The subject of this particular apple phishing email reads “Account Info Change,” the phishing email appears to look like it comes from APPLE, but the email address shows it came from do not reply@itunes.comvia smtp.com,”. This means this email did not really come from apple and instead came from a fraudulent third party email service provider. (Real APPLE emails will show “id.apple.com” as the address. If you are unsure if the email you receive is real or bogus then it’s a good idea to call your network administrator of a qualified computer consultant to look at the email for you.

The fake emails look identical to real emails from APPLE which makes it dangerous for unsuspecting victims of fraud.

The bogus email informs email recipients that their Apple ID was “updated” and includes a link users can click on “to review and update their APPLE account security settings”. The fake link tricks users into believing the link goes to the real apple website but in fact the link takes users to a fake webpage that is cloned to look like the real apple web page.

The bogus APPLE page asks for users to log in with their APPLE ID and password, which of course ais sent to cyber criminals which then take your user name and password and access your real APPLE account and steal your credit card information along with your home or business address, your phone numbers and this quickly turns you into a victim of identity theft.

This kind of cyber crime is blooming up all over the internet and is very popular in Orlando Florida.

It is also important for APPLE users to understand that APPLE laptops, computers, iPhones and Ipads, which are thought to be safer and more secure then Microsoft computing platforms are not immune from online cyber crime and cyber attacks. A long list of new malware and computer viruses have recently emerged targeting and crippling APPLE computers – Macs. Rather than hoping your Apple product will be safe it is best for users to install commercial quality anti-virus software and better yet to use a high quality firewall designed to filter malware and computer viruses.

Of course, there is no substitute for knowledge and common sense. No antivirus software, firewall or reputation.com review can completely protect you from cyber crime like this. If you ever receive an unsolicited email like this, pick up the phone and call your network administrator and computer consultant and have him or her look at the email and whatever you do not click on any links in the email as this can open up a serious threat to your computer and your network. A good Managed Services Provider will proactively monitor your computer and network safety and will filter content so you do not have to worry about doing so but it is not always possible to detect and block these kinds of emails because of the never ending trends of technology and trickery.

If you thought Google+ is just for personal use you may be in for a surprise.

Google+ is now available on Google Apps, the online suite of Google tools used by millions of businesses and universities worldwide.

When Google+ was released this year to the general public, its practical uses for businesses were still unclear. One of the setbacks was this social media tool was not available on Google Apps which is Google’s suite of online office tools used by many businesses and universities. Google recently announced that Google Apps users would now be able to use Google+.

Google stated that over 4 million businesses in a wide range of industries are using Google Apps for common day to day tasks. If an organization has chosen to automatically enable the new Google services, Google+ will become available to employees almost immediately. Otherwise, network administrators can now enable Google+ for their organizations.

While Google Apps users will have access to all of the standard features of Google+, there are other elements your network administrator can add. Users will have the option to share with other Google+ enabled users in their organization.  Google+ already boasts over 50 million users worldwide, and adoptions like this are sure to bring more business users to the light. The business possibilities for Google’s new site seem endless, from online staff business meetings to document collaboration.

Google’s easy to use filtering tools means fast segregation of work related material, not to mention personal material. Google also announced an easy to use migration tool for users that already have a personal Google+ account.  For users that have already started using Google+ with their personal Google accountants, Google is already building a tool to help users move over. With the tool Google is building, users will not have to rebuild their circles, and the people that have already added you to their circles will automatically be connected to your new Google profile.

The integration of Google+ with Google Apps sounds like it is the beginning of Google’s push for the social media website to be a business tool.  Does your company or organization plan on using Google+ as a business collaboration tool in the near future? How do you envision Google’s role for your business or organization?

To learn more about Google+ visit the Google+ website.

Guests that stay at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels in Lake Buena Vista Florida get FREE WiFi high speed internet access in their rooms. Not every Disney Resort offers FREE WiFi so it is important you call the resort you are interested in and ask if they are one of the Disney Resorts Orlando Florida offering free internet access in the rooms of their guests.

This new WiFi policy was announced on October 17 2011 and we were told if this freebee turns out to really put a smile on guests faces that other Disney Resorts in Florida may follow along by providing this free service to their guests.

Central Florida Computer Engineering also provides premium emergency computer repair services to Disney Guests which is targeted towards families and traveling business professionals in the Orlando, Lake Buena Vista , Kissimmee and surrounding Central Florida areas. If you are on vacation in Central Florida and need fast on-site emergency computer help call  Central Florida’s Premium Technology Service Provider for fast, professional and reliable computer support.

Steve Jobs, the creative, innovative co-founder of Apple that transformed the use of technology in personal and entire industries with products such as the Macintosh computer system, iPod, iPad, iPhone, iTunes and the iTunes store passed away today.

The Apple chairman was just 56 years old when he died.

The American Icon Steve Jobs, whose impact on the world will never be forgotten.

In August of 2011 Apples Steve Jobs stepped down from his position as the Apple CEO because of his personal health problem of suffering from pancreatic cancer although Apple did not give a specific reason for Job’s death.

Today Apple lost a real genius and the world lost an amazing man. Steve Jobs was a dear friend to many and an inspiring and uplifting mentor to many others in and out of the technology world.

In a short statement Apple stated they were saddened to announce that Steve Jobs passed away today. Steve’s brilliant mind and passion were the source of many innovations that changed the world.

Steve Jobs battled cancer in 2004 and had a liver transplant in 2009. Ultimately after several leave of absences In 2009 Steve stepped down as CEO of Apple and became chairman.

1976
Apple / Macintosh was co-founded by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak.
The first computers were built and assembled in a garage.

January 24, 1984
The Macintosh computer makes its debut.

May 6, 1998
The iMac is introduced to the general public and becomes the fastest selling computer in Apples history.

October 23, 2001
The iPod revolutionizes the portable music player.

September 7, 2005
With the iPod Nano, the iPod shrinks as it evolves.

January 9, 2007
Apple drops the name “computer” from its name and expands its reach with the iPhone.

January 27, 2010
Apple fills a gap consumers didn’t know existed with the iPad tablet.

June 7, 2010
After it was leaked by a technology blog, the iPhone 4 is officially unveiled to the general public.

March 2, 2011
Steve Jobs returns from medical leave to launch the iPad 2

October 4, 2011 Apple announces the new iPhone 4S

October 5, 2011 Apple’s Steve Jobs passes away.

All of us at Central Florida Computer Engineering will forever miss you Steve and we can’t thank you enough for all you have given the world. We know you are in a better place and know you are in heaven watching all of us.

Sincerely,

Chris Ondo
Central Florida Computer Engineering
CFCEcorp.com

Microsoft unveiled its next generation operating system which is called Microsoft Windows 8. Windows 8 is a drastic overhaul when compared to previous versions of Microsoft windows including Windows 7 and Windows Vista. Microsoft is gearing its focus on touch screen devices in an effort to compete against the Apple Ipad tablet. During a software developers conference in Anaheim California Microsoft’s Steven Sinofsky whom is the president of Microsoft’s Windows and Windows Live division. Steven spoke in depth about the new and upcoming operating system Microsoft Windows 8. Microsoft is going to be facing an uphill battle when it goes to sell its new operating system to businesses. Microsoft Windows 8 is expected to be released sometime in 2012 but as of right now nobody knows for sure. Now on the other hand consumers will most likely jump to the new operating system and many personal computer and laptop manufactures will likely roll out future computers with windows 8 for consumers to enjoy. This means that it is very possible we may see new computers in retail stores with windows 8 pre loaded on then again nobody knows for sure. Microsoft Steven Sinofsky stated he believes this new OS will be powering the table computers of the future. “We are going to completely reimage Microsoft Windows from the ground up inside out so it functions completely different with the memory in a computer all the way to how it interacts with new CPS’s – computer processors and all the way up to a brand spanking new GUI – graphical user interface. Some of the GUI changes are going to be focusing on the touch input controls which geared more for tablet computers – touch screens. Other features will include a built in “pop up keyboard inside the operating system and a built in spell checker.

You have likely seen the 4G advertisements all over Orlando, Altamonte Springs, Lake Mary and everywhere in Florida and well the entire United States for that matter from Verizon wireless, T-Mobile, and Sprint, bragging about a much better their 4G wireless network is. Chris Ondo a Senior Network Administrator for Central Florida Computer Engineering which provides Information Technology Consulting Services to small and medium sized businesses in Central Florida visited the wireless stores in Orlando, Altamonte Springs, Lake Mary, Sanford, Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach and the hype is just that, all hype.

Here’s the secret the wireless carriers don’t advertise: 4G is a myth. Like the purple spotted elephant, it hasn’t been spotted anywhere in the wild and it never will.

The International Telecommunication Union, the global wireless standards setting organization, determined last month that 4G is defined as a network capable of download speeds of 100 megabits per second (Mbps). That’s fast enough to download an average high definition movie such as a DVD or a blue-ray movie in about three minutes.

None of the new networks the carriers are rolling out meet that standard.

Sprint wireless was the first to launch a network called 4G, going live with it in early 2011. Then, T-Mobile launched its 4G network, claiming to be “America’s largest 4G network.” Verizon launched it’s 4G network  in late 2010 / early 2011 which it claims will be the nation’s largest and the fastest wireless network . AT&T  is expected to unveil its 4G network next year.

Those wireless networks have theoretical speeds of a fifth to a half that of the official 4G standard. The actual speeds the carriers say they’ll achieve are just a tenth of “real” 4G speed.

So why are the wireless carriers calling these networks 4G?

It’s mostly a matter of PR, industry experts say. Explaining what the wireless carriers’ new networks should be called, and what they’ll be capable of, is a confusing and misleading.

To illustrate: Sprint bought a majority stake in Clearwire communications, which uses a new network technology called WiMAX that’s capable of speeds ranging from 3 Mbps to 10 Mbps. That’s a different technology from Verizon’s new network, based on a standard called Long Term Evolution (LTE), which will average 5 Mbps to 12 Mbps.

Seeing what its competitors were up to, T-Mobile opted to increase the speed capabilities of its existing 3G-HSPA+ network instead of pursuing a new technology. Its expanded network — now called 4G — will reach speeds of 5 Mbps to 12 Mbps.

No matter what they’re called, all of these upgrades are clear improvements — and the carriers shelled out billions of dollars to make them. Current “3G” wireless networks offer actual speeds that range from between 500 kilobits per second to 1.5 Mbps.

So Sprint and Verizon have new, faster networks that are still technically not 4G, while T-Mobile has an old, though still faster network that is actually based on 3G technology.

Confused yet? That’s why they all just opted to call themselves “4G.”

The wireless carriers get defensive about the topic.

“It’s very misleading to make a decision about what’s 4G based on speed alone,” said Stephanie Vinge-Walsh, spokeswoman for Sprint Nextel. “It is a challenge we face in an extremely competitive industry.”

T-Mobile did not respond to a request for comment.

One wireless network representative, who asked not to be identified, claimed that ITU’s 4G line in the sand is being misconstrued. The organization previously approved the use of the term “4G” for Sprint’s WiMAX and Verizon’s LTE networks, he said  though not for T-Mobile’s HSPA+ network.

ITU’s PR department ignored that approval in its recent statement about how future wireless technologies would be measured, the representative said. ITU representatives were not immediately available for comment.

“I’m not getting into a technical debate,” said Jeffrey Nelson, spokesman for Verizon Wireless. “Consumers will quickly realize that there’s really a difference between the capabilities of various wireless data networks. All ’4G’ is not the same.”

And that’s what’s so difficult. The term 4G has become meaningless and confusing as hell for wireless customers.

For instance, T-Mobile’s 4G network, which is technically 3G, will have speeds that are at least equal to — and possibly faster — than Verizon’s 4G-LTE network at launch. At the same time, AT&T’s 3G network, which is also being scaled up like T-Mobile’s, is not being labeled “4G.”

“The labeling of wireless broadband based on technical jargon is likely to fade away in 2011,” said Dan Hays, partner at industry consultancy PRTM. “That will be good news for the consumer. Comparing carriers based on their network coverage and speed will give them more facts to make more informed decisions.”

Hays expects that independent researchers — or the Federal Communications Commission — will step in next year to perform speed and coverage tests.

“Historically, ITU’s classification system has not held a great degree of water and has not been used to enforce branding,” Hays said. “Everyone started off declaring themselves to be 4G long before the official decision on labeling was made. The ITU was three to four years too late to make an meaningful impact on the industry’s use of the term.”

I have noticed people are receiving emails that attempt to trick facebook users into believing their facebook accountant is subject to an internet attack by hackers. DO NOT BELIEVE THIS.
This is an attempt to get people to download and install a computer virus to their computers.
Instead we recommend you delete such emails and DO NOT OPEN ANY ATTACHMENTS from sources you do not trust EVER.

Here is an actual email we have seen which is NOT FROM the REAL FACEBOOK.
NOTE: We made the fake email in RED text so you can clearly identify it.

Dear user!

Your account on the site Facebook.com was subjected to attack by third parties
at 21:13 March 25, 2011.
We stopped trying password guessing, using bruteforce.
And strongly recommend that you use complex passwords consisting of random
characters. In no case do not pass on suspicious links, where you are required
to enter a password. Always use antivirus software to avoid becoming a victim
of fraud by entering the password in the fake software.
We strongly recommend that you upgrade your system’s security policy.
We have generated for you patch, which allows the maximum secure your stay
at the Facebook.com.
Be sure to use it, so we can immediately return your page in case of theft
of a password.

Each copy of the patch has its own unique identifier.
And this patch is applicable only to your account.
Once installed, it automatically deleted.
Thus it is not possible to attempt to steal personal settings on your patch.

-
Sincerely,
Customer Support Facebook.com

After years of rumors, the day is coming where Verizon wireless will support the  Iphone. The day this will happen is February 11 2011. This information was given to me by the Verizon store in Altamonte Springs Florida a few weeks ago. A few days later this information was all over television news and radio media. “I didn’t believe it until I saw it all over major news outlets”.

Apple has sold more than 70 million iPhones since the device’s launch in 2007 which is on AT&T’s network.

The exclusive contract between AT&T and Apple has come at a hefty price. Customers all over Central Florida and the United States have complained about the poor service from AT&T’s wireless network.

The big question is:

Will Verizon’s wireless network outshine AT&T’s wireless network?
Verizon and AT&T have been spending billions of dollars to build their network to capacity and consumers will find out pretty soon.

Will the iPhone support Verizon’s LTE 4G network, or its CDMA 3G network?

Verizon’s new 4G network is just starting its rollout. If the iPhone has to rely on the older CDMA network that is what I call the old school network that I used with my Palm TREO WX that carries some significant drawbacks. Most noticeable: Verizon customers will NOT be able to chat on the Iphone and surf the Web simultaneously, as they can on AT&T’s network.

Will Verizon let iPhone customer’s sign up for the unlimited data plan?

Back in June 2010, AT&T announced new 3G pricing plans that made iPhone and iPad bills less expensive for most customers, but also ended the carrier’s unlimited data option. New buyers can pay either $15 for 200 MB a month or $25 for 2 GB, replacing the carrier’s previous $30 all-you-can-download plan.

Verizon currently offers its smart phone customers unlimited data for $30 a month. Will it extend that plan to the iPhone? YES according to the Verizon store in Altamonte Springs Florida but don’t hold your breath because I have heard the Iphone rumors in that store for many years now.

When will the Verizon iPhone be available to customers?
02 11 2011 is the magic day according to Verizon wireless in Altamonte Springs and Orlando.

How much will the Verizon iPhone cost? And will the company offer any incentives to AT&T iPhone customers?

With a two-year AT&T contract, the iPhone 4 costs $199 for a 16 GB device and $299 for the 32 GB version. Verizon’s pricing is expected to be the same. Price as AT&T for Iphones.

With such a high demand product, Verizon probably won’t feel the need to offer any incentives for AT&T customers looking to switch over. Those who make the jump will have to pay a $325 penalty for termination-of-contract, and they could be subject to other fees.

Will a Verizon iPhone kill AT&T?

The many friends I have spoken to in the Information Technology field in the greater Orlando area and in Philadelphia Pennsylvania and Berkley California have told me they believe so, but many industry analysts say no. The company has locked in millions of customers who upgraded over the past few months.

Furthermore, while lots of customers complain about AT&T, relatively few are likely to follow through with the hassle of switching. Yankee Group estimates that 2.5 million AT&T iPhone customers will defect to Verizon in 2011 which represents just 3% of AT&T’s base of 93 million customers.

From my personal experiences I feel AT&T has much more to offer.
Verizon and AT&T prices are the same in terms of what you get per month for your money.
The only real world difference is AT&T offers rollover minutes and Verizon does not and has no plans to.

Do you want video chat capability?
Do you want to enjoy roll over minutes? IE to keep the minutes you paid for and didn’t use.

If you answered yes to either of those two questions then AT&T is my recommendation because you will NOT get either of those two features with Verizon Wireless.