100% Refinance Mortgage For Consolidation And Other Purposes
By Sarah Dinkins
Obtaining finance by this means is probably one of the cheapest ways of funding your needs. The interest rates you can obtain with mortgage loans are the lowest of the loan market and if you happen to refinance by a lower rate than the one you agreed to with your previous loan, you can save thousands of dollars at the same time.
Inexpensive Source of Funds
Refinance mortgage loans can provide funds with reduced interest rates and by obtaining a longer repayment program you can make sure that the loan installments are low enough so you can afford them without hassles. That’s why the additional funding you can obtain with cash-out refinance loans is perfect for consolidation purposes.
Since these loans provide a fair amount of extra cash, you can use the exceeding amount to pay off outstanding debt. Chances are that this debt is mostly unsecured and thus, you’ll be replacing expensive debt (especially if it is composed mainly of credit card and store card debt) with a cheap loan and end up with a single monthly payment.
Obtaining A Lower Interest Rate
If market conditions have improved since you obtained the previous mortgage loan or if your credit and income situations improved, it is possible that you may obtain a lower interest rate on your refinance home loan. This implies that you may be able to save thousands of dollars over the whole life of the loan.
A mere interest rate reduction of a single point can save you a lot of money. For example: A 7% APR home loan will cost you $700 every $10.000 each year. If the loan has a repayment program of 25 years, it will cost you: $17.500. However, if you can obtain a 6% APR instead, you will be saving $100 every $10.000 each year and thus, on the long run, you’ll save $2.500. For a $100.000 loan, this implies savings of up to $25.000.
Debt Consolidation And Other Purposes
As explained above, these loans are perfect for consolidating debt. They provide cheap funding with which you can replace expensive outstanding debt and obtain a single and lower monthly payment you won’t have trouble affording. However, even if you don’t need to consolidate, there are other purposes that the money can have.
Since these loans provide inexpensive funding any purchases or projects that usually need higher rate loans can be replaced with them thus saving thousands of dollars. For example, you can use the money to finance a home business project, purchase business equipment like computers, finance the purchase of a car or motor vehicle, etc. Whatever purpose you have in mind, 100% refinance home mortgages can provide you with extra funding at very low interest rates.
Sarah Dinkins is an Expert Loan Consultant at Badcreditfinancialexperts.com where you can find other financial articles.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sarah_Dinkins
http://EzineArticles.com/?100%-Refinance-Mortgage-For-Consolidation-And-Other-Purposes&id=509951
It is possible, if you've built some equity on your home with your mortgage payments or due to an increase on your property's worthiness, to obtain a 100% Refinance mortgage loan and use the extra money to consolidate your outstanding debt or employ it for any other purpose that you may think of like home improvements, purchasing goods, etc.
Monday, May 14, 2007
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Landline Credit Card Equipment
A Mind-Blowing Secret About Law Firm Cash Management
By Chris Rempel
All lawyers - solo and large-firm attorneys alike - know that time is money. Days must be planned with the utmost efficiency in order to keep a law practice running smoothly. Lawyers and attorneys must spend the majority of their time and efforts representing clients; but the day-to-day running of a law office is like any other business.
Clients must be billed, payments tracked and accounts kept up to date, and receiving payments in a variety of formats is time consuming. Sometimes, law firm cash management can be anything but profitable.
It stands to reason that if all of one's time is consumed by business administration issues like collecting on unpaid accounts, banking and so on - this "multi-tasking" will not only waste time, but also cause the firm to actually lose profits for the following reasons:
1. Less time will be spent billing hours and making money
2. Money will be lost on accounts owing, and time will be lost pursuing them
So what's the solution - getting paid up-front, or perhaps using a trust account?
Both of those may be options, but the most adaptable and sensible option is to accept credit cards from your clients. This opens your doors to more clients - as it makes it easier for "cash-strapped" clients to pay legal fees. It also makes it easier to collect on A/R, because you can simply process the payment in a matter of seconds and the issue will be dealt with - instead of waiting for checks, or running all over town to collect them.
However, today's credit card mentality has created a dilemma, particularly for professionals working independently or with small firms and businesses. Typically, the procedure for accepting credit card payments has been fraught with rules, regulations and a lot of stress. And when time is short anyway, the process involved in setting up such a system can seem endless. The costs to set up a "merchant account" can seem intimidating.
Concentrating on a law practice is an ongoing endeavor; but the task of providing credit card acceptance capabilities can be downright overwhelming. The need to know everything there is to know about merchant services has caused thousands of professionals and business hopefuls to throw up their arms in frustration and declare "No credit cards accepted!"
Issues involving statement and transaction fees, in addition to annual fees, programs fees and monthly minimums are enough to annoy anyone, and it doesn't end there. So, in the long run, attorneys lose potential clients desperately in need for attorney services.
Daring souls who brave the murky waves of rules, regulations, waivers and fees to invest in the actual equipment/startup cost needed to perform a credit card transaction still face contracts and agreements for that equipment, and hours of research. Cost for leasing credit card processing tools ranges from $29.00 to $80.00 a month, sometimes more. Lease terms generally run 36-48 months and canceling the lease is often not an option. Once you sign, you're stuck. Leasers must also pay state tax, if applicable, and may also find themselves paying for "Loss or Destruction" of that equipment as well. If you default on your lease, it's your credit report that suffers.
As a result, attorneys often find themselves stuck between a rock and a hard place. And many attorneys, especially those working solo, or even those who belong to small firms, can ill afford to spend hundreds, sometimes thousands of dollars setting up and maintaining a credit card billing system for their business. Yet not doing so can cost them thousands of dollars in earning potential - and in terms of collecting on legal fees owed while simplifying their law firm cash management process overall.
So what to do? What options are out there? Granted, not many. Still, one solution is growing in popularity. It's called mobile credit card processing, and it's a unique service provided by companies like "Accept by Phone". Finally, professionals, especially lawyers, can accept credit cards without the mundane and frustrating hassle of more "traditional" credit card processing methods. Many potential clients, including those going through divorce, those facing criminal charges and whose account assets have been frozen, and countless others seeking the services of an attorney often don't have access to cash or checking accounts. Mobile credit card processing services enable both clients and attorneys to complete payment transactions painlessly with a credit card.
Most mobile credit card processors allow attorneys to accept credit card payments via landline and through cell phones, instantly. No more waiting for checks to arrive and, more importantly, to clear. Credit card payments don't bounce. Using such a service also cuts overhead expenses and eradicates the fees and regulations of more traditional methods.
The catch? Believe it or not, there isn't one. Some services actually cost as little as $5.00 a month (in fees) to use, along with a percentage on each sale (usually ranging from 3.95% to 5%). Most services have no annual fees, no transaction fees, no minimums or volume restrictions. There are no cancellations fees and no terminals needed. And all you need is a phone line, cell phone or a PDA.
How can that be? Besides technology that truly places the world at our fingertips, this "accept by phone" system is very low maintenance for the account provider (financial institution that issues the merchant account), and the account setup/approval cost is minimal in comparison to a traditional account. These services utilize an automated system that enables callers and vendors to complete transactions in a matter of seconds and with a minimum of hassle. And as a result, both the merchant provider and the merchant (you) save big time.
These unique merchant services offer a win-win situation; clients receive immediate legal representation that fits into their financial ability and preference, and attorneys get paid, instantly, just by using their cell phone for 30 seconds - simplifying their law firm cash management struggles in one fell swoop.
What's not to like about that?
Chris Rempel recommends http://www.AcceptByPhone.com, which enables lawyers to accept credit cards using any phone (or cell), for just $5 per month and 3.95% per sale. Find out why Chris and others think this service is the ultimate mobile merchant account service.
For more practical law firm business tips, see my law firm management website.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Rempel
http://EzineArticles.com/?A-Mind-Blowing-Secret-About-Law-Firm-Cash-Management&id=416515
By Chris Rempel
All lawyers - solo and large-firm attorneys alike - know that time is money. Days must be planned with the utmost efficiency in order to keep a law practice running smoothly. Lawyers and attorneys must spend the majority of their time and efforts representing clients; but the day-to-day running of a law office is like any other business.
Clients must be billed, payments tracked and accounts kept up to date, and receiving payments in a variety of formats is time consuming. Sometimes, law firm cash management can be anything but profitable.
It stands to reason that if all of one's time is consumed by business administration issues like collecting on unpaid accounts, banking and so on - this "multi-tasking" will not only waste time, but also cause the firm to actually lose profits for the following reasons:
1. Less time will be spent billing hours and making money
2. Money will be lost on accounts owing, and time will be lost pursuing them
So what's the solution - getting paid up-front, or perhaps using a trust account?
Both of those may be options, but the most adaptable and sensible option is to accept credit cards from your clients. This opens your doors to more clients - as it makes it easier for "cash-strapped" clients to pay legal fees. It also makes it easier to collect on A/R, because you can simply process the payment in a matter of seconds and the issue will be dealt with - instead of waiting for checks, or running all over town to collect them.
However, today's credit card mentality has created a dilemma, particularly for professionals working independently or with small firms and businesses. Typically, the procedure for accepting credit card payments has been fraught with rules, regulations and a lot of stress. And when time is short anyway, the process involved in setting up such a system can seem endless. The costs to set up a "merchant account" can seem intimidating.
Concentrating on a law practice is an ongoing endeavor; but the task of providing credit card acceptance capabilities can be downright overwhelming. The need to know everything there is to know about merchant services has caused thousands of professionals and business hopefuls to throw up their arms in frustration and declare "No credit cards accepted!"
Issues involving statement and transaction fees, in addition to annual fees, programs fees and monthly minimums are enough to annoy anyone, and it doesn't end there. So, in the long run, attorneys lose potential clients desperately in need for attorney services.
Daring souls who brave the murky waves of rules, regulations, waivers and fees to invest in the actual equipment/startup cost needed to perform a credit card transaction still face contracts and agreements for that equipment, and hours of research. Cost for leasing credit card processing tools ranges from $29.00 to $80.00 a month, sometimes more. Lease terms generally run 36-48 months and canceling the lease is often not an option. Once you sign, you're stuck. Leasers must also pay state tax, if applicable, and may also find themselves paying for "Loss or Destruction" of that equipment as well. If you default on your lease, it's your credit report that suffers.
As a result, attorneys often find themselves stuck between a rock and a hard place. And many attorneys, especially those working solo, or even those who belong to small firms, can ill afford to spend hundreds, sometimes thousands of dollars setting up and maintaining a credit card billing system for their business. Yet not doing so can cost them thousands of dollars in earning potential - and in terms of collecting on legal fees owed while simplifying their law firm cash management process overall.
So what to do? What options are out there? Granted, not many. Still, one solution is growing in popularity. It's called mobile credit card processing, and it's a unique service provided by companies like "Accept by Phone". Finally, professionals, especially lawyers, can accept credit cards without the mundane and frustrating hassle of more "traditional" credit card processing methods. Many potential clients, including those going through divorce, those facing criminal charges and whose account assets have been frozen, and countless others seeking the services of an attorney often don't have access to cash or checking accounts. Mobile credit card processing services enable both clients and attorneys to complete payment transactions painlessly with a credit card.
Most mobile credit card processors allow attorneys to accept credit card payments via landline and through cell phones, instantly. No more waiting for checks to arrive and, more importantly, to clear. Credit card payments don't bounce. Using such a service also cuts overhead expenses and eradicates the fees and regulations of more traditional methods.
The catch? Believe it or not, there isn't one. Some services actually cost as little as $5.00 a month (in fees) to use, along with a percentage on each sale (usually ranging from 3.95% to 5%). Most services have no annual fees, no transaction fees, no minimums or volume restrictions. There are no cancellations fees and no terminals needed. And all you need is a phone line, cell phone or a PDA.
How can that be? Besides technology that truly places the world at our fingertips, this "accept by phone" system is very low maintenance for the account provider (financial institution that issues the merchant account), and the account setup/approval cost is minimal in comparison to a traditional account. These services utilize an automated system that enables callers and vendors to complete transactions in a matter of seconds and with a minimum of hassle. And as a result, both the merchant provider and the merchant (you) save big time.
These unique merchant services offer a win-win situation; clients receive immediate legal representation that fits into their financial ability and preference, and attorneys get paid, instantly, just by using their cell phone for 30 seconds - simplifying their law firm cash management struggles in one fell swoop.
What's not to like about that?
Chris Rempel recommends http://www.AcceptByPhone.com, which enables lawyers to accept credit cards using any phone (or cell), for just $5 per month and 3.95% per sale. Find out why Chris and others think this service is the ultimate mobile merchant account service.
For more practical law firm business tips, see my law firm management website.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Rempel
http://EzineArticles.com/?A-Mind-Blowing-Secret-About-Law-Firm-Cash-Management&id=416515
Friday, May 11, 2007
Landline Credit Card Equipment
Negotiate Your Way To Lower Credit Card APR's!
By James Dimmitt
I have three major credit card accounts that I've had for many
years. The other night I was reconciling my monthly statements
and noticed a large discrepancy in the APR's (annual percentage
rate) I was paying on these three accounts.
My first card, card "A", has an APR of 8.9%; card "B" has an
APR of 9.9%; and card "C" has an APR of 17.9% -Ouch ! I knew I
had to see what I could do about this"out of range" interest
rate on card "C". So I considered a couple of options.
One choice would be to transfer or switch the balance on card
"C" to a new card with a lower APR. This would be very easy
to do since I had received several pre-approved credit card
offers earlier in the week. They included "convenience checks"
that I could use to payoff that high APR credit card, thereby
transferring that balance to a new account.
I decided against this option however because I didn't really
want to add another account to my credit profile. Your credit
score, that "magic number" that establishes your
credit-worthiness to merchants can be affected negatively by
having too many accounts.
So instead I decided to contact the issuer of credit card "C"
to see what they could do about that 17.9% APR which seemed so
out of line with my two other credit card accounts. I reasoned
this was the better of the two options before me since I've
already established a relationship with this company; a
relationship which included many years of on-time payments
which reflects positively in my credit profile with the credit
bureaus.
I called the 800 number and talked to a very a nice gentleman.
I explained to him the reason for my call; two other credit card
issuers offered me a much more reasonable interest rate and so
I'd like to see what his company could offer to me.
I wasn't surprised when he replied that he could lower my
current rate from 17.9% to 15.9%. Since the credit card
company makes a profit from the interest rate they charge I
didn't expect to be offered the best or lowest rate right off
the bat. I prepared myself to have to do a little negotiating.
And so I reminded him that my account was in goodstanding and
had been for many years now. I had not made any late payments
and always made more thanthe minimum payment due.
Again he informed me that the best he could offer was a rate of
15.9% that would be good until August 2003. So now not only
was I not feeling like I was getting a very good deal but this
new rate would only be a "promotional" rate !
I remained calm and friendly, knowing that yelling at him or
telling him what a "lousy" company he worked for would be
counterproductive to my end goal - a lower and better APR for
this account. I thaned him for his time but told him I didn't
feel this was a very good offer.
And then the "magic" happened. He asked if I would like to
speak to an account manager and that perhaps they could better
assist me. I thanked him for his time and assistance and was
then transferred to an account manager.
I explained my dilemma to her and reasoned with her that as a
good customer I expected a much better rate. She empathized
with me and then offered to upgrade my account to their
platinum status which carried an APR of 9.9% ! In addition,
the platinum card offered many more benefits and had no annual
fee. She also assured me that this was a "contract rate" and
not a promotional rate. I would keep the same account number
so I would not be opening a "new" account but simply upgrading
my current account status.
Next time you are reconciling your monthly statements take a
close look at the various APR's you are paying. If you notice
a disparity in the rates you are paying, call your card issuers
to negotiate a better rate. My persistence paid off. Be
persistent - it can pay off for you too!
About the Author: © 2005,
http://www.yourfreecreditreportnow.com Author: James H. Dimmitt
James is editor of “To Your Credit” a FREE weekly newsletter
focusing on managing your personal finances and credit.
Subscribe and get a FREE copy of your credit report when you
visit: http://www.yourfreecreditreportnow.com
Source: http://www.isnare.com
By James Dimmitt
I have three major credit card accounts that I've had for many
years. The other night I was reconciling my monthly statements
and noticed a large discrepancy in the APR's (annual percentage
rate) I was paying on these three accounts.
My first card, card "A", has an APR of 8.9%; card "B" has an
APR of 9.9%; and card "C" has an APR of 17.9% -Ouch ! I knew I
had to see what I could do about this"out of range" interest
rate on card "C". So I considered a couple of options.
One choice would be to transfer or switch the balance on card
"C" to a new card with a lower APR. This would be very easy
to do since I had received several pre-approved credit card
offers earlier in the week. They included "convenience checks"
that I could use to payoff that high APR credit card, thereby
transferring that balance to a new account.
I decided against this option however because I didn't really
want to add another account to my credit profile. Your credit
score, that "magic number" that establishes your
credit-worthiness to merchants can be affected negatively by
having too many accounts.
So instead I decided to contact the issuer of credit card "C"
to see what they could do about that 17.9% APR which seemed so
out of line with my two other credit card accounts. I reasoned
this was the better of the two options before me since I've
already established a relationship with this company; a
relationship which included many years of on-time payments
which reflects positively in my credit profile with the credit
bureaus.
I called the 800 number and talked to a very a nice gentleman.
I explained to him the reason for my call; two other credit card
issuers offered me a much more reasonable interest rate and so
I'd like to see what his company could offer to me.
I wasn't surprised when he replied that he could lower my
current rate from 17.9% to 15.9%. Since the credit card
company makes a profit from the interest rate they charge I
didn't expect to be offered the best or lowest rate right off
the bat. I prepared myself to have to do a little negotiating.
And so I reminded him that my account was in goodstanding and
had been for many years now. I had not made any late payments
and always made more thanthe minimum payment due.
Again he informed me that the best he could offer was a rate of
15.9% that would be good until August 2003. So now not only
was I not feeling like I was getting a very good deal but this
new rate would only be a "promotional" rate !
I remained calm and friendly, knowing that yelling at him or
telling him what a "lousy" company he worked for would be
counterproductive to my end goal - a lower and better APR for
this account. I thaned him for his time but told him I didn't
feel this was a very good offer.
And then the "magic" happened. He asked if I would like to
speak to an account manager and that perhaps they could better
assist me. I thanked him for his time and assistance and was
then transferred to an account manager.
I explained my dilemma to her and reasoned with her that as a
good customer I expected a much better rate. She empathized
with me and then offered to upgrade my account to their
platinum status which carried an APR of 9.9% ! In addition,
the platinum card offered many more benefits and had no annual
fee. She also assured me that this was a "contract rate" and
not a promotional rate. I would keep the same account number
so I would not be opening a "new" account but simply upgrading
my current account status.
Next time you are reconciling your monthly statements take a
close look at the various APR's you are paying. If you notice
a disparity in the rates you are paying, call your card issuers
to negotiate a better rate. My persistence paid off. Be
persistent - it can pay off for you too!
About the Author: © 2005,
http://www.yourfreecreditreportnow.com Author: James H. Dimmitt
James is editor of “To Your Credit” a FREE weekly newsletter
focusing on managing your personal finances and credit.
Subscribe and get a FREE copy of your credit report when you
visit: http://www.yourfreecreditreportnow.com
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Landline Credit Card Equipment
Online VoIP Services Fun
By Brian Wilson
Ok we all have heard of Vonage and the other VoIP providers that will give you unlimited Phone services over your broadband connection having your regular old phone. But there are other services that are similar but have a few extra fun options. Let’s cover one of the services I have started playing with voipbuster dot com. Now for legitimate use it is a very good provider and I have enjoyed calling friends all over the world. Now time to cover the dark side to online VoIP providers. One think to think about is where is the provider located (what country). This is important because there are different laws for different countries and if you use the service to harass people (which is really lame) you could find yourself in real trouble. The kind of fun I am talking about is Spoofing Caller ID and also call bridging. This is nothing new but I just want to write a quick paper on it to get the word out. I was informed of VoIPbuster dot com from a friend of mine so a lot of the credit for this paper needs to go out to Toxic from csthis dot com. Now that I have given credit to the person that spiked my interest with this kind of VoIP Phrecking I can get down to business.
Direct or Call Bridging is the act of connecting two PSTN numbers from a 3rd party. Basically this function allows you to use software to call friends by having the VoIP service call your PSTN number 1st and after the call on your phone goes off hook it will auto dial the remote end PSTN number. Since both land line phones where called neither one of the landline phones will be billed for the call. The cool thing is that called ID is sent in both directions from the numbers called so your phone is ringing with your remote numbers caller ID, when you pick the line up the other end starts ringing and they see your caller ID so there is no trace of the 3rd party connection other than the 1st line getting a auto ringing when it goes off hook to the remote line. This service used legitimately is very useful and cool. But if you decide to use this for fun then you can force anyone to call anyone else and they will have no idea what is happening. To the end caller it looks like they are getting called from the other line. This is fun to do when you are around to see their faces of the people you are forcing to call each other.
Now for the dark side if you call someone’s cell phone and keep them online and call it again while spoofing your called ID number to match there cell phone number it should force you into voicemail. The trick here is that some cell providers do not set passwords to voicemail if it is called from it’s own number (even if you are prompted for a password a lot of systems have default passwords that never get changed). Other fun things to do with caller ID are spoofing you outbound ID to show something funny (like “BellSouth”). The idea here is that the sky is the limit since the PSTN is permanently hooked to the internet. I am sure we will see a lot of hacks coming to exploit the fact the internet and phone infrastructure are now merging.
Spoofing Phone Cards is another trick you can use to have fun. Again there are legitimate reasons to have this kind of card. Perhaps you need to call someone to give them an anonymous tip but wanted to make sure you call was not traced (the card provider could still release the call logs to law enforcement). One of the more popular Spoofing card providers is spoofcard dot com. Now with the different spoofing card providers they offer different features like: the ability to change what someone sees on their caller ID display when they receive a phone call, make calls truly private, ability to record calls, web based control panels, and ability to change your voice on the call.
Sniffing VoIP calls is another trick that can be done. Now there are few good reasons for Sniffing VoIP calls like to trouble shoot VoIP routing issues or to record you own calls. Now there is also many bad thing that can come out of sniffing VoIP like the fact if you are on a open WiFi AP other can be recoding your calls and even rerouting them. There are many kinds of sniffer out on the internet free but the only one I trust and endorse would have to be Cain & Able from oxid.it. With Cain & Able you can do a lot of different kinds of Sniffing to include capturing of Passwords, RPD sessions, SSH, Telnet, and VoIP calls. Cain can do a lot more than just that but I recommend going to there site to read more. As everything moves to the internet there will be many helpful advances in the way we live but keep in mind that with every new convenience there are risks associated with it.
Brian Wilson
CCNA, CSE, CCAI, MCP, Network+
Slimjim100@slimjim100.com
http://www.middlegeorgia.org
http://www.anti-hacker.info
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brian_Wilson
http://EzineArticles.com/?Online-VoIP-Services-Fun&id=338585
This artical covers some of the fun things you can do with web based VoIP providers.
By Brian Wilson
Ok we all have heard of Vonage and the other VoIP providers that will give you unlimited Phone services over your broadband connection having your regular old phone. But there are other services that are similar but have a few extra fun options. Let’s cover one of the services I have started playing with voipbuster dot com. Now for legitimate use it is a very good provider and I have enjoyed calling friends all over the world. Now time to cover the dark side to online VoIP providers. One think to think about is where is the provider located (what country). This is important because there are different laws for different countries and if you use the service to harass people (which is really lame) you could find yourself in real trouble. The kind of fun I am talking about is Spoofing Caller ID and also call bridging. This is nothing new but I just want to write a quick paper on it to get the word out. I was informed of VoIPbuster dot com from a friend of mine so a lot of the credit for this paper needs to go out to Toxic from csthis dot com. Now that I have given credit to the person that spiked my interest with this kind of VoIP Phrecking I can get down to business.
Direct or Call Bridging is the act of connecting two PSTN numbers from a 3rd party. Basically this function allows you to use software to call friends by having the VoIP service call your PSTN number 1st and after the call on your phone goes off hook it will auto dial the remote end PSTN number. Since both land line phones where called neither one of the landline phones will be billed for the call. The cool thing is that called ID is sent in both directions from the numbers called so your phone is ringing with your remote numbers caller ID, when you pick the line up the other end starts ringing and they see your caller ID so there is no trace of the 3rd party connection other than the 1st line getting a auto ringing when it goes off hook to the remote line. This service used legitimately is very useful and cool. But if you decide to use this for fun then you can force anyone to call anyone else and they will have no idea what is happening. To the end caller it looks like they are getting called from the other line. This is fun to do when you are around to see their faces of the people you are forcing to call each other.
Now for the dark side if you call someone’s cell phone and keep them online and call it again while spoofing your called ID number to match there cell phone number it should force you into voicemail. The trick here is that some cell providers do not set passwords to voicemail if it is called from it’s own number (even if you are prompted for a password a lot of systems have default passwords that never get changed). Other fun things to do with caller ID are spoofing you outbound ID to show something funny (like “BellSouth”). The idea here is that the sky is the limit since the PSTN is permanently hooked to the internet. I am sure we will see a lot of hacks coming to exploit the fact the internet and phone infrastructure are now merging.
Spoofing Phone Cards is another trick you can use to have fun. Again there are legitimate reasons to have this kind of card. Perhaps you need to call someone to give them an anonymous tip but wanted to make sure you call was not traced (the card provider could still release the call logs to law enforcement). One of the more popular Spoofing card providers is spoofcard dot com. Now with the different spoofing card providers they offer different features like: the ability to change what someone sees on their caller ID display when they receive a phone call, make calls truly private, ability to record calls, web based control panels, and ability to change your voice on the call.
Sniffing VoIP calls is another trick that can be done. Now there are few good reasons for Sniffing VoIP calls like to trouble shoot VoIP routing issues or to record you own calls. Now there is also many bad thing that can come out of sniffing VoIP like the fact if you are on a open WiFi AP other can be recoding your calls and even rerouting them. There are many kinds of sniffer out on the internet free but the only one I trust and endorse would have to be Cain & Able from oxid.it. With Cain & Able you can do a lot of different kinds of Sniffing to include capturing of Passwords, RPD sessions, SSH, Telnet, and VoIP calls. Cain can do a lot more than just that but I recommend going to there site to read more. As everything moves to the internet there will be many helpful advances in the way we live but keep in mind that with every new convenience there are risks associated with it.
Brian Wilson
CCNA, CSE, CCAI, MCP, Network+
Slimjim100@slimjim100.com
http://www.middlegeorgia.org
http://www.anti-hacker.info
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brian_Wilson
http://EzineArticles.com/?Online-VoIP-Services-Fun&id=338585
This artical covers some of the fun things you can do with web based VoIP providers.
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Landline Credit Card Equipment
Telephone Technology
By Andrea Cannavina
Although telephones have been a law firm staple almost since their creation and patenting by Mr. Bell in 1876, they usually are not considered legal "technology".
Using a telephone as the piece of equipment to check, route or forward communications or conduct "work" means one less item your firm needs to supply, maintain or explain to each new hire. Additionally, using a telephone removes the need to be "webby" or "techie" for end users as most staff are quite comfortable with this basic piece of office equipment.
Caution should be taken of any free calling service and end users truly need to beware of peer to peer networks as issues with overall collection of data, security and call quality are reported. Even large and slickly marketed VoIP services have growing reports of poor customer service, call quality and now difficulty terminating service. Remember, VoIP is an alternative to a traditional land line, not an equal!
Productive uses for any telephone include:
Long distance learning Long distance learning is a great option for those who work from home offices or those in remote locations who do not wish to travel hours to get to a "live" class. In many instances, classes offered through established associations provide CLE credit, making for an easy process for you to keep your practice and CLE credits up to date. ;)
Considerations - Take your "conference" to the "conference room" and ask others to attend and learn with you. They may not get the CLE credit but will still get an education.
Communication Management Pairing unified messaging with a cell phone gives unlimited flexibility for controlling the deluge of information received each day. Unified messaging provides a digital number which can be forwarded to a cell, home or other existing line or phone. From incoming call management, sophisticated voicemail and fax management, unified messaging is a great option for any mobile professional. Items to watch: available forwarding minutes and per page limits on incoming faxes.
Dial In Dictation For over a decade doctors and hospitals have used simple dial in dictation to process critical patient reports and administrative/insurance forms. Contract with an established legal transcription company or locate a reputable Virtual Assistant to compliment the digital dictation process with initial drafts transcription or more advanced secretarial functions.
Credit Card Processing New to the legal market, a company called Accept By Phone allows account holders to accept and process credit card payments with nothing but a phone.
Continued research into mobile technology means much of what you can see on the internet will be viewable on the small size screens of cell phones. Look for advertisers and "push" technology to capitalize on millions of trapped cell phone users in the not so distant future! Just one more reason I LOVE my Treo!) ;)
Andrea Cannavina, is a legal technology consultant and Master Virtual Assistant. As President/CEO of LegalTypist, Inc., Andrea helps sole practitioners, law firms and companies which service the legal industry upgrade their processes to digital in order to get more done with less (less employees, less equipment and less stress)!
To learn more visit: http://www.legaltypist.com. While there, subscribe to The Legal Connection, LegalTypist's newsletter, full of how to’s, reviews and insights to working virtually.
You may also subscribe by e-mailing subscribe@thelegalconnection.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrea_Cannavina
http://EzineArticles.com/?Telephone-Technology&id=415094
By Andrea Cannavina
Although telephones have been a law firm staple almost since their creation and patenting by Mr. Bell in 1876, they usually are not considered legal "technology".
Using a telephone as the piece of equipment to check, route or forward communications or conduct "work" means one less item your firm needs to supply, maintain or explain to each new hire. Additionally, using a telephone removes the need to be "webby" or "techie" for end users as most staff are quite comfortable with this basic piece of office equipment.
Caution should be taken of any free calling service and end users truly need to beware of peer to peer networks as issues with overall collection of data, security and call quality are reported. Even large and slickly marketed VoIP services have growing reports of poor customer service, call quality and now difficulty terminating service. Remember, VoIP is an alternative to a traditional land line, not an equal!
Productive uses for any telephone include:
Long distance learning Long distance learning is a great option for those who work from home offices or those in remote locations who do not wish to travel hours to get to a "live" class. In many instances, classes offered through established associations provide CLE credit, making for an easy process for you to keep your practice and CLE credits up to date. ;)
Considerations - Take your "conference" to the "conference room" and ask others to attend and learn with you. They may not get the CLE credit but will still get an education.
Communication Management Pairing unified messaging with a cell phone gives unlimited flexibility for controlling the deluge of information received each day. Unified messaging provides a digital number which can be forwarded to a cell, home or other existing line or phone. From incoming call management, sophisticated voicemail and fax management, unified messaging is a great option for any mobile professional. Items to watch: available forwarding minutes and per page limits on incoming faxes.
Dial In Dictation For over a decade doctors and hospitals have used simple dial in dictation to process critical patient reports and administrative/insurance forms. Contract with an established legal transcription company or locate a reputable Virtual Assistant to compliment the digital dictation process with initial drafts transcription or more advanced secretarial functions.
Credit Card Processing New to the legal market, a company called Accept By Phone allows account holders to accept and process credit card payments with nothing but a phone.
Continued research into mobile technology means much of what you can see on the internet will be viewable on the small size screens of cell phones. Look for advertisers and "push" technology to capitalize on millions of trapped cell phone users in the not so distant future! Just one more reason I LOVE my Treo!) ;)
Andrea Cannavina, is a legal technology consultant and Master Virtual Assistant. As President/CEO of LegalTypist, Inc., Andrea helps sole practitioners, law firms and companies which service the legal industry upgrade their processes to digital in order to get more done with less (less employees, less equipment and less stress)!
To learn more visit: http://www.legaltypist.com. While there, subscribe to The Legal Connection, LegalTypist's newsletter, full of how to’s, reviews and insights to working virtually.
You may also subscribe by e-mailing subscribe@thelegalconnection.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrea_Cannavina
http://EzineArticles.com/?Telephone-Technology&id=415094
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