How to internet tether your iPhone 3GS on on version 3.1.2

Warning: AT&T considers internet tethering a violation of the agreement, but since you more than likely have already jailbreaked or unlocked your phone, you may be aware of the consequences. The general rule of thumb (untested) that I have found is internet usage less than 5 GB. I am not responsible for your data usage and this is not a guaranty that AT&T won't discover your tethering and charge you accordingly.

Now, how I tethered and jailbroke my iPhone 3GS. You will need to refer to these two resources:

1. blackra1n to be downloaded to your computer.
2. Peaceful Insanity File to be downloaded by your iPhone.

Jailbreaking your iPhone in version 3.1.2

1. Download blackra1n to your PC.
2. Plug in iPhone.
3. Run blackra1n program and click "Let it Rain."
4. Enjoy your jailbroken iPhone.

Below is a youtube video of a guy thoroughly covering the process and answering some of the commonly asked questions. If you have never done this before or wish to have more information in addition to this post, please watch the video. He does it on an iPod Touch, but it will work for any type of iPhone or iPod Touch.



Step-by-Step Guide for internet tethering:

1. Open blackra1n and download Cydia. The iPhone should respring (aka soft reboot) after installation.
   
2. Open blackra1n and download sn0w app. Run sn0w to unlock iPhone. Note: You cannot tether your iPhone if you do not run this app. Thanks for testing that Brian. Don't worry, you can always return your iPhone back to original Apple specifications through iTunes.
3. Once unlocked, go to the the website http://m.peacefulinsanity.com/Tether.mobileconfig from your iPhone. Your iPhone screen should look like this:
4. Click Install and the file will add a profile to your phone that will open up the tethering functionality. Once it is finished installing, reboot your iPhone.
5. Once your iPhone is rebooted go to Settings-> Network->Internet Tethering. Click On.
6. Your pc may have the ability to connect via bluetooth, so you have the choice of establishing the internet connection by plugging it in with a USB cable or wireless with a bluetooth signal. I personally prefer the USB because it makes sure the phone always has power.

Notes:

• You must have the latest version of iTunes installed. This is because there are special drivers and files that come with it that recognize the iPhone as a modem and it will not work if iTunes is not installed. Thanks Brian for the info on that.
• If you have a 3GS and the phone dies, you will have to restore it. Sync your phone regularly to avoid losing valuable data or keep it charged. Nevertheless, it's easy to restore an iPhone, so this may not bother you.
• There are other profiles you can download, but this is the only one so far that I am aware of that works for my iPhone. If the profile from Peaceful Insanity does not work, search the internet for the others.
• 3G speeds are fast, but wifi is almost always faster and doesn't increase your data usage. If you can use wifi, default to it. Tethering should be used as a supplement when other options aren't available.

VisableVote: iPhone app compares your views to your representative

Yesterday, I found a new app called Visible Vote. It's a handy new app created so that you can:

1. Send a letter to you legislators through your iPhone.
2. Track how your legislators are voting on bills you care about.
3. Vote on the same bills as your legislators and update your legislators on your vote.

Also, the app provides feedback on how your votes compare to theirs and will send you an overview of the next election so you know who to vote for or against (This last one I have not seen myself yet). Someone start an election! STAT!!!

There is apparently a facebook and blackberry version and all are free. My favorite word, FREEEEEEEEE!

I digress, I played with this app for a little bit and I think I may love the "Write Legislator" option. Boxer, Feinstein and Miller will know true Pang. BTW, check out how my votes stack up to theirs.





<---Mwuahahahhahahhaha




<-------Are you surprised?



<-------Eat that Miller!





Anyway, I hope this app serves you well. I can already see it does for me. **Evil cackle ensues**

Apple declares jailbroken iphones illegal. Hacker community responds by saying, "Waaaaa!"

Article at Gizmodo.com.

Once again, another frivolous attempt by fascist Apple trying to keep people doing what they want to do with their phones. Essentially it's EFF (Electronic Frontier Foundation) vs. Apple, Inc.

Apple's argument:
"Apple is opposed to the proposed Class #1 exemption because it will destroy the
technological protection of Apple’s key copyrighted computer programs in the iPhone™ device itself and of copyrighted content owned by Apple that plays on the iPhone, resulting in copyright infringement, potential damage to the device and other potential harmful physical effects,adverse effects on the functioning of the device, and breach of contract."

Rusty responds,
"Waaaaaaaaaa."

EFF's actual request:
"Exemption for 'jailbreaking'...Hundreds of thousands of iPhone owners have "jailbroken" their iPhones in order to use applications obtained from sources other than Apple's own iTunes "App Store." Also, "renewal of an exemption previously granted for unlocking cell phones."

Rusty responds,
"Naturally."

When will Apple learn, that to grow in market share, the larger consumer base does not want to be forced to only one product. Free markets function on competition and the people will always fight for the opportunity of choice, not control. One only need to translate the core of the argument into the automobile industry to realize its absurdity.

Imagine Honda telling you that installing a supercharger, or new headers can damage your vehicle. What if they say that you can only get your car serviced at a Honda facility and to do so anywhere else would be illegal? What would happen if only Honda approved parts were available?

I'm sorry, but it is my phone. I bought it with cash I earned and just because it has a half-eaten 2 dimensional apple on it does not make it yours.

LEAVE ME ALONE APPLE!

As a side note, this makes me want to jailbreak my phone again just to spite them.