestone and Other Areas in the Bayside NY vicinity. Our web services are provided worldwide.
OK I know many of you will be turned off by the title of this but before you decide not to read further, hang on. Want to save time? Want to maybe save money? Want a written record of your conversation? Chatting online is for you.
We are all familiar of calling and having to wait for a sales person or customer service representative (rep) to come on the line because there are other callers ahead of you. The wait is a lot less when chatting online. Yes I know that it is quicker to talk then to type especially on a smartphone since the keyboard is not large. I have gotten through to customer service a lot quicker every time when an online chat is available. The time saved in not waiting for a customer service rep to come on the line can more than offset your slow typing. The customer service reps are trained to be patient. The companies would rather you use their online chat feature since less customer service reps are needed. A customer service rep can handle more than one chat at a time.
I’ll lump saving money and a written record in the same group. Long story short, I was not sure if my phone service covered me on my recent trip to Puerto Rico. I went to the Verizon store near me and they told me that only texting was covered. I did some work for a client before my trip and we were talking about Verizon. He mentioned without me saying anything that with Verizon there is not charge for using the phone in Puerto Rico. The next day I went to the Verizon website and did an online chat with a customer service rep. The customer service rep told me that under my plan calls, internet usage and text messages were included while I was in Puerto Rico. Not only did I save a copy of the chat but I was also emailed one by the rep I spoke with. I did not get charged for using my phone while in Puerto Rico but if I did, I had the written record of my chat and would have used it to contest the additional charges. I know yes I know that the calls may be recorded for quality assurance but I am not aware that they ever are required to share it with you. So the next time you have an customer with a product you own or are thinking of purchasing something online and need help, don’t call but rather if the company has a chat feature give it a try. The savings time wise and moneywise as well as a written record may get you too to convert. If you have further questions about combining better using your technology, I can be contacted at (917) 572-3468 or email me at mike@computerconciergeny.com . Feel free to join the conversation and post comments and questions on my Facebook page at Computer Concierge NY LLC . There also are tips there to better use your computer, smartphone, iPad and other technology you may have or are thinking of buying. Computer Concierge NY LLC provides expert computer and technology services in the Queens, NY area. This includes Albertson, Bayside, Bayside Hills, Bay Terrace, Bellerose, College Point, Douglaston, Floral Park, Flushing, Forest Hills, Great Neck, Jamaica Estates, Kew Gardens, Kings Point, Lake Success, Manhasset, Mineola, Munsey Park, New Hyde Park, North Hills, North Shore Towers, Oakland Gardens, Plandome, Rego Park, Roslyn, The Bay Club, Thomaston, University Gardens, Williston Park, Whitestone and Other Areas in the Bayside NY vicinity. Our web services are provided worldwide.
 Yes you can combine the contents of iTunes accounts. I have been getting questions from both married and non-married couples about merging their iTunes accounts. Currently and I do not anticipate this changing, you cannot merge iTunes accounts. You can however combine the contents of more than one iTunes account which I have done for a few clients and it can be an involved process. What I will discuss here are issues to consider after combining the contents of the respective iTunes accounts into one iTunes account. For discussion purposes let’s assume that you will be using the iTunes account with your iPad. You can determine what in iTunes you wish synced to your device. For your music, every song should be in at least one playlist. Not everyone including your significant other will like all of the same songs. As such, you will not want to sync all. You can sync your music by any combination of playlists, artists, genres and albums. Having every song in at least one playlist provides you greater flexibility with these options. You also need to determine which apps on the combined iTunes account you want on your iPad. If you want apps on your iPad removed then in the Apps section under your iPad select those Apps you wish removed. For any Movies, TV Shows and Podcasts on the combined iTunes account, select the option you wish for each. You can choose not to sync them, all unplayed, 1 of the most recent unplayed, 5 of the most recent new, all, among other options. For Books, you can sync all, some or no books. Make your desired selection. With photos, you will choose the pictures you wish synced to your iPad by folders. Again you can choose not to sync photos, sync from some or all folders. It is your choice. As you can see the options are not all or none. You have a large amount of control over what you wish to have synced from the combined account to your iPad. Keep in mind that you also can change these selections later on. You are not locked into them. Becoming a couple can become an exciting time. Successfully blending your iTunes contents can be another part of the experience. If you have further questions about combining iTunes accounts, I can be contacted at (917) 572-3468 or email me at mike@computerconciergeny.com . Feel free to join the conversation and post comments and questions on my Facebook page at Computer Concierge NY LLC . There also are tips there to better use your technology. Computer Concierge NY LLC provides expert computer and technology services in the Queens, NY area. This includes Albertson, Bayside, Bayside Hills, Bay Terrace, Bellerose, College Point, Douglaston, Floral Park, Flushing, Forest Hills, Great Neck, Jamaica Estates, Kew Gardens, Kings Point, Lake Success, Manhasset, Mineola, Munsey Park, New Hyde Park, North Hills, North Shore Towers, Oakland Gardens, Plandome, Rego Park, Roslyn, The Bay Club, Thomaston, University Gardens, Williston Park, Whitestone and Other Areas in the Bayside NY vicinity. Our web services are provided worldwide.
 Mike Klubok - Computer Concierge NY LLC Owner with an Apple iPad at The Apple Store in New York. My recent article showed some of the advantages of the Microsoft Surface over Apple’s iPad. The advantages are not all one sided. Today I will look at this issue from the other side. And there certainly are advantages that the iPad has over the Microsoft Surface.
A big advantage right now is that there are many more apps available for the iPad than the Surface. I expect that this gap will lessen over time but for right now, this is a big advantage that the iPad offers.
If portability is important to you the iPad is thinner and lighter than the Surface as well. In addition you can use the iPad for a slightly longer time before needing to recharge the battery.
If picture quality is important to you, the Apple iPad has Surface beat hands down. Surface has a 1MP front and rear camera while the iPad has a 5MP rear camera and a 1.2MP front camera. That said, newer smartphones are likely to have an 8MP rear camera and likely a front camera that is about 1.2MP.
For a display, the iPad is the one to go with. The retina display is superior and the higher resolution makes it more suitable for reading, watching movies and playing games.
You likely have heard of Siri, the personal assistant that comes with the iPhone. Well it also comes with the iPad. Nothing like this is currently available with Surface.
While the iPad supports POP (Post office protocol), Surface does not. POP in addition to IMAP are the two most common internet standard protocols used to retrieve email. Microsoft offers workarounds and this is a factor to take into consideration. Bottom line is that for the iPad connection to POP is a piece of cake.
When I purchased my iPad I did not purchase it new. Rather I purchased a refurbished one online paying about 25% less than had I bought one new. I get the same warranty and it went through the usual Apple tests and certifications. I also am very happy with it in this respect. Click on the link to the Apple Store to learn more. Note that the Apple Store does not sell refurbished items which of course includes the iPad.
In my personal opinion the biggest advantage of the iPad is its ease of use. This is particularly so if you have an iPhone as they both are similar to use. With Surface you first have to figure out how to navigate the tiles. The charms bar is at the right of the screen and not readily visible. I like that with the iPad I simply push the “On” button and proceed to click on the app I wish to use. While I am primarily a PC user, I found the iPad and iPhone both easy to learn as I do other Apple products.
So which is for you? It depends what is important to you. In a nutshell if you are largely producing rather than consuming data take a long look at Surface. If ease of use and the display is important the iPad may very well be what you are looking for. Apple’s website has a lot more on the iPad if you wish to learn more about it.
If you have further questions about a tablet computers or other technology, I can be contacted at (917) 572-3468 or email me at Mike@ComputerConciergeNY.com .Computer Concierge NY LLC on Facebook provides information on the current goings on in the technology field with tips to better use your technology. For timely information, please visit my page.
Computer Concierge NY LLC provides expert computer and technology services in the Queens, NY area. This includes Albertson, Bayside, Bayside Hills, Bay Terrace, Bellerose, College Point, Douglaston, Floral Park, Flushing, Forest Hills, Great Neck, Jamaica Estates, Kew Gardens, Kings Point, Lake Success, Manhasset, Mineola, Munsey Park, New Hyde Park, North Hills, North Shore Towers, Oakland Gardens, Plandome, Rego Park, Roslyn, The Bay Club, Thomaston, University Gardens, Williston Park, Whitestone and Other Areas in the Bayside NY vicinity. Our web services are provided worldwide.
By changing the Sort for your Facebook Newsfeed you can see more of what you perhaps wish to see.
Do you sometimes feel that Facebook restricts what posts you see from your friends? Well that is not really true. A simple setting will change the sort of what you see. The default is to sort by “Top Stories”. Most people do not change this setting and see the top stories as determined by Facebook’s algorithm.
I have an iPad and Android phone in addition to my computer and on all I am able to change this setting to “Most Recent” from the default of “Top Stories” on all of them. By doing this I have more control over what shows on my News Feed. You also may want to check this setting periodically as it may change from time to time.
So the next time you go on Facebook, if you have not already done so, change the setting to “Most Recent”. Facebook has their idea of what their top stories are and this may conflict with your version.
If you have further questions about a tablet computers or other technology, I can be contacted at (917) 572-3468 or email me at mike@computerconciergeny.com .
Computer Concierge NY LLC provides expert computer and technology services in the Queens, NY area. This includes Albertson, Bayside, Bayside Hills, Bay Terrace, Bellerose, College Point, Douglaston, Floral Park, Flushing, Forest Hills, Great Neck, Jamaica Estates, Kew Gardens, Kings Point, Lake Success, Manhasset, Mineola, Munsey Park, New Hyde Park, North Hills, North Shore Towers, Oakland Gardens, Plandome, Rego Park, Roslyn, The Bay Club, Thomaston, University Gardens, Williston Park, Whitestone and Other Areas in the Bayside, NY vicinity. Our web services are provided worldwide.
 Mike Klubok the Owner of Computer Concierge NY LLC trying a Surface in Forest Hills NY. Many of you have seen the advertisements for the Microsoft Surface that was recently released. Microsoft has a bit riding on it. This tablet has quite a few advantages over the acclaimed iPad. Note that when comparing the two I am talking about the current basic versions that are both priced at $499.
A big advantage of Surface is that you can use an external Micro SDXC card. You can purchase a 32 GB one made by Sandisk from Amazon for about $35 based upon my recent checking. There is also a connection for attaching a USB drive as well. I recently purchased a 16 GB USB drive at Staples for under $10. For the iPad you need to purchase an adapter that costs at least $19. There is one for an SD card but when looking at the Apple website I did not see one for an SDXC card. Because of this, it is easier to upload pictures to it. I personally have a memory card reader that connects to my computer using the USB drive that I purchased for under $10. I take it with me when I go on vacation to upload pictures that I take to my computer and I could use it to upload to a Surface as well.
I would be more willing to let others share my iPad but they would then have full access to my email, Facebook, LinkedIn accounts, etc. Microsoft’s Surface allows me to set up separate User Accounts just like my computer does. I could then give someone else access to a Guest account without them having the full access to my personal accounts.
Microsoft Office 2013 comes with Surface. This is because of 2 reasons them being 1) Microsoft owns both Surface and Office and 2) Surface with the optional keyboard cover is intended to for creating and consuming data. The iPad is more for consuming data. That said you can purchase a wireless keyboard for an iPad but it is not a cover as well. The iPad does not come with a spreadsheet, word, presentation or office suite program.
Surface comes with a built in kickstand which allows you to view the screen in an upright position. With an iPad you need to stand it up against an object or purchase a cover that has a stand.
If you want to print, Surface is a whole lot easier to do from then from an iPad. It is easy to make a connection that is seamless. Printing from an iPad is a lot more difficult.
One final note here. The basic version of Surface comes with 32 GB storage and the iPad comes with 16 GB. This is deceiving because of the 32 GB, the system software uses ½ of that leaving 16 GB free. The net free storage on an iPad is 14-15 GB. While Surface has an advantage it is not significant.
My next article will list the advantages of the iPad over Microsoft Surface. Then it is your call if you are deciding which of the two to buy.
If you have further questions about a tablet computers or other technology, I can be contacted at (917) 572-3468 or email me at mike@computerconciergeny.com .
My Facebook page provides information on the current goings on in the technology field with tips to better use your technology. For timely information, please visit my page.
Computer Concierge NY LLC provides expert computer and technology services in the Queens, NY area. This includes Albertson, Bayside, Bayside Hills, Bay Terrace, Bellerose, College Point, Douglaston, Floral Park, Flushing, Forest Hills, Great Neck, Jamaica Estates, Kew Gardens, Kings Point, Lake Success, Manhasset, Mineola, Munsey Park, New Hyde Park, North Hills, North Shore Towers, Oakland Gardens, Plandome, Rego Park, Roslyn, The Bay Club, Thomaston, University Gardens, Williston Park, Whitestone and Other Areas in the Bayside, NY vicinity. Our web services are provided worldwide.
 Computer Concierge NY LLC I know a few people who still insist on paying their bills the old fashioned way. They write that monthly check for the mortgage, car payment and numerous other payments that they have. Even after I tell them the benefits of paying online, they still prefer to pay their bills the old fashioned way. If only they would listen. They would save both time and money.I have been paying my bills online now for almost 15 years. It is faster (you can set up recurring payments. Just be sure that the money is in your account to cover the payment on the day you set it to be paid) and less expensive (no stamps and you don’t have to buy checks nearly as often).It also is safe to pay your bills online. Yes an account can be hacked but there is always the risk of mail theft when paying bills by mail. If a payee says they never received payment you readily research your account on the bank’s website to see if the payment was made and to whom. I have had an instance or two where I got a letter saying that payment was not made and it was. What I found out was that the name of the payee or the address was not correct. After corresponding with the payee, the issues were resolved.
In paying my bills online, I also am helping the environment and contributing to going green. Online payments save paper. Not just from the written checks but envelopes as well. Companies have less envelopes to open so their costs get reduced. This truly is a win/win for all. Certain recurring monthly payments are allowed to be made by credit card. You can take advantage of rebates and my credit card happens to offer me a 1% rebate on all purchases. Not much but every little bit helps. If I could pay my cable bill using my credit card I certainly would do so. It would also be 1 less payment to set up every month as it is now included with my other credit card purchases. Banks are happier as well. Online payments reduce their processing fees. Handling it electronically is also simpler for them and merchants like it because of this as well. Less envelopes to open. Receive their money quicker. Paying by mail vs paying electronically at the same time. The merchant will receive the electronic payment quicker.I do not recommend using online payments from service providers such as electric companies, credit card companies, etc. If they make an error it can adversely affect your credit rating and per your agreement with them it may be difficult to hold them accountable. Also if there is an error it can take a while to get your money back. I prefer paying bills online through my bank.
Paying by check still has its uses. It is not recommended that you pay federal tax bills through your online bank. My bank specifically says, “The Online Bill Payment service should NOT be used to pay your local, state or federal taxes.” When you pay online, the money is deducted from your checking account NOT when the payee cashes the check but when you tell the bank to pay the bill. You no longer have a “float”. How many of us will give a birthday gift of $50 by doing it through our online account? We probably will include a check inside a birthday card. The same goes for weddings. On the minus side, it is not as easy to switch banks. If you do switch banks you need to make sure all pending and recurring payments are cleared.
If you have further questions about paying bills online, or other technology questions I can be contacted at (917) 572-3468 or email me at mike@computerconciergeny.com
My Facebook page provides information on the current goings on in the technology field with tips to better use your technology. For timely information, please visit and "Like" my page.Computer Concierge NY LLC provides expert computer and technology services in the Queens, NY area. This includes Albertson, Bayside, Bayside Hills, Bay Terrace, Bellerose, College Point, Douglaston, Floral Park, Flushing, Forest Hills, Great Neck, Jamaica Estates, Kew Gardens, Kings Point, Lake Success, Manhasset, Mineola, Munsey Park, New Hyde Park, North Hills, North Shore Towers, Oakland Gardens, Plandome, Rego Park, Roslyn, The Bay Club, Thomaston, University Gardens, Williston Park, Whitestone and Other Areas in the Bayside, NY vicinity. Our web services are provided worldwide.
 Winter in Bayside NY. Picture taken by Mike Klubok of Computer Concierge NY LLC. With the impending arrival of the 2013 blizzard please look at the attached link. http://mashable.com/2012/07/03/charging-solutions/ about some ways you may be able to recharge your devices in the event you lose power. (If you are charging your phone inside a garage make sure the garage door is opened.) Cell phone towers may be down and you may lose internet service but keep in mind that most smartphones have a built in light that could come in handy during these times. Also at this time if you are not using your cellphone, keep it charged. Use your phone as sparingly as possible to preserve power. Dim the display on your smartphone to preserve power. On a personal note, since I will not be using my cellphone during the evening I will be turning it off to preserve my battery in case we lose power. Also use text messaging to reach out as this is likely to be more successful. One thing people did after Hurricane Sandy was to use wireless networks where free Wi-Fi is offered such as Starbucks (inside or outside).
Before retiring, it will be a good idea to disconnect electrical power to televisions, computers, printers, etc. Have copies of any prescriptions. Use a smartphone if you have one or a phone with a camera to take a picture of them.
If you bank online, you may want to make sure that all bills that need to be paid in the next several days are accounted for and that you have money in your accounts to cover any recurring and other payments that you have set up. If you lose power, you may not be able to pay these bills and transfer money between accounts till power is restored.
Most of all be safe. Unless you absolutely have to go out, stay indoors. Being safe is of utmost importance. Use common sense. Fill up water bottles, tea pots, etc..
As always I can be reached at (917) 572-3468 for your technology problems.
My Facebook page provides information on the current goings on in the technology field. There are tips to better use your technology. For timely information, please visit and "Like" my page. Computer Concierge NY LLC provides expert computer and technology services in the Queens, NY area. This includes Albertson, Bayside, Bayside Hills, Bay Terrace, Bellerose, College Point, Douglaston, Floral Park, Flushing, Forest Hills, Great Neck, Jamaica Estates, Kew Gardens, Kings Point, Lake Success, Manhasset, Mineola, Munsey Park, New Hyde Park, North Hills, North Shore Towers, Oakland Gardens, Plandome, Rego Park, Roslyn, The Bay Club, Thomaston, University Gardens, Williston Park, Whitestone and Other Areas in the Bayside, NY vicinity. Our web services are provided worldwide.
New Orleans just had the Super Bowl but Mardi Gras is just about here and you may be wondering why I am writing about Mardi Gras in a tech blog. Well first off if you want to see what is happening on Bourbon Street check out this webcam. If you want to know more about Mardi Gras including some tradition, history and videos then Mardigrasneworleans.com is the site you want to check. The website also has a schedule of the parade.
The Mardi Gras is also visible on social media. For those on Twitter, follow it all on @NOLAMardiGras. You can follow the many tweets which also includes parade cams. #paradecam is the hashtag used. #NOLA and #Mardigras will be popular hashtags on Twitter. For those familiar with the city, I found by going on Twitter that there will be a cam at Fat Henry's Bar on St. Charles Ave in the Uptown section. Check out the festivities by clicking on the link. Also the St. Charles Streetcar does not run from Downtown during the parades.
Those on Facebook can go to the Mardi Gras page there. Quite a few posts, pictures and at last count about 12,000 people who "Like" this page. By doing a search for "Mardi Gras" you will get an idea of how it is celebrated in other cities. And if that page doesn't have enough about theMardi Gras there is another one. Mardi Gras is another Facebook page. So there is certainly a Facebook presence here.
Of course there is more to New Orleans than Mardi Gras. http://www.neworleansonline.com/ has more information on the big event going on there as well as upcoming festivals if you are unable to make it for Mardi Gras. There is also good information on things to do when besides the Mardi Gras. On a personal note , when I was last in New Orleans my wife we made sure to visit Mardi Gras World. You get to see many of the costumes and floats from the Mardi Gras in the warehouse as well as some of them being made. You may even get to wear a mask or two. The tour of the warehouse was truly something we both enjoyed.
Youtube has videos of some past Mardi Gras as well as New Orleans related videos that you may enjoy watching.
Perhaps the best known bar in New Orleans is Pat O'Briens. They also have a Facebook presence as well. When a friend of mine prior to his trip to New Orleans put on his Facebook page that he will be at Pat O'Briens that Saturday night, I called him. Not only did I suggest that he take the post down but Pat O's is also very crowded on Saturday night. It will be packed during Mardi Gras as well.
New Orleans also is a culinary delight with many fine restaurants each better than the last. NewOrleansRestaurants.com has a good review of them and other sites have good reviews as well. One of my favorites is Mothers. It is one of the many restaurants with great service and where you will be guaranteed to have a real good meal.
If you're at Mardi Gras enjoy! If you are not then there is the cam I mentioned earlier as well as all on Twitter and Facebook. If you get to go to New Orleans then have a good time. It truly is a fun city as those who have been there can truly say.If you have questions about your technology and social media I can be contacted at (917) 572-3468 or email me at mike@computerconciergeny.com .
My Facebook page provides information on the current goings on in the technology field with tips to better use your technology. For timely information, please visit and "Like" my page. Computer Concierge NY LLC provides expert computer and technology services in the Queens, NY area. This includes Albertson, Bayside, Bayside Hills, Bay Terrace, Bellerose, College Point, Douglaston, Floral Park, Flushing, Forest Hills, Great Neck, Jamaica Estates, Kew Gardens, Kings Point, Lake Success, Manhasset, Mineola, Munsey Park, New Hyde Park, North Hills, North Shore Towers, Oakland Gardens, Plandome, Rego Park, Roslyn, The Bay Club, Thomaston, University Gardens, Williston Park, Whitestone and Other Areas in the Bayside, NY vicinity. Our web services are provided worldwide.
While recently looking into changing my cell plan I noticed that unlimited talk time for domestic minutes is becoming more prevalent and at a reasonable price. It had me thinking about ditching my landline.
For those who are thinking the same thing you need to answer a few questions.
What are the current costs of your landline? What does it include? I have friends who have a plan that includes cable, internet and phone service. If they were to give up the phone service part they would actually pay more.
So they are keeping this plan and use the land line for faxing and as an emergency phone. Does an elderly person live with you or are you elderly? You may want to keep that landline phone regardless of the savings. My personal landline costs $10 monthly with unlimited calls anywhere in the US, Canada and Puerto Rico. Check with your landline carrier. They may offer you an incentive to stay with them if you are inclined to keep it. If you are not using Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) – you still have phone service in the event you lose your electricity. That said, some VOIP may have a backup in the event you lose power. However after Hurricane Sandy I heard that some affected by it lost backup power. I am sure landline phones without VOIP lost service during Hurricane Sandy as well.
Do you fax? I presently do a limited amount of faxing using my all in one printer. Depending on how much faxing you do it may be beneficial to find an alternate way to send faxes. Your smartphone can also be used to send faxes.
Do you make international calls and if so how much? Would you be better served by getting an international plan for your cell phone? Can you use a video application like Skype or Facetime to make your international calls? If you are using one of these applications you can talk anytime, no matter where either of you are for free.
Because of the low rate I am paying and my occasional faxes I am keeping my landline for now. The day will come where my landline will join that rotary dial phone I had in my first apartment.
If you have further questions about whether or not to ditch your landline, how to keep it and pay less or other technology problems you may have I can be contacted at (917) 572-3468 or email me at mike@computerconciergeny.com .
My Facebook page provides information on the current goings on in the technology field with tips to better use your technology. For timely information, please visit and "Like" my page.
Computer Concierge NY LLC provides expert computer and technology services in the Queens, NY area. This includes Albertson, Bayside, Bayside Hills, Bay Terrace, Bellerose, College Point, Douglaston, Floral Park, Flushing, Forest Hills, Great Neck, Jamaica Estates, Kew Gardens, Kings Point, Lake Success, Manhasset, Mineola, Munsey Park, New Hyde Park, North Hills, North Shore Towers, Oakland Gardens, Plandome, Rego Park, Roslyn, The Bay Club, Thomaston, University Gardens, Williston Park, Whitestone and Other Areas in the Bayside, NY vicinity. Our web services are provided worldwide.
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