So I am waiting for my Brax3 but I am not sure what to do with it once I get it. Am I supposed to get a virtual phone number to go with it ? any advice on what to read would be greatly appreciated. I am old so I’d rather read than do YouTube, but if YouTube is the only answer than please steer me that direction also. I’m new to this social stuff so please excuse me if I break protocol.
Thank you very much
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Are you feeling frustrated about all electronic gadgets, specially when you need to sett up everything in a working order? World develops faster then we getting old and it is so difficult to catch it up. Would be so nice to skip that sating in order part and just use it. … or don’t use at all. I remember times when cops put electronic gadget on your ankle as alternative to prison. Today people get panic, if they forgot phone home. But that’s where phone suppose to be. On the street, even better, as more effort people have to put in to call some one, as more rational life serving message will be.
I hope some one will help you. Other ways you can do it, just takes time, slow down and read, take notes, type questions in search field…
Before bank pay you for keeping your money and today you pay to the bank and all administration work do by yourself on internet. I want to live in a flow by free giving from the heart , instead I work for a numbers on the screen. We all have got 24h per day to exchange in a meaningful way, What do we need money for? People don’t do stupid shit for free. That what root of all Devil is.
Hold on Boomer, you are not alone.
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Well FWIW these are my suggestions - I assume you are already familiar with Rob Braxmman’s YouTube channel that this site and the BraX3 are named after. You may or may not find these helpful:
If you are new to this and/or not very tech savvy then be suggestion that might help is:
The New Oil
He also has a You Tube Channel
I personally like and recommend Naomi Brockwell on You Tube. She has a mix of general knowledge beginner information and some more
Also worth checking out is Techlore, and he also has a You Tube channel.
Surveillance Report is a You Tube channel by the guys from The New Oil and Techlore and provides a news update of the latest security and privacy issues.
Some other You Tube channels that might be of interest and some are good for people new to tech (in no particular order) are:
http://www.youtube.com/@AllThingsSecured
http://www.youtube.com/@ExplainingComputers
http://www.youtube.com/@GaryExplains
Happy to suggest more if it helps, incl. Linux specific ones - but see if you find any of the above useful or helpful…
Others may have other suggestions or disagree with these… 
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what’s up yankee wop?
What’s your use case? Why did you by your Brax 3, what goal did you want to accomplish?
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Steve Gibson is around 70 and a computer expert whom you could check out. He’s been doing the Security Now podcast for about 20 years. You can go through the episodes for any topic you’d like, not just privacy or security. He’s covered just about everything. See here:
You can get a virtual number & run it off a wifi/tether from another device, get a data only sim or get a traditional sim card through a carrier.
There are also carrier that are private networks. So a company or org buys the service & you just appear as part of that company/org with no name or identity other than the org/company. Awesim from Purism does this and your metadata isn’t named to your ID. I’m sure there are others. I used to know a few, but I can’t remember their names now.
I’m trying to decide this myself. The most secure way would be a tether or a data only sim I’d think, but if you have an established number you need to use then that’s the way you probably want to go unless you want to transfer it to a virtual number (and at some places you can).
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Thats a comprehensive list in other reply, nice. Guess most buyers want to increase privacy rather than become a complete ghost. You could just swap your sim in and keep truckin. Depends whether you want to retain old number. Everyone at different levels, enjoy youtube university while you wait, dont sign in to anything unless you’re sure. Good luck.
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I see folks have provided some links here leading to further info. Rob Braxman did do an unboxing video on his Rumble channel. As for the virtual phone, are you planning on getting a sim card or transferring one from your existing phone? It all depends what you plan to do. Here is a description of the Brax Virtual Phone on the Brax.me store:
"This Brax Virtual Phone is a VOIP service that allows you to receive calls and texts in the USA or Canada through a pseudo-anonymous phone number.
There is no need for an actual phone. It is basically a virtual phone that people can call.
The main purpose of this inexpensive service is to have a low use option. One that can be used as a phone number for various websites (2FA). And the occasional use with strangers. In other words, privacy of your phone number.
Each subscription allows you to have one phone line to use. You can order any number of subscriptions.
You can forward these calls and texts to your normal number for anonymity on 2FA or to hand to people you do not know.
You can also use the credentials provided to access a SIP service from your computer or phone to have an alternate phone device without the need for a physical phone.
For computers, you can use the software MicroSIP. For a dialer on Phones, use Sipnetic or Linphone.
SMS can be forwarded to your phone or via email. SMS can also be handled directly through the Brax.Me app under My SMS."
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Hi Greenie … Is it possible for folks residing outside of both the US and Canada to utilise the Virtual Phone? … Would it be possible if using a VPN?
As far as I know, BVP is only in the US and 'Canada. You should be able to find a VoIP service for your area.
Thnks for your reply. Im new to all of this so first ever heard of the VoIP. We are in New Zealand and unsure if such service exists here 
VoIP Services New Zealand
For privacy-conscious users in New Zealand, several VoIP providers offer secure and reliable services. Hero Internet provides an AI-enhanced cloud PBX and VoIP system designed for businesses, emphasizing high uptime, excellent voice quality, and compliance, which can be crucial for privacy. Another option is RingCentral, which offers a secure, reliable cloud communications platform that eliminates the need for on-premise hardware, providing enterprise-grade security and privacy features. For those seeking a provider with a strong focus on call quality and reliability, 2talk is recommended, particularly for users prioritizing consistent performance over advanced features. Additionally, 3CX lists several certified SIP trunk providers in New Zealand, which are tested for compatibility and security, offering a range of options for businesses looking to integrate secure VoIP solutions. (AI generated answer)
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I also suggest David Bombai on Youtube as well as Network Chuck also on Youtube.
Love Gibson Research. Been using SpinRite for decades. I still have the 5.25 and 3.5 floppies from either late 88 or early 89 lying around somewhere in my basement and still maintain a current license.
If you have a little time and/or the need, also dig into this product and Steve Gibson in particular behind it.
Thank you Steve Gibson for SpinRite/ShieldsUp and all of the free tools you have made available, and thank you helvetica for bringing up GRC.
-G
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Agree…Thumbs up on GRC!