Spam filters, spam blockers, stopping spam. Get OzEfilter for free

No matter what you try the spam keeps coming. The problem with filters is good email ends up in a spam folder meaning you don't think you've received an email even though you have. I see businesses get important orders which they don't know about because they've ended up in the spam folders.

I've received over 60,000 spam emails and rather than have them reach my computer I use a program I developed called OzEfilter. OzEfilter checks my mail server and enables me to quickly review the emails from people I don't know. Those emails I don't want I hit the delete button and they're gone, never to reach my computer.

As the current version of OzEfilter is now due to expire at the end of April 2011 I'm making the OzEfilter  available for free so you can take OzEfilter for a spin. Visit the OzEfilter page (http://www.ozefilter.com/) to find out more and send me an email with the subject "Please send me a free copy of OzEfilter" and I'll send you a copy of OzEfilter.

But I have to warn you. Gmail doesn't work as it doesn't like programs you receive as attachments even if they don't contain malware. Other ISPs may have spam filters hiding emails you wish to receive. So if you don't receive your free copy within 48 hours contact me using another email address. It really isn't me, it is you, or should I say your ISP and your email client is making decisions for you that may not be in your best interest. Take control of your email with OzEfilter.

Kelvin Eldridge
http://www.onlineconnections.com.au/

Link exchange request (Diana Kothon, Emma Murphy, Abigail Cox)

This morning I received a number of emails request a link exchange. The email subjects were:

Link exchange request with justlocal.com.au (Diana Kothon)
A proposal to justlocal.com.au (Diana Kothon)
Link exchange request between your site justlocal.com.au and my site (Emma Murphy) Link exchange request between your site justlocal.com.au and my site (Abigail Cox)

What I thought was interesting is that all the emails were sent from Peru.

I would suggest that you don't respond to unsolicited emails for link exchange requests and simply hit the delete key when you receive them.

If you're interested in being able to see the country of origin of many of your emails please contact me for a free copy  of OzEfilter. OzEfilter is a great way to review and delete unwanted emails safely at the mail server before the emails even reach your computer. The current version is nearing the end of its licence period so you are welcome to use it until it expires. To check out OzEfilter visit http://www.ozefilter.com/. To request a free copy send me an email using the contact details on the JustLocal site (http://www.justlocal.com.au/).

Kelvin Eldridge
http://www.justlocal.com.au/

Nunawading Community Bank

Do you want a community bank in Nunawading?... Read More

- Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au

Product photographer Des Pitfield

Yesterday I had the opportunity to catch up with Des Pitfield who is a talented photographer based in Doncaster East. Des shared some of his work with me and the positive testimonials he had received from his clients.

As I was talking with Des I noticed the infinite screen which enables him to take photos of products which I could only dream of. I've certainly tried taking photos of objects before, but for one reason or another, I've never really liked the outcome as the photos tend to have shadows or the lighting isn't right. As Des showed me the equipment he uses, I could see the issue I had with lighting is not a problem for Des.

Whilst my interest was in product photography because I have a number of clients and good pictures of their products, their business and their staff are images they need to help promote their business, Des can provide a whole range of photographic services.

If you need a family portrait, pictures of your family going about their day-to-day activities, pictures to promote yourself, your business or organisation, next time you need a photographer give Des a call.

You can find Des on the JustLocal Doncaster East page.

Kelvin Eldridge
http://www.justlocal.com.au/

Tags: landscape photographer, portrait photographer, pet photographer,  school photographer, freelance photographer

MyAnswers: TV guide for Melbourne on Apple iPhone

The following MyAnswers solution 2077 is now available:

How to add the Freeview TV Guide for Melbourne for both now and tonight as icons on your Apple iPhone Home screen.

Click here to obtain the solution.

Click here for related solutions.

Kelvin Eldridge
www.MyAnswers.biz

LaTrobe Uni student parking fees

I noticed the La Trobe University car parking fee showed considerable bias towards the student Union. Many years ago I heard it was no longer compulsory to join the student Union which I felt was fair. People should have the choice to join or not join a Union in my opinion.

But if you check out the parking fees they fees appear to bias the situation towards students joining the Union. If you;re not a Union member you pay $230 a year. If you join the Union, which costs $100, you pay $140 a year. Now either it costs $140 for parking or it doesn't. There really is little reason for the two to be linked together. Also interestingly staff pay just $5 more for parking than students at $235. Whilst I'm not one for staff having to pay parking fees, if fees are charged, it doesn't quite seem fair for the difference to be $5.

Perhaps one day we'll see universities as models for our society. It didn't happen in my day and it still looks to be some time off.

What do you think? Do you feel there should be one fee for all, irrespective of their income? Do you feel unionism should be linked to the parking fees?

Kelvin Eldridge
http://www.justlocal.com.au/

tags: latrobe university, la trobe uni bundoora, latrobe uni bundoora

BNI Business Networkers blog training session

Today I will be giving a short presentation to the BNI Business Networkers chapter on blogging and how a networking group can use blogging to help share information and opportunities to people they know.

You can find more details on the BNI Business Networkers blog. Visitors are welcome.

If you would like to find out more about blogging and how you can use blogging in your business or even as a low cost internet presence to promote your business on the internet you are welcome to contact me.

Kelvin Eldridge
http://www.onlineconnections.com.au/

Alert: New Adobe Acrobat Reader 2011, Upgrade Available Now

I received a number of emails with the subject of New Adobe Acrobat Reader 2011, Upgrade Available Now. My advice is to disregard these emails as they are most likely malicious in intent. If you want to upgrade Adobe Acrobat Reader go the to the Adobe site and download the software from there. Do not click on a link in an email you receive. The same applies to any other vendors software.
If you use a link in an email it may look legitimate but links are easily faked. By going to the site you are in control and know the site you are going to.

Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au

 

Alert: ZyGMA7(60): How to Implement the Outdoor Wireless for IP Surveillance?

I receive emails from ZyGMA7 on a regular basis and decided to let others know I've never contacted or used this company. I don't even know if the company is legitimate. What I do know is they are using multiple emails addresses from my sites that could have only been obtained by someone scraping my sites for email addresses.

My advice is to avoid any company that sends unsolicited emails and to delete any email you receive from them. Companies not abiding by the anti-spam legislation are unlikely to look after your interests.

Kelvin Eldridge
http://www.justlocal.com.au/

Why you should think twice about providing your postcode to retailers

Over the years I've often been asked for my postcode by the cashier when I complete a purchase. I haven't really felt it was required, but think why not and just provide the postcode. My thought is the retailer probably collects the stats about where their customers are coming from and that helps to fine tune their marketing. I'm OK with that.

With JustLocal I ask people for their postcode because my aim is to provide localised and relevant information to them, rather than sending emails to everyone on the mailing list resulting in people getting emails that aren't relevant to them.

But when I read this article recently, I thought how naive have I been.

It appears that at least in one case one business was doing much more with the postcode information and as we all know, if one business is doing it, chances are others businesses are doing it as well. When you obtain the postcode and the person's name from their credit card details you can use databases to match the person with their address. This information is then being used to create mailing lists which are made available for sale.

I had never thought companies would be taking my information and then selling that information to third parties. But now I wonder. I've often received those joint promotions from those rewards schemes which make it obvious the company sending the offer (which isn't the company with the reward scheme, but often a financial company trying to sell finance or insurance) is pretty obvious. But what about those other letters I've received that I didn't think about.

With JustLocal you have my commitment that your information goes no further than my business. I don't provide your details to anyone. All emails you receive based on your data are from me.

I even go one step further. Your email addresses is kept offline.

It concerns me that so many businesses upload people's details into third party services such as mailing list software. Some of those services are free or very low cost and chances are if they are free, your data is being used in some way without your knowledge. If your personal details are stored online there is a good chance that data will be hacked at some stage. We regularly hear of the biggest businesses in the world having their systems hacked, so chances are there is little chance for companies who put your data online will be able to guarantee it is protected. By keeping your data offline  I ensure the exposure to your data is extremely minimal.

Next time when that friendly cashier looks up at you and asks you for your postcode, you may think twice about providing it. I know I will seriously think twice about providing my postcode details when asked.

Kelvin Eldridge
http://www.justlocal.com.au/  

Recent MyAnswers computer technology solutions

The following are a list of documented solutions for problems solved for clients and information I felt may be of interest to others as part of my ongoing research of computer technology issues. The solutions are made available to the public with the aim of saving people time and money by helping people solve in implement a solution should they encounter the same or similar problem. All MyAnswers solutions come with a no hassles money back guarantee.

Number	Question
2068	Can I use the Telstra Wi-Fi hotspot to provide shared internet access in my home and small business instead of ADSL or cable internet access with a Wi-Fi router? Internet Access
2073	Is there a limit to the number of people you can send to in the one email when using the Three broadband service? Internet
2072	On my Apple iPhone when in Safari if I press on the title bar I scroll to the top of the page. Is there a similar feature in Internet Explorer? Internet Explorer
2071	A simple tip to reduce 3G data usage when playing free games on the Apple iPhone. Apple iPhone
2070	Making use of the Apple iPhone lock screen. Apple iPhone
2069	Can I use my Telstra 3G broadband stick SIM in my Apple 3GS iPhone for just data services? Apple iPhone
2067	Toshiba NB200 netbook computer when turned on has a black screen and the fan starts for around a second and then stops. Hardware
2066	How do I determine who owns a web site domain? JustLocal
2065	I've noticed a few features missing in Windows 7 phone which I think are important. I decided to create this solution to document features both present and missing which I find of interest. General
2064	Is it detoxify or detoxicate? Australian Dictionary
2063	Notes on my experience in setting up a Telstra prepaid mobile broadband SIM. Internet Access
2055	Free wireless at Doncaster Shoppingtown in the food court and provided by McDonald's almost never works. I decided to survey the shopping centre and provide the locations for free wireless access. Internet Access
2062	I have a Word 2007 document which has a page header with page numbering starting at 8. How do I change this so it starts at 6? Microsoft Word
2061	In Internet Explorer 8 when I type an web site address wrong by one character I end up with the Google search page. All I want to do is correct the wrong character in the address bar but now it contains a lengthy URL. How do I disable passing the option to show Google search results? Internet Explorer

Kelvin Eldridge
http://www.myanswers.biz/
PS. You can find the latest solutions on the recent solutions page on the MyAnswers site and also as each solution is created, the solution is made available on the MyAnswers blog.

Alert: Job opportunity. Company Representative Is Needed. Employment opportunity. Job offer match.

Recently I've noticed a considerable number of job opportunity emails both received and bouncing back from email servers to my address. These are spam emails and many have been faked to use someone else's email address.

If you receive any unsolicited job opportunities I would suggest you delete the emails. I suspect most are attempts to gather people's information.

The following are some of the subjects from emails that I've noticed.

Job opportunity  - hurry to apply!
Company Representative Is Needed (Job Offer Employment)
Employment opportunity
Job offer match, respond to apply

I crosschecked where one of the emails was sent from and it came from the Ukraine. A good indication these emails are to be treated as potentially malicious.

Given the volume of these emails it is likely that people will be tricked. Don't be tricked. Treat all unsolicited emails as being in breach of the anti-spam legislation. The way I look at unsolicited emails is if they are so easily prepared to breach the law, chances are they aren't legitimate and will have no respect for your information.

Kelvin Eldridge
http://www.justlocal.com.au/

Pizza Hut voucher leaves a bad taste at Templestowe Newmans Road outlet

Today I'd like to share a very poor experience I had lately as it really does show how important it is to consider whether or not it you should buy into a franchise or build you build under your own name.

Last night I had voucher for a buy one get one free pizza offer from the Pizza Hut. I had my wife place the order via their telephone service and she called me back letting me know the price was going to be $9.50. Pretty good value really. I then turned up at the Newmans Road Pizza Hut outlet in Templestowe. Walked and presented the voucher, giving my name and the price we were told. I didn't think much about it. But then the franchise owner said no. They're not supplying it at the price. I said that was the price we were told. He said no. It is $10.95. I said that wasn't good enough. Pizza Hut had given me a price and they should provide the product at the agreed price. They said no. I walked out without the pizza and decided to go elsewhere.

I thought no, this really isn't good enough. Pizza Hut can't do this to people. I asked my wife to call the Pizza Hut line and let them know what was happening. They admitted they'd made a mistake at $9.50 and the amount entered into the computer was $9.95 which I was happy with. So I went back in and let Pramod know. He said no again. In the meantime the Pizza Hut service called them and their staff said they were refusing to provide the pizza at the price. We escalated it to management but nothing changed.

This is a case where you use the Pizza Hut telephone service to order a Pizza and the local franchisee decides he doesn't want to provide it. To me that is a total breakdown in the Pizza Hut service and leaves me with no confidence in Pizza Hut as a business. Once this happens I no longer trust the Pizza Hut brand and that affects all franchise owners.

This was such a bad experience for me, that we as a family have vowed never to use Pizza Hut again. I've found in the past making a complaint to large companies like Pizza Hut to be largely a waste of time. What really are they going to do or say. The best thing you can do is to take your business elsewhere. In this case this is the second bad experience we've had with the Templestowe Pizza Hut with the new owners.

As a business if you are in a franchise the actions of one franchise may affect your business. In this case if you own a Pizza Hut franchise you won't be getting the business of our family. Of course losing one customer makes little difference to a large business like Pizza Hut, but if they treat people poorly and that becomes endemic in their way of doing business and their systems, then it will have a long term impact. Having a local store overrule the central ordering process means the trust we build up in the Pizza Hut brand which has taken years, is effectively destroyed by one store owner in a moment.

No business is perfect, but if I'm affected by a business that's not part of a franchise I stop using that business. In a franchise I stop using all the services that work under the same umbrella.

I'm sharing this experience as it shows that whilst working under the umbrella of a well known brand name may attract business, there are also situations where it may lose you business.

For me now the two businesses I will give my pizza purchases to will be Panic Pizza in Doncaster East and Rustico Pizza in Bulleen. I've found both of these businesses to be very good and friendly. Both provide pizza the family feels is much better than Pizza Hut. The advantage Pizza Hut had was their vouchers can save some money, but the bad experience and the time wasted for me means their coupons have little value and I won't be wasting my time with them again.

I wonder how many others have experienced similar poor customer service from Pizza Hut.

Kelvin Eldridge
http://www.justlocal.com.au/

Tags: pizza hut aus, pizza hut au, pizza hut coupon, pizza hut pizza deals, vouchers pizza hut

Beware of companies advertising based on suburb

JustLocal is about enabling people to find local businesses. That is businesses close to the area where they live, close to their work, or close to a location they wish to visit either for business or pleasure.

Today I found a legal company promoting themselves in Templestowe on the web. When I find a local company or business I add the site to the local search engine. The problem I find is many businesses tend mislead people as to the area they are located.

In this case the legal firm had set up sites covering different suburbs across Melbourne. Whilst it is possible they may have representation in each area, when checking out the site there were no contact details to indicate the location of the legal practice. There was a 1300 number and an email address different from the site domain. Using the email address domain I was able to track that the most likely owner of the site to be a Bourke Street based law firm.

It is very common practice on the internet for people to attempt to get as wide a coverage for their services as possible. There is nothing wrong in the practice as long as everything is done appropriately and the consumer is not misled. Ideally however the JustLocal approach is to make it easy as possible to find local businesses in the local area.

Next time your searching for a local business keep in mind  businesses will do what they can to get your business and you may end up with the extra time and inconvenience of their location not being where you expected.

With professional service firms also keep in mind they charge very high hourly rates and if they need to travel it will often be at your expense. I remember when working for a chartered accounting firm I'd travel an hour to the client, see the client for an hour and travel again for an hour to return to the office in St Kilda Road. The productive time for the client was an hour. The chargeable time was three hours plus car mileage. For some clients parking fees also applied. When looking for professional services it is prudent to consider travel time of the professional because it could end up being a considerable portion of the amount charged, as well as any out-of-pocket costs for the professional.

I personally feel tricking people into thinking they've found someone local is not the best way to get business and is something a professional firm should avoid. You want to deal with an ethical company and how they advertise is a reflection of their professional ethics.

Kelvin Eldridge
http://www.justlocal.com.au/

Myspace - An end of an era.

The Australian subsidiary of Myspace is about to close at the end of this month. A couple of years ago I watched the traffic graphs and witnessed Facebook passing Myspace and to this day Facebook continues to grow.

I'm personally not a fan of Facebook because I think people's privacy should be number one on the agenda. People should be able to opt to share their information and not have it shared for the benefit of commercial interests, but what I think isn't particularly relevant because Facebook continues to grow.

Myspace was the "big" social site a few years ago and it has now been blitzed by Facebook. In this article one of three founding staff members of Myspace Australia shares their views. I think getting the inside information from someone who has been there, is excellent information which can assist all of us in our own business in some way.

I appreciate Alex sharing his story and thought it may be of interest to JustLocal friends. Thank you Alex for sharing.

Kelvin Eldridge
http://www.JustLocal.com.au/

MyAnswers: Internet Explorer - Entering wrong site address goes to Google search results

The following MyAnswers solution 2061 is now available:

In Internet Explorer 8 when I type an web site address wrong by one character I end up with the Google search page. All I want to do is correct the wrong character in the address bar but now it contains a lengthy URL. How do I disable passing the option to show Google search results?

Click here to obtain the solution.

Click here for related solutions.

Kelvin Eldridge
www.MyAnswers.biz

MyAnswers: Spellcheck web pages using Opera browser

The following MyAnswers solution 2059 is now available:

This solution provides a handy technique to check the spelling in web pages on a site using the Opera browser.

Click here to obtain the solution.

Click here for related solutions.

Kelvin Eldridge
www.MyAnswers.biz

MyAnswers: Skype won't install on Android HTC mobile from Optus

The following MyAnswers solution 2057 is now available:

Why won't Skype install on my Android based HTC mobile phone from Optus?

Click here to obtain the solution.

Click here for related solutions.

Kelvin Eldridge
www.MyAnswers.biz

MyAnswers: How to delete a Vistaprint account.

The following MyAnswers solution 2054 is now available:

How do I delete my Vistaprint account? With Vistaprint you need to set up an account to determine the full price including delivery for free offers as you can't get a total price without an account.

Click here to obtain the solution.

Click here for related solutions.

Kelvin Eldridge
www.MyAnswers.biz

Word Check updated to provide spelling suggestions for misspelt words

Word Check provides the preferred Australian English spelling for words and until now provided the word was either found or not found. When a word is misspelt I've always wanted to provide a listed of suggestion words to help people using Word Check.

I've now completed an update to Word Check and now Word Check provides a list of suggested words which will often include the correct spelling of the word you've entered.

For the meaning or definition of words, I've now removed Wiktionary and provide links to a more authoritative resource. Using Word Check is still the best option to check words, as Word Check provides the preferred Australian English spelling. Spelling includes plurals and possessives, which are often not provided with many dictionaries, but often give us the most grief when it comes to spelling.

Please let me know if you find any problems. The dictionary is still evolving so if you find anything you feel needs to be reviewed, please don't hesitate to write to me and let me know.

Word Check is available via the main dictionary page and also directly at http://www.justlocal.com.au/clients/australian-dictionary/.

Thank you,

Kelvin Eldridge
http://www.justlocal.com.au/