1. When to cancel. Whenever you sign up for any kind of membership, whether it is a monthly “free” trial or an annual membership, find out when the date of cancellation will be. Always check the rules for any membership to see what will happen when the sign up period is over. Will they automatically charge your bank account, notify you by mail or email, or will it just be automatically renewed?
2. Make a note of it. Once you find out when the date is to cancel, write it down!  The best way not to forget it later is to make note of it right away at the beginning. Write it on your calendar so you’ll see it on the month or week that it is due.
3. Link it to another event. If it is right before a birthday, anniversary or holiday, make a mental note that this membership needs to be cancelled before then. Linking it to an event that you will always remember may trigger it in your mind when that date approaches.
4. Use a personal organizer. This can be an old-fashioned paper daily calendar or an electronic device. Use it to put all of your important dates, personal and business, in one place and check it daily. Make sure you add your membership cancellation dates in along with everything else you need to remember.
5. Give yourself time. When you put in your date of cancellation, add a reminder at least one week prior. Who knows what will be going on in a month or year from now? Give yourself two dates, the reminder date and the actual date so you make sure not to miss it due to other things going on in your life.
6. Set up alerts. Most devices and many types of software have alerts available. Whether it is on your cell phone or a software program such as Outlook, set up alerts for the reminder and cancellation dates for memberships. These actually pop up and make you aware without you having to check the calendar.
7. Have a back up. Whatever organizer or calendar you have, considering using a back up method. If you use paper, get an online calendar as well. If you use your phone, see if you can sync it with you home computer calendar. Having your important dates, including your cancellation dates, in two places makes it less likely you will lose this information or let the date pass unnoticed.

Whatever method you choose, make sure it is somewhere you look every day. It does not matter if you write it down or put it in your computer if you still do not see it until it is too late. Planning ahead when it is fresh on your mind will keep you from inadvertently allowing these types of memberships to renew when you no longer have need for them.

1. How do I fix a slow connection? – A modem reset can get you a better connection than the one you are currently using. A reset will get your modem to reboot, and thereby re-sync with the local cable provider’s office, usually resulting in a faster connection.
2. How can I restore my modem to its factory default settings? – If you are experiencing problems with your connection and want to eliminate any issues that may have been caused by changes you’ve made in its configuration, you can press and hold the reset button for the prescribed duration and go back to square one.
3. How can I boot piggy-back users off my network? – For starters, you can disconnect users from your connection by a modem reset. To keep them off, however, will require that you set up your modem for a secure connection via the manufacturer’s configuration website.
4. How can I change my computer’s IP address? – If your modem is set up for a dynamic IP address it will change each time you connect to the internet. To prevent hacking (in addition to a strong firewall, of course), you can reboot regularly in order to update your modem’s IP address.
5. How do I fix browsing problems? – When you are having difficulty loading certain pages or your browser is freezing up, a cable modem reset can often fix the problem. When you reset your modem and re-connect you may benefit from connecting through alternate servers and avoid the hang-ups.
6. What do I do if my internet light stops blinking/turns red/goes out? – The usual indication of a good connection on most modems is a blinking green internet indicator. If you’ve lost that then you’ve got a problem with your modem’s sync. The answer, naturally, is to reset the modem.
7. How do I address speed fluctuations? – A cable internet connection will slow down with more traffic. This can sometimes be alleviated by resetting your modem, particularly if you are connected through a router. A reset will allow your router’s memory to reset as well, which will clear its memory and therefore increase its ability to work more quickly.

Reset. It is the simple answer to many questions in this electronic age.

1. Litigation – Some manufacturers just couldn’t hold it together in the face of legal battles over market share. Such was the case with Eagle Computers, who built high-quality IBM PC clones that caused IBM to come after them, and they were forced to settle out of court with IBM.
2. Poor Vision – Some companies, like Wang and AST, didn’t have the foresight to see the direction that PC’s were headed, and failed to make the necessary adjustments that would keep them afloat. As a result, when the industry began to change and evolve they were left behind in the dust.
3. Poor Focus – Computer companies like Commodore which initially established niche markets, did not focus primarily on their computer business and failed to keep up with their competitors who focused primarily on building and marketing computers.
4. Acquired by Competitors – For various reasons, many smaller computer makers were bought out or merged with larger competitors. Financial or competitive reasons were typically the driving force behind these moves.
5. Contraction – Some former manufacturers of computers are still in operation, such as Xerox and Radio Shack, but have exited the computer market in favor of other core business ventures. This move is usually one that is made out of a financially-driven decision to help streamline operations.
6. Dealer Relations – Other manufacturers had strained relations with their dealerships. This made marketing and sales of their brand more difficult, which eventually led to cash flow issues. Examples of this are Processor Technology and, to an extent, Commodore.
7. Switching to Support Role – In some cases, companies have chosen to provide support hardware or software for computers rather than build their own, as was the case with Stardent, Inc. Unfortunately for Stardent, they eventually failed anyway.
8. Bankruptcy – Manufacturers like Zepto were unable to maintain solvency despite having an innovative and high-quality product, as well as a niche market. Their sales could not be sustained however because of their highly specialized market, and low profit margins.
9. Ahead of Their Time – Computer manufacturers might have a good concept or technology that just doesn’t have a strong enough demand at the time to market their product effectively. Case in point: Multiflow, which specialized in mini-supercomputers that were built on the VLIW design.
10. Bad Reputation – Liebermann Computers made a living out of over-selling and over-pricing some pretty run-of-the-mill units and features with bizarre marketing strategies. It eventually caught up with them and they are no longer in the biz.

1. Cameras – Security cameras can be purchased with internet connectivity, allowing users to access control of their surveillance system remotely via a wireless device or a PC. Change the camera’s position and view the monitor, all through your internet connection.
2. Refrigerators – Yes, a Wi-Fi enabled refrigerator where you can check weather, your calendar, look up recipes and, oh yeah, refrigerate your food. This model comes with an 8-in. touch screen on the door.
3. Printers – All you need now is your printer, and you can toss out the PC as an unnecessary peripheral. How’s that for irony? This HP printer will connect you to the web, print, copy, fax, and even tell your fortune. Okay, we made up that last part, but still.
4. Icebox Flip-screen TV/Internet/Radio – An under-cabinet wonder for your kitchen, it does pretty much everything you need in a multimedia device in your kitchen. It has TV, FM radio and internet connectivity all in in one box, the Icebox.
5. Picture Frames – Looking more like a tablet than a photo display, the HP Dream Screen provides almost as much internet connectivity while also functioning as a display for your digital photos for one very versatile slide show viewer.
6. PC EZ Bake Oven – Okay, so technically this device doesn’t provide internet access, but it’s just way too cool and unusual, and it does connect to a PC at least. It’s one of the greatest uses we’ve ever seen for a desktop tower expansion port. Unfortunately, it is also not for sale…
7. Door Locks – Your home’s door locks can be accessed via an internet connection. Users can now lock and unlock their doors via their PC or mobile device. These gadgets can also be programmed to operate other household devices that are internet capable.
8. Karotz – A smart bunny robot which connects to your Wifi and does some pretty amazing things. Load it with up to 200 apps to get it to play radio, read you the news and other oddly entertaining functions.
9. Automotive on-board computers – Some vehicles, such as the Ford F-150 pick-up truck, are equipped with in-dash computers which allow service personnel to browse online to find service manual information.
10. Sex Toys – Sinulators sex toys that can be connected to your PC, allowing friends and who knows who else to control it remotely. We’ll let you decide the possibilities here, and find it for yourself. As for us, we’re more of the plug-and-play types around here.

It is really scary how web connected we have become. Especially when you think of shows like Terminator and I, Robot. Just what are we getting ourselves into here? A future of attacking fridges and true smart cars?

1. Haitian Charity Scam – There are several sites set up to help the victims of the disaster in Haiti. Before giving to any of them, check to see if they are legitimate. Find out what percentage of the money actually gets to the victims or is used to help the victims. If it’s less than 65% then this is an outfit you probably want to stay away from. Going through an established group like the Red Cross is a better way to help.
2. Nigerian help scam – This scam has been around for a long time, yet it continues to crop up. Some people still fall victim despite several warnings that have gone out. The scam usually involves a message to the victim that they have been chosen to help with a bank transfer amounting to huge amounts of money. Eventually the victim is asked to supply emergency funds in varying amounts so that the transfer can take place. Sometimes this gets played out for a very long time with unsuspecting victims. Don’t be duped.
3. Long lost relative – An Oregon woman lost $400,000 doing what she thought was a favor for a “long lost relative” in Nigeria. She was contacted via email with a plea for help from someone who claimed to be a relative and promised thousands of dollars in return for help. It started with just $100, but the increments kept going up. Finally, the authorities noticed a huge sum of money going to Nigeria and stepped in, only to find out the woman was the victim of a scam. Charity begins at home, so if your long lost relative whom you’ve never heard of needs some help, your better off suggesting they look to the local aid society.
4. Lonely heart seniors – Senior citizens are an easy target for scammers, unfortunately; and those who are lonely can be especially vulnerable. Take the case of an elderly man who advertised for companionship. What he got was a response from a woman in Ghana looking for a long term relationship. However, she needed money to pay a hospital bill and for air fare so she could fly up to meet the gentleman. Out of the goodness of his heart, he took out loans and emptied his bank account to wire her the money. He was being charitable with the hope of finding a special friend and ended up losing all his assets and going in debt. Join a local seniors group to meet people, it’s safer that way.
5. Disaster aid scam artists – Whenever a major disaster strikes, the scammers come out. Beware of overnight charities asking for donations to help the victims of the latest disaster. It is better to give to legitimate charities like the Red Cross and Salvation Army instead of going through an organization you know nothing about.
6. Fake websites – These scammers set up fake websites that look like legitimate charities. They solicit you for donations and/or your personal information. Just remember that unless you have contacted a charity first, most legitimate organizations do not solicit donations through email. Be wary of one that does.
7. Imitation websites – Some con artists have gone to the trouble of setting up websites that look exactly like actual well known charitable organizations. The difference is in where the money is sent. If you have any concerns about an organization’s website, it is best if you contact them through other means.
8. Cancer Awareness scams – During the height of cancer awareness drives, particularly Breast Cancer Awareness Month, scammers seem to jump on the band wagon to get their undeserved share of the consumer’s donations. Giving to reputable, well known organizations is the best way of making sure your dollars go to the right place.
9. Tornado victims fraud – When tornado season strikes and communities are devastated by nature’s wrath, not only do the willing volunteers come out to help, bogus charities get set up to relieve well meaning funders of their money. If you receive an email solicitation for helping tornado or hurricane victims, be sure to check the details. If the email is sent to “undisclosed recipients,” you can be almost certain that it is a scam.
10. Police or Firefighter’s funds – If you receive a request to send money to either of these community services, call your local department before contributing to find out if such a drive is actually happening. Chances are, it isn’t.

There are websites that will help you learn some basic moves to protect yourself from online scams. If you are a senior citizen, it’s very important for you to do your homework before you send money or information to any charities over the internet. Charitable organizations need donations from those willing to give, however, the savvy consumer is wise and checks into the organizations he or she is donating to.

1. Huffington Post – A news aggregator founded by Arianna Huffington, with a liberal slant to its content. The Huffington Post makes frequent use of its pages to tell Rush what for. Rush hasn’t exactly been making it difficult for them lately.
2. Wonkette – This blog is part of an online magazine created by Ana Marie Cox, and dishes a left-leaning smorgasbord of political gossip and snark. The Rush menu is extensive, and tasty.
3. Daily Kos – A self-described “news organization, community, and activist hub’, Daily Kos is the brainchild of Markos Moulitsas Zúniga, who serves as publisher and writer. As a liberal, progressive platform, Daily Kos has its share of pieces concerning Rush Limbaugh.
4. Crooks and Liars – You don’t have to dig too far to dredge up some dirt on old Rush here at C&L.  Visitors can search categories such as Blue America, Occupy America, Newstalgia, and Video Cafe. Don’t miss William Shatner’s rendition of It Was a Very Good Year at Late Night Music Club.
5. ThinkProgress – A non-partisan project of the Center for American Progress Action Fund, ThinkProgress is intended to provide “a forum that advances progressive ideas and policies.” Find TP’s blogs about Limbaugh here.
6. Oliver Willis – Boston-based blogger Willis is a Democratic voice of considerable import. On his blog you will find a wide array of social and political fodder, not the least of which is the subject of our popular conservative lightning rod, Rush.
7. Firedoglake.com- A progressive blog and news site with a very vocal online community. You can get some interesting discourse on all manner of political issues. Here is a sampling from the archives re: Rush Limbaugh.
8. Democratic Underground – In their mission statement, Democratic Underground describes itself thusly: ”… an online community where politically liberal people can do their part to effect political and social change”. Check out some DU digs at Rush Limbaugh.
9. Political Animal (Washington Monthly) – Washington Monthly is actually a bimonthly (as of 2008), non-profit political magazine which was formed by Charles Peters way back in 1969. It takes a non-partisan approach, though it can be regarded as left of center in its ideology. As such, Limbaugh gets his share of ink.
10. Classic Liberal – Political leanings are a bit complicated – and verbose- so glean what you can from here. That being said, there’s a potpourri of political pot shots to peek at here, including our man Rush Limbaugh of course.

All ten of these sites love to bash Rush Limbaugh, and he frequently gives them plenty of ammunition to do it with. You can’t help but wonder who else they will bash when Rush retires from the political scene…

1. Reading Tweets – Straightforward and obvious, this method elicits enough information from a person’s profile most of the time to make spying on them a moot point. It’s surprising how much one can learn about someone else just 140 characters at a time, when following their tweets.
2. Follow Them – Unlike other social media such as Facebook, it’s not necessary to establish a reciprocal relationship in order to follow someone. Anyone can keep tabs on you just by opting to do so, with or without your consent or return gesture.
3. Following Their Followers – it’s often possible to fill in the blanks that a member’s tweets may have, by reading their friends’ tweets, and following them as well. It helps flesh out the overall picture for someone seeking to gather information about a user.
4. RSS Feed – Apps are abundant which allow you to add a Twitter feed to your desktop or website. This essentially gives a tracking device to a person who wishes to spy on another user. They will get a notification every time that person posts an update.
5. Hash Tags – Hash tags are a means by which users have categorized their tweets to facilitate a search on specific topics. They have since been misused and abused, but they still provide a good tracking tool for finding tweets related to a given topic, name or phrase.
6. Programs – Businesses can spy on the competition by following their hash tags and tweets with programs like HootSuite, where they can organize their search data and form profiles of their own for each competitor.
7. URL’s/Linked Websites – Twitter users who post links to their private or professional websites or blogs are very easily tracked. A reader can simply subscribe to the blog or website and stay abreast of all of your daily doings, which most Tweeters are only too happy to provide.
8. People – Companies actually hire personnel for the sole purpose of tracking mentions of their corporate name or associated tag words, in order to see what the public is saying about them. Fair enough, but that means you could be followed by any number of strangers, just for mentioning that you stopped off for a Big Mac after shopping at Target.
9. TwitterSpy – A real time feed of Twitter updates, this app allows users to drop in on anyone who happens to be currently active, and follow their activities. Users’ profiles, photos and locations are provided with the feed.
10. Monitor @Replies – Stay on top of the entire conversation by monitoring tweets and replies. It’s just one more way to put together a clearer picture of what the object of your interest is up to.

Twitter is a great resource, but you need to be careful and aware as you use it. These are just a few of the ways Twitter can be used to spy on people… How many more can be discovered?

1. Uncredited Sources – One of the things that makes Pinterest such a popular site is the community feel; sharing interests and great finds is the cornerstone of this community, which makes neglecting or outright refusing to credit your sources a bit of a faux pas in the eyes of other users.
2. Self-Promoting Pins – Promotion of your own brand or business is one of the quickest ways to draw the ire of the DIY-centric crowd of Pinterest enthusiasts. Blatant pushing of your own goods and services to the exclusion of all else is regarded as a form of spam on Pinterest.
3. Racist Pins – Any pin that alludes to racism or racist viewpoints could eventually lead to the deletion of your entire account. Pinterest is a place for sharing things that interest users in a positive and motivating manner, hence the name; however if your interests include racism, this community is not the place to share those views.
4. Overtly Sexual Content – Pinterest does have a decency policy which states that any overtly sexual content or any pins that contain nudity will be deleted upon discovery. Site admins generally become aware of these pins when offended users report them, which means that you won’t have gained any friends from these controversial pins.
5. Inflammatory Political Views – Political tensions are always running high, but are especially the source of potentially contentious debate during an election year. Though sharing your political views is perfectly acceptable social behavior in the appropriate venue, the breezy lightheartedness of Pinterest makes it a less than ideal setting.
6. Incendiary Topics – Hot-button issues like abortion and gay marriage are causes that many people feel very strongly about, be it on either side of the debate. Pinning images that are related to these topics and others of their ilk is best avoided in keeping with the happy-go-lucky feel of the site.
7. Discriminatory Religious Pins – Much like political views, religious beliefs can be the source of many in-depth and passionate arguments. Sharing your religious views in a respectful manner is acceptable; being heavy-handed and argumentative or bashing the beliefs of others is not.
8. Anti-Gay Pins – Hate speech is officially forbidden by the administrators of Pinterest, which includes any sentiments bashing gay marriage or endorsing sexuality-based bullying. Pins reflecting these views are certain to lead to a significant loss of followers and a spike in reported content.
9. Sexist Content – When it comes to Pinterest, the oft-repeated advice of mothers everywhere comes to mind: “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.” The vibe of Pinterest shoots for positivity; sexist pins certainly don’t hold to this tenet and are forbidden under the sites Terms of Use.
10. Copyrighted Images – One of the more recent bits of Pinterest-related controversy stems from photo giant Flickr blocking the ability to pin their images. Already, savvy users have found a way around the security measure though this is still considered impolite, and violates the terms of both sites as well.

When venturing into a new venue on the web, it is always wise to take some time to observe before utilizing too heavily. Etiquette is usually easily detected with a little time and common sense.

1. Scientology – Tom Cruise may beg to differ on this one, but then we aren’t proclaiming Scientology to be a cult while jumping up and down on Oprah’s couch either, so there’s that. Anyway, this group has been brainwashing auditing heads since 1953; all in hopes of helping you remember your true nature.
2. Heaven’s Gate – We thought this cult had died off (ba-dum-bump), but apparently reports of  its demise were grossly exaggerated and it hasn’t quite kicked the bucket yet. Instead it’s still encouraging members to learn and rise to the next stage of existence. Not surprisingly, its Facebook profile lists the TV show UFO Hunters among its likes.
3. Unification Church –  Sun Myung Moon’s version of Christianity, this church began in Korea back in the 1940′s. One of the tenets of the Divine Principle for Moonies states that Lord of the second coming must be Korean-born, circa early 20^th century.
4. Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints  (FLDS) – This group splintered from the Mormon church due to its holding to the belief in polygamy, a practice which the Mormon church officially suspended.
5. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints  (LDS) – The official Facebook profile for the Mormon church, a religious movement that began based on visions of Joseph Smith in Upstate New York. This one is very much alive and thriving. The church’s headquarters reside in Salt Lake City, Utah now, but there are locations worldwide for believers to attend.
6. Desteni – Destonians, as they refer to themselves, are a group that believes there will one day be a world financial collapse. At that time, they will rise to power, and institute an “equal money system”.
7. Israelite Church of God and Jesus Christ – A religious sect, also known as Black Hebrew Israelites. They claim to be the true Biblical Jews, and to be racially superior to Caucasians, having divine inspiration and destiny.
8. Ordo Templi Orientis – Let’s be clear, this links to the unofficial fan page of the organization founded in the early 20^th century. Aleister Crowley, the English author and proclaimed Satanist, was a member. “Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law” is the group’s credo.
9. Creativity Movement – A white supremacist cult who believe in racial eugenics and deny the Holocaust ever happening. Some members have been involved in terrorist plots against Black and Jewish landmarks in Boston, and murder plots against judicial figures.
10. Hare Krishna – ISKCON – You may remember this group for their ubiquity at airports across the nation back in the 70′s. Yellow-robed, shaved head devotees of Krishna chanting blissfully while panhandling for their god, Krishna.

1. Moneylicious – Directed at Gen-Y investors, Ornella Grosz’s blog Moneylicious is filled with valuable tips and advice. The financial expert and popular motivational speaker is also the author of an investment advice book, also titled Moneylicious. There are posts detailing the process of investing without the aid of a broker; set aside a decent amount of time for persuing the wealth of information here.
2. Buy Stocks Online – This no-frills blog is light on the graphics, but heavy on information. Extensive investment advice and financial planning information are included, along with a post dedicated to broker-free investments.
3. Finance Learners – Stock trading tips, strategies, broker information and investment advice are all easy to find at this beginner-friendly blog. From risk reduction and safe bets to high-risk, high-yield investments, you’ll find Finance Learners to be a great starting point.
4. Investorpedia – The amount of available information and advice on the Investorpedia blog is jaw-dropping. Everything a beginning investor needs to know can be found here; special sections on investing without a broker are also featured in addition to other valuable money-management advice and financial planning tools.
5. Dummies – The bestselling “…For Dummies” series of books has expanded into the blogosphere, with an investment advice section that includes information on building a portfolio without using a broker.
6. Good Financial Cents – In addition to traditional blog-style posts, Good Financial Cents also features vlog, or video-blog, entries. Explaining the world of investing and money management while offering sound advice, this blog is a valuable resource for the new investor.
7. Investing and Money Management – Helping readers to “get the most out of the money they make,” Investing and Money Management’s blog is a great resource for both beginner and veteran investors. The post dedicated to trading without a broker is clearly written and easy to understand; the rest of the advice on the blog is also quite useful. Debt management, wealth building and investing are all covered by this blogger.
8. Stock Market Investing Today – The blogger in charge of Stock Market Investor Today claims, “If you want to learn how to do your own stock market investing – you have come to the right place. Here, I detail my investment strategies for you to follow along.” The available information is clearly worded and easy for a beginner to understand, without excessive industry-specific jargon that can be confusing.
9. Stock Markets Investment – Stock Markets Investment is heavy on the content, and all of it is valuable information for beginners. Sections explaining the function of a broker, the best way to choose the right one for you and also the way to invest without one are all included, along with definitions and explanations of financial terminology and phrases.
10. Stock Market For Beginners – Another great blog for those just getting their feet wet, Stock Market For Beginners explains the process of buying stocks directly from the company without the services of a broker, as well as providing an extensive archive of other investment advice and information.