[dba-Tech] WiFi analyzer for Windows 10 (was: Why I just destroyed my cell phone)

Tue Nov 1 04:04:27 CDT 2016

Hi Jim

My 925 runs Windows Phone 8, so it cannot install on that, but on my service laptop with Windows 10 it runs very well. 
I don't think any other app will beat the multiple display options of this app. You can download and enjoy these even if you don't have a need for the app.

/gustav

-----Oprindelig meddelelse-----
Fra: dba-Tech [mailto:dba-tech-bounces at databaseadvisors.com] På vegne af Jim Lawrence
Sendt: 31. oktober 2016 20:26
Til: Discussion of Hardware and Software issues <dba-tech at databaseadvisors.com>
Emne: Re: [dba-Tech] Why I just destroyed my cell phone

Hi Gustav:

Thanks for the research. I can not imagine how a tech who does lots of onsite work could do without this tool. You will have to tell me how it works for you so it can be the first app installed on a new phone. 

Jim

----- Original Message -----
From: "Gustav Brock" <gustav at cactus.dk>
To: "Discussion of Hardware and Software issues" <dba-tech at databaseadvisors.com>
Sent: Monday, October 31, 2016 9:44:38 AM
Subject: Re: [dba-Tech] Why I just destroyed my cell phone

Hi Jim

I found out why WiFi analyzers were so hard to find:

<quote>
This isn't possible unless you hunt down Joe Belfiore, throw him out of his yacht, and hit him over the head with NativeWifi until it's in there.

The functionality isn't available in the Windows Phone API.
If it were, the app would already be in Store.
</quote>

However, in Windows 10 Mobile it is. And a shiny app is out there - WiFi Commander 3D:

    http://wificommander.com/

As a Windows 10 Universal App, it also runs on the desktop (laptop). The purchase is only $5.

I rushed to get it from the Store to run on my old service laptop. It doesn't receive the 5 GHz band, but the 3D view is amazing.

/gustav

-----Oprindelig meddelelse-----
Fra: dba-Tech [mailto:dba-tech-bounces at databaseadvisors.com] På vegne af Jim Lawrence
Sendt: 28. oktober 2016 20:56
Til: Discussion of Hardware and Software issues <dba-tech at databaseadvisors.com>
Emne: Re: [dba-Tech] Why I just destroyed my cell phone

Hi Gustav:

Unfortunately, we have no competition here or more accurately all the players only competed on making the rates exactly the same. The last time there was a challenge to their authority, multiple millions were spent on shutting the opponent down. The best Canadian phone company, Ting, had to move to the the states where they are giving exceptional service to boys and girl below the 49th parallel...their head-quarters is still in Toronto.

We here can only dream of such rates and service.

About the analyzer, when in business it was so useful (traditionally server rooms would have very bad connection but not always and not always all over the room(s)) and here when there is multiple competing open hot-spots, the app is useful, for checking which is the most stable and has the best signal...or even if there is a strong enough signal. When in a large building, for example, signal strength can be checked, at various locations, in real-time when expecting a call or making one. I can not imagine that Microsoft does not have a third-party that would provide one... 

There are a number of Open Source analyzers out there...mostly built in "C". How much difficulty would it take to convert such a app to run on Window cell phone addition? Example: https://github.com/luigino/linssid/find/master but there are many more.

Jim  

----- Original Message -----
From: "Gustav Brock" <gustav at cactus.dk>
To: "Discussion of Hardware and Software issues" databaseadvisors.com>
Sent: Thursday, October 27, 2016 11:35:08 PM
Subject: Re: [dba-Tech] Why I just destroyed my cell phone

Hi Jim

Competition is very hard here. We pay only the equivalent of USD 15 pr. month including enough free domestic talk for our need and 20 GB data.
A data-only subscription for 200 GB can be obtained for USD 37 per month. That we use at home where coverage is very well with a speed of 70/40 Mbit/s.

As said, a true Wi-Fi analyzer I cannot find.

But open hotspots, the phone will find natively and automatically - can be switched on and off as you like.

/gustav

-----Oprindelig meddelelse-----
Fra: dba-Tech [mailto:dba-tech-bounces at databaseadvisors.com] På vegne af Jim Lawrence
Sendt: 28. oktober 2016 00:09
Til: Discussion of Hardware and Software issues databaseadvisors.com>
Emne: Re: [dba-Tech] Why I just destroyed my cell phone

Hi Gustav:

At the risk of going off topic, we here has a series of sometime competing duopolies. They basically set their own rates and agenda without any enforced government regulations. Canada is perhaps the worst. This year, it was discovered, that in all the world Japan, had higher rates but only by one dollar. The US at least has competition; their best rate is approx $24 per month, ours is over a hundred (for similar features).

That said most WiFi resellar lock their phones to restrict access to specific formats/networks/locations, lock-in customers to the contract, guaranteeing themselves a fixed price, regardless, of a contract duration or disruption. 

The first thing most people do when they get their new phones is jail-break it. If you could see the picture quality on my current model you would no longer wonder what the fuss is about. Of course a real camera is always far superior if taking picture is all that is needed. I would just like a camera good enough to have crisp pictures/movie at impromptude times.

Does the Nokia/Windows phone has an astronomy app? The WiFi analyzer is extremely useful. When I was working full-time, more often that not I would immediatly check the WiFi access points, for status and performance. Now a days, when out, I may check the local hotspots and check whether secure of not before attempting connection.

Jim

----- Original Message -----
From: "Gustav Brock" <gustav at cactus.dk>
To: "Discussion of Hardware and Software issues" databaseadvisors.com>
Sent: Wednesday, October 26, 2016 11:14:31 PM
Subject: Re: [dba-Tech] Why I just destroyed my cell phone

Hi Jim

Most phones here are unlocked - locking phones was left years ago. Can't tell for the US.
As far as I know, my 925 will work anywhere, but this may be specific to European and/or US model variants.

Also, the Lumia models come with the superior HERE maps (from Nokia), and they are known for their good cameras, though I must say I've never understood the fuzz about cameras in phones - if you are serious about photography, you can't live with the single wide-angle built-in lens of a phone, so buy a camera with exchangeable lens or a high-quality zoom lens.

The WiFi analyzer may be difficult to locate.

/gustav

-----Oprindelig meddelelse-----
Fra: dba-Tech [mailto:dba-tech-bounces at databaseadvisors.com] På vegne af Jim Lawrence
Sendt: 26. oktober 2016 23:51
Til: Discussion of Hardware and Software issues databaseadvisors.com>
Emne: Re: [dba-Tech] Why I just destroyed my cell phone

Hi Gustav:

I am looking for a new phone as my cell phone is so old. OTOH, I do not need many features or applications.

Phoning and messaging are my most common tasks. I would like a phone that can call from anywhere, in the world, does not have to be unlocked and reset...so far the only phone, I know of, that matching that criteria is the Nexus. I need a note pad for notes, a reader app for ebooks, links to a number of news sources, check gmail occasionally, access to the internet very occasionally, a good skymap, a locator is always needed, especially when travelling, calculator/calender, a WiFi analyzer, only game played is Sudoku and then a nice camera would be the icing on the cake but I have a very good camera for serious work.

We would like to get two phones again and plan to dump our landline.

Jim 

----- Original Message -----
From: "Gustav Brock" <gustav at cactus.dk>
To: "Discussion of Hardware and Software issues" databaseadvisors.com>
Sent: Wednesday, October 26, 2016 1:29:06 PM
Subject: Re: [dba-Tech] Why I just destroyed my cell phone

Hi Jim

Yes, it is good. Rock stable and with the super clean Metro/Modern interface optimized for touch use. No tracking by Google of all my behaviours, no virus - and the hit: wireless charging.
It's a time saver too, because most of the stupid apps you may feel tempted to check out are not available, while all the serious apps I need are easily found. Add to this a very competitive price level that sets the competition back.

Also, don't forget that the current models run a true OS, Windows 10, which makes room for rethinking computing, for example the amazing HP Elite X3:

http://store.hp.com/us/en/ContentView?storeId=10151&catalogId=10051&langId=-1&eSpotName=Elite-x3

/gustav
________________________________________
Fra: dba-Tech databaseadvisors.com> på vegne af Jim Lawrence <accessd at shaw.ca>
Sendt: 26. oktober 2016 21:04:12
Til: Discussion of Hardware and Software issues
Emne: Re: [dba-Tech] Why I just destroyed my cell phone

Good one Gustav, Ha ha ha. :-)

Jim

----- Original Message -----
From: "Gustav Brock" <gustav at cactus.dk>
To: "Discussion of Hardware and Software issues" databaseadvisors.com>
Sent: Wednesday, October 26, 2016 4:53:12 AM
Subject: Re: [dba-Tech] Why I just destroyed my cell phone

Hi Arthur

Or get a Windows Phone.

/gustav

-----Oprindelig meddelelse-----
Fra: dba-Tech [mailto:dba-tech-bounces at databaseadvisors.com] På vegne af Ed Tesiny
Sendt: 26. oktober 2016 13:19
Til: Discussion of Hardware and Software issues databaseadvisors.com>
Emne: Re: [dba-Tech] Why I just destroyed my cell phone

Arthur, nevertheless they do come in useful when away from your land line.
Load Avast Mobile Security and you can block calling numbers in seconds.

On Wed, Oct 26, 2016 at 6:31 AM, Arthur Fuller gmail.com>
wrote:

> They are way too easily hacked, and even though you would have to know 
> a lot about mathematics to guess mine, there are bots that can be 
> purchased for an insignificant sum and then employed on an army of 
> easily-compromised phones, and also tablets. Desktops are better 
> protected, but even these are at serious risk. 