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Wednesday, January 24, 2007
You WANT To Be An Online Marketer!
Where do you start if you want to be an online marketer? Tough question, huh? There are lots of ways to begin your way on the bumpy journey. Just make sure you are aware that it WILL be a bumpy ride.
First things first: do a lot of research. Find out what kind of thing appeals to you most. It could be affiliate programs, mlm’s or maybe you like the idea of selling other peoples products for a commission etc.
There are a ton of options, and 1000 times more hype. This is why it’s so important to do as much research as you can before starting out. Sure, you can go the long way round, which is how a lot of us start out, but that’s even more of a bumpy ride...hehehe
Ok, so let’s say you’ve decided on where you want to start. You don’t have a product of your own, so you decide to sell other peoples information products, just as an example. Don’t make the mistake that so many people do, by trying to sell something you haven’t personally tested.
Put it this way: Who would YOU prefer to buy from? Someone who knows absolutely nothing about the product they’re selling? Or someone who has had firsthand experience with the product they’re selling? You know it’s person number 2, right?
So test the product first. Learn everything there is to know about it. If people can trust you to give an honest opinion, they’ll be back for more. Great way of getting contacts AND repeat customers.
Anna
http://annamarketing.com
Did you find this helpful? please leave a comment.
Thanks
p.s. Have you visited my Real Life Marketers Get-Together forum and posted your free ad yet?
marketing tips marketing online business information online marketing internet marketing
First things first: do a lot of research. Find out what kind of thing appeals to you most. It could be affiliate programs, mlm’s or maybe you like the idea of selling other peoples products for a commission etc.
There are a ton of options, and 1000 times more hype. This is why it’s so important to do as much research as you can before starting out. Sure, you can go the long way round, which is how a lot of us start out, but that’s even more of a bumpy ride...hehehe
Ok, so let’s say you’ve decided on where you want to start. You don’t have a product of your own, so you decide to sell other peoples information products, just as an example. Don’t make the mistake that so many people do, by trying to sell something you haven’t personally tested.
Put it this way: Who would YOU prefer to buy from? Someone who knows absolutely nothing about the product they’re selling? Or someone who has had firsthand experience with the product they’re selling? You know it’s person number 2, right?
So test the product first. Learn everything there is to know about it. If people can trust you to give an honest opinion, they’ll be back for more. Great way of getting contacts AND repeat customers.
Anna
http://annamarketing.com
Did you find this helpful? please leave a comment.
Thanks
p.s. Have you visited my Real Life Marketers Get-Together forum and posted your free ad yet?
marketing tips marketing online business information online marketing internet marketing
Monday, January 15, 2007
How to avoid virus attachments in Outlook Express
How to avoid virus attachments in Outlook Express
I guess nobody is safe from worm viruses these days, at least not if we use Outlook Express and Windows. We don’t even have to be infected ourselves to feel the pain of the really bad ones that auto send emails using various domain names, making them look like YOU sent them.
Worms like this are known as 'spoofers', and are passed on via attachments in emails. A golden rule is: Be extremely cautious opening any attachments that you are not expecting.
Personally, I never open any attachments unless I'm either expecting them, or I confirm with the sender first that they actually did send one. In fact, I've gone so far as to set up my Outlook Express to never open attachments unless I want to.
To do the same, set up Outlook Express like this:
1. Open Outlook Express
2. Click on tools
3. Click on options
4. Click on security
5. Check the box that says 'Do not allow attachments to be saved or opened that could potentially be a virus'
6. Click apply
7. Click ok
Then if and when you're expecting an attachment, go back in and uncheck it until you’ve opened the attachment. Afterwards immediately go back in and re-check the box. This will help curb the spreading of email viruses.
I myself fell victim to a 'spoofer virus' a couple of years ago, and even ended up having to get a new domain because of it. Thankfully, I have my firewall and antivirus program totally turned ON and up to date constantly, so the virus itself couldn’t get to my computer, but it still managed to do a LOT of damage from being on somebody else’s machine.
So please, I urge you ALL to keep your antivirus up to date, and get the patches and updates you need for Windows etc. I know it can be a pain in the butt to keep updating, but it IS worth it. It can save a lot of grief and there’d be a lot less chance of spreading nasty things like this.
Anti-virus programs:
I use the free version of AVG, which is pretty good, and available here: http://www.grisoft.com/us/us_dwnl_free.php
Once you've downloaded and installed it, open the control center, go to task manager and set it to automatically update however often you like, also, set the task scheduler to allow scheduled scans every 24 hours.
Don't just count on one single anti-virus program though, as they don't all update their files at the same time. Remember, the SoBig virus from a few years ago managed to disable various anti-virus software before they'd had the chance to update.
I recommend you also use HouseCall, Trend Micro's free online virus scanner http://housecall.trendmicro.com and MacAfee's free online scan (this one once caught something for me that HouseCall didn’t) http://us.mcafee.com/root/mfs
If, after all this, you still end up getting a virus, worm or Trojan, here’s 2 great links for you:
There’s a great virus encyclopaedia search here:
http://www.trendmicro.com/vinfo/virusencyclo
A list of removal tools for various worms and viruses:
http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/tools.list.html
Of course, there's always the option of using various other email clients or even web mail, but that’s food for a whole different article ;)
===============Resource Box===========
What? You’re Not Making Money Yet? Find out
how REAL PEOPLE are making REAL MONEY Right
Now by grabbing your copy of Real Life Marketer
Interviews Vol. II http://annamarketing.com/int2x3.htm
======================================
This article is available for reprint in your opt-in ezine,
web site or ebook. You MUST agree not to make any changes
to the article and the RESOURCE BOX MUST be included.
(c) Anna-Marie Stewart All Rights Reserved
Anna
http://annamarketing.com
Did you find this helpful? please leave a comment.
Thanks
p.s. Have you visited my Real Life Marketers Get-Together forum and posted your free ad yet?
marketing tips marketing online business information online marketing internet marketing
I guess nobody is safe from worm viruses these days, at least not if we use Outlook Express and Windows. We don’t even have to be infected ourselves to feel the pain of the really bad ones that auto send emails using various domain names, making them look like YOU sent them.
Worms like this are known as 'spoofers', and are passed on via attachments in emails. A golden rule is: Be extremely cautious opening any attachments that you are not expecting.
Personally, I never open any attachments unless I'm either expecting them, or I confirm with the sender first that they actually did send one. In fact, I've gone so far as to set up my Outlook Express to never open attachments unless I want to.
To do the same, set up Outlook Express like this:
1. Open Outlook Express
2. Click on tools
3. Click on options
4. Click on security
5. Check the box that says 'Do not allow attachments to be saved or opened that could potentially be a virus'
6. Click apply
7. Click ok
Then if and when you're expecting an attachment, go back in and uncheck it until you’ve opened the attachment. Afterwards immediately go back in and re-check the box. This will help curb the spreading of email viruses.
I myself fell victim to a 'spoofer virus' a couple of years ago, and even ended up having to get a new domain because of it. Thankfully, I have my firewall and antivirus program totally turned ON and up to date constantly, so the virus itself couldn’t get to my computer, but it still managed to do a LOT of damage from being on somebody else’s machine.
So please, I urge you ALL to keep your antivirus up to date, and get the patches and updates you need for Windows etc. I know it can be a pain in the butt to keep updating, but it IS worth it. It can save a lot of grief and there’d be a lot less chance of spreading nasty things like this.
Anti-virus programs:
I use the free version of AVG, which is pretty good, and available here: http://www.grisoft.com/us/us_dwnl_free.php
Once you've downloaded and installed it, open the control center, go to task manager and set it to automatically update however often you like, also, set the task scheduler to allow scheduled scans every 24 hours.
Don't just count on one single anti-virus program though, as they don't all update their files at the same time. Remember, the SoBig virus from a few years ago managed to disable various anti-virus software before they'd had the chance to update.
I recommend you also use HouseCall, Trend Micro's free online virus scanner http://housecall.trendmicro.com and MacAfee's free online scan (this one once caught something for me that HouseCall didn’t) http://us.mcafee.com/root/mfs
If, after all this, you still end up getting a virus, worm or Trojan, here’s 2 great links for you:
There’s a great virus encyclopaedia search here:
http://www.trendmicro.com/vinfo/virusencyclo
A list of removal tools for various worms and viruses:
http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/tools.list.html
Of course, there's always the option of using various other email clients or even web mail, but that’s food for a whole different article ;)
===============Resource Box===========
What? You’re Not Making Money Yet? Find out
how REAL PEOPLE are making REAL MONEY Right
Now by grabbing your copy of Real Life Marketer
Interviews Vol. II http://annamarketing.com/int2x3.htm
======================================
This article is available for reprint in your opt-in ezine,
web site or ebook. You MUST agree not to make any changes
to the article and the RESOURCE BOX MUST be included.
(c) Anna-Marie Stewart All Rights Reserved
Anna
http://annamarketing.com
Did you find this helpful? please leave a comment.
Thanks
p.s. Have you visited my Real Life Marketers Get-Together forum and posted your free ad yet?
marketing tips marketing online business information online marketing internet marketing
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Reciprocal Linking Is NOT A One-Way Thing!
OK, I should've checked sooner, but omg I was surprised when I went to check on all my reciprocal link partners today.
Reciprocal linking works great for search engines and especially Google PR. If you can linkswap with someone with a good PR, then yours will get better.
I linked to people both with and without good PR from this blog, and yes, I daresay some of them got better PR because of it, but what happened when I checked today? It was almost shocking to say the least!
I had 28 links listed under Sites and Blogs To See, all of which were reciprocal links to start with. Strangely enough, after checking all of them for MY blog link, only 9 of them were still reciprocating!
Fair enough, no worries, I just deleted all the non-reciprocal from the list, no problem. Only thing is, I may have inadvertantly deleted one or 2 others that are in fact still linking to me. Big Boo-Boo!
So if you're reading this, and you have a link to me from your site or blog, get in touch, tell me where it is and I'll re-add your link here.
Anna
http://annamarketing.com
Did you find this helpful? please leave a comment.
Thanks
p.s. Have you visited my Real Life Marketers Get-Together forum and posted your free ad yet?
marketing tips marketing online business information online marketing internet marketing
Reciprocal linking works great for search engines and especially Google PR. If you can linkswap with someone with a good PR, then yours will get better.
I linked to people both with and without good PR from this blog, and yes, I daresay some of them got better PR because of it, but what happened when I checked today? It was almost shocking to say the least!
I had 28 links listed under Sites and Blogs To See, all of which were reciprocal links to start with. Strangely enough, after checking all of them for MY blog link, only 9 of them were still reciprocating!
Fair enough, no worries, I just deleted all the non-reciprocal from the list, no problem. Only thing is, I may have inadvertantly deleted one or 2 others that are in fact still linking to me. Big Boo-Boo!
So if you're reading this, and you have a link to me from your site or blog, get in touch, tell me where it is and I'll re-add your link here.
Anna
http://annamarketing.com
Did you find this helpful? please leave a comment.
Thanks
p.s. Have you visited my Real Life Marketers Get-Together forum and posted your free ad yet?
marketing tips marketing online business information online marketing internet marketing
Sunday, January 07, 2007
Digg is good for traffic.
Social Bookmarking helps to get traffic to a site. You have to use it wisely, and absolutely never ever spam anything, but if done properly it can get you plenty of great traffic.
I'm getting about 300-500 uniques per 24 hours on my new site, mostly from Digg.
All I did was submit a few of the games to Digg.com and I've been getting that amount of traffic from it since. Then again, I'm lucky cos they have a 'Playable Web Games' category.
Of course, there are dangers that your sites can get banned from Digg too if they're seen as being 'spam' so Digg is definitely not for everybody.
But apart from that, I find the traffic is good for me and my site :)
Anna
http://annamarketing.com
Did you find this helpful? please leave a comment.
Thanks
p.s. Have you visited my Real Life Marketers Get-Together forum and posted your free ad yet?
marketing tips marketing online business information online marketing internet marketing
I'm getting about 300-500 uniques per 24 hours on my new site, mostly from Digg.
All I did was submit a few of the games to Digg.com and I've been getting that amount of traffic from it since. Then again, I'm lucky cos they have a 'Playable Web Games' category.
Of course, there are dangers that your sites can get banned from Digg too if they're seen as being 'spam' so Digg is definitely not for everybody.
But apart from that, I find the traffic is good for me and my site :)
Anna
http://annamarketing.com
Did you find this helpful? please leave a comment.
Thanks
p.s. Have you visited my Real Life Marketers Get-Together forum and posted your free ad yet?
marketing tips marketing online business information online marketing internet marketing
Friday, December 29, 2006
Relationship Building is Important!
Have you ever sat and thought about all of the people you have met online? No? Do it right now.
Think of what they're good at, think of what they're not good at. Are there things they can help you with, things you can help them with? I'll bet there is!
I've met so many people online over the years in this amazing field of internet marketing, and without a whole lot of them I definitely wouldn't be where I am today.
Yes, some of your contacts will disappear into the distance after a while, but others grow to be great friends and colleagues that will stick by you through thick and thin.
That's because you have a relationship with them. You trust them and they trust you, you help them and they help you.
Relationships in this field are just as important as in any other field, or even more so at times. times such as when you need to get the word out about something, or when you need help with a new idea, or even just for brainstorming etc etc.
If you're sitting there all on your own and haven't got a single contact that you've built a relationship with, I hate to tell you this, but you will not get very far in the IM scene.
So get out there, offer your contact info on your sites and in your emails, make it really easy for people to get hold of you. Go to every online, or even offline, conference that you can. you never know where your next JV partner or helping hand may turn up.
Offer up whatever you can of yourself to help others, and they will turn around and help you when you need it.
The very latest thing I had help with was installing a wordpress blog over on my games site in the wee hours of this morning. I've never used wordpress before, so I needed a lot of spoonfeeding. Thankfully I'd already built a strong relationship with the guy who helped me and he spent hours with me, explaining it all and even setting up the plugins and widgets for me.
Great guy, great relationship, and when he needs me, I'll be there for him too.
You can check out what the new blog looks like right here, feel free to let me know what you think, but remember, it's new and not totally finished yet ;)
In ending, it's back to the beginning; Build strong relationships and you will become strong.
Anna
http://annamarketing.com
Did you find this helpful? please leave a comment.
Thanks
p.s. Have you visited my Real Life Marketers Get-Together forum and posted your free ad yet?
marketing tips marketing online business information online marketing internet marketing
Think of what they're good at, think of what they're not good at. Are there things they can help you with, things you can help them with? I'll bet there is!
I've met so many people online over the years in this amazing field of internet marketing, and without a whole lot of them I definitely wouldn't be where I am today.
Yes, some of your contacts will disappear into the distance after a while, but others grow to be great friends and colleagues that will stick by you through thick and thin.
That's because you have a relationship with them. You trust them and they trust you, you help them and they help you.
Relationships in this field are just as important as in any other field, or even more so at times. times such as when you need to get the word out about something, or when you need help with a new idea, or even just for brainstorming etc etc.
If you're sitting there all on your own and haven't got a single contact that you've built a relationship with, I hate to tell you this, but you will not get very far in the IM scene.
So get out there, offer your contact info on your sites and in your emails, make it really easy for people to get hold of you. Go to every online, or even offline, conference that you can. you never know where your next JV partner or helping hand may turn up.
Offer up whatever you can of yourself to help others, and they will turn around and help you when you need it.
The very latest thing I had help with was installing a wordpress blog over on my games site in the wee hours of this morning. I've never used wordpress before, so I needed a lot of spoonfeeding. Thankfully I'd already built a strong relationship with the guy who helped me and he spent hours with me, explaining it all and even setting up the plugins and widgets for me.
Great guy, great relationship, and when he needs me, I'll be there for him too.
You can check out what the new blog looks like right here, feel free to let me know what you think, but remember, it's new and not totally finished yet ;)
In ending, it's back to the beginning; Build strong relationships and you will become strong.
Anna
http://annamarketing.com
Did you find this helpful? please leave a comment.
Thanks
p.s. Have you visited my Real Life Marketers Get-Together forum and posted your free ad yet?
marketing tips marketing online business information online marketing internet marketing
Labels: build relationships, internet marketing contacts, internet marketing relationship, realtionship marketing
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Internet Marketing Thoughts Through The Night
Sitting here chatting with other IM'ers (internet marketers) via Windows Live! messenger and I suddenly realize it's already almost 4.30am. It's just been one of those nights where thoughts and conversations have made me forget all about the time.
I love nights like these, they lead to so many fresh ideas and new thoughts, and yes, even to new realizations and conclusions.
One of my friends, Dennis, was asking about the PR4 I have on this blog and wanted some promo tips for blogs. I sat and said, 'I don't really know, I've never actually promoted any of my blogs'. He was quite amused, or bemused even, and said, 'well how come you have a pr4 then??'
So we sat talking about it for a while and got to talking about the fact that both this one and my kids and adhd one both have a page rank of 4, yet my parenting one has a 0 page rank and I was quite sure I hadn't really done anything different with any of them promotion-wise.
Turns out that although I haven't exactly done anything to promote any of the blogs, there are actually a couple of things I've done differently on the 2 pr4 blogs compared to the pr0 one.
Any guesses?
I've posted often and relevant info, and exchanged links with other blogs of similar topics. Yep, that's it, nothing more, nothing less. The parenting blog was started as an experiment and kind of fell to the side, with sporadic posting and no link exchanges.
Of course, now that I've realized that, I know what I have to do to rectify it ;)
Other than that I've been busy hunting down and researching traffic tips, so there'll be something new to read and learn in the near future, so stay tuned for that. This is one I'll be working on with another IM friend, Dave Gammage of NewbieSpot.com and I can tell you it's going to be good.
In fact, Dave really feels like a force to be reckoned with, so keep your eyes peeled for him ;)
As you can probably tell, networking plays a major part in my online business, and you should really make the effort to network as much as you possibly can. You'll be amazed at what it can do for you...
Until next time,
Anna
http://annamarketing.com
Did you find this helpful? please leave a comment.
Thanks
p.s. Have you visited my Real Life Marketers Get-Together forum and posted your free ad yet?
marketing tips marketing online business information online marketing internet marketing
I love nights like these, they lead to so many fresh ideas and new thoughts, and yes, even to new realizations and conclusions.
One of my friends, Dennis, was asking about the PR4 I have on this blog and wanted some promo tips for blogs. I sat and said, 'I don't really know, I've never actually promoted any of my blogs'. He was quite amused, or bemused even, and said, 'well how come you have a pr4 then??'
So we sat talking about it for a while and got to talking about the fact that both this one and my kids and adhd one both have a page rank of 4, yet my parenting one has a 0 page rank and I was quite sure I hadn't really done anything different with any of them promotion-wise.
Turns out that although I haven't exactly done anything to promote any of the blogs, there are actually a couple of things I've done differently on the 2 pr4 blogs compared to the pr0 one.
Any guesses?
I've posted often and relevant info, and exchanged links with other blogs of similar topics. Yep, that's it, nothing more, nothing less. The parenting blog was started as an experiment and kind of fell to the side, with sporadic posting and no link exchanges.
Of course, now that I've realized that, I know what I have to do to rectify it ;)
Other than that I've been busy hunting down and researching traffic tips, so there'll be something new to read and learn in the near future, so stay tuned for that. This is one I'll be working on with another IM friend, Dave Gammage of NewbieSpot.com and I can tell you it's going to be good.
In fact, Dave really feels like a force to be reckoned with, so keep your eyes peeled for him ;)
As you can probably tell, networking plays a major part in my online business, and you should really make the effort to network as much as you possibly can. You'll be amazed at what it can do for you...
Until next time,
Anna
http://annamarketing.com
Did you find this helpful? please leave a comment.
Thanks
p.s. Have you visited my Real Life Marketers Get-Together forum and posted your free ad yet?
marketing tips marketing online business information online marketing internet marketing
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Got Spyware? Tips for detection, removal and prevention
Got Spyware? Tips for detection, removal and prevention
By Anna-Marie Stewart
Spyware, also known as adware or malware, is getting to be more and more of a problem to internet users. Spyware is usually a program or application that is installed onto your pc, often without your knowledge or permission. It may display ads, monitor your Web surfing patterns, steal your passwords or become responsible for a whole range of bad stuff.
Where does spyware come from/What does it do?
These programs/applications can come from Web sites that download music or offer free software, or even from certain popup ads if you click anywhere inside the ad instead of hitting the X button to get rid of it.
Cookies are almost inevitable (most websites use them, and some won`t even work without them), and rarely a problem as they are very easy to clean up or even not accept, but the threat posed by key loggers, diallers and Trojans is much greater.
A key logger can record anything you type, including your passwords, e-mail messages,and credit card numbers, and even your online chats. Diallers will secretly hang up your Internet connection and redial premium services that can run up your long-distance bill. Trojans can embed programs which will open "backdoors" into your computer to allow hackers to steal data or make your pc unusable.
These types of spyware can prove very costly to people unaware of them.
How do you know if your pc is infected with spyware?
Well, for definite, if you`ve never checked before, you can bet your bottom dollar that you WILL have some spyware on your computer.
Here are some common traits:
1. Changed IE favourites.
2. Homepage changes without you changing it.
3. Popup ads popping up even when you`re offline.
4. New desktop icons appear for programs you did not knowingly install.
5. Some trojans will cause changes to the icons of your normal programs.
6. Prolonged System start-up after a reboot (takes a long time to load user settings).
7. You have to refresh a webpage multiple times before you can see the content.
8. Your pc may seem uncommonly slow or sluggish.
9. A program may not operate correctly. Some examples of this are Windows Media Player will not work. Notepad will not work, Task Manager, MSConfig or Regedit may close immediately after opening.
10. Unexplained loss of internet access (worst case scenario).
To eliminate spyware you should keep it from being installed on your computer in the first place. You could always just never install anything and never visit websites, but then you might as well throw away your internet connection altogether, huh? A better option might be to turn OFF the install on demand option in windows. This can be done by following these steps:
1. Open a new browser window.
2. Click on tools.
3. Click on internet options.
4. Click on advanced.
5. Scroll down through the list of advanced options and UNCHECK "Enable install on demand".
6. Click OK.
You can also make sure you can still download things that you WANT to download by following these steps:
1. Open a new browser window.
2. Click on tools.
3. Click on internet options.
4. Click on security
5. Click on custom
6. Scroll down until you find "Installation of desktop items" and set to "prompt"
7. Click OK
Remember, If your Internet security controls aren't properly set, just visiting a Web site or clicking on a Web ad can install an application.
Please note that if any of your programs are set to auto-update, you will need the install on demand option enabled.
How do you get rid of spyware?
Before running spyware removal tools, clean up your pc a little by hand first, that way the scan won`t take as long.
1. Open a browser window.
2. Click on tools.
3. click on internet options.
4. Choose delete cookies --> ok
5. Choose delete files --> delete all offline content --> ok
The 2 most commonly recommended spyware removers are Spybot Search & Destroy, available here: www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html and Ad-Aware SE Personal, which is available here: www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware
Both of these are free, and they don`t pressure you into paying for a full version, although spybot also immunizes your computer from known spyware without purchasing a "paid version", unlike adaware.
Here`s a great little step-by-step tutorial about how to use Ad Aware:
http://spyware.pcrelief.org
A great forum for getting answers about spyware and other related problems can be found here: http://forums.spywareinfo.com/index.php?b=1
Another really good place to find help with computer problems is http://forums.techguy.org
HijackThis is a general homepage hijackers detector and remover. It does not target specific programs/URLs, just the methods used by hijackers to force you onto their sites. As a result, false positives are imminent and unless you are sure what you're doing, you should always consult with knowledgable folks before deleting anything. The above-mentioned forums are good places to ask for help with this. You can get HijackThis for free here www.spychecker.com/program/hijackthis.html
Make it a part of your regular maintainence routine to scan your system for spyware, and remember that NO spyware blockers will be fully effective unless you keep them up to date, so check for updates often.
===============Resource Box===========
What? You’re Not Making Money Yet? Find out
how REAL PEOPLE are making REAL MONEY Right
Now by grabbing your copy of Real Life Marketer
Interviews Vol. II http://annamarketing.com/int2x3.htm
======================================
This article is available for reprint in your opt-in ezine,
web site or ebook. You MUST agree not to make any changes
to the article and the RESOURCE BOX MUST be included.
(c) Anna-Marie Stewart All Rights Reserved
Anna
http://annamarketing.com
Did you find this helpful? please leave a comment.
Thanks
p.s. Have you visited my Real Life Marketers Get-Together forum and posted your free ad yet?
marketing tips marketing online business information online marketing internet marketing
By Anna-Marie Stewart
Spyware, also known as adware or malware, is getting to be more and more of a problem to internet users. Spyware is usually a program or application that is installed onto your pc, often without your knowledge or permission. It may display ads, monitor your Web surfing patterns, steal your passwords or become responsible for a whole range of bad stuff.
Where does spyware come from/What does it do?
These programs/applications can come from Web sites that download music or offer free software, or even from certain popup ads if you click anywhere inside the ad instead of hitting the X button to get rid of it.
Cookies are almost inevitable (most websites use them, and some won`t even work without them), and rarely a problem as they are very easy to clean up or even not accept, but the threat posed by key loggers, diallers and Trojans is much greater.
A key logger can record anything you type, including your passwords, e-mail messages,and credit card numbers, and even your online chats. Diallers will secretly hang up your Internet connection and redial premium services that can run up your long-distance bill. Trojans can embed programs which will open "backdoors" into your computer to allow hackers to steal data or make your pc unusable.
These types of spyware can prove very costly to people unaware of them.
How do you know if your pc is infected with spyware?
Well, for definite, if you`ve never checked before, you can bet your bottom dollar that you WILL have some spyware on your computer.
Here are some common traits:
1. Changed IE favourites.
2. Homepage changes without you changing it.
3. Popup ads popping up even when you`re offline.
4. New desktop icons appear for programs you did not knowingly install.
5. Some trojans will cause changes to the icons of your normal programs.
6. Prolonged System start-up after a reboot (takes a long time to load user settings).
7. You have to refresh a webpage multiple times before you can see the content.
8. Your pc may seem uncommonly slow or sluggish.
9. A program may not operate correctly. Some examples of this are Windows Media Player will not work. Notepad will not work, Task Manager, MSConfig or Regedit may close immediately after opening.
10. Unexplained loss of internet access (worst case scenario).
To eliminate spyware you should keep it from being installed on your computer in the first place. You could always just never install anything and never visit websites, but then you might as well throw away your internet connection altogether, huh? A better option might be to turn OFF the install on demand option in windows. This can be done by following these steps:
1. Open a new browser window.
2. Click on tools.
3. Click on internet options.
4. Click on advanced.
5. Scroll down through the list of advanced options and UNCHECK "Enable install on demand".
6. Click OK.
You can also make sure you can still download things that you WANT to download by following these steps:
1. Open a new browser window.
2. Click on tools.
3. Click on internet options.
4. Click on security
5. Click on custom
6. Scroll down until you find "Installation of desktop items" and set to "prompt"
7. Click OK
Remember, If your Internet security controls aren't properly set, just visiting a Web site or clicking on a Web ad can install an application.
Please note that if any of your programs are set to auto-update, you will need the install on demand option enabled.
How do you get rid of spyware?
Before running spyware removal tools, clean up your pc a little by hand first, that way the scan won`t take as long.
1. Open a browser window.
2. Click on tools.
3. click on internet options.
4. Choose delete cookies --> ok
5. Choose delete files --> delete all offline content --> ok
The 2 most commonly recommended spyware removers are Spybot Search & Destroy, available here: www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html and Ad-Aware SE Personal, which is available here: www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware
Both of these are free, and they don`t pressure you into paying for a full version, although spybot also immunizes your computer from known spyware without purchasing a "paid version", unlike adaware.
Here`s a great little step-by-step tutorial about how to use Ad Aware:
http://spyware.pcrelief.org
A great forum for getting answers about spyware and other related problems can be found here: http://forums.spywareinfo.com/index.php?b=1
Another really good place to find help with computer problems is http://forums.techguy.org
HijackThis is a general homepage hijackers detector and remover. It does not target specific programs/URLs, just the methods used by hijackers to force you onto their sites. As a result, false positives are imminent and unless you are sure what you're doing, you should always consult with knowledgable folks before deleting anything. The above-mentioned forums are good places to ask for help with this. You can get HijackThis for free here www.spychecker.com/program/hijackthis.html
Make it a part of your regular maintainence routine to scan your system for spyware, and remember that NO spyware blockers will be fully effective unless you keep them up to date, so check for updates often.
===============Resource Box===========
What? You’re Not Making Money Yet? Find out
how REAL PEOPLE are making REAL MONEY Right
Now by grabbing your copy of Real Life Marketer
Interviews Vol. II http://annamarketing.com/int2x3.htm
======================================
This article is available for reprint in your opt-in ezine,
web site or ebook. You MUST agree not to make any changes
to the article and the RESOURCE BOX MUST be included.
(c) Anna-Marie Stewart All Rights Reserved
Anna
http://annamarketing.com
Did you find this helpful? please leave a comment.
Thanks
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Saturday, December 23, 2006
DennisEdell.com | Internet Marketing and Direct Sales, | Affiliate and Viral Marketing, SEO, Traffic, Social Bookmarking
DennisEdell.com Internet Marketing and Direct Sales, Affiliate and Viral Marketing, SEO, Traffic, Social Bookmarking: "
50 Tips For Your Direct Sales Business
These are 50 really good tips I’ve collected for running your Direct Sales/MLM business.
Now, I’m sure you can’t do all; in-fact, I would be surprised to see anyone do all 50; at least not consistently. I think doing at least a few of them, you will be surprised at how far your business will go.
I added a little flare of my own to some, you will see this in italics.
1. USE THE PRODUCTS or SERVICES on a regular basis - It’s a fact that when people see you using whatever it is your promoting, they are more likely to trust and jump in behind you.
2. Make a TOTAL COMMITMENT for at least one year to do your best. Don’t be a “program hopper”, you never win this way. make a full commitment and give it your all; you will succeed.
3. SELL YOURSELF first – on the company, the products, and the compensation plan. You must enjoy what you do and believe in it before expecting others too.
4. Spend 90% of your business time with distributors, customers and prospects. This is good advice, but remember to leave some time for family, friends and life outside the business as well. A good balance is very important!
5. TALK to at least ONE person daily on the products and opportunity. RECOMMEND the products and business to them. Be Sincere. Many marketers find out the hard way that there is a thin line between talking business and being pushy; work on it and try not to cross that line.
6. LET EVERYONE KNOW what business you are in. Promote what you love to do! Again, don’t be pushy. If you truly love what you do, your enthusiasm will shine through" read the rest of the story here
50 Tips For Your Direct Sales Business
These are 50 really good tips I’ve collected for running your Direct Sales/MLM business.
Now, I’m sure you can’t do all; in-fact, I would be surprised to see anyone do all 50; at least not consistently. I think doing at least a few of them, you will be surprised at how far your business will go.
I added a little flare of my own to some, you will see this in italics.
1. USE THE PRODUCTS or SERVICES on a regular basis - It’s a fact that when people see you using whatever it is your promoting, they are more likely to trust and jump in behind you.
2. Make a TOTAL COMMITMENT for at least one year to do your best. Don’t be a “program hopper”, you never win this way. make a full commitment and give it your all; you will succeed.
3. SELL YOURSELF first – on the company, the products, and the compensation plan. You must enjoy what you do and believe in it before expecting others too.
4. Spend 90% of your business time with distributors, customers and prospects. This is good advice, but remember to leave some time for family, friends and life outside the business as well. A good balance is very important!
5. TALK to at least ONE person daily on the products and opportunity. RECOMMEND the products and business to them. Be Sincere. Many marketers find out the hard way that there is a thin line between talking business and being pushy; work on it and try not to cross that line.
6. LET EVERYONE KNOW what business you are in. Promote what you love to do! Again, don’t be pushy. If you truly love what you do, your enthusiasm will shine through" read the rest of the story here
Friday, December 22, 2006
New Site Gets New Graphics
I've been incredibly busy with the new games site lately. I've now got over 3000 games on there, and am working on quite a few advertising options for visitors and registered users. I'm having a lot of fun with TrafficGamers, and although it's barely a month old it's already getting between 300-500 unique vistors per 24 hours.
I bought a chat script for it, and have set that for members only for now and I just bought a bunch of custom made graphics from Keith over at Outlaw-FX. He did a fantastic job, especially as I didn't even know what I wanted. He came up with the whole design and had 5 graphics ready for me in the space of 2 hours!!! Fantastic man and well worth hiring if you need graphics!
Take a look at these and see what you think:
The good thing about recip. linking with other arcades and games sites is that a lot of them have a good size members list, and my site has more games than theirs, so some of their members might just mosey on over to take a look ;)
Anyway, that's all for now. Take care and have a blast!
Anna
http://annamarketing.com
Did you find this helpful? please leave a comment.
Thanks
p.s. Have you visited my Real Life Marketers Get-Together forum and posted your free ad yet?
marketing tips marketing online business information online marketing internet marketing
I bought a chat script for it, and have set that for members only for now and I just bought a bunch of custom made graphics from Keith over at Outlaw-FX. He did a fantastic job, especially as I didn't even know what I wanted. He came up with the whole design and had 5 graphics ready for me in the space of 2 hours!!! Fantastic man and well worth hiring if you need graphics!
Take a look at these and see what you think:
The good thing about recip. linking with other arcades and games sites is that a lot of them have a good size members list, and my site has more games than theirs, so some of their members might just mosey on over to take a look ;)
Anyway, that's all for now. Take care and have a blast!
Anna
http://annamarketing.com
Did you find this helpful? please leave a comment.
Thanks
p.s. Have you visited my Real Life Marketers Get-Together forum and posted your free ad yet?
marketing tips marketing online business information online marketing internet marketing
Thursday, December 21, 2006
MLM, Pyramid Schemes, and Matrices
MLM, Pyramid Schemes, and Matrices
By Anna-Marie Stewart
Have you ever wondered what the difference is? MLM operators claim they're not operating a pyramid scheme. Matrix and "forced matrix" operators claim that what they have is better than MLM. So what are the differences?
Pyramid Schemes:
Pyramid Schemes are illegal in the USA, and probably abroad. We all know how these schemes work, or at least get the jist of the idea. A person (the originator) starts by sending a message to several people. Usually people he/she knows. The message in some round about way, will tell everyone to send him $5 or so...and then send the message to someone else. All the while adding names to the list, and each new recipient must send money to the first person, second person...etc
There are a million variations of the Pyramid Scheme, but the main attribute that define a pyramid scheme ( also known as chain letter) is that there is no product, it's just people sending money. The term "Pyramid Scheme" is derived from the fact that it starts with one and the size of those involved increases as you move towards the bottom. On paper, it looks like the shape of a triangle, or pyramid.
Multi Level Marketing:
How is MLM different from a pyramid scheme? After all, on paper any MLM looks like a pyramid in reality right? The differences are very simple. In MLM there is a product being sold. Income is generated from "commissions". It's actually a pyramid scheme, except that the participants get something back...regardless of whether the people they refer actually pay for something...
In MLM, the participant always gains from their investment. The catch is in the value of the product that the participant receives. This is the reason that MLM is so big on the internet. Because, information can have a monetary value, and it cost the distributor nothing. So ebooks, software, newsletters...etc... these are the most common products used in MLM. MLMers have added tangible products as well, and home products were the first to use MLM as a primary marketing strategy.
The Forced Matrix:
With so many MLM programs on the market these days, originators have tried to make their programs more desirable than others. Hence the forced matrix idea. In a regular MLM program, your monetary gains are based entirely on how good you are at marketing the program. However, most people aren't very good. So it would benefit the less talented if they had help from the talented. Basically, if the number of people who can join under you is limited in any way...then it's a forced matrix. The
idea being, anyone else you refer extra..will go under someone else. The best implementations put the extra person under one of the people YOU have under YOU. Hence it helps the person under you, which helps you too.
The term is tossed around a bit, and sometimes not used at all. However, that is what defines a forced matrix. Sometimes numbers are used to describe a forced matrix more thoroughly....like "4 X 4 forced matrix" for instance. Which might mean that you can only have 4 people directly under you and only 4 people under those 4 who you recieve commissions from.
There is a hibryd idea that has become common now, where by a person can deliberately place a referral in another line of their choice. A sort of traffic control attribute that helps originators get their referrals interested. This has been an attempt to make regular MLM more appealing, and it has worked. In fact, forced matrix MLMers have even implemented the option in their own programs.
The benefits of either are about equal. With a forced matrix, you stand to earn an income faster, but increases in income are slower because your referrals get forced further down the line from you. With regular MLM you have a stronger base, and sustaining it is generally easier...but first profits can be slow. If you want a little income faster, go with a forced matrix. If you want BIG profits and are willing to work a long time for it, go with regular MLM programs.
===============Resource Box===========
What? You’re Not Making Money Yet? Find out
how REAL PEOPLE are making REAL MONEY Right
Now by grabbing your copy of Real Life Marketer
Interviews Vol. II http://xrl.us/rimj
======================================
This article is available for reprint in your opt-in ezine,
web site or ebook. You MUST agree not to make any changes
to the article and the RESOURCE BOX MUST be included.
(c) Anna-Marie Stewart All Rights Reserved
Anna
http://annamarketing.com
Did you find this helpful? please leave a comment.
Thanks
p.s. Have you visited my Real Life Marketers Get-Together forum and posted your free ad yet?
marketing tips marketing online business information online marketing internet marketing
By Anna-Marie Stewart
Have you ever wondered what the difference is? MLM operators claim they're not operating a pyramid scheme. Matrix and "forced matrix" operators claim that what they have is better than MLM. So what are the differences?
Pyramid Schemes:
Pyramid Schemes are illegal in the USA, and probably abroad. We all know how these schemes work, or at least get the jist of the idea. A person (the originator) starts by sending a message to several people. Usually people he/she knows. The message in some round about way, will tell everyone to send him $5 or so...and then send the message to someone else. All the while adding names to the list, and each new recipient must send money to the first person, second person...etc
There are a million variations of the Pyramid Scheme, but the main attribute that define a pyramid scheme ( also known as chain letter) is that there is no product, it's just people sending money. The term "Pyramid Scheme" is derived from the fact that it starts with one and the size of those involved increases as you move towards the bottom. On paper, it looks like the shape of a triangle, or pyramid.
Multi Level Marketing:
How is MLM different from a pyramid scheme? After all, on paper any MLM looks like a pyramid in reality right? The differences are very simple. In MLM there is a product being sold. Income is generated from "commissions". It's actually a pyramid scheme, except that the participants get something back...regardless of whether the people they refer actually pay for something...
In MLM, the participant always gains from their investment. The catch is in the value of the product that the participant receives. This is the reason that MLM is so big on the internet. Because, information can have a monetary value, and it cost the distributor nothing. So ebooks, software, newsletters...etc... these are the most common products used in MLM. MLMers have added tangible products as well, and home products were the first to use MLM as a primary marketing strategy.
The Forced Matrix:
With so many MLM programs on the market these days, originators have tried to make their programs more desirable than others. Hence the forced matrix idea. In a regular MLM program, your monetary gains are based entirely on how good you are at marketing the program. However, most people aren't very good. So it would benefit the less talented if they had help from the talented. Basically, if the number of people who can join under you is limited in any way...then it's a forced matrix. The
idea being, anyone else you refer extra..will go under someone else. The best implementations put the extra person under one of the people YOU have under YOU. Hence it helps the person under you, which helps you too.
The term is tossed around a bit, and sometimes not used at all. However, that is what defines a forced matrix. Sometimes numbers are used to describe a forced matrix more thoroughly....like "4 X 4 forced matrix" for instance. Which might mean that you can only have 4 people directly under you and only 4 people under those 4 who you recieve commissions from.
There is a hibryd idea that has become common now, where by a person can deliberately place a referral in another line of their choice. A sort of traffic control attribute that helps originators get their referrals interested. This has been an attempt to make regular MLM more appealing, and it has worked. In fact, forced matrix MLMers have even implemented the option in their own programs.
The benefits of either are about equal. With a forced matrix, you stand to earn an income faster, but increases in income are slower because your referrals get forced further down the line from you. With regular MLM you have a stronger base, and sustaining it is generally easier...but first profits can be slow. If you want a little income faster, go with a forced matrix. If you want BIG profits and are willing to work a long time for it, go with regular MLM programs.
===============Resource Box===========
What? You’re Not Making Money Yet? Find out
how REAL PEOPLE are making REAL MONEY Right
Now by grabbing your copy of Real Life Marketer
Interviews Vol. II http://xrl.us/rimj
======================================
This article is available for reprint in your opt-in ezine,
web site or ebook. You MUST agree not to make any changes
to the article and the RESOURCE BOX MUST be included.
(c) Anna-Marie Stewart All Rights Reserved
Anna
http://annamarketing.com
Did you find this helpful? please leave a comment.
Thanks
p.s. Have you visited my Real Life Marketers Get-Together forum and posted your free ad yet?
marketing tips marketing online business information online marketing internet marketing
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