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Mary Humphreys
Mary Humphreys has lived in Silicon Valley for seven years and holds a BA from Stanford University. A writer since finishing her first book at age 6, she currently covers VoIP, Online Meetings, Parental Controls, Online Dating, People Search, Background Checks, Photo Cards, Virtual Phone, Audiobooks and Web Hosting for NextAdvisor.com.
NextAdvisor Blog Headlines by Mary Humphreys
February 12, 2013 -
Q: I've noticed that a lot of the VoIP services you've reviewed say they offer "prorated refunds." What does that mean? A: Most of the VoIP services we've reviewed start with free trial or money-back guarantee periods, but after that
February 11, 2013 -
Q: I'm thinking of signing up for an audiobook subscription, but I want to have the best selection possible. Which site has the largest library of titles to choose from? A: By a pretty wide margin, Audible.com has the biggest
February 11, 2013 -
Q: I'm hiring a designer to make a website for me. Which web host should I choose? A: That's a good question! The first person you should probably ask, though, is the designer. Some companies and individual designers have preferences
February 8, 2013 -
Q: I'm thinking about ordering custom party invitations from Minted, but I don't think there's time for my order to get to me. Do they make any guarantees about shipping speed? Is there a way to predict when my cards
February 7, 2013 -
Q: I recently got a Kindle, and I noticed the option to use something called Whispersync when buying a book in the Kindle store. What's the deal with that? A: Good question! Whispersync is a cool collaboration between Audible and
February 7, 2013 -
Q: I'm thinking about trying online dating, but I'm nervous about putting up my picture. Is it really necessary? Can I date online without a picture? A: Well, most of the sites we've reviewed don't require you to post a
February 7, 2013 -
Q. I have been getting a lot of annoying phone calls from specific numbers, but my current phone provider won't allow me to block just one specific phone number. Would VOIPo let me do that? A. Good question! Yes, VOIPo
February 6, 2013 -
Have you ever completely forgotten to send a card for an important birthday? The team at Tiny Prints' greeting card division Treat feel your pain, and with their new card app, you can avoid that problem from now on. The
February 6, 2013 -
If you've seen the new blog Actual Facebook Graph Searches (and it's likely you have–it's been featured in The Guardian, Forbes, Slate, TechCrunch, Mashable, Gawker, the Huffington Post and Le Monde, as well as on countless websites), then you may be wondering whether you should take another look at your Facebook
February 5, 2013 -
If you've ever wished you could find just the right book for a special kid you know, take a look at Pear Tree Greetings' customized children's books, which take any specific first name you'd like and add it into the
February 5, 2013 -
Q: I see two Skype reviews on the site. Are they for two different products? What's the difference? A: Skype is unusual among the VoIP services we review in that you can really use it two ways. The service got
February 4, 2013 -
Q: I'm confused by some of the stuff on your web hosting comparison chart. What's chat support? Do I need to download something to do it? A: Most of the web hosts we've reviewed offer a lot of access to
February 4, 2013 -
Q: Hi, I have been considering switching from a standard landline to a VoIP system, but I'm not very comfortable with computers or technology. How much do I need to know to use VoIP? Is it going to be hard
February 4, 2013 -
There are a few ways that books end up on Audible.com (as well as iTunes and Amazon, which also draw from the same library of books). The first, and most common way, is that the book's publisher has the audiobook
February 1, 2013 -
Whether you've been dating your sweetie a while or you just met online, all the pressure around Valentine's Day can sometimes make the holiday less fun. It doesn't have to be that way though–there are lots of fun, low-key things
January 31, 2013 -
Q: I see that you like the Net Nanny software, but how can it really work? Couldn't my son just uninstall that from his computer? He's much more tech-savvy than I am. A: That's a good question. Net Nanny is
January 31, 2013 -
If you've been thinking about trying our top-rated (and Lady's Choice!) online dating site but are hesitating over purchasing a membership, now is your chance. This weekend, from Friday, February 2nd through Sunday, February 3rd, all Chemistry.com users will be
January 29, 2013 -
Q: My company is adding a remote workforce, and we're going to need to figure out how to have regular meetings at a distance. I'm a little overwhelmed by the online meeting software options. Is there a clear leader in
January 29, 2013 -
With Valentine's Day just a couple of weeks away, lots of people have started to get a little more serious about their dating plans. If you've been considering signing up for a profile on a dating website, now is a
January 28, 2013 -
Q: Looking at your reviews, I see that the cheapest hosting prices are definitely for longer contracts. But which host offers the cheapest single year of hosting? I just want to sign up for one year now. A: That's a
January 28, 2013 -
If you've been shopping around for wedding stationery, from save the dates and invitations to place cards and thank you notes, you know that getting all the details just the way you want them can be an expensive prospect. The
January 25, 2013 -
Q: I see a few of your VoIP reviews mention "cloned second lines." What does that mean? A: Good question! A cloned line sounds like something out of science fiction, but really it's a feature that is probably familiar to
January 23, 2013 -
Q: I'd like to give my mother an audiobook to listen to as a gift, but I don't want to sign her up for a membership that has to be renewed. Can I do that? Give just one book? A:
January 23, 2013 -
After weeks of buzz surrounding Facebook's new feature announcement last week, we've finally gotten a good look at the much hailed "Graph Search" function. Using Facebook's vast library of information liked, shared, and documented by its users, Facebook is now
January 22, 2013 -
If you've been following the news lately, you've probably heard a lot about Manti Te'o, a football player at Notre Dame whose tragic story of a girlfriend who was both in a serious car accident and later died of leukemia
January 18, 2013 -
Planning a Valentine's Day party, but feeling overwhelmed by the process? Minted has you covered. You can get everything you'll need for your party in a bunch of themes, from garlands and plates to stickers and confetti, all coordinated and
January 17, 2013 -
Q: I run a small home business, and though I don't get a lot of business calls, I worry that having my family (and often my kids!) pick up sounds unprofessional. Is VoIP a good way to get my business
January 16, 2013 -
Did you know that Julia Child and her husband Paul used to send annual Valentine's Day cards to their friends and family to keep in touch? Aside from being a cute childhood tradition, Valentine's Day cards can be fun for
January 15, 2013 -
Q: I currently have a land line and cellphone for a family of 5. If I switched to VoIP would I need an adapter for every computer, i.e. 5 computers? A: Good question. In short, no, you should only need one
January 10, 2013 -
Did you resolve to get in shape in the New Year? You're not alone. Losing weight and exercising more are some of the most common resolutions each New Year, and gyms and personal trainers see a huge annual jump in
January 8, 2013 -
Did you know that online dating is having its busiest season of the year right now? According to Match.com's resident researchers, the best time to find someone new online is near the New Year when the dating pool experiences its
January 2, 2013 -
We get a lot of questions from people looking for free web hosting, often so that they can build a website for an organization or small business. While there are some free web hosting services out there (as well as
December 28, 2012 -
Looking for a great deal on an online dating membership just in time for the New Year? We offer discounts on a number of sites, and free trials for several. Most of the sites we've reviewed also have a free
December 27, 2012 -
Q: I'm interested in running a background search on Intelius, but how accurate is that site? Will they find everything? Will everything they find be right? A: This is a great question: accuracy can be a problem for online people
December 21, 2012 -
Missed the deadline to get your holiday cards out before Christmas this year? Don't despair, there's still lots of time to send the perfect card, and there are a bunch of designs created just for those of us who chose
December 19, 2012 -
Still need a gift for someone on your list? Between Audible.com and Audiobooks.com, you can find downloads and monthly memberships that should please just about anyone this holiday season. If you think your recipient might prefer to listen to CDs
December 17, 2012 -
In the final run up to Christmas, now's the time to really get into the spirit, and what better way to do that than with some classic Christmas books to mix in with your Christmas music? If you spend time
December 14, 2012 -
Q: Can I call the Philippines with Vonage? I don't see the Philippines on the list of included countries for Vonage World. A: This is a good question! Yes, you can call the Philippines, but you're right that they're not
December 13, 2012 -
If you've been waffling over a decision on your holiday or Christmas cards for this year but you still want to get them out before Christmas, now is the time to place your order. Between printing and processing and delivery,
December 7, 2012 -
Running short on time? Minted will address your holiday cards for you for free this year with their new Minted Address Assistant. Just upload the addresses of your recipients, and Minted will print them on your envelopes free of charge.
December 6, 2012 -
Q: I'm moving and I want to take my VoIP service with me to my new address. What do I have to do to set that up? A: One of the advantages of a VoIP system over traditional phone service
December 3, 2012 -
We use passwords online for just about everything, from our email and bank accounts to Pinterest, Twitter, and Facebook. Many people use the same password for everything, or alternate a few options, but experts warn that using the same password
November 30, 2012 -
If you missed out on Tiny Prints' great Cyber Monday sale this week, you've got one more chance to get a great deal on Tiny Prints holiday cards this weekend. From now through Sunday, December 2nd, you can get 25% off
November 28, 2012 -
Thinking about ordering your holiday cards through Paper Culture this year? If you order before December 4th, 2012, you can get 25% off your order with the coupon code HOLIDAYS at checkout. Paper Culture offers a wide range of clean,
November 27, 2012 -
Did you miss out on Minted's big Cyber Monday sale? Don't despair, they're still offering significant discounts, particularly if you're placing a large order. From now through Thursday, November 29th, you can get 15% off holiday card orders of $150
November 26, 2012 -
From now through Tuesday, November 27th, you can get 30% off any order at Tiny Prints, site-wide when you use the code CB12 at checkout. With a great selection of cards in all shapes, sizes, and styles, everyone can find
November 26, 2012 -
If you're ready to shop at our favorite provider for high-end holiday cards, today is a great day to do it! For Cyber Monday, Minted is offering 15% off plus free shipping on all holiday cards and 25% off everything
November 26, 2012 -
If you use the code CYBERSALE12 at checkout, you can get up to 50% off everything at Mixbook from now through Wednesday, November 28th. This deal is their biggest sale of the season, whether you're shopping for photo books and
November 26, 2012 -
Today only, in honor of Cyber Monday, you can get holiday cards for just 39 cents apiece and free shipping at Cardstore when you use the coupon code CCN2639 at checkout. This offer includes cards for a wide range of holidays,
November 21, 2012 -
iPage was already offering our readers a huge 63% discount, but from now through Monday, November 26th they're going even further, giving you your first three months of hosting for just $1.99/mo and then the rest of your term at
November 21, 2012 -
In honor of Black Friday, our favorite site for holiday card bargains, Pear Tree Greetings, is offering 20% off any order when you use the code 20BLACK at checkout. This coupon code is valid through Monday, November 26th, so be
November 21, 2012 -
This year, Cardstore is offering a huge 75% discount plus free shipping on all holiday cards and invitations over Black Friday! You can take advantage of this deal from Wednesday, November 21st through Sunday, November 25th by simply clicking through
November 20, 2012 -
Q: How many bank accounts and how many credit cards are watched with Identity Guard? A: Good question! Identity Guard protects your identity in a couple of ways, and this question touches on several of them. The first, and in many
November 19, 2012 -
If you've been considering switching to Vonage, now is definitely a great time to take the plunge. In honor of Black Friday and for a limited time only, if you sign up online for one year of Vonage World, you
November 16, 2012 -
Do you take most of your photos with your cell phone? You are not alone. With thousands of people using Instagram and their smartphone cameras for everyday photography, lots of families want to use mobile photos on holiday cards this
November 15, 2012 -
Thinking about signing up for new web hosting account? Now's a great time to do it, since iPage is offering a huge 63% discount on hosting packages, making it just $2.95/mo for great web hosting if you sign up between
November 15, 2012 -
Pricing for web hosting can sometimes be confusing, with different rates depending on how long you sign up for and whether you have a discount. If you're interested in Hostmonster web hosting, you can get a 50% discount just for
November 13, 2012 -
One of the most heavily-advertised credit score and report sites, FreeCreditScore.com is a familiar name for a lot of consumers when they first start looking into credit monitoring services. But how does the site actually stack up to other credit
November 9, 2012 -
Cardstore, our favorite custom photo card provider for smaller orders, is back this year with a bang! With a brand new site design, a freshly tweaked card editor, and a whole crop of new card designs, Cardstore is definitely worth
November 7, 2012 -
This week you've got two great options for discounted or even free holiday cards if you're interested in ordering from Tiny Prints. First, from now through November 13th, the site is offering 10 free customized holiday cards with the code HOLIDAYCHEER
November 5, 2012 -
This year, Tiny Prints is teaming up with Tory Burch to offer a collection of stylish holiday cards, thank you cards, personalized stationery and address labels, with a portion of the proceeds to benefit the Tory Burch Foundation. The Tory
October 31, 2012 -
One of the trends we've noticed this year with our top photo card providers is interesting new die-cut shapes for Christmas and holiday cards. Ranging from a simple scalloped edge to elaborate Christmas stocking garlands, if you want your card
October 30, 2012 -
If you have a satellite Internet connection, you know that it has some limitations. Often, satellite connection speeds vary depending on time of day or weather, sometimes running very quickly and sometimes lagging behind. Many providers institute an overall daily
October 25, 2012 -
If you've been waiting for the right deals to pick out your Christmas or Holiday cards, now's the time to be checking for good coupon codes. This week we have some great ones! Tiny Prints is offering 20% off all
October 23, 2012 -
Q: I've noticed most VoIP companies charge taxes on top of their service every month. What's the deal? How do they decide how much to charge in tax? A: There are a few kinds of taxes that most VoIP companies
October 22, 2012 -
With Halloween right around the corner, the holiday season is starting to get into full swing. If you're the type who plans ahead, now's may be the time to start thinking about your Christmas cards. All of our top custom
October 18, 2012 -
If you have a free membership to Chemistry.com and would like to try out the paid features or if you're new to the world of online dating, now's a great time to make the leap. This weekend, from Friday, October
October 18, 2012 -
Q: I need to set up a website for my company but I don't really know where to start. Will I be ok as a total beginner with these web hosts? Do I need to find someone with more technical
October 17, 2012 -
Q: Where does the background check information on Intelius come from? Would they have information about me? A: Intelius gets all its information from public records, which includes any document filed by a government agency. Common sources include marriage and
October 16, 2012 -
Have you been thinking about switching your business's phone service to VoIP? Looking to save some money but maintain the features and call quality you're used to? From now through 10/31, you can get $5 per user off the monthly
October 15, 2012 -
In time for the December 14th premiere of the new Hobbit movie, Audible.com has released their new audiobook versions of both The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogy. If you've read the books already and are just looking for
October 10, 2012 -
Q: I'm planning to order my holiday cards online this year. When should I place my order to get the best deal? A: Great question, and you're asking at exactly the right time! In general, earlier is better when it
October 9, 2012 -
Q: I'm thinking of switching my small business over to VoIP phone service. Right now, we have several phone numbers. How do business VoIP providers handle multiple numbers? Will I pay by the number? By the user? A: Good question!
October 4, 2012 -
Ever wish you could have a local number in more than one area code? With a virtual phone number, you can. A virtual phone number forwards to your existing phone line, whether it's a cell phone, VoIP line, or traditional
October 3, 2012 -
Looking for a great deal on greeting cards, announcements or party invitations? This week only, Zazzle is offering our readers 50% off all their cards. Just click through from our review and enter the code 50CARDEVERY1 at checkout to take advantage
October 3, 2012 -
Both the audiobook and paperback versions of That Is All, the final installment in Daily Show contributor John Hodgman's Complete World Knowledge series have come out to rave reviews this week. Complete with celebrity appearances, whimsical fake facts, and a
October 2, 2012 -
Enacted in 1998, the Digital Millenium Copyright Act (also known as the DMCA) governs rights management issues arising from digital content and distribution. This includes everything from DRM (Digital Rights Management) measures embedded in digital files and on CDs and
September 28, 2012 -
Our favorite high-end custom card and invitation site, Minted, has announced their new 2012 holiday collection! Every year, Minted invites independent stationery designers to submit their best designs to be included in the new collection. This year, they're adding 40
September 27, 2012 -
Got a question you need answered before you sign up for VoIP service? Want to let other users know about a great (or not so great) experience? We've just launched our new user forums, which are a great place to
September 26, 2012 -
Did you know that you can shop for, download, and listen to audiobooks from Audible.com directly on your Kindle? Because Amazon.com owns Audible, our favorite audiobooks site is perfectly integrated with the online bookselling giant. As long as you have
September 24, 2012 -
Q: I have Earthlink DSL and have been having trouble getting my Vonage box set up and working. Finally, someone told me that Earthlink DSL and Vonage aren't compatible! Is this true? A: Sorry to hear you're having trouble! The
September 19, 2012 -
While they may seem a little confusing when you first set up your VoIP system, VoIP adapters (also known as ATAs) are actually pretty simple. Most VoIP adapters have just a few ports, and probably only one button. So what
September 18, 2012 -
In the wake of the recent GoDaddy outages, many web hosting customers have been sorting out what happened and how they can prevent more downtime in the future. Although initially a hacker took responsibility for the outage, GoDaddy has since
September 14, 2012 -
Q: Can MagicJack Plus be used to call Asia, like Vietnam or Hong Kong? What would the rate be? Any idea on call quality to those countries? A: Yes, you can use MagicJack Plus to place international calls, but you must
September 12, 2012 -
On Wednesday, September 12th, for one day only, get 75% off birthday invitations from Cardstore when you use the code CAL2136 at checkout. You can order as many or as few invitations as you want to take advantage of this fantastic
September 11, 2012 -
Q: How do I use VOIPo with two lines? Example – if someone calls the first line and is still on the line and someone else calls, currently the caller rolls over to the second line. So how will this work
September 10, 2012 -
Millions of web sites hosted with major domain registrar and web host GoDaddy are down today, following an attack on the company's DNS servers by a member of the "hacktivist" group Anonymous. In addition to inaccessible sites, users on Twitter
September 7, 2012 -
Our favorite custom card provider for large orders, Mixbook, has announced a new quick editor for cards in time for the Fall and Winter rush of holidays. While we liked their super-powerful full editing tool when we reviewed their card
September 6, 2012 -
Currently, Facebook doesn't allow children under the age of 13 to make profiles on the site because of regulations concerning collecting and sharing information from minors online. (Check out this post about parenting kids on social networking sites, and this
September 4, 2012 -
This month, you can get one free birthday card with each birthday card you buy at Cardstore.com with our exclusive coupon code. Just click through from our review and use the code CAL2691 at checkout to take advantage of this great
August 30, 2012 -
Q: Can I browse the web and use my phone at the same time with VoIP? A: Good question! Yes, you can browse the web while you're using your phone with VoIP, as long as your internet connection is fast
August 30, 2012 -
If you've been holding off on signing up for eHarmony because you wanted to try out the communication features without having to pay for a subscription, now's your moment. This Labor Day weekend, from August 31st through September 3rd, eHarmony
August 29, 2012 -
If you've been planning any kind of order from Tiny Prints, and especially from their wedding products site, Wedding Paper Divas, September is a great time to place an order. Right now, you can get 25% off any order on
August 28, 2012 -
Have you been considering signing up for web hosting? From now through Friday, August 31st, you can get a fantastic 40% discount when you sign up for HostGator and use the code 40off at checkout. This discount brings the already-low
August 27, 2012 -
Newcomers to online dating often worry about how long to wait before suggesting a first date with someone they've met through a dating site. There are a few schools of thought on the topic, ranging from "get to know the
August 23, 2012 -
With powerful tools like screen sharing, group annotating, and flexible participant settings, online meeting software is useful in a wide range of contexts beyond the classic teleconference. When you think outside the box, you can get a lot of mileage
August 22, 2012 -
The summer's just ending, but if you're ready to get a jump on your holiday planning, you can get 30% off holiday cards from Tiny Prints when you use the code 30AUGHOL at checkout through Tuesday, August 28th. Before they release
August 21, 2012 -
Custom photo cards are great for holidays, weddings, and birth announcements, but did you know that the same sites that helped you you print up great greeting cards and announcements also offer a wide range of useful products for heading
August 20, 2012 -
Q: I'm looking for a phone solution for my parents, who don't have a computer. Does VOIPo require a computer to work, or can it be used with just the adapter and a high-speed internet connection? A: Great question! No, you
August 16, 2012 -
If you've been considering ordering custom birth announcements from Cardstore, now's a great chance to see some samples in person without having to commit to paying for a larger order. This weekend, from 8 am Friday, August 17th to 11:59
August 15, 2012 -
If you've been thinking about trying online dating, you've probably thought a lot about what site you should start with. There are thousands of dating sites available today, from niche sites for people with very specific tastes or interests to
August 13, 2012 -
Did you know that web hosting can use a ton of energy? Web hosts give users access to servers based in data centers to host their sites. These powerful computers generate a lot of heat and have to be kept
August 9, 2012 -
Love Minted's birth announcement designs and super-high quality products, but wish you could get them in non-standard shapes? You are in luck. Our favorite high-end custom card company has just released a new line of birth announcements with some creative
August 8, 2012 -
If you love audiobooks, you know that it can be expensive to purchase them one at a time. Luckily, there are a number of services out there that will let you rent or buy audiobooks at deep discounts with a
August 7, 2012 -
Are you looking for a way to figure out which web hosts actually offer the features you need? Our new web host chooser can help. With dozens of features and options to consider, it can be difficult to tell which
August 6, 2012 -
Secure Shell (also known as SSH) is a network protocol, which basically means it's a secure method for passing information and commands back and forth between a user and a server. Most beginning and intermediate web hosting users will never
August 2, 2012 -
We talk to a lot of people as they shop around for web hosting services, and often we're asked to recommend a host that's best for beginners who are just starting to build their first website. Obviously, some
August 1, 2012 -
Q: Is there much hang time or delay between when the person starts to speak and when you hear them on a VoIP phone call? A: Most problems with VoIP call quality, including lag, distortion, or delay are caused by
July 31, 2012 -
If you've been thinking about signing up for VoIP service from Phone Power, now's the time! For a limited time only, Phone Power is offering our readers $5 off their initial purchase when they click through from our review and
July 26, 2012 -
Wish you had time to read the morning paper or your favorite magazines? With Audible.com you can subscribe to audio versions of everything from the New York Times to Forbes Magazine and listen to them on your commute, at the
July 24, 2012 -
Q: I have a Siemens Gigaset DX800A phone that requires a VoIP connection. To connect it requires a SIP protocol, user name, authentication name and password. I can not find a VoIP provider that even knows what I am talking
July 23, 2012 -
Our favorite high-end custom photo cards and invitations provider, Minted, is having a great summer sale on baby and kids products, including birthday party invitations, birth announcements, baby shower invitations, kids' thank you notes, and more! When you use the
July 19, 2012 -
It's back! This weekend, from Friday, July 20th through Sunday, July 22nd, users can get free communication on Chemistry.com. This is a great chance to try out the paid communication tools, get a sense of the user base in your
July 18, 2012 -
Planning a bridal shower? Whether you're looking for something soft and romantic or bold and modern, top custom card provider Minted has great options for you. When we reviewed custom photo card sites, we fell in love with Minted for
July 17, 2012 -
With so many companies currently offering VoIP service, it can be difficult to narrow your options down to just one service to try. We often get questions about the differences between our favorite services, so here we'll try to differentiate
July 16, 2012 -
We get a lot of questions from beginning web masters looking to pick out the best hosting service for their new website. While we like all of our top-rated hosts, each definitely is best suited for a specific kind of
July 10, 2012 -
Sure, VoIP can save you a lot of money on your monthly phone bill, but did you know that it can also give you tons of advanced features you could never get from your standard telephone company? From simple, useful
July 9, 2012 -
Love is in the air, and Cardstore is celebrating that with a great sale this week on customized wedding cards. Get customized save-the-dates, wedding thank you notes, engagement announcements, bridal shower invitations, and wedding cards from now through Sunday, July
July 6, 2012 -
Q: When I'm away from my home phone, how can I listen to my voicemail with VoIP? A: This is a great question, and the answer shows off one of our favorite VoIP features. Unlike traditional phone service, where you
July 5, 2012 -
Planning a summer party? From now through July 17th, you can get 20% off party invitations from Paper Culture when you use the code PARTY at checkout. One of our favorite custom card sites in testing, Paper Culture puts a
July 3, 2012 -
As part of their 4th of July celebration, top custom photo card site Tiny Prints is offering our readers 20% off everything site-wide when they enter the code JULY4TH at checkout between now and July 10th. (If you place an order
July 3, 2012 -
Looking to spark your love life? Take advantage of this long holiday weekend with free communication on eHarmony! In honor of Independence Day, the top-rated dating site will give all users free access to the communication tools from Wednesday, July
July 2, 2012 -
Runaway hit Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James has been a popular pick for readers so far this summer, and all three volumes of the series have made their way onto Audible's best-seller's list as well. If you're interested in listening
July 2, 2012 -
Q: I've noticed some incorrect information shows up about me when I run a search for my name on a background check site. Is there anything I can do to correct these sites so the right information shows up? A:
June 29, 2012 -
For a limited time only, top web hosts iPage and FatCow are offering NextAdvisor users big discounts on their hosting services. If you sign up during this sale, you can get FatCow for just $3.15/mo or iPage for $2.95, a
June 28, 2012 -
With so many sites currently offering customized photo cards and paper products online, it can be hard to know which company to go with. We've taken the time to test each service, so we can set out which provider you
June 27, 2012 -
Starting at age 13 when kids are officially old enough to join "mainstream" social networking sites like Facebook, parents have a series of decisions to make about how they will handle safe social networking with their kids. Some parents choose
June 25, 2012 -
There's no avoiding social networking today, and keeping kids safe on social networking sites can be a complicated prospect. As kids get older parents have to decide when and how to hand over more responsibility for their actions online. Facebook, Twitter,
June 22, 2012 -
If you're planning a road trip this summer with your friends or family, now's your chance to stock up on audiobooks to help pass the time in the car. With our great deal from Audible.com, you can get your first
June 22, 2012 -
Since the advent of digital photography, airbrushed photographs are no longer only available to models and professional photographers. With a copy of Photoshop and a few online tutorials, almost anyone can reshape a nose, whiten teeth, or remove blemishes. Some
June 20, 2012 -
Think Hollywood celebrities all meet their matches on set? Not true. Stunning redhead Deborah Ann Woll, who plays Jessica on HBO's hit series True Blood, met her boyfriend of four years on top-rated dating site Match.com. In this video from
June 19, 2012 -
Not sure you're ready to switch to VoIP? Need service for just a few months? Want to check out a few features without signing a multi-year contract? What you need is a no-commitment VoIP provider. While you can get really
June 15, 2012 -
Q: What is the gender ratios of men to woman on the various dating sites? I get the impression through conversations with some women that there are a lot more men on the sites then women. That's a great question,
June 14, 2012 -
Recent changes of the rules around employment background checks mean that employers will face further restrictions on when and how they can use background checks to make employment decisions. Understanding these regulations will be important for both job-seekers and employers
June 13, 2012 -
Though it has its roots as an independent startup company, custom photo card company Tiny Prints was acquired by Shutterfly in March, 2011, and today operates as a subsidiary of the larger company. However, Shutterfly and Tiny Prints maintain individual
June 11, 2012 -
Q: I'm just starting to shop around for web hosting and keep seeing reviews mention cPanel. What is it? A: Good question. cPanel is a common control panel interface used by web hosting companies to let customers use design tools,
June 7, 2012 -
This Internet is about to get faster. Wednesday, June 6th marked the official deadline for IPv6 adoption for many of the largest sites on the Internet, which represents a significant improvement in the fundamental structure that makes the Internet and
June 6, 2012 -
For the month of June, lovers of audiobooks celebrate their favorite medium by listening to great books read aloud. With great providers like our top picks, Audible.com, Booksfree.com and Emusic, you can easily find an audiobook version of almost any
June 5, 2012 -
Until now, kids have had to either lie about their age or wait until their 13th birthdays to join Facebook, but reports have been circulating lately that the social networking giant is looking into ways to change that. With special
June 4, 2012 -
VoIP stands for Voice Over Internet Protocol, and refers to a system whereby voice signals are converted into digital data that can be sent over the internet, allowing users to place telephone calls with an internet connection rather than a
June 1, 2012 -
Q: Are audio books compatible with NookColor? A: This is a great question! Yes, you should be able to listen to audiobooks on your Nook Color. The Nook Color, like many other e-readers, can play Mp3 files, so you should
June 1, 2012 -
Looking for a custom card for your Dad for Father's Day? Now's your chance! Cardstore is offering our readers 1 free card with free shipping when they use the code LUVDAD2 at checkout from now through June 8th.
May 31, 2012 -
In combination with good supervision, parental control software can help parents keep an eye and a handle on the content their kids are accessing online, the people they communicate with, and the information they share. But what exactly do these
May 30, 2012 -
Thinking about switching your phone service over to VoIP? Now you've got one more review to help you choose a provider: we've just launched our detailed review of Brooklyn-based VoIP provider Axvoice, including our thoughts on the company's plans, features,
May 29, 2012 -
Q: I'm interested in using VoIP to add a second phone line for my business, but I'm not sure if this is possible. Can I use a regular VoIP plan? What if we use more minutes than a residential customer?
May 29, 2012 -
Q: I've started shopping for basic web hosting for a small site, and I'm confused about Windows and Linux web hosting. What's the difference between these two options? How do I know which one I need? A: This is a
May 25, 2012 -
Q: If I choose Yahoo! Web Hosting, can I upload a site built with Yahoo! SiteBuilder? What about letting customers purchase items with PayPal? A: Yes, you can absolutely upload a site made with Yahoo! SiteBuilder to your Yahoo! Web
May 23, 2012 -
Have you been considering signing up for online dating with a paid eHarmony subscription? This weekend is the perfect time to try out all the site's paid communication features, since eHarmony is offering free communication from Friday, May 25th through Monday,
May 23, 2012 -
Until midnight tonight, any customer, new or repeat, can get a free Father's Day card from Treat with the code TREATDAD. Part of the Tiny Prints family of sites, Treat offers great customized greeting cards for almost any occasion. To
May 22, 2012 -
In honor of Father's Day, custom photo card and invitation site Cardstore is offering NextAdvisor visitors a buy 2, get 1 free deal on Father's Day cards. To take advantage of this great deal, just click through to Cardstore from
May 22, 2012 -
Tiny Prints and Paper Culture both earned high marks in our recent tests of custom photo card providers, but what kinds of projects does each do best? Tiny Prints Maybe the best-known custom photo card site, Tiny Prints has a
May 21, 2012 -
Along with hot dogs, ice cream, and snow cones, watermelon is one of the iconic foods of summer. As the weather warms up and people take to their back yards, why not plan a party to celebrate this wonderful (and
May 21, 2012 -
Q: Would Hostmonster be a good choice for a simple blog to draw people for posts regarding soccer in Minnesota? A: Yes! Hostmonster is one of our favorite web hosting companies, and they make installing the popular WordPress blogging platform
May 21, 2012 -
Q: Do online dating sites cover specific locations? Will I be able to find matches in my area? A: Most online dating sites cover the entire United States, and many operate internationally as well. When you fill out your dating
May 18, 2012 -
Q: Will my digital answering machine still take messages from incoming callers with VOIPo service? A: Provided you use the correct settings in your VoIP account, yes, your current digital answering machine should work just fine with VOIPo service. However,
May 17, 2012 -
This week, from May 17th through May 21st, one of our top custom photo card and invitation sites, Mixbook, is offering 30% off everything on the site, including their high-quality photo books, with the code BESTDAD. Honor your Dad with an
May 16, 2012 -
Got a graduate finishing high school or college this year? If you're planning a party, be sure to check out this set of our favorite graduation announcements from our top custom photo card and invitation sites Tiny Prints, Paper Culture,
May 15, 2012 -
Match.com, the winner of our Guy's Choice award and a five-star rating, recently announced the launch of a new program called "The Stir" that will take online dating back into the offline world. Rolling out in cities across the country
May 15, 2012 -
If you're interested in an automated answering system for your small business, a virtual phone system could be the way to go. These systems give you many of the features of a larger business telephone system on your existing phones. You
May 10, 2012 -
While you might have elegant, formal invitations in mind for the main event, an engagement party is a chance to let your wedding stationery hair down a little bit, and choose a fun, creative design. One of our favorite custom
May 9, 2012 -
Q: I currently get both my internet and my phone service from the same company. If I switch to VoIP, will I be able to get my internet service from my VoIP company as well? A: This is one of
May 8, 2012 -
Q: I recently learned about reverse 911 service. Is it available with VoIP? How about regular 911? A: Let's start with standard 911 service. All VoIP providers are now required to provide their users with E911, or Enhanced 911 service.
May 7, 2012 -
Q: I am on GoDaddy now for my garden club site and it's more costly than I like and I don't like that I can't use folders to separate the different items (photos from docs from newsletters). I use Microsoft
May 4, 2012 -
Do you know a kid (or a kid-at-heart) with a birthday coming up? Inspired by some of the great customized invitations available at our favorite photo card and invitation sites, we've put together some ideas for a fun spring or
May 3, 2012 -
Q: Does VOIPo offer Call Hunt and Call Transfer? A: First, for readers who aren't familiar with these features, some brief explanations. Call Hunt: This VoIP feature helps you make sure you receive important calls, no matter where you are.
May 3, 2012 -
From Friday, May 4th through Sunday, May 6th, online dating site Chemistry.com is offering FREE communication to all users. If you've gotten started on the site for free, you can use this opportunity to test out the paid communication features, and
May 2, 2012 -
Q: I may only need Phone.com virtual phone service for 6 months. Is there a way to only have it for just that period instead of a year? A: Yes! Though you will pay $14.88/mo instead of $9.88/mo, you can
May 1, 2012 -
With Mother's Day coming up fast on May 13th, our favorite luxury photo card provider is getting in on the discounts. From now through May 6th, Minted is offering NextAdvisor visitors 10% off stationery or journal orders with the code
May 1, 2012 -
Still in the market for a creative, personalized Mother's Day card? Tiny Prints' new greeting card site Treat is offering new customers one free card in their first order when they click through from NextAdvisor and use the code FREETREAT
April 30, 2012 -
Q: Our family is planning to move to Senegal, West Africa with a non-profit organization. Which VoIP service would you recommend for calling back to States from overseas? Our city does have wireless available. A: In Senegal, provided you have
April 27, 2012 -
With the Baby Boomer generation now solidly into their 50's and 60's, seniors have become one of the fastest-growing demographics for online dating. Men and women who have divorced, lost a partner to death, or just never married are flocking
April 27, 2012 -
Haven't figured out what to get your mother, grandmother, aunt, sister or friend for this Mother's Day? Just until 4pm today, custom card and gift site Zazzle is offering NextAdvisor visitors 50% off their top 10 most popular gifts for
April 27, 2012 -
Q: I just read your response to a FAQ you received in 2007 regarding Ooma. If your opinion of Ooma is still the same, could you please explain why you say that more "standard" VoIP services are a better option
April 26, 2012 -
From today, April 26th, until Sunday, May 6th, Cardstore is offering one free Mother's Day card per customer to NextAdvisor visitors who use the coupon code LUVMOM at checkout. This limited time offer includes the card and the cost of shipping,
April 25, 2012 -
Well-known online meeting providers GoToMeeting recently announced the launch of HDFaces, an app that brings much of the GoToMeeting experience to iPad users. This application will allow remote workers to join in on meetings from their iPads, sharing HD video as well
April 25, 2012 -
Q: If I decide to cancel Net Detective, is it easy or difficult? I have run into some sites that make it very difficult to cancel. I really only wish to see the report one time, and do not require
April 23, 2012 -
Today through April 26th, Cardstore, one of our top custom photo card sites, is offering NextAdvisor visitors one free Mother's Day card when they buy two. Just click through to the site to select your three favorite Mother's Day cards,
April 23, 2012 -
Looking for a way to keep your kids safe, even on their cell phones? Net Nanny has just released a browser for Android phones that brings many of the features we loved about Net Nanny parental control software to Android
April 19, 2012 -
Seasoned audiobook readers know that listening to a great book can make the morning commute go faster, but that's not the only time audiobooks can keep you entertained. As the weather warms up and runners take their workouts outside and
April 19, 2012 -
Looking for a cost-effective way to print up cool, customized photo cards, announcements or invitations for just about any event? Check out our new reviews of custom photo card sites like Tiny Prints, Shutterfly, Snapfish, Minted, Paper Culture, and more!
April 18, 2012 -
Q: I have a Motorola modem that attaches to my Linksys wireless router which provides wireless to my home computers. The modem and router are about fifty feet from my nearest computer. With VOIPo, where would the VoIP adapter go
April 17, 2012 -
Last week, Audible.com, one of our favorite audiobooks sites, launched Audible Author Services, a program designed to encourage authors to work directly with the site to promote their books. In exchange for licensing the rights to audio performances of their
April 16, 2012 -
Q: I hear VoIP is blocked or illegal in some countries? What does that mean? Can I still use my VoIP service to call international numbers? Can I take my VoIP service with me when I travel? A: As VoIP
April 16, 2012 -
Q: I'm considering changing jobs soon and I'm nervous about what the pre-employment background check will turn up. Is there anything I can do to prepare? A: Background checks can be a source of stress for job-seekers for lots of
April 13, 2012 -
If you've been considering joining an online dating site but haven't been quite ready to take the plunge, here are a few signs that now's the time: 1. You're looking for a matchmaker: Online dating sites, particularly those with matching algorithms
April 10, 2012 -
Q: Which countries can I call with VOIPo's 60 free minutes of international calling per month? A: This is a great question. VOIPo provides a searchable index of international calling rates on their website, but it is quite difficult to
April 9, 2012 -
After May 6th, popular phone and internet provider Verizon will no longer offer "naked" or "dry-loop" DSL, forcing new customers to purchase landline telephone service along with their DSL internet service. Existing customers who have dry-loop DSL will be allowed
April 6, 2012 -
Q: Does VoIP work with DSL internet, or only with cable internet? A: Good question! With a few caveats, yes, you should probably be able to use VoIP over DSL. We often get questions about whether a specific internet connection
April 5, 2012 -
Q: With Phone.com, are the 250 included minutes air time? Do they include incoming calls? A: No, Phone.com's 250 minute a month plan only counts outgoing calls. Incoming calls are free. If you go over your allowed minutes for the
April 4, 2012 -
Q: I currently have traditional telephone service and a cable TV and Internet connection. My cable company offers VoIP telephone service in addition to TV and Internet. If I want to switch to VoIP, do I have to go with
April 3, 2012 -
There are two primary elements necessary to build a new website: a domain name and web hosting space. Many people use the same company for both services, and many of the web hosting companies we review offer one free domain
March 29, 2012 -
If the bill that passed through the Illinois State Senate yesterday makes it through the House and becomes law, online dating sites will have to clean up their acts when it comes to sharing information with their users about background
March 29, 2012 -
After signing up with an online dating service, like our top picks, Match.com, Chemistry.com and eHarmony, most daters find that their first task is to write a profile that will draw in interesting people and weed out those they won't
March 28, 2012 -
Q: Does Bsecure parental control software cover the iPad? A: Yes! Bsecure currently offers monitoring for the iPad through a free mobile app available in the iTunes app market. The free mobile app primarily handles URL filtering: if you purchase
March 28, 2012 -
Q: Currently we have AT&T for our home phone line. We also have AT&T as our high speed internet. If we go with VOIPo service, can we cancel all AT&T phone service and keep the AT&T internet? A: Though you
March 28, 2012 -
Winter is coming, and on Sunday, April 1st, so is the second season of Game of Thrones. Based on George R.R. Martin's epic fantasy series, A Song of Ice and Fire, the HBO series has earned praise from fans and
March 27, 2012 -
We recently got a reader email pointing out that Google now offers free calling through Gmail and Google Voice to users around the United States. While this is true, we'd argue that Google Voice works more like a virtual phone
March 27, 2012 -
Q: Have you tried the Weebly website builder through BlueHost? Is it better than Concrete5 or SohoLaunch? Does Hostmonster also offer Weebly? A: An easy drag-and-drop sitebuilder, Weebly is a recent addition for both BlueHost and Hostmonster. We first tried
March 26, 2012 -
Our editors here at NextAdvisor have tested lots of dating sites, from our favorites, Match.com, Chemistry.com, and eHarmony, to some we weren't such big fans of. Some of us have even met significant others online. With all that experience, we've picked
March 23, 2012 -
We get a lot of questions asking about the per-minute rate to call various specific countries with VoIP service. The answer varies from provider to provider and country to country. For some places, calls to cell phones are billed
March 23, 2012 -
Q: My middle-schooler recently asked permission to set up her own Facebook page. I want her to be able to participate in social media sites, but I'm concerned about bullying, inappropriate content, and contact with strangers. What's the best parental
March 22, 2012 -
Q: Do you know of any website builder where you can add a calendar, click on a date and be transferred to another page with a lot of detailed information that you can add that will pertain to that date?
March 21, 2012 -
People switching over to VoIP service from traditional phone service (also known as Plain Old Telephone Service, or POTS) often have questions about faxing with VoIP. Though it might seem obvious that faxes would work over a VoIP line in
March 20, 2012 -
Q: I run a small, home-based business and would like to set up a business phone line for customers to call without giving out my home phone number or dealing with after hours calls at home. Do I need a
March 19, 2012 -
Q: I purchased a domain name from GoDaddy. I'm interested in developing a website with HostGator. What do I have to do to get my domain names transferred to HostGator? A: In this situation, you have two options. You can
March 19, 2012 -
Q: Does Yahoo! Small Business Web Hosting have a program that lists my website first on search engines? A: The short answer to this question is no. No web host has a program that will automatically list your website first
March 16, 2012 -
Q: How much does it cost to call FROM other countries? They tell me I can call the U.S. for free, unlimited, from the Philippines with magicJack. Do any of the VoIP companies on your website offer this? A: Yes!
March 15, 2012 -
Q: Is there a maximum number of minutes per month with VOIPo? A: This is a great question! While many VoIP providers offer plans with "unlimited calls" each month, most also have stipulations in their Terms of Service that say
March 15, 2012 -
If you've been considering online dating, now is a great time to get started, since eHarmony is offering free communication for users all weekend long. From March 16th to March 19th, users can talk, flirt and set up dates with
March 14, 2012 -
Q: I have a home business and use a second phone line for the business and fax machine. Can I have two lines with VOIPo and what is the additional cost for the second line? A: Having a second line
March 13, 2012 -
Q: I own two high-end ski rental condos in one building that are served by a common DSL internet connection. I am now providing a separate phone line and number to each condo to serve the guests. I need a
March 12, 2012 -
If you've been thinking about giving Audible a try for downloadable audiobooks, now's a great time, since they've just released four books narrated by A-list Hollywood celebrities, with plans to add nine more over the coming months. The current A-List
March 9, 2012 -
Q: My husband would like to read books but doesn't have the patience or the time to sit and read. Can you suggest the most straightforward way for him to listen to an audiobook? A: Today you have two major
March 8, 2012 -
Q: Can I use VoIP with a WiFi connection from a satellite provider such as HughesNet? A: Maybe. There are three factors that influence whether or not this setup would work. First, we'll deal with speed. VoIP connections require at
March 7, 2012 -
Q: I have a Wi-Fi Apple all-in one set-up and am currently using magicJack. I've had both for about 2 months and love the former and hate the latter. Would the VOIPo hook-up be similar to magicJack's? Does VOIPo offer
March 6, 2012 -
Q: What's the best company to get a one-time complete criminal background check on someone who I feel is conning my elderly father? A: It sounds like what you're looking for is a people search service. We've rated a number
March 5, 2012 -
Q: With VOIPo, can 911 calls be made if the network is down? A: 911 service works a little differently with VoIP service than it does with a traditional landline. When you place a 911 call with a traditional phone
March 2, 2012 -
Have you been thinking about switching your web hosting service or building a new site? Now's the time! For the month of March, one of our favorite web hosts for beginners, Yahoo! Small Business, is offering 50% off the first three
March 2, 2012 -
Q: Can [business VoIP provider] Vocalocity be used with a regular phone at a business location? A: The short answer to this is no. You cannot use Vocalocity with a regular phone. The long answer is a little more complicated.
March 1, 2012 -
Q: We are snowbirds and spend six months in Florida and six months in Michigan. When we depart Florida in April and do not return till October, can we put our VoIP service on vacation hold at no charge? A:
February 29, 2012 -
Q: We are a home based business and have a toll-free number attached to our land line that customers use. Can I keep not just my land line number, but my toll-free number as well? If so, how much would
February 24, 2012 -
Q: If I sign up for Vonage World and use Vonage Extensions to extend the plan to my mobile phone, am I still required to keep up my mobile service contract, or can I just use Vonage World for my
February 23, 2012 -
New VoIP users often ask us what equipment they'll need to make and receive calls with their new service. Since the necessary equipment can vary depending on your service and the features you need, we've compiled the following rundown of
February 23, 2012 -
Thinking about giving online dating a try? This Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Chemistry.com, the top-rated dating site in our tests, is offering a special 3 for 1 promotion for NextAdvisor visitors. Just click through any NextAdvisor link to sign up with
February 22, 2012 -
Q: What is the difference between VOIPo and magicJack? In the past, we've had a lot of reader questions and comments about magicJack. We have reviewed magicJack, but categorized it in our "Other VoIP" section rather than the "Home VoIP"
February 22, 2012 -
An already deeply discounted service for NextAdvisor visitors, Network Solutions is improving their existing 55% discount for NextAdvisor visitors by adding an additional 25% discount applied at checkout for new orders over $75. Customers need only apply the coupon code SAVE2575AF
February 21, 2012 -
Q: If I change my current VOIP service provider, can I transfer that number to my new provider, say, from 8×8 to VOIPo? A: Yes. According to the FCC local number portability (LNP) rules, as long as you remain in
February 17, 2012 -
Right now, both iPage and Fat Cow, two web hosting companies we've reviewed positively, are having big sales on their basic web hosting packages. If you've been thinking about changing web hosts or building a new site, now's the time!
February 17, 2012 -
Q: Will a Vonage VOIP line satisfy the DIRECTV requirement for a land line? A: Unfortunately, there's no hard and fast answer to this question. Depending on the specific equipment you have from DIRECTV, Vonage VoIP will probably fulfill the
February 16, 2012 -
If your Valentine's Day date didn't go so well, this weekend is the perfect time to meet someone new with eHarmony. From Friday, February 17th through Monday, February 20th, eHarmony is offering new users free communication, no credit card necessary. Take
February 15, 2012 -
Q: If I use Skype as home VoIP service, what are my phone options? I don't like the RTX Dualphone. A: When we first reviewed Skype as a VoIP provider, they only offered the Dualphone. They have since added a
February 14, 2012 -
Q: What is the best people search service if I need to do 50 searches over the course of about a month? A: That depends on how much detail you need. Most of the people search services we've used do
February 13, 2012 -
Q: I live in Council Bluffs, Iowa which is not on the list of cities to which I would have my number assigned for VOIPo service. Is this a problem? A: For a couple of reasons, no, your location should
February 9, 2012 -
It's that time of year again, and Chemistry.com is gearing up for Valentine's day with a Free Communication Weekend! That means for this weekend, February 10th through February 12th, all users can flirt, communicate, and get in the Valentine's Day
February 8, 2012 -
Q: When you switch to VoIP, can you keep your number non-published and unlisted ? A: In general, yes. By default, VoIP providers do not list numbers when they issue them, so if you get a new number from a
February 8, 2012 -
Q: Which is the best people search service for Birth/Death records for going back over 75 years? A: While people search and background check services like our top-rated option, Intelius, can be great for locating criminal records, marriages, and legal histories,
February 7, 2012 -
Q: I have four phones on the same phone line. Will I be able to keep all four phones with VoIP? A: This depends on how your phones are currently set up. If, like many people, you use a standard
February 6, 2012 -
Q: My landline and fax use the same phone line. How will this work with VoIP? A: If you currently use your phone line for occasional faxes, you can use a VoIP line in exactly the same way. With Vonage,
February 6, 2012 -
Q: Which MP3 player should I buy to download audible books from Barnes and Noble? I have Windows Vista. A: We've addressed this question in general before on the blog, but I can offer a few specific pieces of advice
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Disclosure: NextAdvisor.com is a consumer information site that offers free, independent reviews and ratings of online services. We receive advertising revenue from most of the services we review. Our editors thoroughly research and whenever possible test each service we review and offer their honest opinions about each one. We are independently owned and operated and all opinions expressed on this site are our own.