Data roaming rates are 500 to 1000 times more expensive than domestic rates, according to the European Commission (says Wikipedia), and after taking a look at the data roaming fees of the major US wireless carriers, I'm not really surprised that international data roaming is notorious for drawing incredibly high costs. I've previously noted some strategies for how to avoid data roaming charges and am in the midst of testing a new tip (should be up in the next couple of days) shared by a reader that can help you prevent your apps from trying to access data unless you're on a Wi-Fi network--useful if you're on a prepaid plan too.
Until then, if you're getting ready to travel abroad, take a look at this reminder of all the things that can trigger those data roaming fees (including sneaky things like Visual Voicemail), and what you can do to monitor your mobile data usage.
Stay tuned!.
Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS)
Read More...
Namebench - find the best DNS server increase your web browsing speed
Everyone wants faster Internet speed. Unfortunately, if you just use the default settings from your cable modem, fiber, or DSL provider, you might be missing out on the top speeds you could be getting. Namebench is a free utility that might help you more than double your web browsing speed.
Read More...
Don't Break the Chain! A simple goal tracker that can keep you motivated.
It's that time of year again when many of us are thinking about the goals we want to achieve next year and the bad habits we should finally break. Several webapps can help you develop SMART goals, track your progress, and keep you motivated.
The free Don't Break the Chain! site, for example, is a simple calendar in which you mark the days you accomplished your daily goal (e.g., didn't smoke or exercised), while GoalsOnTrack is a full-featured goal planning and achievement system, complete with categories, deadlines, a journal, and motivational photos. GoalsOnTrack isn't free however (it's $68 a year or about $5 a month).
Check out 5 other free and inexpensive tools for setting your goals and staying motivated throughout the new year.
Stay on top of the latest in mobile computing, telecommuting, and working on the road: Free weekly newsletter | Blog posts subscription | Follow me on Twitter: @melaniepinola or Google+
