Review: Why I Recommend Microsoft Windows 7

Oh great! Just when my at home small business was adjusting to Windows Vista, Microsoft comes out in late 2009 with a brand new operation system oddly named Windows 7; could this be a branding trend on their horizons. I never flock to newly released operating system, usually my purchasing of Microsoft’s systems are subsequent to the second service pack being launched to fix the pre-found errors -- which will always occur with software operational systems; this has become synonymous with Microsoft. I was forced to adjust quickly to Microsoft’s Windows 7 when I sent my primary business notebook for a keyboard repair and it was dropped!!! Yes, folks this technology giant, whose name I am withholding for privacy purposes, dropped my notebook and the way described they may have ran over it with a forklift. Their “accident” arranged for me to obtain a brand new primary notebook, at this time the operation system Windows 7 came standard on all personal computers without an option for Vista. Just great I thought to myself what a fun experience thank you so much –tech company-, my sarcastic and angered mind raced.

The first thing that I noticed with regards to Microsoft Windows 7 was how quickly the set up process was; as a technology enthusiast I have never seen such an easy and rapid set up than with this brand new operation system. Once the fast set up of your machine is finished you will be directed to your brand new desktop, with Windows 7. After several hours of tinkering with the programs and researching on my own the conclusion was “this is so different, I don’t think I like it”.  My feelings promptly changed later that week when I begin to watch the Microsoft Windows 7: How To tutorial videos which are included on the Microsoft Windows site, I would strongly encourage all unfamiliar to watch each video closely as these videos teach ‘everything’ one needs to know about the newly updated operation system. I am providing a link to these videos here as I believe they will assist in any adjustments so to make the change a quicker, easy and better transition. Microsoft tech employees have supplied users with twenty-seven videos; from ‘Getting around the Desktop’, ‘Using Parental Controls’, and beyond to ‘Music’, ‘Photos’ and ‘Troubleshooting’. Each video is under 5 minutes in length and are put into simplistic terminology with step by step display. I enjoyed these videos as they were very straightforward, I was able to visually see the steps being used at the same time as hearing each which helps visual and auditory learners. You will find these innovative and irresistible.
As a chic geek devoted to twenty-first century technology I believe Microsoft has outshined itself with Windows 7. The commercials speaking “..and Windows 7 was my idea.” are accurate in every sense of the phrase. Many still remain unaware that The Microsoft Corp. went directly to loyal users to ask questions as to how to improve on a new operational system project -- this billion dollar corporation listened, taking the best ideas that were commonly expressed globally and incorporated each into the making of Windows 7. This selfless action allowed Microsoft to win me over again by such compassionate care for buyers. I think so much more fondly of the company for these actions and listening to them which was such a powerful and profound statement made by an household l industry leader.

Windows 7 is a Benefit to My Small Business:
Most know me as the queen of multitasking, at any given point when working I am doing six or more things at a single moment in time; be it messenger, multiple browsers, with many tabs, and windows, various office related programs, listening to music, and so on. Windows 7 allows those who multitask, like me, to ‘snap together’ two windows so that both can be viewed at the same time; this is of extreme usage to my business when researching, comparing documents, or moving files to other locations.

Innovative new features now allow those with too many windows open at once to shake their primary window to minimize all other open background windows, to have these windows return simply shake the window once again; this is a great feature also for multitasking purposes as it reduces confusion. Each opened program displays on a newly constructed icon only taskbar, with each opened window all I have to do is a quick hovering of the mouse to gain a visible preview of all opened programs and pages, simply click to go to the page and click again to restore the prior page. My thoughts are that Microsoft put many months of effort into appealing to the new multitasking generation and small business users which all in all reinstates my appreciation for The Microsoft Corp. Did I mention that you can now move freely items on your taskbar, which I love as it helps me to organize programs of likeness side by side -- this was wished for by thousands of loyal Windows technology users.

Pros:
-Microsoft Windows 7 makes it simple to customize and save desktop my own artistic digital themes, straight from right clicking the desktop.
-Wallpaper can include all images saved on the computer, giving me the control as to which photo appears in creating a changing wallpaper and screensaver display.
-Programs can easy be pinned to the task bar and start menu with a single click, so that they can be found in seconds and also accessed easily.
-Searching through all the files on my system, and 2 TB external harddrive takes seconds and each search can be properly filtered.
-For parents with children Windows 7 “Parental Controls” are superb in the latest technology and these allow for many formulations to be made custom to your child.
-Trouble shooting via the computer is very simple; I have done this before and find it quite functionally complete.

Cons:
-Microsoft Windows 7 has no sidebar to organize gadgets so now they are placed on my desktop, so to help add to my clutter and frustration.
-In the bottom right corner one can hide their windows to return to a clean and clear desktop, when the mouse pointer accidently creeps to that spot the windows magically disappear from view which is a painful annoyance to my business journalism.
-My favorite Vista gadget, sticky notes, which appeared as a gadget in the sidebar section is now a application making it impossible to simply glance over and look. This disappointed me greatly
-The taskbar clock could be better done as also could the date display, it appears with a half finished project appearance that is not appealing to me and I hear not appealing to many technological women.
-Various programs are bugged based on their coding (ie Adobe), especially when one has a 64-bit system as well; I am forever incurring various shut downs and “cannot function” errors; even with the newest of the new updates -- when involved in a project this sudden loss of function makes me wish to scream directly in Microsoft’s ears.


My Rating: 5 of 5 stars
“you just cannot beat this operating system for your PC needs”

© Copyright Hollywood Chic 2010

Review: The Video Perfect Fifth Generation Apple iPod Nano

Technology innovation is remarkable, so the pleasures I received when I opened a package containing a beautiful pink Apple iPod Nano. The color is vibrant pink as I requested and the ambiance of the new aluminum finish is today’s technological posh. With this updated device, Apple has took the classical way users have viewed the iPod and offered us loyalists with so much more; with the ability to shoot video on a larger screen -- just when you believe that the Nano couldn’t get any better, it did!

I am so shocked at how thin Apple Corp. creates new age technology; it is virtually weightless to do all the features I was exposed to in the reviews. With the new built in camera feature, you can catch your family and friends anywhere they are; to capture the moment with today’s innovation. It’s quick, clear, very simple to use, a new revolution that has already begun. This device is small enough to fit in my purse or my pocket, which is a feature you will love; due to ease of access. Simply users can get to the camera by menu selection, with the option of landscape or vertical portrait; my suggestion is to always use the landscape feature for your videos as I have had the best of luck with this. Once videos are captured and just perfect users can send each video caption by electronic mail, Facebook, or MobileMe technologies. I personally tested the options for Facebook and email; the upload speeds are swift and the ability to share is with the utmost ease. My favorite is that videos can be shared on YouTube, the top-ranked video platform in a new media world of the twenty-first century, for this review I created my first YouTube video; not making my fiancé very happy of a camper as it was of him. Apple iPod Nano allows editing also with these videos, which I love as a digital photo manipulator; you will enjoy these assorted options too. So far so great!
 

The new Apple iPod Nano is still tied to music but enhanced with quality. A FM Radio now has a feature called “live pause” which allows the user to actually pause their favorite songs & radio to come back when the interruption is over. It actually speaks the names of your songs too you, this feature is one I love and prefer; no longer do I have to take my eyes from my work to look at my music or the artist.

 
A Fifth Generation: At a Glance
Screen size: 2.2 inches
Resolution: 240x376
Pixels Per Inch: 204
Audio: 5 of 5 stars
Video 4.5 of 5 stars

Did I also mention that it has a calorie counter, that when turned on will track steps walked and calories burned! Great to use with the Wii!

Review: Apple 3G iPhone

Just seconds ago I was just remarking high praise for Apple’s iPhone innovation, a product that small business owners such as me cannot live without. I would highly suggest spending a little extra money to get in touch with twenty-first century business operations; without blinking an eye. The Apple 3G iPhone is remarkable as the fastest phone yet to accomplish successes in the technology and mobilization. Like a kid in delicious candy store, I could not wait to obtain mine through The Apple Corp. One of the first things I noticed, having and disowning the first version, was the speed of the 3G iPhone; in a mere fraction of the time it took with all other mobile phones, and the prior version, I can have access to my favorite business applications as well as my every day apps. Due to the 3G network being built for speed electronic mail is so much faster to obtain which is so important for me as a small business owner, graphics are crisp and enhanced is their overall quality which is great for my every day application usages. This is a truly versatile phone, that I would never switch from if offered millions; one that I am proudly to be “married too” for life!

Easily you can rotate this phone longwise, so to obtain the landscape keyboard; which I would recommend to all Apple iPhone users. It took me a week or two of constant use to get used to sending business text and surfing the web to get the hand of this nifty little pioneering keyboard. The efficient additional features from Apple allow spelling mistakes to be corrected which is great for users on this keyboard, as well as allows the acceleration of typing due to tracking what you as a user type; from this tracking and storage easily quick suggestions of text can be made so that users on the go do not have to type out whole text entries – this works great for Notepad, Email, and the web browser. Keys in which you touch are enlarged to show your letter preferences, which I thought was effective as this will cut down on costly mistakes sending mail to my boss. Two clicks to the screen allows a user to cut, copy, or paste which is my favorite too as I do a great deal of this for PR, one can even copy, cut, and paste from the web and inject that into notes or emails. Another remarkable feature is the phone keypad, Apple iPhone provides a huge telephone keypad with letters and numbers as well as a green call feature when a number is entered; this makes my calling precise. I have nothing but great things about this notable mobile device as it is assisting to the maximum with my small business; be it at home or on the go.

My third fanatical feature of the Apple iPhone is ‘voice control’ and the ease of use with this superb function. Just with the sound of my voice I can play my favorite songs when I feel like listening to music on my outings, call by voice command only as long as the number is stored in my phone. Users need to set this feature up, it’s pretty simple to do and takes under a minute; for most technological savvy users.

While I love the ability to message my contacts, straight from the iPhone platform; I typically do this in a doctor’s office or other appointment type setting. My final rave of the Apple iPhone is the thousands of features, called apps, that can be downloaded from the Apple App Store quite easily; some are pay others are free. This apps are endless in variety and assist with my life and small business needs, even if I need a flashlight there is a app for that!

Pros:
-Improved media such as video recording and a very well established camera
-Quick in getting me where I need to go
-Improved and enhanced quality to each phone call for a better feature
-Music, another media feature, is acceptable and much better than the first

Cons:
-Battery life could be exceptionally better, the biggest iPhone downfall that many know. The battery depletes with heavy use, such as from my small business; or when I message others; playing games via apps always does this as well
-There are no ways to do what I love, multitask! I wish there was as I need to do this.
-I do not necessary like AT&T, however, I think many do agree with me
-I did have problems syncing my large collaboration of business contacts

  4.5 out of 5 stars
-deducted due to battery life

© Copyright Hollywood Chic 2010

Update: Windstream Repaired Service but Unwilling to Admit to Their Misakes

In a previous blog I highlighted the colossal tribulations that as a customer I have had with Windstream, for over a year. To conserve time and frustration, I encourage viewers to read this Windstream Service Phone & Broadband feature at the link supplied. On Sunday: May 16, 2010 I spoke with Caroline at the Repair Center and explained the details of my issue, initially phoning broadband first. Due to an extended duration of the problem, being without 9-1-1, and losing money with a non-operational small Internet business I was told that I would be put as a priority, meaning that the problem would be fixed on that exact date if not by 10:14 in the morning the following day. My ticket’s priority status also came from the numerous notations phone repair men made to my file, these roughly stated that they had to be dispatched at the time of the call to correct the problem as it was due to the rain, that they could not properly fix the line when the moister inside had dried as their meters would not read properly, also that the problem was continuous to cause the customer a great loss. I seen this notes myself. Windstream’s hard working technicians sought after a resolve and urged for this to be met, however when calling into the “repair center” the file and their notations would go ignored.

On the problem May 16, 2010 I was called two hours later on a mobile number and was so thrilled to be asked if I would be home from 1 to 2:30 that day; I said yes, anticipated their arrival, and no one ever showed up from Windstream. I obtained no calls to cancel, reschedule, or explain. I phoned the “Repair Center” at 4:20pm and expressed my frustration, simply saying that I did not think it was right for Windstream to “lie” about these things to “shut their customers up”. The woman, who failed to give me her name, took a deeply rude stance with me of great disrespect and not once but twice blew her nose during the phone call!! Grossly disgusting!  I seen no workers on that day, had no broadband connection but a dial tone on an unstable phone line with a great deal of static and problems. Landline phone use was in and out and mainly without use. I went to bed in tears as I felt that Windstream was treating me, as a customer, unfairly and failed to care that I had lost over $500 in a single day of not working; from two contracts I lost due to deadlines not being met.

Heaven-sent was knowing that the next morning the line crews were out fixing my phone line and that it was fairly misting rain at the time so the phone was giving the signal they could not find in a year prior. However, this signal was touch and go. The technician was remarkable and compassionate, having been out to the house on four separate occasions; he also included one or two notations into the file. Respecting of his name, I knew I was in great hands when he said enthusiastically “we are not leaving this driveway until this problem is fixed now that the signal we have needed was I just metered, I don’t care how busy we are we are fixing this today.” Quickly he became my lifesaver as he did exactly what he said with his skill and expertise, to insure they caught the problem as it was giving a signal of a cross wire connection he called for bucket truck back up; thus I had two workers diligently working on the issue. First, starting ten miles from the substation they worked their way to my home; the rain stopped and at my home they lost the signal needed. However, the primary worker stayed here until it was retrieved and made a call to his friend to check the pole outside my home. It was a few minutes later as one man worked on box, I got exceptional news, they had found the source of the problem and it would be fixed in two minutes. The worker did not miss his quote, in two minutes this year long crisis was fixed, or so I was told. He graciously set down and explained the full details of the problem to me in a rate I could understand, as we waited for my broadband speed to recover; it slowly did come back up at a rate that is a little better but not what I pay to receive. I am just ecstatic to once again be able to work from home, I attempted to catch up and minimize my losses; sadly, the contracts I lost the day prior were not able to be established due to deadline restrictions resulting in a loss of $500.

I am not confident to announce the problem had been repaired, it has only been two days and we have only had a single small rain shower. I am delighted to say that the Windstream techs gave quality service and worked with extensive compassion. I was again told to ask for a credit on my bill which I never received prior or to satisfaction. The Broadband Call Center follows in quality service; while they do not know of everything they are above satisfaction in their care and always have the desire to assist troubleshooting of technical related issues with broadband. However, very far down that list ranks the Repair Center; simply because had this problem been corrected and  the notations in my file been looked at; I would not be worrying as to how to pay the next bill at such a great loss -- greater by far than just the $500 in this one incident. I have charted all of these losses and I feel that Windstream duty is to admit to their mistake and correct the problem to a full resolve; working with me on this issue. I have  looked into the legalities and found that a suit can be filed in small claims court for my wages lost for this incident and other litigation can be made. My hopes is to work with Windstream Corp. for a resolve outside of court.

I sent an email to Windstream as to my proposal to resolve this issue, so that the company can benefit and also so I can recover from my losses; fair and justified. The email address for such letter goes nowhere and was allocated to me by a lady who seemed willing to work with me; who called yesterday. It is supposed to go directly to corporate as that is who she said would further approve my proposed idea which she commented was “very fair”. Now I am left again having to leave my review on a negative note about Windstream, due to feeling one again that they are attempting to shut me up and get me out of their hair. This proposed idea was to product test their line of “electronic products” for my technology page, each fair and balanced and never to hinder the product; I listed each which did not total my losses. I explained how it would help to recover the losses and I felt as if it was a justified means of working closely with me to admit their mistakes and poor service. In response, I obtain more poor service as the email I was gave for corporate approval fails to reach anyone on the other end of such. Was I lied to, again?

© Copyright Hollywood Chic 2010

Follow Your Dreams: 15 Small Business Website Tips

Through my journey of creating a small business solely by myself, I have been taught many things; some of those I am sharing with you below as an exclusive feature that I believe will assist you with your conglomerate dreams.

1. Utilize an About Us page to highlight your small business personality; this page should only contain relevant information to spotlight your small business. This page should properly use three graphics also of relevance. You should list your business e-mail information, business phone/fax number, and other contact details; if you have social platforms list them also; do this on a sidebar style or at the bottom. To add all pages in addition to this, should have your contact information; located in the footer location. You should always use a single electronic mailing address for your small business website.



2. Develop a help and support page for your small business website, you always want to show your growing audience that you care about them; so encourage the use of website tech support for frequently asked questions. This page must be made properly and have fanatical relevance. Your business email displayed properly or a contact form with specific questions prior to an initial question box to allow details of the question to be made; this form should maintain your professionalism and requests should be accurately answered in prompt time.


2a. As a small business owner starting out, many things need to be known; for example the fact that you will ascertain a number of legitimate questions. For each new question that you obtain by email copy the question and your exact accurate answer to your support website page. This will build growth and also reflect your professionalism to your audience; remember to categorize each and use a search feature for this website extension.



3. Per every page on your small business website dress the site up so that it is aesthetically pleasing to the viewers eyes, this will keep traffic flowing. On every page of your website you need a page header, which is a custom creation that details your site name, an optional short description, and pleasing graphics that tie into your overall website; headers should blend in not stand out. All headers should be sized to meet your page needs and not overpower your small business website. You will be looking here to create a memorial moment to attract attention and desire of the diverse viewing audience; keep that in mind but appeal to your target audience. Professionals do not use animated graphics or binkies of GIF format by reason of traffic loss due due to nonprofessional displays.


3a. I myself am just starting my small business, starting out is not easy and it takes a great deal of time. Believe it or not a website of any nature must follow website etiquette; some of which will be pointed towards in this blog. Do the best for yourself and your site, research “professional website etiquette” on Google and pay close attention to what is being discussed; without proper understanding your website may very well be a failure but with technological understanding your indefinite success is on tap to your dreams.

3b. Professional business websites must, at all times on all pages, maintain a clean and fresh appearance; keep a white background as white is more appealing. You may spice up your font, but typically you will want to use a font that is fairly common and easy to read; including an appropriate size. Keep your fonts the same on each page of your website and limit the fonts that you use, it is accepted to only use one font per blog post; if blogging is an option for your small business. You may be tempted to download a lavish font from a third party website, remember that your audience will not see this font display on their computer if it not installed to their computer. You do not wish to force others to download the fonts you use to see pages as intended. Stick with the supplied website choices for font families and dress this up with an acceptable color, colors should only be easily tied into your background; but above all readable. Never use a blue font as blue is a reserved color. While graphics used on images do not count towards font limitations and can be seen by *all* a professional website should limit these to 1-2.


3c. Links should always appear in blue, this same color of blue should be used on each page that makes up the whole small business website you take pride within. Links should always be underlined on all pages. I cannot stress to you enough that outside links should open in a new tab; another choice is to have your outside link open in a new window which may stimulate trouble on an older outdated computer with a slow connection -- if this occurs your viewers with such problems may not return, thus traffic is lost. One a user clicks on your small business website’s link, in blue, you should opt to change visited link coloring in your website settings; I typically use a complimentary color to the blue of the website link that must be used. All links should always be underlined. Professional small business pages should never use link exchanges.



4. All content on small business pages must be spelled correctly, as a journalist by trade turned product reviewer a rule of thumb I use is prior to publishing proof 3 times. The perfectionist in my brain even will proof once after publishing. Misspelled items are linked with a decrease in traffic but most importantly lost revenue. What you write and how you write it reflects on you, the professional business owner. In addition you must maintain proper language, syntax, and grammar on all pages and in all textual projects. Also remember that the eyes of new media have changed as well as attention spans, format your content so it is easy to scan and effortless to read; short is not always better thus this is where the formatting comes into play. 


5. Plagiarism is illegal and if pressed punishable by law, as a small business owner I fail to see my professional peers stealing text. It must be highlighted, however, that you must protect your blogs/articles/content from plagiarism by other substandard unprofessional. This can simply be done by registering for a copyright and placing the copyright data at the end of each blog entry if applicable for your website; or at the bottom of each webpage so that it is visible as a disclaimer notification. Remember photographs are also subject to plagiarism as is podcasts, videos, music, and unique ideas by the updated definition in July 2009.

6. Small business sites must have site navigation, this allows the viewers to easily navigate the page; sitemaps should be pleasing to the eye and placed in the same spot on each webpage of the website. Navigation graphics are great. An additional link to the sitemap should be placed in the footer as a method to return to the navigation. It is most important for your audience of viewers to find their way home so when a viewer clicks on your lavish header, make sure they revert back to the homepage.


7. In the twenty-first century establishing a professional small business depends a great deal on analytics or statistical measurements of your success on our World Wide Web; a global powerhouse. You should bookmark the best analytic sites to your website browser and keep an eye on your small business site once a week, noting that when starting up successful achievements could take weeks. Analytics are complex algorithms that change every three months to detour cheating of other small businesses on the Internet. Each page of your website should display analytical scoring as each page will generate a score; the proper location is the footer so to not bring attention but to yield data so it can be found. Those having sub-domain websites should always remember results are skewed as the domain is ranked, on some analytic sites; a cure is to reflect your business subjectivity in a personally hosted site that ends with .org.


8. Interpersonal communication is critical and as a professional you should allow yourself to be followed by those interested in your site. Today following is everywhere so it goes without complication for small business owners. Google Follow is a top widget recommendation for Google hosted page options; this includes Blogger/BlogSpot where the magic of product reviewing most often occurs; even with recommended hosted pages. Always allow viewers and guests to know you can be followed by Twitter and Facebook if you have access to these for your business. Remember to separate business and personal!!


9. Professional business owners shy from that in which is annoying, please turn off any music and video you may have on a page. This does not go to say you cannot use video or music, however, you must allow your viewers to choose to play these digital features. The equivalent goes for pod-casting and video-blogging, and ads; nothing should start without the approval of your viewers. This is quite literally the quickest way to lose your traffic and never regain those in which you lost.

10. All sidebar widgets should enhance the subjection of your website/webpage and maintain professionalism, as a rule of thumb do not use any widgets that you think would look “really awesome” for a personal website as 9 of 10 times your professional gut is correct. Remove all widgets that scroll images directionally and never use graphic or text related marquees. As a professional small business you must properly enhance your site without overpowering the heart with items that do not give anything back overall.

11. You should always incorporate new media blogging into your small business website, properly, to add a much more personal yet professional kept feel. New media is huge at present. Blog posts should have at least a single photo to add attraction for your audience’s interests. No more than 3 photos should be used. Archives should be used to quickly get to older entries as well as a search box should be placed near to the top on each page, making viewers feel accessibility was a primary issue of professional addressment. 



12. The professional should use a unique META description for each page contained on a whole website. Fix all errors and breaks, every small business site will encounter this coding problem; imperfections should be corrected as soon as the business owner becomes aware. As a rule of thumb, look at your page each day; this is very common when running a small business. Professional websites should dump of all the twenty-century trends, do not use frames or pop-up windows unless you want your traffic to detour onto an updated site of your peers. While you can resize the browsers page never resize browser pages, this means trashing any codes and widgets that annoyingly do such to keep the traffic flow.



13. Ah! How time consuming! Each page must have a written mission statement and any other informational guidelines related to subjection statements, such should be linked to and placed in the same spot on each page. Most importantly a small business site needs a privacy policy and disclaimer of use policy, owners should spare no length and a good rule of thumb is to do as I did and pay a lawyer to create your disclaimer and privacy policy; footer placement per page is fine. Be protected.



14.  Search Engine Optimization is critical in importance to small business websites, professional SEO can bring traffic from a global internet; if your site is new this may take 2 to 4 weeks. You must first understand how to use SEO properly as all that you write must be tagged with proper keywords that have strong relevance to those lost in the land of search; let them discover your site by your own new-age hard work! There are many rules and regulations to SEO and I admit I know very little in this regard but as a rule of thumb; your brain is active… learn!



15. Small business owners should know that they are never alone on the subjection of their website, communities do exist and I encourage everyone who has a small business website to join relevant communities. With these you can find all the assistance you will need, this is blissful for starting up your own. Create a web badge spotlighting your website at its best, badges should be no larger than 150x150px; typical badges measure 125x125. Place badges on your sidebar near the top and supply additional coding directions; this prompts viewers to “grab your badge and share your site” without looking needy. This is wonderful to get attention to your site; you must find the right graphic and add your name so that it can be read when re-sized. With attention is traffic and with traffic is achieved success in your small business endeavor!


© Copyright Hollywood Chic 2010

Service: Windstream Phone and Broadband Feature

Living in a rural area comes with positives and negatives, while it is a very benevolent and peaceful countryside the downfall is that residents often have no choices of utility companies to obtain their needed utilities from -- many times forced to sign up and pay the price or go without that particular service. For decades we have been with one telephone company that provides our household with a residential land line and small business broadband, their name has changed countless times due to corporation buyouts; at current they are known merely as Windstream. Windstream provides this household with a semi-tolerable phone and broadband service when that service functions, unfortunately the wicked witch is disguise in the Windstream business name as it seems to melt into a puddle of dysfunction each and every time it rains; be it a flood or a drizzle. As a small business owner, my sustainability comes from a stable connection; however, I am forced into miserable frustration with a single provider due solely to my location.

Windstream fails to provide acceptable service to resolve their problems, caring little to none about their paying customers and small businesses when such problems arise. This review has been written as a “personal” testimony to unacceptable frustration. With Windstream, my account file is filled with a plethora of “support tickets” and “notations” from field workers/repair technicians; as for over a year my Windstream service fails once a month or each time droplets of rain fall from the grand sky.  Windstream seems to not care about the information that is in the file nor do they look to see the notations that have been made from the repair technicians, who wish to do their job correctly and provide a resolve for their pay. I have never encountered problem with these line men who have been great at attempting to assist and explaining why a resolve was not met. Their notes, which I have seen and have copies of, implicitly state the issue is with the line when wet; their meters will not provide a signal of the trouble when dry. A basic notation allows support to know that my home is at a priority level due to the duration of time with the incurred problem, so to dispatch them immediate to the repair ticket filing. Windstream will always send a educated service tech out but it never is until two or three days following the initial ticket placement, the line at this time has came back on and is dry -- thus in ten miles of cable there is no indication of which pole to pole break the trouble occurs.

   Our initial problem was explained in full detail by the gracious line workers that have came in gaggles to my home. Moister builds in these old and outdated lines placed up I found out today in 1974, the lines are necessitate for replacement to the new standard line. However, to get those lines to be replaced it takes an act of Congress, they will not replace due to “cost saving” measures. The moister build up cause’s two lines to touch and cross, thus the phone sensors default on their duty causing static which in turn forces the shutdown of high speed Internet services. Often explain by the use of the word “haunted” the lines slowly return service when that moister drives and the crossed wires separate; drying is caused by the sun and also with any wind.  At the outage point, the home is without services that include being without functioning 9-1-1 service, whereas this state has mandated that with or without service by phone all households must have emergency land line access. Windstream apparently ignores such state order as they have no problem letting customers go for days without such. Living with terminal illness and having a fiancé that loves to “test” his chances on the edge, chances are pretty good we will need to use 9-1-1. Chances are also very good that at the time we need emergency services we will not have access to those. Windstream is aware of the health issues I have and the initial call was wonderful when I made them aware, years prior, I just wish they would now honor those promises made to me.

I am often left to question if Windstream cares, I frequently call to report the troubles  and I walk always feeling that they only give me information to shut me up; and will send someone out when taking their own sweet time to do so -- ending up in a repair not able to be made as it should. This to me is highly unacceptable from a utility company that is the only choice for this beloved rural area. If I lived a mile north, I could qualify for cable through Comcast. Those with new homes have new lines going into the home, such as my neighbor who has maintained her connection each time I go without; Windstream provides them with no problems and she has rave reviews for such quick service – however, gave up on a land-line option due to family monetary issues. I can only desire the great service from Windstream that my neighbor attains at all times. I also wish to add an interesting notation I was told, in secret, by Mario at Broadband Support; to save cost broadband service is run through voice lines and that should never happen due to the speed pulled being capped. This means that while I pay for a certain speed to meet my home business and connective needs, I only get less than half due to the 1974 outdated line bringing me “corporation cost cutting service”.  As a test of knowledge I called Windstream to inquire about paying for the highest speed they offer, I was served exceptionally and only asked to confirm a few things; I then told them that the lines into my home would not even pull the speed I have listed -- they acted as angels of unknowing but were so ready to add an additional cost to my monthly bill, pitching that I could also get a great bundle with television services for an additional $39.99.

As an unstable green light blinks evocative of my problems and lack of high speed internet service, I am left with the overall impression and opinion that Windstream neglects customers with prolonged problems. Perhaps, since they do not dispatch the technicians as they should they see me as “the one who cries wolf” when even the line workers know that is not true; you must remember office workers have no idea as to what the hardworking men in the field do. Today, my small business losses were near to $500 as I could not meet the date on two contacts I had. Today I have mentioned that to hear “we are sorry”, but will sorry bring back the payment to three small bills; will “we are sorry” sustain my household?  Never has Windstream, offered a credit on my monthly bill, reflective of that apology and desire to make a horrific problem right -- nor have they admitted to their mistakes of not peaking at the charts to see notations made. I am considering knowing the legalities, with Windstream being the only offered provider; I am also requesting that my bill be credited in an amount to satisfy and reflect the errors made as well as appealing that they replace out dated lines to my home. Preceding losses in income average about $250 each outage, while today my losses were $500; tomorrow that loss could very well be my business.

Know your utilities, if you are new to the area ask around and research reviews like mine; if you have a choice always make sure that you make the best choice for your business and family. Knowledgably be aware that saving money always comes at a incurred cost, it’s what that cost is that will set you back each month. Personally, I would praise Windstream for their amazing line workers and their helpful call center numbers giving the fact that I have acceptable service to my home without money damages greater than the flood of rain that seems to pour lately. Windstream has amazing tech support leaders on Twitter, @Windstream, ready to help the customer; Monday thru Friday -- this must be highlighted as these workers are great at attempting that help needed about everything offered. Please note I plan to update such review with an acceptable resolve or another horror story, giving that fix two to four days; as we are expecting downpours for days. At this time I will be more than happy to professionally update you on if a resolve was met; for what seems as the thousandth time.

Windstream Review Information:
Cost For Service: $94.29 monthly (includes taxes)
Chances I Would Recommend This Utility Service: Low/Poor
Satisfaction With This Utility Service: Low/Poor
Friendliness of Tech Support: Medium to High
Ability of Line Workers and Techs: Excellent
Ability to Resolve Problems: Low/Poor
Average Time Per Visit: 24-72 Hours
Overall Option: Low to Medium

© Copyright Hollywood Geek Chic 2010

Living in a rural area comes with positives and negatives, while it is a very benevolent and peaceful countryside the downfall is that residents often have no choices of utility companies to obtain their needed utilities from -- many times forced to sign up and pay the price or go without that particular service. For decades we have been with one telephone company that provides our household with a residential land line and small business broadband, their name has changed countless times due to corporation buyouts; at current they are known merely as Windstream. Windstream provides this household with a semi-tolerable phone and broadband service when that service functions, unfortunately the wicked witch is disguise in the Windstream business name as it seems to melt into a puddle of dysfunction each and every time it rains; be it a flood or a drizzle. As a small business owner, my sustainability comes from a stable connection; however, I am forced into miserable frustration with a single provider due solely to my location.

Windstream fails to provide acceptable service to resolve their problems, caring little to none about their paying customers and small businesses when such problems arise. This review has been written as a “personal” testimony to unacceptable frustration. With Windstream, my account file is filled with a plethora of “support tickets” and “notations” from field workers/repair technicians; as for over a year my Windstream service fails once a month or each time droplets of rain fall from the grand sky.  Windstream seems to not care about the information that is in the file nor do they look to see the notations that have been made from the repair technicians, who wish to do their job correctly and provide a resolve for their pay. I have never encountered problem with these line men who have been great at attempting to assist and explaining why a resolve was not met. Their notes, which I have seen and have copies of, implicitly state the issue is with the line when wet; their meters will not provide a signal of the trouble when dry. A basic notation allows support to know that my home is at a priority level due to the duration of time with the incurred problem, so to dispatch them immediate to the repair ticket filing. Windstream will always send a educated service tech out but it never is until two or three days following the initial ticket placement, the line at this time has came back on and is dry -- thus in ten miles of cable there is no indication of which pole to pole break the trouble occurs.

   Our initial problem was explained in full detail by the gracious line workers that have came in gaggles to my home. Moister builds in these old and outdated lines placed up I found out today in 1974, the lines are necessitate for replacement to the new standard line. However, to get those lines to be replaced it takes an act of Congress, they will not replace due to “cost saving” measures. The moister build up cause’s two lines to touch and cross, thus the phone sensors default on their duty causing static which in turn forces the shutdown of high speed Internet services. Often explain by the use of the word “haunted” the lines slowly return service when that moister drives and the crossed wires separate; drying is caused by the sun and also with any wind.  At the outage point, the home is without services that include being without functioning 9-1-1 service, whereas this state has mandated that with or without service by phone all households must have emergency land line access. Windstream apparently ignores such state order as they have no problem letting customers go for days without such. Living with terminal illness and having a fiancé that loves to “test” his chances on the edge, chances are pretty good we will need to use 9-1-1. Chances are also very good that at the time we need emergency services we will not have access to those. Windstream is aware of the health issues I have and the initial call was wonderful when I made them aware, years prior, I just wish they would now honor those promises made to me.

I am often left to question if Windstream cares, I frequently call to report the troubles  and I walk always feeling that they only give me information to shut me up; and will send someone out when taking their own sweet time to do so -- ending up in a repair not able to be made as it should. This to me is highly unacceptable from a utility company that is the only choice for this beloved rural area. If I lived a mile north, I could qualify for cable through Comcast. Those with new homes have new lines going into the home, such as my neighbor who has maintained her connection each time I go without; Windstream provides them with no problems and she has rave reviews for such quick service – however, gave up on a land-line option due to family monetary issues. I can only desire the great service from Windstream that my neighbor attains at all times. I also wish to add an interesting notation I was told, in secret, by Mario at Broadband Support; to save cost broadband service is run through voice lines and that should never happen due to the speed pulled being capped. This means that while I pay for a certain speed to meet my home business and connective needs, I only get less than half due to the 1974 outdated line bringing me “corporation cost cutting service”.  As a test of knowledge I called Windstream to inquire about paying for the highest speed they offer, I was served exceptionally and only asked to confirm a few things; I then told them that the lines into my home would not even pull the speed I have listed -- they acted as angels of unknowing but were so ready to add an additional cost to my monthly bill, pitching that I could also get a great bundle with television services for an additional $44.99.

As an unstable green light blinks evocative of my problems and lack of high speed internet service, I am left with the overall impression and opinion that Windstream neglects customers with prolonged problems. Perhaps, since they do not dispatch the technicians as they should they see me as “the one who cries wolf” when even the line workers know that is not true; you must remember office workers have no idea as to what the hardworking men in the field do. Today, my small business losses were near to $500 as I could not meet the date on two contacts I had. Today I have mentioned that to hear “we are sorry”, but will sorry bring back the payment to three small bills; will “we are sorry” sustain my household?  Never has Windstream, offered a credit on my monthly bill, reflective of that apology and desire to make a horrific problem right -- nor have they admitted to their mistakes of not peaking at the charts to see notations made. I am considering knowing the legalities, with Windstream being the only offered provider; I am also requesting that my bill be credited in an amount to satisfy and reflect the errors made as well as appealing that they replace out dated lines to my home. Preceding losses in income average about $250 each outage, while today my losses were $500; tomorrow that loss could very well be my business.

Know your utilities, if you are new to the area ask around and research reviews like mine; if you have a choice always make sure that you make the best choice for your business and family. Knowledgably be aware that saving money always comes at a incurred cost, it’s what that cost is that will set you back each month. Personally, I would praise Windstream for their amazing line workers and their helpful call center numbers giving the fact that I have acceptable service to my home without money damages greater than the flood of rain that seems to pour lately. Windstream has amazing tech support leaders on Twitter, @Windstream, ready to help the customer; Monday thru Friday -- this must be highlighted as these workers are great at attempting that help needed about everything offered. Please note I plan to update such review with an acceptable resolve or another horror story, giving that fix two to four days; as we are expecting downpours for days. At this time I will be more than happy to professionally update you on if a resolve was met; for what seems as the thousandth time.

Windstream Review Information:
Cost For Service: $94.29 monthly (includes taxes)
Chances I Would Recommend This Utility Service: Low/Poor
Satisfaction With This Utility Service: Low/Poor
Friendliness of Tech Support: Medium to High
Ability of Line Workers and Techs: Excellent
Ability to Resolve Problems: Low/Poor
Average Time Per Visit: 24-72 Hours
Overall Option: Low to Medium

© Copyright Hollywood Chic 2010