New Text Message Phishing Scam
It has come to our attention a new text message phishing scam is circulating in the area. The text message is pretending to be a representative from a wireless provider notifying you that your “payment is declined and your iPhone 11 will be returned”. The scam is designed to get you to click on the […]
New Phishing Scam
It has come to our attention that a new phone scam is circulating in the area. The caller is pretending to be a representative from Medicare stating they are calling about your new Medicare card. The Caller ID is displaying as “Brazos Telecommunications” with a local looking phone number. This scam is designed to trick […]
Summer Travel and Wi-Fi
Getting ready for vacation? Remember when traveling and using Wi-Fi hotspots, never assume they are safe. Most Wi-Fi hotspots don’t encrypt the information you send over the Internet and aren’t secure. Protected sites are indicated by https before the web address. The “s” stands for secure and indicates that the data is encrypted for more […]
Upload and Download…What is the difference?
When talking about Internet speeds…what is the difference between upload and download? Anytime you are pulling content from the Internet, such as receiving emails, or streaming a service like Netflix, Hulu or YouTube…you are using download. When you push contest through the Internet, like uploading files to an online website, or sending an email that […]
Customer Loyalty Gift Card Scam
It has come to our attention that a new Gift Card Scam is circulating through Social Media/Popup ads congratulating Brazos Internet customers for their loyalty. This is a scam, and we recommend that you close out of it immediately. Brazos in NOT offering an anniversary celebration during the month of February. This particular type of […]
New Email Scam
It is has come to our attention that a new email scam is circulating in our area. The email sender is pretending to be from Brazos alerting you that someone tried to sign in using your brazosnet.com email account. The sender is asking you to review fraudulent sign in information and call them for instant […]
Cyber Monday Shopping Tips
Cyber Monday deals are hard to resist…especially when it means you can save money, and check items off your shopping list. Here are just a few tips to remember when shopping online: Make sure your home computer’s anti-virus, and malware software are up-to-date before you start shopping. Always shop from reputable sites that are […]
New Phone Scam
It has come to our attention that a new phone scam is circulating in our area. The caller is pretending to be a Brazos employee confirming your email address, and then asking for information. The Caller ID is displaying as “unknown caller” or “out of area”. This scam is designed to trick you into giving […]
iPhone Scam – Congratulations Brazos Internet Customer!
It has come to our attention that an iPhone Gift Card scam is circulating in the area on various Facebook newsfeeds and via text message. This scam is claiming that your iPhone has been randomly selected to receive a $1000 gift card. This message has no connection to Brazos Communications and is NOT from us. […]
Tech Tip: The Power of Restarting
These simple steps may help fix most of your devices problems. Restart your devices – Like us, our devices need to be refreshed from time to time. When you think about it, they are running 24/7. Turn your device off for 30 seconds and then turn it back on. If that does not help, the […]
Malware Threat and Wireless Routers
Recent notices by government security officials are urging internet users to secure their home/office wireless routers from the latest malware threat. This malware is capable of collecting information that passes through your router, and disabling it. Best practices recommend that everyone do a simple reboot of their routers and change the Wi-Fi password. To reboot […]
Having Wi-Fi Problems? Make Sure Your Router Is Up To Date!
Smart phones, tablets, and laptops are designed to be used wirelessly, and the only way to get online with them is by connecting them to the device that provides the Wi-Fi signal in your home. This device is called a router, but you might also hear it referred to as a gateway or access point. […]
Tech Tip: Embed a Video From YouTube on PowerPoint
Create powerful presentations with added video content. Embedding a video from YouTube: Open YouTube account or login to your YouTube account. Find the video you are looking for and click the Share button under the video. Share>Embed>Copy Embed Code Open your PowerPoint presentation and select the insert tab, click on video, then online video. Paste […]
Tech Tip: Use Anti-Virus Protection
Anti-virus protection is very important for all computers. Without it you risk losing your personal data and files. Here are a few things you can do to help protect yourself. Keep your anti-virus and malware software up-to-date. Make sure your software is set to do updates on a continuous or regular basis. Do not open […]
Netflix Scam
Your Suspension Notification
Your Account Cancellation
It has come to our attention that a Netflix phishing scam is circulating in the area on various Facebook newsfeeds and through email. According to Hoax-Slayer (http://www.hoax-slayer.net) this is a phishing scam and Netflix did not send either one. Unfortunately, clicking on the link will take you to a fake Netflix website that will ask […]
Tech Tip: Secure Your Passwords
According to Cyber Security Insights www.cybersecurityinsights.net One in Three Americans were hacked in the past year. One of the best ways to help protect yourself this year is to change or create strong passwords. Here are a few guidelines to keep in mind when creating or updating your passwords. Your password should NOT be in the […]
Gift Card Scam
It has come to our attention that a $1000 Walmart Gift Card scam is circulating through social media congratulating Brazos Internet customers for their loyalty. This is a scam, and we recommend that you close out of it immediately. This particular type of adware also known as advertising malware, tries to get unsuspecting users to […]
Tech Tip: iPhone or iPad Quick Set Up
Did you get a new iPhone or iPad for Christmas? If so, and you are setting it up yourself, this tech tip might help. Transfer all your information from your old device to the new one. Quick Start – iOS 11 Power on both your old iPhone or iPad and your new iPhone or iPad. […]
Save Your Work Shortcut Keys
Are you guilty of forgetting to save your work during projects? If so, here’s two quick tips that may save you some heartburn later on. On a PC type “Ctrl” and “S” at the same time to save your work quickly. If you are a Mac user type “Cmd” and “S” at the same time. Shortcut […]
Caller ID Spoofing
Screening calls has become the norm …whether received on a wireless device or home telephone. Unfortunately, scammers use fake caller ID information to mislead us into thinking it is someone local. This practice is known as Caller ID Spoofing. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) tells us “that it is […]
Welcome to Creative Shorts
Local Phone Spoofing Scam
In the past few days, Brazos Communications customers have reported they are receiving phone calls that display as a local 564 or 873 number…appearing genuine. When missed, various messages are left ranging from “there are no problems with your credit card number”, or “Do you know how much liability insurance coverage you have” to someone […]
How Does Internet Speed Work?
Internet speeds are like a network of water pipes in your home. The more devices connected to your Internet “pipe”, the slower your internet becomes. Think of each faucet as if it is a connected device in your home. Turn on one faucet, the water pressure is great. Turn on a second, third or more, […]
Residential Plans & Pricing
Super Fast Internet for your home! Be sure to ask about our premium wireless routers!
Brazos Begins Construction of Fiber to the Premise in Newcastle
Brazos Communications (Brazos) is formally announcing its plan to bring faster internet access to homes and businesses in Newcastle, TX. Faster internet has many benefits, including quicker downloads of web pages and higher quality videos. The construction of new fiber optic distribution routes are scheduled to begin in the town of Newcastle beginning August 2016. […]
Brazos Continues Construction of Fiber to the Premise in Archer City
Brazos Telephone Cooperative, Inc. (Brazos) has begun the final construction phase of bringing faster internet access to homes and businesses in Archer City. We are extremely excited about the new and improved technologies this will bring to our customers.
Brazos Begins Construction of Fiber to the Premise in Archer City
Brazos Telephone Cooperative, Inc. (Brazos) is formally announcing its plan to bring faster internet access to homes and businesses in Archer City. Faster internet has many benefits, including quicker downloads of web pages and higher quality videos. Brazos has completed a state-of-the-art fiber ring around the town of Archer City and is ready to begin […]
Brazos Begins Construction of Fiber to the Premise in Olney
Brazos Telephone Cooperative, Inc. (Brazos) is formally announcing its plan to bring faster internet access to homes and businesses in Olney. Faster internet has many benefits, including quicker downloads of web pages and higher quality videos.
Scammers Often Disquise Their Number!
There are many internet and telephone scams alive in our technological world today. Using sophisticated equipment & technology, a scammer can disguise their number on Caller ID with another number. If you receive a call from a number that you do not recognize, it is a good practice not to answer that call. If you happen […]
Tips for Strong Passwords:
Should be at least 8-16 characters. Mix it up. Include numbers, capital letters and symbols in random order. Easy to remember, but hard for others to guess. Don’t use dictionary words. Don’t just use one password. Beware of phishing scams that ask for your information. To learn more about protecting your online identity call […]
4 Ways to Make Your Home Wi-Fi Network Faster!
One of the more common questions received in our Internet call center is: Why is my Internet slow after setting up my wireless router? While Brazos Internet offers fast speeds, if your wireless router is out of date or is not set up correctly, you may have problems getting the speed you are suppose to […]
Stop Unwanted Calls
Unwanted sales and illegal robocalls can be annoying at best. If you have noticed an increase in the amount of calls you are receiving, you may need to re-register your telephone number (s) with DoNotCall.gov. Two free ways to register – (1) Call 1-888-382-1222 from the phone you want to register or (2) visit donotcall.gov […]
Gardening Connections…..
If you are like most of us in North Texas….you are ready to start your spring planting; but are also wondering how you will sustain them during drought conditions. Below are a few websites we found that offer tips on how you can enjoy spring flowers and still practice water conservation.
Alert! Alert! Alert! – Calling Scam
ALERT ! ALERT ! ALERT ! During the holiday season there are always many scams in which the caller is trying to obtain personal information, such as credit card numbers and bank information. It has been brought to our attention that calls are being made to Brazos Telephone Cooperative, Inc. customers from someone who says […]
10 iPad Basics Tips
Students from our recent iPad Basics class requested a recap of the 10 tips we learned. After sharing them with the students, we thought it would be nice to share them with you as well. Clicking on the link below will open the pdf file of tips. iPad Basics Tips from Oct 16 2014 Class For more […]
Phishing Alert – Don’t Take the Survey!
It has come to our attention that a new phishing email is being sent to our Internet subscribers. This email appears to be from Brazos Internet and asks you to participate in a survey for the chance to receive an exclusive iPad. It also asks you to click the Accept button to begin the survey. […]
Hot Summer Days + Roku + Popcorn = Streaming Heaven
Summer days in North Texas are ridiculously hot. One of the best ways to pass the time on a hot afternoon is catching up on some of my favorite programs. The discovery of the NEW Roku Streaming Stick has truly become my new summer fling. It was so easy to install and is tucked away behind my TV, plugged […]
Scam Alert – Don’t Get Phished!
Attn: Brazos Internet Subscribers Last night a new phishing email was sent to our Internet subscribers. This email appears to be from Brazos Internet and asks you to click on a link in order to verify your account information so you don’t experience a service interruption. Brazos Internet did not send this email, and we […]
Laptops and Cold Weather
While it’s nice to see the sun shining….Did you know laptops don’t survive well in cold weather? They are designed to work between 50-95 degrees Fahrenheit. Here are a few cold weather laptop tips:
Meet The All New Roku 2 – Now FREE At BRAZOS INTERNET
SIGN UP for 6Mbps/2Mbps or UPGRADE to 6Mbps/2Mbps* and receive a FREE Roku 2 box**. Ideal for video streaming, online gaming, and multiple-device households. Only $59.95/mo. Hurry! Offer ends 11.31.13. *Service availability and Internet speeds will depend on location. All prices subject to change. Contact us for complete details. A modem purchase of $35/$50 is […]
Pumpkin Contest
Well it’s October, and we thought it would be fun to have one of the oldest Halloween traditions right here at Brazos. Yep, you got it….A Pumpkin Decorating Contest. So, each department was encouraged to create a SPOOKTACULAR MASTERPRIECE of their very own. Our creativity knew no bounds as we were free to carve, paint […]
Brazos Telephone’s General Manager Retires after 32 Years
After 32 years of devoted service to Brazos Telephone Cooperative, Richard Adams is retiring. Richard began his telephone career as a “lineman” at the early age of 16. Seven years later at the age of 23, he became one of the industries youngest General Managers for Cumby Telephone, where he served for 12 years before […]
Brazos Telephone Offers Home Telephone Assistance
Lifeline – Telephone Assistance Program for Low-Income Consumers Every person in America should have access to quality affordable telecommunications service. This principle of “Universal Service” has been the goal of the telecommunications industry for decades. Brazos Telephone offers a home telephone assistance program referred to as Lifeline. Lifeline helps eligible people establish and maintain telephone […]
iPad Tip No. 1 – Saving Battery Life
If you are like most of us, using your iPad everyday is a necessity, and charging it every other day is a bummer. We found a way to help reduce some of the drain on the battery, and thought we would share it with you.
Connected for Hope donates Road to Recovery Car
Team members deliver cardboard car to local elementary school. [portfolio_slideshow id=1418] This marks the second year Connected for Hope team members donated their cardboard car. Relay for Life teams build a cardboard car and then compete or race against other teams in the Road to Recovery Race. We had so much fun building, decorating and […]
Spring Fever and Tidying Up
It seems tidying up has become an obsession lately. Maybe it’s the spring like weather, or that I’ve finally had enough and am ready to throw out a few things. Whatever the case may be, tidying up has now carried over to my computer, and has become the latest cleaning project for me. If your […]
An App to Sleep Better….Who Knew?
One of the purposes of this web blog is to share the latest tips, tricks and technology available with our customers. Especially, those we have first-hand experience using. If you’ve ever been wakened in the middle of the night from an unforgettable horrible sound….only to discover it’s your husband hitting a new octave of snoring, […]
Pinterest – How do all those “Pins” get there!
Not too long ago a friend introduced me to Pinterest. The fact that people are sharing information from all over the world is mind boggling, not to mention that most of it is really neat stuff. Setting up my Pinterest account and creating boards for repining proved easy and fun. I must say though, I […]
Making Social Media Safer for Kids
Social media and kids seem to be two words that go hand and hand these days. Making sure it remains a postive outlet for connecting with friends, game playing, and self-expression can be a challenge. Follow this link to a recent issue of Brazos Internet’s Website Compass Magazine to learn tips on how you can […]
Strong Passwords are Key
Don’t let weak ones be the weak link in your security Good passwords are an essential part of safe computing, especially if you use the Web to do things like pay bills and access your bank account. Computer hackers use sophisticated software that can decipher a weak password quickly. If a thief were to get […]
E-Reader Tips Discovered
Once again I have succumbed to another gadget. This gadget however is educational as well as entertaining. Sounds like a good sell doesn’t it? All kidding aside, sharing information on how gadgets enhance our lives is one of the things this blog site is about. As you know, most of the fun of having a […]
Protect your kids from “Summer Slide” with Broadband
According to educators summertime can be challenging for parents who want to help their children avoid the “Summer Slide”. Teachers use this phrase to describe students forgetting what they’ve learned last year or falling out of practice… reading. Here are a few tips plus a list of apps that may help your student stay sharp […]
The Story of Send
Ever wonder what happens to your email when you hit the send button? Most of us have not given it much thought and are just glad it works… most of the time. We stumbled upon a neat explanation of the whole process created by Google and thought it was worth sharing. To view the journey […]
Brazos Employees Helping Others Have More Birthdays!
The first ever Relay for life in Olney, TX was a huge success. Hundreds worked, planned and raised mega funds for this year’s event. Brazos Telephone along with team members Connected for Hope were ready to help. We had such a good time and thought it would be fun to share a few of the […]
Why do you still need a landline?
Many people have started replacing their landline with cell phone service, unaware of the potential consequences of not maintaining a landline phone. While having a cell phone has become standard for a large percentage of the population, we should not forget the importance of also having a landline, which is a proven, reliable and ubiquitous […]
Super Couponing and Basics of Facebook Classes Were A Hit!
We had so much fun during our Super-Couponing and Basics of Facebook classes held last month that we just had to tell you about it. Jill Cataldo author of the Super-Couponing DVD presentation showed us a lot of ways to SAVE money and that you can never have too many coupons. We loved learning about […]
Connected for Hope
Brazos employees working hard to help others have more birthdays. Relay for Life – Olney, TX is certainly bringing the whole community together for what is sure to be an awesome event. Hundred’s throughout the community are working, planning and raising mega fund’s to help others have more birthdays. Brazos Telephone along with team members […]
iPhone Shortcut
As the proud owner of my new iPhone 4s discovering new functions of the phone are never ending. But my latest discovery is so cool, and, well….I just had to share it. If you are like most of us you use shortcuts everyday, on your desktop, laptop, in recipes and now you can on your […]
Internet at your fingertips!
Well it finally happened. I am now the proud owner of an iPhone 4s. OMG! It’s the first thing that comes out of your mouth when trying to describe it to those who have not made the transition. It is unbelievable how much fun it is to surf the web from my recliner. The most […]
Black Friday and New Computers
With Black Friday fast approaching, there are always great deals out there on electronics. You know the typical huge discounts on big screened TV’s, laptops, and desktop computers. We realize buying a new computer can be a bit overwhelming so we have put together a few basic items to remember before you purchase your new […]
Thunderstorms and Surge Protectors
Recent Thunderstorms and the promise of more reminded me I need to change the power strip my computer is plugged into for a real “Surge Protector”. Detailed reports from family members who received near lightening strikes resulting in damaged equipment got my attention. It was time to subdue the inner gambler and stop playing the […]
Searching for Email?
Scrolling through your inbox looking for an important message that is a few weeks old can be time consuming and frustrating. Even if you are like “Miss Organized” and have your emails neatly labeled and tucked away; you may find yourself on the hunt for that special message. Here is a neat trick I discovered […]
Basics of Genealogy Class a Hit
We had so much fun during our Basics of Genealogy Class held last month that we just had to tell you about it. Vicki McMullen delivered a great presentation on how to get started finding your family tree. I think genealogists must be part detective and love investigating leads. We discovered so many helpful and […]
Brazos And Friends Help Support 2nd Annual Shortgrass Scamper
In case you didn’t know it Archer County Texas is known as the “Short Grass Ranching Capital” of the nation. The grass in Archer County is short, but don’t let that fool you it is packed with mega nutrients. Sounds like the perfect name for an event that helps those in need. This year the […]
Alert! New Scam Reported
Fraudulent calls are being made in our area to family members telling them a loved one has been in an accident and are in need of medical attention. Naturally, the caller states they need large sums of money to provide the necessary medical care. These predators are even going so far as to […]
QR Reader Codes – Websites in a Box?
Thumbing through one of my favorite magazines (aka Woman’s Day) I noticed several advertisements with funny looking boxes strategically placed in them. Research has revealed these boxes are called QR Codes or Quick Response Codes. The clever looking dots and dashes in them are a variety of data elements which include URL (websites) or contact […]
Local Booster Clubs Save with Donation from Brazos Telephone Companies
Providing support and being actively involved in community projects is nothing new for Brazos Telephone. Recent drought conditions and the economic stress that has been placed on families and communities served by Brazos, revealed an area where we could help. Local sporting events in North Texas schools are huge. Everyone goes to the game. Thirsty fans […]
Heat Wave and High Connectivity!
Here in North Texas when we say it is 110 in the shade we mean it… literally. It is now day 68 of days above 100 degrees. The longest stretch of 100 degree temperatures is currently at 42 days. Most days the wind blows at a rate of 14mps and higher so that it feels […]
Shortcut Keys…Not Just For Geeks
Want to get to your favorite website without having to type in the whole address? Then this is a great shortcut for you. Instead of typing the full address http://www.yahoo.com in the URL address bar of your web browser try typing in Yahoo then hitting the Control key and the Enter key on your computer keyboard. […]
Answered Pray and Unlimited Long Distance?
Huge beautiful oak trees, porch swings, Cajun accents and the smell of crawfish boiling are the sights and sounds of heaven to a southern girl. Unfortunately, the tranquility of it all is easily ruined by one phone call with lousy cell phone reception. You know the kind of call I’m talking about… the one where […]
Backup Communication System…Do you have one?
A recent trip to the west coast brought with it an interesting encounter when seated next to a professional mom with several college students. Before settling into watch TV episodes on her iPad and me settling into my book, we exchanged a brief discussion of destinations and occupations. Much to my surprise, my co-traveler began […]
Phishing or Fishing?
Unfortunately, email fraudsters are constantly looking for new ways to ask for the same thing….your private information. Below is a link to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) the nation’s consumer protection agency with tips to help you avoid getting hooked by phishing scams. http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/alerts/alt127.shtm We have also added a copy of a recent email sent […]
Now, Technically Savvy!
The television screen lights up all sienna, I hear music and there it is… that famous snow capped mountain with its halo of stars and I know I’ve finally reached it, movie nirvana. Now one of the elite, the technically savvy who watch the latest movies online, celebrates with a small victory dance before settling […]
Lifeline & Link Up Programs
Brazos Telephone offers home telephone assistance through two programs as adopted by the Texas Public Utility Commission referred to as Lifeline and Link Up. These support programs provide discounts to eligible low-income consumers to help them establish and maintain telephone service. Link Up is a program designed to offer eligible customers a reduction in installation […]
Securing Your Wireless Router
If you’ve watched the news in the last of couple of days you have probably heard the story about the man from Florida whose wide open wireless signal was pirated by porn offenders. Unfortunately, the owner of the wireless router did not have the router locked or secured and was accused by authorities of a […]
Sunshine, Hip Tunes and Copyright
Sunshine and great weather have brought with it the urge to hit the track for a few laps. Wanting to make sure a certain piece of classic rock music for my iPod was downloaded; I hit the search button on the ole computer. Once again my search proved again how isolated my world is. Not […]
Deep Freeze in the Friendly State
This last week Texans across the state felt a strong kinship with our neighbors to the north east. Comments heard around the coffee bar like “This is day three”, and “Gosh! Enough all ready” revealed the frustration felt by many. While co-workers exchanged snow pictures and shared stories of near misses, we silently exhaled relief […]
Thirty-Three Years of Service
According to Ernie J. Zelinski’s book titled “The 237 Best Things Ever Said about Retirement” one of the definitions of “retirement is when you stop living at work and begin working at living”. Well, working at living is just what John and Carla are planning to do. He and Carla have several things on their […]
Spybot Search and Destroy – Say What?
You know its Monday morning when your first attempt of getting online brings a suspicious pop up box warning you about spyware. Being apprehensive by nature and since partial paralysis of my right index finger had kicked in; I couldn’t click “ok” on anything. With slight movement restored, my first response was to call Jana. […]
Technology Challenged?
This Christmas I was so excited when opening my present…. there it was, this cute little pink metal square confirming that Santa had heard my request. With faith restored, it was put aside until later when I could concentrate on setting it up. The time finally came and it was met with a little uncertainty. […]
Hello world.
Hello and welcome. It’s another blog site, are you surprised? According to www.royal.pingdom.com by the end of 2010 there were just 152 million blogs on the Internet (as tracked by BlogPulse). So, you know we felt like we had to have one too. I guess that makes us newbie’s doesn’t it? Actually, we are excited […]
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