#9905
05/22/13
#9901
TrueCrypt should work with Windows-8. Unless the TC developers told you otherwise, I would give it a try.
You could also use PGP full-disk encryption. It was bought by symantec and is obviously corporate owned so no one can see the code (which is not a good thing most of the time). Here are some trialware they offer: https://www.symantec.com/products-solutions/families/trialware-popup.jsp?fid=encryption
A better more secure option is to use a Linux Distribution. Many user-friendly distros offer full-disk encryption during the installation of the OS itself (e.g., Ubuntu 12.10 and up). Also, Linux being developed by non corporate people means they are unlikely to knowingly compromise security like Microsoft has been known to do in the past so that the Government has backdoors (see recent Skype news for latest example).
Another option would be to use an SSD hard drive that self-encrypts and then use the BIOS/UEFI ATA Password feature to lock the harddrive (you would need to make sure your computer's BIOS/UEFI has the ATA Password feature--not all models do but ThinkPads all do). Since the SSD is self-encrypting, when the hard drive is locked everything is very secure. The weakest point is almost always the password (assuming strong cipher like AES was used). Have a strong password (whole subject matter in itself) and your data are secure. This route is usually called Hardware Encryption because no software on the computer does the encrypting.
greg, detroit, mi Age: 32
TrueCrypt should work with Windows-8. Unless the TC developers told you otherwise, I would give it a try.
You could also use PGP full-disk encryption. It was bought by symantec and is obviously corporate owned so no one can see the code (which is not a good thing most of the time). Here are some trialware they offer: https://www.symantec.com/products-solutions/families/trialware-popup.jsp?fid=encryption
A better more secure option is to use a Linux Distribution. Many user-friendly distros offer full-disk encryption during the installation of the OS itself (e.g., Ubuntu 12.10 and up). Also, Linux being developed by non corporate people means they are unlikely to knowingly compromise security like Microsoft has been known to do in the past so that the Government has backdoors (see recent Skype news for latest example).
Another option would be to use an SSD hard drive that self-encrypts and then use the BIOS/UEFI ATA Password feature to lock the harddrive (you would need to make sure your computer's BIOS/UEFI has the ATA Password feature--not all models do but ThinkPads all do). Since the SSD is self-encrypting, when the hard drive is locked everything is very secure. The weakest point is almost always the password (assuming strong cipher like AES was used). Have a strong password (whole subject matter in itself) and your data are secure. This route is usually called Hardware Encryption because no software on the computer does the encrypting.
greg, detroit, mi Age: 32
#9904
05/21/13
LLC owned estate and fire insurance
Hi,
Any recommendations about getting property insurance without disclosing the partner of the LLC if possible?
Regards,
URL #1: 911hosting.net
Steven, Quebec, QC Age: 51
Hi,
Any recommendations about getting property insurance without disclosing the partner of the LLC if possible?
Regards,
URL #1: 911hosting.net
Steven, Quebec, QC Age: 51
If by "partner" you mean owner, the normal route is to use your own name and assume the insurance company will keep this information secure.
In an extreme case, you would need a very trustworthy nominee.
In an extreme case, you would need a very trustworthy nominee.
#9903
05/20/13
Re: #9896 "Living off Grid" idea
I agree, Kristen, that living aboard is one of the best kept secrets. I'm considering doing exactly the same thing. I'll be starting the process later this year. A lot of variables can determine the type of experience a person may have, but I believe that with sufficient planning, it should go well. I'm glad to hear that you've had a positive experience.
Thomas, Orlando, FL Age: 51
I agree, Kristen, that living aboard is one of the best kept secrets. I'm considering doing exactly the same thing. I'll be starting the process later this year. A lot of variables can determine the type of experience a person may have, but I believe that with sufficient planning, it should go well. I'm glad to hear that you've had a positive experience.
Thomas, Orlando, FL Age: 51
#9902
05/19/13
vehicle titleing
Would it be a legitimate question to ask, "how might it be possible to find out which states have private titleing agencies?"
traci, florence, ky Age: 54
Would it be a legitimate question to ask, "how might it be possible to find out which states have private titleing agencies?"
traci, florence, ky Age: 54
Just check the Yellow pages, state by state.
#9901
05/18/13
Windows 8 Hard Drive Encryption
You suggest in your book, How to Be Invisible that the first line of defense for data is to encrypt it. With Windows 8, Truecrypt is not compatible. Bitlock is only on the higher levels of Windows and I don't have one of those. What do you suggest I use to encrypt my hard drive?
Fred, Chicago, Illnois Age: 29
You suggest in your book, How to Be Invisible that the first line of defense for data is to encrypt it. With Windows 8, Truecrypt is not compatible. Bitlock is only on the higher levels of Windows and I don't have one of those. What do you suggest I use to encrypt my hard drive?
Fred, Chicago, Illnois Age: 29
I've heard a number of bad things about Windows 8, so just ordered a ThinkPad with Windows 7 and an SSD.
I'm meeting with an expert's expert on Windows, tomorrow, and will show him your question. Stay tuned.
I'm meeting with an expert's expert on Windows, tomorrow, and will show him your question. Stay tuned.
#9899
05/18/13
vehicle titleing
dear jjl, page 186 in HTBI mentions "private titleing agencies." Is there a compiled list of all of the "private titleing agencies" that exist in the US? If so, where could we find it?
traci, florence, ky Age: 54
dear jjl, page 186 in HTBI mentions "private titleing agencies." Is there a compiled list of all of the "private titleing agencies" that exist in the US? If so, where could we find it?
traci, florence, ky Age: 54
No.
#9896
05/16/13
"Living off Grid" idea
Hi Mr Luna- although I haven't read "Off the Grid" yet, I feel I may have a tip for your readers along those lines. Several years ago, I lived "Off the Grid" but not in an RV, but on a boat! I "lived aboard" for 3 years. I loved it, but it's not for everyone. Used boats are very cheap now and especially since the economy tanked. I got mine from a divorced and broke fellow who wanted 3500. for his sea-worthy 24 ft sailboat. "Sea worthy" does not mean that it's merely in good shape, it means you can literally sail it across large oceans- around the world if you wanted to. The marina I docked at took cash for monthly dock rent. I had solar battery chargers for my deep cycle battery. Everything I needed was in that boat, just like an RV but on the water. Just like an RV, you can "pack up 'n' go" except in this case you pull up anchor and set sail. If you choose to not dock your boat but have it moored- that means it's out on the water and you can't walk up to it- that's even *more* private as no one can just show up at your door. You can use a marina as a mail drop and not even live there but tell them you're often at sea. You can fish for your dinner if you had to. My water was provided to me by the marina, but if you're in a mooring situation (anchored out on the water) you'd have to bring your own of course but at least no water company account to deal with. You can also invest in a saltwater to freshwater converter too.
Living aboard a boat is one of the best kept secrets. Another plus living aboard a boat is since you're not in a house with a typical address, you won't get any strangers knocking at your door. I've never had anyone "knock" at my boat- that would be difficult as they'd need a boat themselves to get to me unless they were capable of walking on water. The sailing community is mostly made up of honest, hard working and very private people. something that a privacy minded person would appreciate. Sailors don't like nosy people for a lot of reasons- some legitimate, some not so much. Either way, a boat is another option along the lines of an RV.
URL #1: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00C2WEAGY/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=howtobeinvi0e-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=B00C2WEAGY&adid=14SVNTA0AW52RNJZ397B&
Kristin, Phoenix, Arizona Age: 45
Hi Mr Luna- although I haven't read "Off the Grid" yet, I feel I may have a tip for your readers along those lines. Several years ago, I lived "Off the Grid" but not in an RV, but on a boat! I "lived aboard" for 3 years. I loved it, but it's not for everyone. Used boats are very cheap now and especially since the economy tanked. I got mine from a divorced and broke fellow who wanted 3500. for his sea-worthy 24 ft sailboat. "Sea worthy" does not mean that it's merely in good shape, it means you can literally sail it across large oceans- around the world if you wanted to. The marina I docked at took cash for monthly dock rent. I had solar battery chargers for my deep cycle battery. Everything I needed was in that boat, just like an RV but on the water. Just like an RV, you can "pack up 'n' go" except in this case you pull up anchor and set sail. If you choose to not dock your boat but have it moored- that means it's out on the water and you can't walk up to it- that's even *more* private as no one can just show up at your door. You can use a marina as a mail drop and not even live there but tell them you're often at sea. You can fish for your dinner if you had to. My water was provided to me by the marina, but if you're in a mooring situation (anchored out on the water) you'd have to bring your own of course but at least no water company account to deal with. You can also invest in a saltwater to freshwater converter too.
Living aboard a boat is one of the best kept secrets. Another plus living aboard a boat is since you're not in a house with a typical address, you won't get any strangers knocking at your door. I've never had anyone "knock" at my boat- that would be difficult as they'd need a boat themselves to get to me unless they were capable of walking on water. The sailing community is mostly made up of honest, hard working and very private people. something that a privacy minded person would appreciate. Sailors don't like nosy people for a lot of reasons- some legitimate, some not so much. Either way, a boat is another option along the lines of an RV.
URL #1: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00C2WEAGY/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=howtobeinvi0e-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=B00C2WEAGY&adid=14SVNTA0AW52RNJZ397B&
Kristin, Phoenix, Arizona Age: 45
You say it's "not for everyone." I'd write, "not for more than one in 100,000."
I'm currently reading the Canary Islands section of Sandra Clayton's "A Thousand Miles From Nowhere." The Claytons have troubles in every port, especially with weirdo neighbors and overcrowding. They must rent a car each time they need to go anywhere in the islands. An RV goes anywhere on land and can be equally private (see the the link here to "OFF THE GRID."). A boat can only visit ports.
I've owned a lot of boats in my lifetime but it never occurred to me to live on any of them.
I'm currently reading the Canary Islands section of Sandra Clayton's "A Thousand Miles From Nowhere." The Claytons have troubles in every port, especially with weirdo neighbors and overcrowding. They must rent a car each time they need to go anywhere in the islands. An RV goes anywhere on land and can be equally private (see the the link here to "OFF THE GRID."). A boat can only visit ports.
I've owned a lot of boats in my lifetime but it never occurred to me to live on any of them.
#9895
05/16/13
ANI when calling 800#
I already knew that when you call a tollfree number the calling number is available to the party called and there is no way to block it (unlike caller ID.) I recently called the USPS 800# to track a package. When I called a second time, I was not asked for the tracking number but the automated system asked, are you calling about tracking number 123456789? With one phone call all the information about sender/receiver had been linked to my home phone.
Note to self: Use payphones to call toll free numbers.
Jean, Baltimore, MD Age: 44
I already knew that when you call a tollfree number the calling number is available to the party called and there is no way to block it (unlike caller ID.) I recently called the USPS 800# to track a package. When I called a second time, I was not asked for the tracking number but the automated system asked, are you calling about tracking number 123456789? With one phone call all the information about sender/receiver had been linked to my home phone.
Note to self: Use payphones to call toll free numbers.
Jean, Baltimore, MD Age: 44
#9894
05/16/13
Re #9887 paying for phone service with credit card
All you need to do is but a prepaid card with no ID, for a fee of $6 or less and any amount you want, at many supermarkets and convenience stores, Walmart, Kmart, etc. No need to link the phone to credit cards in your name.
Jean, Baltimore, MD Age: 44
All you need to do is but a prepaid card with no ID, for a fee of $6 or less and any amount you want, at many supermarkets and convenience stores, Walmart, Kmart, etc. No need to link the phone to credit cards in your name.
Jean, Baltimore, MD Age: 44
#9893
05/16/13
Re 9871,9873 Motel Privacy
Very often large motel chains link the phone number you give when making your reservation to your reservation details, so any busybody knowing the phone number you used can often obtain data as to your reservations, present and past.
In addition to motels, there are extended stay furnished apartments which are even a bit more private since there is no maid coming in (unless you pay extra) often these can be rented with phone/utilities included.
Also, if concerned about privacy and living in a furnished apartment or motel, moving often can be useful.
Jean, Baltimore, MD Age: 44
Very often large motel chains link the phone number you give when making your reservation to your reservation details, so any busybody knowing the phone number you used can often obtain data as to your reservations, present and past.
In addition to motels, there are extended stay furnished apartments which are even a bit more private since there is no maid coming in (unless you pay extra) often these can be rented with phone/utilities included.
Also, if concerned about privacy and living in a furnished apartment or motel, moving often can be useful.
Jean, Baltimore, MD Age: 44
#9888
05/15/13
What is best e-mail?
A week or so ago was the suggestion it would be better to sign up for electron bank statements where the bank sents one an e-mail that the statement is available on the bank web site. This would avoid regular mail and e-mail statements and thus be more secure. Then saw an article elsewhere (can't find now) that said to not use web based e-mail (yahoo, etc.)
I have been using yahoo, ease of use from anywhere, now not sure is good idea. What are your ideas, or is there a blog site like yours focused on computer questions/issues?
Thanks for any ideas.
Robert, Detroit, Michigan Age: 70
A week or so ago was the suggestion it would be better to sign up for electron bank statements where the bank sents one an e-mail that the statement is available on the bank web site. This would avoid regular mail and e-mail statements and thus be more secure. Then saw an article elsewhere (can't find now) that said to not use web based e-mail (yahoo, etc.)
I have been using yahoo, ease of use from anywhere, now not sure is good idea. What are your ideas, or is there a blog site like yours focused on computer questions/issues?
Thanks for any ideas.
Robert, Detroit, Michigan Age: 70
This may be overkill but I personally avoid any banking connections online.
#9887
05/15/13
NetTalk Update
This is an update to information I shared with you in June of 2012. Approximately one yeasr ago I purchased a NetTalk VOIP device for $60.00 from Walmart (ordered on-line and picked up at store paying cash). Thus no link to me other than what I provided for the 911 required service.
Now it is time to pay for a second year of service ($30.00). I discovered that the only way is with a credit card or paypal. As a result there is now more information linking the phone number to me. Just be prepared to renew online with a tested private method to make the payment.
This proves once again Jack's wisdom to set up and test things before you need them.
Robert, Detroit, Michigan Age: 70
This is an update to information I shared with you in June of 2012. Approximately one yeasr ago I purchased a NetTalk VOIP device for $60.00 from Walmart (ordered on-line and picked up at store paying cash). Thus no link to me other than what I provided for the 911 required service.
Now it is time to pay for a second year of service ($30.00). I discovered that the only way is with a credit card or paypal. As a result there is now more information linking the phone number to me. Just be prepared to renew online with a tested private method to make the payment.
This proves once again Jack's wisdom to set up and test things before you need them.
Robert, Detroit, Michigan Age: 70
#9886
05/14/13
Re: #9873 Retirement and Travel
Instead of wasting allot of money staying in hotels and vacation rentals, why not purchase a nice used RV to travel the country in. There are plenty that are as nice or better than any hotel and you will have all your possessions with you and no need to keep packing them up and moving them every few weeks. There are endless possibilities on where you can stay with the RV since it is self contained and tracking you would be nearly impossible if you so desired. You can purchase a nice used RV for a great price.
John, Va Beach, Va Age: 40
Instead of wasting allot of money staying in hotels and vacation rentals, why not purchase a nice used RV to travel the country in. There are plenty that are as nice or better than any hotel and you will have all your possessions with you and no need to keep packing them up and moving them every few weeks. There are endless possibilities on where you can stay with the RV since it is self contained and tracking you would be nearly impossible if you so desired. You can purchase a nice used RV for a great price.
John, Va Beach, Va Age: 40
#9885
05/14/13
abandoned properties ebook
This is more of a comment but I noticed the ebook titled Double Your Money With Abandoned Properties on Amazon. I am not sure if it is an error but it is not currently mentioned anywhere on your website or blog as far as I can tell. Just thought I would bring that to your attention. Looking forward to the updated version of Invisible Money as well.
chris, rochester, NY Age: 32
This is more of a comment but I noticed the ebook titled Double Your Money With Abandoned Properties on Amazon. I am not sure if it is an error but it is not currently mentioned anywhere on your website or blog as far as I can tell. Just thought I would bring that to your attention. Looking forward to the updated version of Invisible Money as well.
chris, rochester, NY Age: 32
I will mention it to all readers on my email list, in due time.
#9883
05/14/13
Bank requiring address verification
Just thought I'd pass this along to everyone...Wood(s) Forest Bank DOES require address verification when opening an account, along with various other situations. Due to a death in the family, I've had to step-in and help tend to some unfinished business of the deceased person. There's a need to access an account set up there. The short version of this is, there's been a LOT of hassle that could have been avoided. I do NOT recommend this bank for anyone wanting privacy.
Keith, Galveston, AL Age: 41
Just thought I'd pass this along to everyone...Wood(s) Forest Bank DOES require address verification when opening an account, along with various other situations. Due to a death in the family, I've had to step-in and help tend to some unfinished business of the deceased person. There's a need to access an account set up there. The short version of this is, there's been a LOT of hassle that could have been avoided. I do NOT recommend this bank for anyone wanting privacy.
Keith, Galveston, AL Age: 41
#9881
05/13/13
Flat broke
In your ebook Flat Broke in chapter six you mention a woman working from home selling sea glass. Well there is no sea glass here in Arizona but we do have tumbleweeds by the acre and one woman started an online business selling these weeds at tuumbleweedsforsale.com and she actually make money at it! Your wisdom is correct in this book about selling something when your flat broke!
URL #1: tumbleweedsforsale.com
bud, phoenix, az Age: 40
In your ebook Flat Broke in chapter six you mention a woman working from home selling sea glass. Well there is no sea glass here in Arizona but we do have tumbleweeds by the acre and one woman started an online business selling these weeds at tuumbleweedsforsale.com and she actually make money at it! Your wisdom is correct in this book about selling something when your flat broke!
URL #1: tumbleweedsforsale.com
bud, phoenix, az Age: 40
#9880
05/12/13
Land purchase w/ NM LLC
I was planning on putting land that I will have paid for in cash in an NM LLC. The contract to purchase with payments for one year and one large balloon payment due at end of that term, is in my name. I was going to make a bank certified check in the amount of final payment. On those you can make the Check to and from whoever you want. So is it better to have title put in LLC at closing or to leave it in my name transfer it after closing? Thanks
Bryan, Candler, NC Age: 38
I was planning on putting land that I will have paid for in cash in an NM LLC. The contract to purchase with payments for one year and one large balloon payment due at end of that term, is in my name. I was going to make a bank certified check in the amount of final payment. On those you can make the Check to and from whoever you want. So is it better to have title put in LLC at closing or to leave it in my name transfer it after closing? Thanks
Bryan, Candler, NC Age: 38
Please contact Rosie via email, as she is more up to date on questions where mortgages are involved.
#9879
05/11/13
Apple deluged by police demarnds to decrypt iPhones
Another warning against smart phones.
URL #1: http://news.cnet.com/8301-13578_3-57583843-38/apple-deluged-by-police-demands-to-decrypt-iphones/
Michele, Chicago, IL Age: 44
Another warning against smart phones.
URL #1: http://news.cnet.com/8301-13578_3-57583843-38/apple-deluged-by-police-demands-to-decrypt-iphones/
Michele, Chicago, IL Age: 44
#9873
05/10/13
Retirement and travel
Mr. Luna: After a lifetime of hard work and saving (plus some investments that fortunately did very well), my wife and I are ready to retire. We would like to sell our home and travel around the country, staying in vacation rentals and extended-stay hotels for as long as we're able. We'll stay from two weeks to two months in any city and then move on.
We don't have any enemies or stalkers or anything like that, but we would like to protect ourselves from relatives and "old friends" who like to sponge off us. We'll still keep in touch with our son, and he knows not to tell anyone our whereabouts.
I've read "How to be Invisible" and we've already "moved" to a private mailbox address that can forward our mail anywhere.
Do you have any additional advice for full-time travelers? Is it possible, or even necessary, to book hotel rooms or vacation homes under an alias? Or would that just look suspicious when we check in and our ID/credit card name doesn't match the name we give them?
Since we won't stay long in any one place, do we need to worry about debit card or ATM records?
Thanks so much for any help you can offer.
Adam, Dayton, OH Age: 66
Mr. Luna: After a lifetime of hard work and saving (plus some investments that fortunately did very well), my wife and I are ready to retire. We would like to sell our home and travel around the country, staying in vacation rentals and extended-stay hotels for as long as we're able. We'll stay from two weeks to two months in any city and then move on.
We don't have any enemies or stalkers or anything like that, but we would like to protect ourselves from relatives and "old friends" who like to sponge off us. We'll still keep in touch with our son, and he knows not to tell anyone our whereabouts.
I've read "How to be Invisible" and we've already "moved" to a private mailbox address that can forward our mail anywhere.
Do you have any additional advice for full-time travelers? Is it possible, or even necessary, to book hotel rooms or vacation homes under an alias? Or would that just look suspicious when we check in and our ID/credit card name doesn't match the name we give them?
Since we won't stay long in any one place, do we need to worry about debit card or ATM records?
Thanks so much for any help you can offer.
Adam, Dayton, OH Age: 66
Unless a PI has been hired to keep track of you, I fail to see a problem. I suppose that if you were known to be in a small town, someone could call each motel and hotel and ask for you, but I assume that is not likely.
#9872
05/08/13
Elance or Odesk for nominees?
What do you think about finding nominees on sites like Elance or Odesk? They are reputation based systems. You can pay by an anonymous gift card. The sites take their commissions.
Jack, London, UK Age: 45
What do you think about finding nominees on sites like Elance or Odesk? They are reputation based systems. You can pay by an anonymous gift card. The sites take their commissions.
Jack, London, UK Age: 45
I would never use a nominee that I had not met personally, face to face. Even better is to use someone you've known and trusted for many years.
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