Consumer Affairs Archives - NIR News / National Investigative Report

Three Points To Consider When Choosing A Law Group

NIR Contributor — Wed, 04 Feb 2015 19:54:44 +0000

When what you need is ‘Straight Talk’ and not legal jargon that you will never be able to understand without full and detailed explanations every step of the way, where do you turn? Do you open up the phone book and throw a dart? Do you simply go off of the word of mouth from friends and relatives? Honestly, neither of these are good options. A legal representative that worked well for someone else may not work for you and your situation. Research is going to be your best option when it comes to a legal representative that will be able to represent you. This is especially true when it comes to family law, business law, and real estate disputes.

Here are some helpful items to look for in a Law Group:

* Free consultation: A firm that offers a 30 to 60-minute free consultation is obviously
vested in their clients. This gives the legal representative time to hear your point of view,
possibly review documentation and governing laws, and discuss with you what exactly the
options would be. From this free consultation, you will be able to make an educated
decision on whether or not the firm is a good fit for you and vice versa.

* Encourage Electronic Usage: There are plenty of firms that encourage correspondence
through forms of electronic measures instead of coming to the office every other day to
discuss something in person that could have been sent in an email. This saves money and
in turn shows you that the potential legal representative is concerned with your financial
health as well.

* Mediation versus Litigation: Not every case needs to go to court. This is not a new
realization for most legal representatives. Entertain the idea of meeting with legal
representatives that use mediation and collaborative law in your financial favor. They are
doing it to keep you out of court, keep your financial burdens low, and assist in closing the
case sooner rather than later. This is especially true if the outcome will be the same
regardless of going to court or not.

The post Three Points To Consider When Choosing A Law Group appeared first on NIR News / National Investigative Report.

Is The New Technology of VMware Workstation Right For You?

NIR — Mon, 22 Dec 2014 08:10:47 +0000

VMware Workstation Technology & Marvels for Users:

The VMware Workstation is the new technology, and now it’s about to work with new Operating system i.e. Windows 8 and 8.1. The more reliable, accurate, precise and contains more virtual hardware functionality and new features.

The VMware Workstation team is working on the future project of VMware. In connection, now this technology supports more CPUs, and its extended functionality also supports CPUs of the next generation. It offers the devices of better compatibility and performance like USB 3.0 to work it and work faster than old ones. Furthermore, it allows users to adjust the maximum graphics memory on per virtual machine basis moreover; there is a technology like Boot virtual machine with EFI allows user to create and boot the guest OS with EFI means with BIOS and EFI both are supported. Custom-wizard allows users to create new VM and can select EFI instead of BIOS.

New technology with new features in VMware Workstation:

In the future, no old operating systems are supported like win Xp, Vista, and it no longer supports the 32-Bit Operating system. Additionally, VMware can be upgraded and downgraded with new and older versions as per hardware compatibility and its tools also can be uninstalled from each virtual VMware workstation machine with technology usage.

VMware provides best gaming experience to the game lovers. Best graphics performance and best-playing experience ever, therefore, more advance and latest games would be supported even provision of full Hd gaming experience. Moreover, it enhances the performance of the hardware, and you can mostly play the games you can not play on the older Operating windows such as Win Xp, Vista, etc. Eventually, the future VMware is a tremendous way to solve the old problems occurred in old operating systems. It also enhances the networking with its new-upcoming features in the future. Now step into the next generation using VMware Workstations and to get rid off old problems.

THE MARVELS OF VMWARE:

Most of the hardware of modern day are such that they can run on a single operating system. But various systems which are physically built on other operating systems sometimes remain idle or often unutilized or underutilized. This necessitates the effective utilization of the apparently redundant other operating systems in an ideal scenario to garner the economies of scale. That too should be achieved by putting into use only one hardware which itself utilizes only one operating system which is also referred to as OS. This is precisely achieved by using VMware Workstation machine.

The effective explanation of VMWARE:

In effect, the concept what is known as VMWARE Virtualization – can permit a number of virtual machines to run on a single hardware using only on OS. The virtual machines, however, may be based on different OS but physically they require the hardware of a single machine. Each of these virtual VMware workstation machines can efficiently share the resources physically of the single main operating machine and that too across different environments. Thus the horizon of usage expands from a single physical hardware of a single machine to other different servers – all equipped with their own distinct memory and processors.

The Mechanism:

A small OS which is efficient in its own right is loaded on to the host hardware. This OS which has been loaded is known as the hypervisor. As an aftermath to this, almost all other device drivers of repute are accessible by means of VMware. The cost of loading this hypervisor is almost only 1 per cent of the total cost of the hosting hardware and is thus extremely cost effective considering the expansion achieved in the workability now achieved. The operating systems to be served are then established as the virtual machines. It is of great importance to note at this juncture that the virtual machines now work on the layer of VMware workstation rather than working on the hardware of the hosting machine. Hence the replacement of hardware is also very simple.

In this case only configuring the VMware is required for the new hardware and the other OS need not be disturbed. They almost immediately start to operate after the replacement. This makes the entire process very user friendly. Hence it suffices to mention in this context that VMware is a wonderful technology and its marvels are immense. Now, the latest enhancement to install the VMware Workstation virtual machine is also getting the attention of its users.

The post Is The New Technology of VMware Workstation Right For You? appeared first on NIR News / National Investigative Report.

Ferguson Protesters Win Federal Judge’s Injunction To Prevent Police Enforcing “5 second rule”

KaitlyyN — Tue, 16 Dec 2014 03:51:37 +0000

Photo Credit: Tumblr

Recently, a federal judge ruled that the tactics used by police in order to control Ferguson protesters are unconstitutional. U.S District Judge asked the police not to use tear gas on protesters and ordered the law enforcement agencies to halt the “5 second rule.” This rule demands that protesters should keep moving instead of standing still. However, the order comes to stop enforcing such requirements because it violates constitutional rights of the protesters.

Photo Credit: US Courts

Catherine Perry, U.S District Judge issued an injunction stopping the practice of keep moving and standing still on sidewalks. No doubt, the injunction is a great win for law-abiding and peaceful protesters who believe in rule of law. According to Perry’s injunction, police violated the free speech rights as well as due process rights. Moreover, the injunction does not stop the police from controlling or protecting crowd against violence using lawful means. It no longer limits the abilities of officers in enforcing state’s laws.

Some of protesters filed the lawsuit requesting to restrict the police from using tear gas and excessive forces during demonstrations. Perry declared that the citizens have a constitutional right to gather in wake of tragic death of Michael Brown Jr. Nevertheless, they do not have any right to harm other citizens or police officers. The police should perform their duties and responsibilities efficiently as nothing in this injunction prevent them in doing so.

Police has been using varying tactics to control the crowd after the officer Darren Wilson shot and killed Michael Brown Jr. Some police officers started to instruct protesters that they cannot stand still for more than 5 seconds and should keep moving all times. Legal observers quickly refused to accept this “5 second rule” and clearly state that it tends to enhance community tension. Police tried to undermine the protester’s rights to demonstrate. However, on constitutional grounds, the law enforcement officials failed the police’s attempt in carrying out such a practice.

The post Ferguson Protesters Win Federal Judge’s Injunction To Prevent Police Enforcing “5 second rule” appeared first on NIR News / National Investigative Report.

How To Select Your First Auto Insurance Policy?

Daisy S. — Wed, 19 Nov 2014 21:50:43 +0000

Photo Credit: bigstock

Being a young driver is a thrill in itself as it helps the young person to feel liberated and independent. If you are a youngster who has just got his first driving license and you are looking forward to driving a vehicle on your own then you must make sure you buy an insurance policy first. If you have looked up the prices of the auto insurance policy for young people over the internet and you really think it will not fit into your budget then have a look at the below mentioned suggestions that can help you.

-Fully exploit the internet: Making use of a comparison website that offers you insurance quotes of various auto insurance policies along with offering you the pros and cons of the policy can be a good choice.

-Use your Social Skills: Asking around for a policy that suits others in your peer group can also help you.

-Be extra cautious towards security: Including extra safety layers in your vehicle can also help as it would ensure that auto insurance policy providers that you are very serious about driving and don’t want to be reckless.

-Use Family connections can help: Adding names of a responsible driver like one of your parents can be a good idea as it would help you present a good image for yourself.

-Brush up your education on driving: Completing advanced levels of driving courses and tests can also contribute in lowering your insurance policy cost.

-Get rid of unnecessary clauses: Removing additional clauses from the policy like coverage reimbursement for your vehicle in cases of accident especially if your vehicle is old and not so costly can also help in reducing the costs.

-Drive an old car: Driving your family car that has a speed limit rather than buying a high speed car can also help you to reduce your auto insurance policy cost. You can always pretty up the old car’s exterior to give it a cool look.

-Be a cautious driver: Following every road safety rule can also help you to bring down the policy cost because if you have driving tickets, your policy cost can rise exponentially when you go in for revising it.

Photo Credit: Colin Brough/bsp

Apart from the above mentioned points, taking help of an experienced driver like your parents can really help you in buying not only the cheapest but also the best auto insurance policy.

The post How To Select Your First Auto Insurance Policy? appeared first on NIR News / National Investigative Report.

Nissan Calls Back 2013 Altima Due to a Faulty Hood Latch

Suhail W. — Tue, 11 Nov 2014 02:39:09 +0000

Photo Credit: sainanirtu/BSP

The Japanese automaker Nissan has just announced another recall of the 2013 Nissan Altima due to the secondary hood latch, which may get jammed due to rust and debris causing interference. This time the company is recalling around 238,000 vehicles across United States, Canada, South Korea, Mexico and Latin America. Around 219,000 affected Altimas are in the United States alone.

The recall decision was made in response to reports where the hood opened itself damaging the car, while it was moving. However, no injuries have been reported so far. Under this announcement, owners are recommended to take their 2013 Nissan Altima to the authorized dealers, who will fix the issue and lubricate the latch without charging any cost.

It is the third time in this year that the company has recalled 2013 Altima, while over 120,000 of these vehicles were called back last year. Nissan is also investigating other models having similarly designed latches and may recall them too. The company says, it is still safe to drive the 2013 Altima if the main hood latch is in order.

Despite the announcement, the company has not yet released any schedule to notify the owners. However, the owners with any questions are directed to contact on the given number (800)-647-7261.

The post Nissan Calls Back 2013 Altima Due to a Faulty Hood Latch appeared first on NIR News / National Investigative Report.

iPhone 6 Review

Grace Hester — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 22:52:47 +0000

So, after last year’s iPhone 5s, we were expecting to get something entirely different this time around. And different is what we got!

iPhone 6 tech specs overview

Screen: 4.7in 720×1334 IPS LCD (326ppi)
Processor: 1.4GHz Apple A8 processor
RAM: (unspecified)
OS: iOS 8
Storage: 16/64/128GB
Battery: (unspecified)
Camera: 8MP 1080p@60fps, 720p@240fps rear, 1.2MP 720p front
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC (Apple Pay only), 3G/4G
Dimensions: 138x67x6.9mm
Weight: 129g

Just like every other phone that is not made perfect, the iPhone 6 has its good and bad features. We are going be evaluating the pros and shortcomings of this beautiful device.

THE GOOD

-Apple Pay

Portability, style and class at its best! t Tossing your wallet and popping credit cards into your Passbook for on-the-go, safe, NFC payments will probably stand the test of time as the most revolutionary aspect of yesterday’s program.

-A better camera

Boasting of having one of the best camera’s a phone can offer, the iPhone 6 has additional features to its massive camera and an improved slow motion capture.

-Pimp leather cases

Did D&G design these?

THE BAD

-Apple Watch

Nobody needs this thing. Of course nobody needs anything Apple manufactures, in a Rousseau and sense. But, many people find that computers and cell phones are helpful for modern life. The Apple Watch is superfluous. The device has a lot of its capabilities which appear to be helpful to somebody who is extremely lazy to draw his/her phone out. It’s imprudent to invest in a flop while Apple is manning the controls, however rushing it out early was yet another misstep. They should have waited till Christmas which is when people purchase stuff they don’t have the need for each other. Primarily products that bottom out at $350.00.

-iPhone 6 Plus

The new iPhone slogan is “bigger than bigger.” Deep. But, the iPhone 6 Plus is way bigger than a normal pocket for a phone. If you want an iPad, just buy an iPad.

-Journalists cheering

Surely everyone in the Cupertino audience yesterday wasn’t a technology writer, but many were. And many of them clapped and hollered like schoolchildren hopped up on Pixy Stix when Cook & Co. revealed another microchip or wristband. It made the keynote feel less like a long commercial and more like cultish propaganda. Objective reporting? Many chose to “think different.”

-The gaming

Clearly below par for a massive phone like this and clearly disappointing. It just offers very awkward games specifically designed for little kids.

-iPhone 6 battery life and screens

It’s not getting markedly better, except for on the iPhone 6 plus which will shatter your hopes, dreams and, now, Apple Pay credit.

-The stream

Many trying to watch the proceedings live online experienced a myriad of issues. Here are some road bumps I hit (on a MacBook Air running Safari): the site crashing, Apple’s TV truck schedule reappearing over and over again, the stream bouncing back to previously aired segments and Chinese and Japanese dubbing mixed in with the speaker’s English. Domo arigato, Apple.

-Bendghazi!

Some are calling it “#bendgate.” Or, even more amusingly, “bendghazi.”

Reports began to surface Tuesday that the new aluminum-clad $300 iPhone 6 Plus is prone to bending — especially when carried in a pocket.

The iPhone 6 Plus has a 5.5-inch-tall screen, making it slightly taller and thinner than other iPhone models. Other phones like Samsung’s Galaxy Note 3 didn’t bend under the same pressure.

-THE NEW OS WON’T O

Early adopters of the new Apple iPhone operating system — iOS 8, which runs on all iPhones but comes already installed on the new iPhones — reported a number of bugs. One big one: The operating system wouldn’t allow apps other than its own to use health and fitness data collected by the iPhone.

Therefore, Apple updated the system Wednesday: iOS 8.0.1 nevertheless, that edition turned out to be a whole lot worse: It interfered with the iPhone’s fingerprint identity scanner along with the unit’s ability to make phone calls. It’s Clearly Obviously that has to be an issue for a phone.

With all these points outlined above, we can conclude that the iPhone 6 is great but it comes with a lot of stuffs we don’t really need and the features are not entirely perfect.

Any question or suggestion? Your comments are very welcomed!

The post iPhone 6 Review appeared first on NIR News / National Investigative Report.

WHAT HAPPENED TO GOOD CUSTOMER SERVICE?

Rev. Russell — Tue, 28 Oct 2014 14:31:30 +0000

Nationwide Flowers – Satisfaction Guaranteed

Photo Credit: dreamstime

Many of us remember the days when there was great customer service. When the customer were number one and companies respected their customers. Where did that all go?

Now a days customers are far from number one. It is hard to get your money back from a store when the product does not fit or does not work. When you complain about a meal that was bad or less than what you expected the manger acts as if you said nothing(indirectly telling you your opinion does not count), and tells you is eatery has been running smoothly even before you were born.

A former employee of Sear Telecatalog Center told me that when a customer would call in and ask for a supervisor they would mute the call and ask who wanted to play supervisor. When you are on the phone how do you know you are really talking to a supervisor? Many customer service representative refuse to provide their name when you complain about their lack of professionalism. If the representative was right or doing nothing wrong then why would they not give their name? one of the rampant behaviors of companies is that when you call to speak to the customer service, you can be put on hold for as long as 20min, you will be left with no choice but to put the phone on loudspeaker and wait until any one answer’s you.

Many of companies refuse to make things right. When you tell then you are going to file a complaint with a few of the online complaint sites or with the Attorney General of your state they act as it is no big deal and still refuse to make it right. But once you file the complaint and the company gets their copy then they would be more than glad to fix it. But why do you have to go to all this trouble in order to get a company to do what is right when it should have been done in first place?

One of case of which I had encountered bad customer service was when my cable network was unduly disconnected for no reason. I called their customer service and complained to them, I was told my subscription has either expired or I had done something wrong. After unnecessary argument, I was told to wait for a days, for something that could have been activated IMMEADIATELY. When I asked to speak to the supervisor, the attendant hung the phone on me.

I had a credit card and somehow after a year the bank changed my zip code and I didn’t get the bill. When they called I explained I never got a bill. After we found the issue I asked for a refund of the late fee. Though I got it eventually I was initially told, “You are responsible for your bill, we only send the statement as a convenience to you.”

Good customer service is something about bringing back all your customers. It is also about sending the customers happy passing out positive response about your business together with the others. Now good customer service will encourage your prospective customers to try out any service or product and in turn become the repeat customers.
Call centers these days should bring about good sales personnel so that they help your business to bloom. A call center will offer you the right approach to customer service that will help to determine whether you will be able to sell out your service or product.
The heart of good customer service is to form a relationship with the customers. This is where the importance of the call center services lies. The following should be closely followed by a customer care center.

Answering the phone

A call center answering service form to be an important way to carrying forward your job of reaching your customers. Make sure that someone is there to pick up the phone calls and answer to all the calls.

Listening to what your customers say:
Hiring a call Center helps you reach out both existing and new customers. With the help of the well-trained and qualified professionals, businesses will be able to take appropriate responses in order to solve diverse business problems.

Dealing with the complaints

Yes, this is one of the major functions of the call Center executives. They hear the complaints that the customers make and try to solve the problems each time. Such is the benefit of having hired customer service that you will be able to better position your own business and can reap the maximum advantages of having good customer care.

Being helpful:

This is what customer care agents are trained for. All representatives are trained to remain patient and composed hearing any angry customer. With patience, agents will be able to solve the situation.

Taking that extra step

It may be that a customer is inquisitive about any service or product but may be using similar product from another company. If such a customer lands up to know about your service then it will be important to display what more he or she will get by selecting your product/service. Hence, this is the time when you need professional help and there can be no one like the customer service providers operating in the current market.

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