Using iOS 7 to Optimize iPhone Security

The latest iOS upgrade has brought with it new and unique ways to secure the iPhone. TechRepublic reported that although much of operating system has remained the same, updates to its design and improvements to workplace integration makes it a worthwhile change. Additionally, Apple's passcode features have improved with a new alphanumeric password option.

Managing an iPhone with iOS 7

The bring your own device (BYOD) model for workplace integration has taken off, with more businesses allowing their employees to utilize smartphones, tablets and laptops, in place of their company-provided tools. As if in response to this trend, Apple released iOS 7 with features that enhance the functionality of the iPhone in an office setting.

According to TechRepublic, features such as AirDrop make sharing photos and documents fast and simple by connecting employees to one another, enabling a collaborative workplace environment for those who are utilizing this technology. Additionally, the source reported that Apple has also improved its overall app security by enabling a data protection function automatically, preserving any information transferred across these third-party app providers.

Another new resource that speaks to the iPhone's updated security is the single sign-on (SSO) capability that will allow end-users to set a password once across applications that contain sensitive information. This option is especially useful for businesses that hope to safeguard the data employees might be accessing through the cloud because it can prevent code sharing.

The first step is securing the phone itself

None of the above options are innately secure, however. According to Tom's Guide, it's essential that end-users with a mind for safety make optimal use of their iPhone's built-in security feature - the passcode.

The source reported that it's one of the easiest ways to prevent accidentally or intentional breaches of data. Additionally, the upgrades to the iOS 7 platform have provided end-users with new options for creating and maintaining security. Traditionally, the lock screen was protected by a 4-digit passcode. Now, after Apple's latest upgrade, it is possible to set alphanumeric protection, utilizing ten or more upper- and lower-case characters and numbers.

Tom's Guide noted that the 4-digit PIN code has 10,000 combinations, which is difficult to hack but not impossible. With the newest option, it is much more challenging for individuals to break through this defense. In addition to this new safety measure, the iOS 7 upgrade enables users to program how often the device will ask for authentication. Rather than the traditional method, which asked for authentication every time the screen was opened, the iPhone can be set so that it will lock on a timed interval instead.

Does it really matter?

According to Security Watch, mobile devices have become a major part of the lives of users everywhere. The source referenced a study by Sprint that reported how frequently smartphones are accessed on a daily basis, and the one unifying factor is the risk associated with information exposure.

Because of the ability to access the Internet on the go, data security has become a constant concern that responsible individuals are having to overcome. Additionally, without utilizing passcodes and other features meant to preserve the integrity of stored information, issues with privacy are growing.

In order to preserve what Security Watch calls "our most personal computers," it's important that smartphones are protected with verification features that are built into their operating systems. Additionally, it is possible to reinforce these safety precautions with password management software, which can provide an extra layer of defense against unwanted access.

Read More

Take the Facebook Timeline Cover to Extremes

One thing that the more creative people who work with Facebook timeline cover photos have begun to do is to take their design to extremes, in a number of different ways. There are some great ideas for how to improve your Facebook cover photo from Social Media Examiner.

One thing that will resonate with a lot of creative types or artists is to carry out your ideas to an extreme. If you’re being bright, be really bright. If you’re going for a modern look, don’t hold back. In a huge crowd like you are trying to separate yourself from on Facebook, sometimes you have to be willing to take a chance and push the limits in order to grab up some attention. In addition, some of the ideas below will help you to captivate the mind of your visitors and get them wondering exactly what they are looking at.

Use a Super Close Up

If you are going for detail in your Facebook timeline cover image, you might consider zooming way in for a super tight shot. In some cases, if you go in tight for a ton of detail, people will have a hard time figuring out exactly what they are looking at. They just might stare at it that much longer to try to figure it out, which is great news for you. Just try not to make it impossible for them to figure out, as you don’t want the question to go unanswered. That doesn’t do your brand any good.

Zoom Way Out

At the opposite end of the spectrum, you can zoom way out and take a very wide shot. It may connect in with a message of your company, or it just might look cool. Sweeping panoramas are fun to look at, and people will often take a few minutes to do just that when they are used as a Facebook cover photo.

Make it Happy

If you are going for an upbeat feel, try to load your cover photo up with smiling faces from photos. This can be a strong way to send a message about how happy people are to use your product or brand. Keep the colors bright, as well, as brighter colors are associated with stronger feelings of happiness and content. When you bring it all together, the impact on the visitor can be a powerful one.

Make it Abstract

Some people are going with a sort of abstract art look for their Facebook timeline cover photo. You can combine different shapes or styles together in this regard in order to come up with a small piece of abstract art for your Facebook timeline. The goal is to get people to spend some time looking at it and appreciating the design. Just don’t stop it short. Make sure you really show off your creativity and your ideas in whatever you create. You can also use websites such as 123Covers.net for abstract facebook covers.

Don’t Stifle Creativity

Regardless of what ideas you decide to try out, make sure that you stay creative and don’t cut yourself off short. If you only take it two-thirds of the way, you aren’t going to stand out in the crowd. That’s why it is important to come up with really good ideas and then execute on them strongly. That is what is going to get people to click on your page, stay on your timeline and begin looking around for more information. If you can continually get that to take place, it will build up the brand recognition you have and help you to foster more loyalty with your customers.

Read More

7 Tips To Get More Out Of Your WiFi Router

Wireless routers are a bit like relationships. You don´t notice the problems until things go really wrong and they send you crazy. This behaviour is normally accompanied by naming calling and huge sighs! And at times, you can´t understand what has gone wrong – but you blame the router anyway!

However, sometimes is not the routers fault – it is yours. It´s about time you accepted the blame and fix things pronto!

1. Did you read the manual?

Remember all the times you wished your other half came with instructions? Yet you expect your router to perform miracles automatically! In your defence, we’ve all done it, but just like your partners, routers are all different and need a little TLC. A quick read of the instructions will make sure you treat it right! If you didn´t get a manual with your router you can download users guides from the supplier’s website.

2. You didn’t learn the basics

You will be amazed how much better you get on with your wireless router if you have a basic understanding of its needs. This all may sound very complicated and techy, but the truth is its child´s play. Check out our friends at lifehacker.com who give a very unintimidating intro to the basics in Lesson 1: Router Hardware 101.

3. You never change

It´s easy to get stuck in your ways, but you have to keep things fresh. Keep your router up to date, your ISP will often allow you to upgrade to a new model for free if it becomes their standard issue for new customers, additionally firmware updates from the manufacturer can help find and fix any bugs and generally improve the performance of your device.

4. You’re using the wrong technology for your needs

You might want to consider exactly what you need from your service and if your expectations are reasonable. Are you a seriously competitive online gamer? Chances are you should be connecting to your router with a wired ethernet connection. Always on the move for business but need to stay plugged into the web? You’re going to need a service specifically for international wireless roaming. Take some time to think about what you actually need from your service before committing to a plan.

5. You’re embarrassed to be seen with it

Wireless routers are not the sexiest device you will ever own, but its what´s on the inside that counts! And tucking your box in the corner out of the way may not be the best place to keep it. Ideally, it needs to be in range of all devices you use it for, and preferably an open space where it can breathe.

6. Something is interfering

This problem is more common than you realise. Routers work from a 2.4GHz band – the same as many other household devices such as cordless phone, microwave and baby monitors. It could be that they are interfering with your router and effecting its performance.

7. Interfering neighbours

One of the most common interference patterns for routers comes from next door. The chances are your neighbours connect over the same frequency as you and just like your own household devices. Might be sharing the same 2.4GHz frequency as you.

Naturally, if you live in a densely populated area, you could have any number of rivals competing for space on this limited band. The only real solution for now is getting a router that operates on dual bands simultaneously. Newer routers will often run on 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands at the same time, allowing the latest Wi-Fi devices to connect on the much less congested 5GHz band. Of course the other thing to consider is that your neighbours may be intentionally reducing your bandwidth by hogging it for themselves!

Read More

Is VoIP Secure: Network Protocols

Every time a new technology is on the rise, everyone keeps asking the same question – is it secure? We live a time when everybody can be surveyed and wire-taps can be basically put on a whim so knowing what the secure protocols to use are is crucial, especially if you want to protect your data and privacy. Of course, nowadays you can't be truly secluded – that's the price we pay for living in the Information Age. However, there are a few things you can do in order to make it harder for people to get your information. Secure computer systems are a must, there is no denying it, especially if you want to protect your data, but you also need a shielded way to communicate with people.

It is undeniably a well-known fact that one of the best ways to communicate today is through VoIP (voice over Internet protocol) yet the question of the structural integrity and security of the method still remains. How secure exactly is VoIP?

VoIP vs Traditional Telephony

If you think traditional telephony is secure enough for you, then you should have no trouble with VoIP which is at least as secure as what you're used to. Of course, generally, every sort of system has its weakness – that's just an unavoidable inherent quality of the system, itself. I guess when you're trying to protect your corporate data, this doesn't sound very convincing, but when you think about it, it actually means a lot. Using VoIP isn't more dangerous than using any sort of IP transfers, although there is always a risk, but that risk can be mitigated. You are probably transmitting lots of information over the web, anyway, which means that you're already taking those risks. If you're going through considerable lengths to protect the data you are sending, then it's safe to say that VoIP will not pose a bigger security threat. You can never be truly sure if someone is listening in on your conversation, but then again – you can't be sure if you're using traditional telephony, either.

Internal Networks

VoIP are most safely used in closed networks. If you run a company and you have an inner network, then connecting different divisions, for example, with VoIP would save you money and it wouldn't be risky, unless you have spies in your midst, at which case someone eavesdropping on your conversations is the least of your worries. VoIP can connect two points of the network so people can directly communicate with each other without the possibility of anyone else accessing their conversation. This wasn't the case a few years. Back then, the LAN availability wasn't controlled by switches and everyone had access. Now, with the use of switches, you can easily connect two points of the network (or more if you wish) so you will get instant and secure communication. The only risk that lies here is if your network is unprotected, but then all your data will be available, so like I said – someone listening in on your conversations will be the least of your problems.

How Secure is VoIP?

Well, don't expect that VoIP is going to be the most secure way of communication the world has ever seen. If man has found a way to communicate, man will find a way to intercept that communication. It's as simple as that, however, as you can still take some measures to protect your data. VoIP is at least as secure as traditional telephony and can be made even more secure by taking the right measures. Bottom line is, if you're trusting a network enough to transmit sensitive data through it, then using it for VoIP should be just fine for you, because it's secure enough.

Author Bio:

Rose Finchley is passionate blogger keen on topics about Internet. She currently works as a technician at http://www.shinylondon.co.uk/end-of-tenancy-cleaning-nw1-somers-town/ and she has a lot of experience to share with the readers.

Read More

Be a Responsible Parent- Get a Mobile Spy App

Being a responsible parent does not only mean to raise your children with healthy food, respectable shelter and get them to reach high academic levels, it also means to get them to know the difference between good and bad, and save them from the social evils around them.

Many parents focus on the academic achievements of their children. Often such standards get the children under pressure and cause them to lose their understanding of the social and moral etiquettes. For instance, children might start taking drugs to relieve the academic tension they constantly undergo in their houses and schools. Also, they might start hanging out with dealers who offer unfair means to pass in exams and tests. All these activities are prevalent in children who are constantly forced by their parents to improve in their studies.

Mobile spy application can be purchased at a reasonable price, considering the company is chosen smartly. Many spy app developers out there offer almost all features for a low price package. Parents out there who are on a budget constraint should consider buying and experimenting with one of the trustable spy software first. The software can be installed on the children's mobile phone easily. As soon as the software is installed on the handset it starts functioning. This functioning includes recording the data of all activity and then transferring it to an online account. This online account can, of course, be only accessed by the parents who purchased the spy software.

Parents can keep a check on all the people their children are staying in contact with. All the calls that are being made, what timings they are made at and to whom, everything can be checked by parents. If any mysterious texts messages are being exchanged by your children make sure you take the necessary and immediate steps.

Spy software also allows parents to track down each and every step of their children by using the geographical tracker in the application. This tracker will update parents about all the locations being visited by their teenagers. So now there is a clear short cut to know whether your teenager is partying at night club or studying in the college library. Even better or worse maybe, your children could be involved in some illegal activity to earn cash. Track all these people down who are after your children to get their path straight.

There are times when parents simply want to make sure that the friends their children hang out with are of proper upbringing themselves. Now of course these children will hardly pull out a word of 'hello' in front of you, but could be loading your children with weird thoughts and notions behind your back. But fret not, since this very handy mobile phone will help you with this situation. Many spy software companies now offer the feature of live audio recording. This live audio recording system can be put to start manually, at any time, from anywhere. Once switched on, all the surrounding sounds can be listened to as audio recordings. These audio recordings are uploaded on the same accounts the parents access rest of the information from.

So with all these benefits, it is hardly a surprise that many parents are now easily monitoring their children's activities from their homes. No need to ruin dinners with interrogative questioning sessions, simply pull out your laptop and spy on your child without him/her ever coming to know about it. They are your responsibility and with the help of a mobile spy application, you can carry out your responsibility better than ever before.

Image Credit: Source.

Read More

The Basics of PC Utilities Software

PC system utilities are programs that encompass several applications that help clean up and fix numerous computer issues. While most PC utility software programs differ greatly in the services that they offer, there are several basic functions common to the majority of these programs.

Registry Fix:

Your registry is constantly changing with updates, new registry entries and deletion of old entries. Because of this, there are usually numerous entries in your registry that are very old, useless or corrupted, and these entries can create numerous errors. Your registry is a vital part of your computer, and it can easily be harmful to your computer to delete registry files that are necessary. Instead of trying to clean the registry manually, PC utilities software can scan and detect which files need to be removed and which files need to stay without harming your computer.

On the chance that the removal does damage your computer, there is usually the option to restore the registry to a backup file that was made before the cleaning process to return your computer to normal.

Junk File Cleaning:

Temporary files, cookies, recycle bin files and much more are all junk files that needlessly take up space in your computer. Not only does this rob you of hard drive space, but it may also significantly slow down your computer. A quick scan and sweep of the junk files can free up gigabytes of space and speed up your computer.

System Optimization:

You may not be using the best settings or options for your computing needs. System optimization tools can improve your Internet browsing, save laptop battery life, increase speed and more. You can also set the options to optimize performance for work related activities, gaming, typical home usage, server use and more.

Defragmentation:

As you add, change and delete files on your computer, these files fragment and spread out over your system. The more changes, additions and deletions are made, the more fragments are created. When too many fragments are created and when too many files are fragmented, it can slow down computer speed since it needs to find all of the fragments of a file in order to use it. Defragmentation software finds these fragments and puts them back together to create a more complete file allowing the computer to easily find and access the file.

Error Detection:

Though you may not always notice, your system may be dealing with errors that can be affecting performance or damaging files, programs or the entire system. Error detection finds and resolves errors found in your system. If it can't resolve the issue, it can usually provide the user with information on the error as a reference to fix it.

Why Do I Need PC Utility Software?

One of the most important times to get PC utility software is when you are dealing with a slow and problematic computer. A good utility software can remedy several problems that may be causing performance issues. Though a good utility software is a good start, it's also a good idea to get a quality antivirus software to ensure that no viruses are causing the issue. Antivirus software will also provide constant virus protection to keep your computer safe from future infections.

PC utilities software is also beneficial for anyone who wants to regularly maintain their computer. Regular computer maintenance is important to keep your computer running well for as long as possible and utility software is a great asset to have for maintenance.

If the software doesn't run regular scans, it's a good idea to run a scan at least once every week. If you run into any viruses or moderate to severe errors, it's also a good idea to run the software directly afterward to resolve additional errors and clean up junk which may have been created during the error.

Image Credit: Grant Cochrane.

Read More

Everyone Is At Risk For Cyberattack

Homeland Security declared that October is National Cyber Security Month, which has inspired hackers across the globe to increase their nefarious efforts against secure accounts. According to Fox News, the initiation of this annual event - which is to spread awareness about the risks of surfing the Internet and how one person's computer can infect many more - has potentially compromised more users because of an underlying insinuation that the criminals who inspired this federal action felt baited.

According to the source, AVG and Avira, popular anti-virus software providers, were the victims of major cyberattacks. Although no end-users of these companies were affected by the hack, security expert Graham Cluley told the source that it is embarrassing for major security providers to be compromised in this way.

Who is vulnerable?

According to the Lane Report, individuals should be aware of the risks they're taking by simply browsing the Internet. In addition to security applications, such as password management software, an awareness of the risk can help prepare users for the harsh realities of cyber crime.

Everyone from casual Internet browsers to major corporations are at risk, as the above example Fox News example suggests. The source reported that hackers have developed new methods of producing income because of how simple it has become to acquire sensitive data, such as passwords and online authentication accounts. Additionally, it is becoming easier for the everyday person to turn to a life of cyber crime.

"If you can read, you can be a hacker, because you can pay money and they give you the instructions on how to run these hacking tools," David Montgomery, senior account manager for SDGblue, told the source.

According to the Lane Report, organized hacking has become a rising concern among businesses. Recently in New York, $45 million was stolen from automated teller machines by thieves who managed to acquire the personal passcodes of bank members.

Individuals should consider how their assets are stored online. As the risk for cyberattack is becoming more widespread with the advent of new mobile technologies, such as smartphones and tablets, it is important for Internet users to focus on how they're protecting themselves.

Read More

How to download YouTube Video, MP3, Playlist for iPhone 5S and 5C For Free

Finally, iPhone 5s and iPhone 5 C have been released. If you are about to get your new Apple product, you might be interested how to fill it with your favorite songs and video clips. That’s where you need a good and free YouTube Converter. Let’s learn how it works.

First of all, let’s install free software that will help you. I recommend Freemake YouTube Converter because it can download various YouTube files such as video, songs, playlists and so on.

Click “Download” button on a site to start the downloading process. Then start the installation. Please, be attentive. The software will offer you to install some other programs. If you don’t want to have them on your PC, opt out of any offers. However, it’s the only disadvantage of Freemake YouTube Converter.

If you download YouTube on a regular basis, agree to install a special browser extension. It will let you grab YouTube in one click.

As soon as you are done with the installation, run the software. As you see the interface looks pretty much easy to use. Everything you need to do it to copy and paste YouTube link into it.

Now choose what you want to do:

1) Download YouTube video:

When you paste the link into the program, choose a desirable video quality and “Convert to iPhone/iPod” option. Click “Download&Convert” to save videos onto a PC.

2) Download YouTube song:

Paste a link to music video that you want to save in MP3. Again, choose a quality and “Convert to MP3” option. Select “Export to iTunes” if you want to send new files right to your iTunes media library.

3) Download YouTube playlist, channel, favorites:

Go to YouTube playlist or channel you want to download and copy its link. Paste in into the software and choose if you want to save the playlist in MP3 or as video files. Don’t forget to select “Export to iTunes”.

Now, when you have all the content you need, go to iTunes and synchronize it with your iPhone 5S or 5C.

Tips:

1) For those who download YouTube on a regular basis, it’s better use “one-click” download mode. Activate it in the top right corner of the software. Choose “Action” (download, convert to…), “Quality”

(best, medium, low) and “Destination” folder.

2) In case you have a slow Internet connection, you may limit download speed. Just click “speed” at the bottom of the software and choose the speed you need.

Author Bio:

This post is written by Selin Longhkaster from Freemake. She is fond of ice skating, technology, photography, music and writing for tech blogs.

Read More

How To Launch Parental Control On Different Platforms

With so many apps available for all mobile device platforms your children can find software solutions that can be really helpful in their everyday lives. There are a lot of educational applications that can help your kids in their school assignments, apps that can make it easy to always stay in touch with their parents or even some that can, for example, read them a story if your work prevents you from doing it yourself. On the other hand, many of those “useful” apps are a perfect bait for kids to spend money and do all sorts of expensive in-app purchases. You also can think of installing some tracking software like GPS handyortung to monitor your kid's location instantly.

A recent class act lawsuit against Apple that involved these in-app purchases made it clear that without proper monitoring, kids can make serious financial damage to their parents when they use mobile devices irresponsibly. Apple even paid 100 million dollars as a compensation for accidental purchases and started to use an "Offers In-App Purchases" disclaimer for these apps. This just proves you that irresponsible use of mobile devices by your kids can lead to serious financial and other consequences.If you don’t want to be one of those parents that learned about responsibility in mobile phone use the hard way you should consider using a monitoring app for your children’s mobile devices. This way you can see and control all activities on a desired phone and act in time to stop all types of phone use you find inappropriate. Fortunately, monitoring software can be found for all mobile phone platforms and installing it will only take a few minutes of your time. Here are some guides on how to implement these monitoring apps.

Apple:

Apple makes it possible to restrict all in-app purchases for apps used on their devices.

To do this simply follow the below steps,

• Go to your device Settings menu.
• Then click General and then Restrictions.
• Click on Enable Restrictions.
• After that you can choose a PIN for changing these settings.

Keep in mind not to share this PIN with your kids. You can also make some other restrictions here like restricting your kid from listening to explicit music and more.

Further below you’ll find a In-App Purchases option which you can turn off, and make sure your kid will not make any unauthorized purchases. To change any of these options you can always come back and open this menu with the PIN you previously chose.

Recommended: Parental Tools For Keeping Your Child Safe Online.

Android:

In Google Play Store, used for buying apps on an Android phone, you can set up a password that has to be entered before making any type of purchase.

You also have an option to filter content shown in Play Store so you can make it show content rated for Everyone, Low Maturity, Medium Maturity and so on. If you use the phone yourself then you don’t have to change these options but if you share it with your kid, or if the phone in question is the one you kid uses then you should definitely use purchase password and content filtering.

Kindle:

Kindle devices have a very useful preinstalled app called FreeTime. You can use it to create accounts for your kids and choose the content they will be able to access. This great feature can also let you define how much time your child can use certain content or apps, so if you want to limit them to play one hour of games daily this is a great way to do it.

You can also subscribe to a FreeTime Unlimited service that offer content based on your child’s age. This way you can be sure that all the games, books and other content available to your child is appropriate for them. To get out of the FreeTime mode and use the device regularly you have to enter a password.

Nook:

Barnes & Noble readers and tablets will offer in-app purchase services in the future, so they still didn't announce any details about parental controls for this service. For now, you can create a user profile for your kid and choose the content he or she can access. They allow you to limit their access to Nook store and internet browser.

Windows 8

Windows 8 enables you to set up a profile for your children called Kids Corner and choose content they can or cannot access and things they can do with the device. For some apps like music players Kids Corner will automatically filter content that is inappropriate for your kids and stop them from accessing it. For the time being Kids Corner lets you set up only one user profile.

Image Credit: David .

Read More

How Consumers Can Minimize Identity Theft

The Internet is a popular channel for identity thieves looking for easy opportunities to take advantage of unsuspecting victims. People with ineffective online security measures may quickly find themselves in a situation millions experience annually. One of the most critical safeguards in keeping personal information out of the hands of malicious parties is the use of consumer passwords. Sadly, however, many employ vulnerable credentials, making it easy for identity theft to occur unimpeded.

Forbes contributor Liz Davidson recently highlighted ways in which consumers can protect themselves from becoming victims of identity theft. Anyone with online accounts must use strong passwords for these channels. The writer encouraged people to avoid having identical phrases for all of these accounts and employ security questions that cannot be answered by looking at public forums like Facebook.

According to Davidson, phishing attacks are all too common, whether they occur through emails or phone calls. Malicious parties ask victims for passwords, Social Security details and account numbers through these channels.

Electronic devices also demand effective password security. Davidson noted that all consumer PCs and smartphones should be secured with such credentials. These products should also have firewalls, antivirus and spam-filtering solutions installed to defend against sophisticated attacks.

Given the dangers associated with identity theft, people must realize that ineffective passwords are no longer an option if they want to protect personal information. Rather than fret over remembering dozens of unique credentials for all of their online accounts, consumers can receive the protection they desire through innovative tools like a password manager. These solutions generate complex passwords that are difficult for cybercriminals to crack. Also, password managers always update user credentials, ensuring that safeguards are never stagnant.

2012 was significant year for identity theft
In 2012, many Americans fell prey to identity thieves, who were immensely successful in taking advantage of unsuspecting victims. A Javelin Strategy & Research report said that nearly 13 million Americans suffered from such incidents last year, increasing more than 1 million from previous studies.

The research firm also said that identity thieves cost victims more than $21 billion in 2012, the highest mark since 2009. Jim Van Dyke, CEO of Javelin, said last year was a success for criminals, causing consumers and organizations to band together.

"Consumers and institutions are now starting to act as partners - detecting and stopping fraud faster than ever before," Van Dyke said. "But fraudsters are acting quicker than ever before and victimizing more consumers. Consumers must take data breach notifications more seriously and maintain vigilance to safeguard personal information, especially Social Security numbers."

In addition to Social Security numbers, identity thieves also targeted consumers' credit card information, passwords and user names last year, the report said.

As Davidson suggested, Javelin encouraged people to maintain updated software on their PCs and mobile devices to protect against potential theft. The research firm also explained that consumers should shred documents containing sensitive information, employ direct deposit for payroll checks and only connect to WiFi networks that are well known and trusted. Identity thieves can prey upon people in so many ways that it can be difficult for consumers to avoid becoming victims. However, there are several tips they can follow to safeguard personal and sensitive data from being obtained by malicious parties. As industry professionals and research have shown, passwords cannot be neglected, regardless of device used or account accessed. A password manager is an effective solution to help users improve their online security wherever they access the Internet.

Read More

How Safe is Your Home Network Against Computer Virus?

In spite of what we see on Hollywood movies or television shows, hacking into a computer or a home Internet network isn’t that hard, so long as both are left unprotected. So, if hackers can make it through, how much more for those nasty computer viruses?

Don’t be surprised to learn how easy it is for hackers or computer viruses to enter a computer network and into your computer. Many computer networks are practically defenseless to intruders because they are allowed to be in that state. Users are often completely unaware of the dangers they can encounter if they don’t properly secure their network.

With the right tools and knowledge, you can minimize the chances of having your security compromised by computer viruses.

Generally, a home network is a system composed of two devices connected to each other and to the Internet. Computers running on Windows operating system are more at risk from virus attacks than Mac computers. This is to be expected since Windows dominates the market and is a much bigger target for exploitation. It would be a good idea to have an online virus removal service at hand for extreme emergencies.

First, you need to activate your firewall. You can either run a firewall application or purchase a physical firewall device. Most firewalls have security settings so choose the most restrictive settings because these are the safest.

Recommended: How Firewall Works?

Second, when using a wireless router, change the default username, set a new password, and enable encryption. Never leave a wireless network unprotected at this stage. Use either Wireless Encryption (WEP) or Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA), though the latter is more secure.

Third, and your most important line of defense, is anti-virus software. No matter how careful we are surfing the web, something will eventually slip by. An anti-virus program helps keep your computer safe. It helps isolate and neutralize malware. Likewise, in order for anti-virus alerts to remain effective, you need to keep it up to date. Most programs have auto-update features since your computer is regularly connected to the Internet.

Fourth, other useful applications to combine with your anti-virus software are anti-spyware and anti-adware programs. Some anti-virus software are sold with these already included. Take advantage of this all-in-one package. Be sure to run your protective software at least once a week to keep your system safe. Also, be sure to install updates and patches for your operating system when they become available. These patches help seal up vulnerabilities on your computer.

Should something penetrate this far into your defenses, there are companies that offer superb online virus removal service to get rid of stubborn viruses, worms, malware, and adware not recognized by your protection program.

Image Credit: Stuart Miles.

Read More

Guide For Repairing Some Common Computer Problems

Repairing computers involves appropriate knowledge of composition and software. However, certain concerns can be solved by the user himself if he knows the right process. Understanding of the basics is an essential aspect since dependence on computers has increased immensely these days. Those who cannot do without a computer can save time and money through thorough study. Below are few problems with better solutions that a person must consider whenever he faces any issues.

1) Problem: System Freezing!

System freezing is a common problem that occurs due to faults in software or hardware. Therefore, one must be able to diagnose the problem properly. Such issues either emerge when the user attaches peripherals like scanner, printer etc. or due to driver conflicts. If one finds that the hard drive is the cause behind it, then it is definitely due to excessive heat or insufficient power supply. The solution to this problem is:

1. The computer should be turned off for a few minutes and then plugged in again. This allows resetting the hardware and clearing the memory.
2. If the system gets too hot, then one might have to open the computer. The user must first unplug the system and then open it.
3. After opening the system, one must check the temperature of a component called metal chassis. Also, one must test the fans on rear and front side and ensure that there is no dust at all. One can use a clean cotton cloth for this purpose.
4. If an additional hard drive has been installed in the system, one must avoid placing them adjacent to each other. This can lead to heating issues. If one desires extra storage, the hard drive should be installed in slots which have DVD or CD ROM drives. Also, one can opt for mounting brackets.
5. After completing the work, one should always check the cable connections and close the cabinet without exerting much pressure as this might damage the motherboard.
6. There are situations where system downloads a wrong driver during the Windows update process. This is why it is essential to monitor the status on regularly. After checking everything, one must switch the system on and check it is working fine. If the problem continues, it is advised to restore the computer to the previous configuration which might be helpful.
7. The process of restoring is: Start option- Programs- Click on accessories- Choose system tools- Click on restore. This will restore all the settings that one has changed.
8. It is also recommended to check the hard disk since over time it gets cluttered. This has a direct impact on the speed. The bad programs must be eliminated to get enhanced performance.

2) Problem: Loading Program and Applications!

There are instances when a program or application does not load properly. This is termed as the Blue Screen of Death. One must always delete such programs and scan the system with a reliable anti-virus.

3) Problem: Errors in Registry!

All the information related to settings of software as well as hardware is stored in the Windows Registry. Sometimes, the Registry is corrupted due to harmful programs. This can be solved in two ways; either by editing Registry or manually. You can also download PC Optimization software to do it for you. Or hire an expert in this and must always take back up before taking any action.

Image Credit: debspoons.

Author Bio:

The author works for www.axisdigitalworld.com and is an expert in computer repair Canberra. He can solve all kinds of computer problems within a short time span. Those who are not able to repair the systems can contact him and get the issue solved.

Read More

Five Great Reasons Why Your Kid Should Have A Mobile Phone

Is your child always complaining about getting a new mobile phone? You're not alone. Kids nowadays seem to expect to have a phone by the time they're a certain age. And it's not unusual to see eight year olds with cute pink mobile phones in the school playground. Whilst there are some solid reasons not to let your child have a phone, there are some pretty compelling reasons why they should. So before you dismiss the matter out of hand, you might want to think about some of these things first...

Phones Can Keep Kids Safe...

This is the number one reason that most parents give in and buy their kid a phone, and it's a good one. In an emergency, when the school bus is missed, when you forget about football practice, whatever, you can contact your child and he can contact you. This is a big deal. Plus, there are advantages to having GPS enabled phones too. A simple downloadable app will let you trace your kid wherever they are, as long as their phone is charged and switched on. The security of knowing where your child is, and of knowing that no matter what they can contact you is a great reason why you should think about buying your kid a phone.

Phones are Convenient...

You're going to be ten minutes late to after school pick up? Your daughter's piano teacher just cancelled? The convenience of having a mobile phone works both ways. You can get in contact and change plans or schedules whenever you need to. Plus, there's more chance that your kid is going to call you when their plans change too.

Phones are Cheap...

Mobile phones are simply not the luxury items that they were in the past. You can get a decent hand set for next to nothing, and a few pounds credit a month will do the job. Getting your kid a phone nowadays really isn't about financial concerns at all, it's a lot more about convenience and peace of mind. For the price of a few pounds you can know that your kid is a phone call away, and that's pretty invaluable.

Phones Teach Responsibility...

If it's about time that your kid learned a little personal responsibility, then a cell phone might be the way to teach that. Learning about how to keep track of one' own things, how to take care of something that's precious, will be a lot easier when it involves something that your kid has wanted for a long time and now doesn't want to be without. Plus, it's a good way to learn financial responsibility too, particularly if you choose a pay as you go model...

Phones Encourage Communication...

Teens find it a lot easier to communicate through text than face to face. By letting your kid have a phone you're keeping alternative methods of communication open, and increasing the likelihood that you'll know what's going on at any given time.

So, if you are weighing up the options, then these are some reasons that you might come down on the side of going out and getting your child a smartphone.

Image Credit: Ambro.

Author Bio:

Phil Turner can understand why girls want pink mobile phones. What he fails to understand is why so few manufacturers actually make them.

Read More

How to Convert PDF to Word for Free

The two most popular file formats used on a regular basis in the digital world are probably the PDF format and the Microsoft Word format. They are used in the office, at school and at home by just about every computer user for a large variety of purposes.

PDFs are used because they are universal and compact. This is what makes them great for sending information between people. However, they are hard to edit, which is one of their main downfalls. MS Word files, however, are easily editable. When people receive information as a PDF and they want to edit the information, converting the file into an MS Word file is one of the quickest and easiest ways to do so.

Thankfully, there are some great online converters that can take care of this for you - one is Convert PDF to Word. This online tool is completely free to use and it gives you high-quality conversions that maintain the form and structure of your PDF when converting it into a Word file.

The conversion can be performed with this online tool in three easy steps, with no need to download any type of desktop software.

1. Click “Browse” to select the PDF you want to convert.

2. Enter your email address.

3. Click “Send”.

A link for downloading your newly converted MS Word file will be sent to your email address.

It’s very reliable and quick, and of course, it is completely free. Anyone who needs to perform a quick and accurate conversion from PDF to Word should definitely try out Convert PDF to Word as a highly recommended free online option.

Read More

Parental Tools For Keeping Your Child Safe Online

In such a short amount of time, the internet has become more common place in our lives than we could have ever imagined. Today, a world without the conveniences and the joys of the internet is unimaginable and we are learning of new ways to use and enjoy it all the time. It's practical uses are diverse: looking up directions, sending a gift, learning to play guitar, watching a film – all of these activities are things we can now do quickly and easily in the comfort of our own homes.

For our children, teaching them to use the internet effectively and safely is ever increasingly important to us as parents. The benefits of the thousands of educational resources available online massively outweighs the drawbacks of the dangers we also find on the world wide web, but those dangers do pose a problem – one that can worry parents when they're introducing there younger children to the online world. Thankfully, some savvy computer programmers have put together some brilliant tools to alleviate our concerns as parents.

Although there are a wide range of tools that can help, I'm going to concentrate on the two that I think are the most helpful. They are Parental Control Software and Computer Monitoring Software, and each of these tools can help parents in their own unique way. Let's take a look at each of these in turn.

Parental Control Software:

Parental Control Software can monitor, filter and block web pages depending on its content. If you have young children and you're worried they're going to be exposed to adult web pages of some kind (this could be gambling, alcohol, violence, pornography etc...) then this is for you. Parental Control Software will scan a web page before it is shown for a range of keywords and if it deems the page unsuitable, it will block it, if not it will show it.

Computer Monitoring Software:

Computer Monitoring Software works similarly, but slightly differently than Parental Control Software, and is great for parents of teenagers or older children who you want to give a bit more freedom online, but are still slightly worried. Computer Monitoring Software will monitor (secretly) every web page that is visited and any application used, so that you can look through reports and see what your children have been looking at at a later date. Computer Monitoring Software also monitors keystrokes and documents, and will take screen shots of visited websites.

You could even use parental control and computer monitoring software together, to create a powerful combination of tools that's sure to keep your child safe online. If you'd like to find out more about these parental tools, head over to the Gecko Parents website here.

Image Credit: Clare Bloomfield.

Read More

How Safe Is Cloud Storage?

Last week, I was sitting around talking to a friend about how he lost his data on his computer, but he had it all backed up on an external hard drive. It brought up the subject of him losing that hard drive or it getting lost/stolen – leading to the idea of cloud storage. He questioned whether cloud storage is safe or not. Cloud services have changed IT entirely for businesses across a wide range of areas. But as more and more companies rely on the cloud for storage, syncing, and computing, hackers are targeting popular cloud services for the sensitive information stored there. Yes, the companies that provide cloud storage are responsible in keeping our data secure, but we should also look at what we can do as consumers and make cloud storage safer for our data.

To begin, let’s answer the question: what exactly is the cloud storage? In essence, it is a model of networked enterprise storage where data is stored not only in the user's computer, but also in virtualized pools of storage which are generally hosted by third parties. From music files to pictures to sensitive documents, the cloud invisibly backs up your files and folders and avoids the potentially endless and costly search for extra storage space. An alternative to purchasing an external hard drive or deleting old files to make room for new ones, cloud storage is convenient and cost-effective. It works by storing your files on a server on the internet rather than on your local hard drive, allowing you to back up, sync, and access your data across multiple devices as long as they have internet capability.

If you wish to store information virtually, however, you must consider the added risk that your information may be accessible to others -- potentially people who you do not wish to have access. Outlined below are a few security risks to take into account and how to protect yourself and your data.

Cloud computing is a relatively new tool for the average consumer. It is important to explore the service that most fits your needs.

The first step in using the cloud service is to choose a provider that fits your needs. Some points to take into consideration on your search are:

1. Are the company’s security standards appropriate? - Do some research for your needs. Make sure that the company has a good reputation and solid security policies. Remember, this company holds your trust to store your personal information.
2. How much data storage do you need? Look at sites with a realistic expectation of the size you need to store all your files. Most companies charge by the amount of storage you are requesting.
3. Is your data encrypted when being uploaded or downloaded from the cloud? Make sure that your browser or app requires an encrypted connection before you upload or download your data. Always look for the “https://” or the padlock beside the URL in your browser.
4. Is your data encrypted when stored in the cloud? Read the terms of service to find this information; often your data will be stored on the cloud server with no encryption, this means that anyone that has (or can get) high level access to that server will be able to read your files. This may not be an issue for many files, but you should carefully consider what kind of information you are storing in the cloud and whether you are comfortable with some other person you don’t know accessing it. At a minimum, no data that is protected by law (medical information, personal identifiers, financial data) should be stored in the cloud unless the storage solution is encrypted and you know who can decrypt it (it should only be you or your organization) and for what reason.
5. Learn and understand how access is shared with your cloud folder: Many cloud storage providers allow you to share access to your online folders with other people. Be sure you know in details and understand how this works. Can they read only or can they change the file? Will you know who changed a file last? If you share the file with a group, can you see who all is in the group? Are you notified if the group changes? Does the service allow you to make files public? If you do, are your personal details (name, account, email, etc.) attached to that file if a stranger looks at it?
6. Know your options if the cloud provider should be hacked or should lose your data: Many of these companies require that you sign their terms and conditions before they allow you to use the service. In the vast majority of cases, these conditions state that you have very little, if any, remedy if anything bad should happen. Be aware of what you are signing away.

Once you have found the service that best caters to your needs, it is important to make your data as safe as possible.

Here are some general rules that you should follow for all your internet habits, but particularly for your data storage:

1. Pick a good password: All cloud services require a master password to get into your files, so make it a good one, something that is pretty long and not easy for others to hack. When it comes to passwords, longer is better. True, it can be a hassle to remember a strong password but it’s an even bigger hassle to have your information stolen.
2. Don’t reuse your passwords: The password you choose to access the cloud should be unlike any other password you use. If a hacker gets access to your Facebook password which may also be the password to your email, they will not only have a clear view of where you hold financial accounts, but they will be able to reset all of your passwords without your knowledge.
3. Don’t share your passwords: Even with a trusted friend, sharing your password is never a good idea. The more people who know your password, the more likely it is to be spread around. Your password is the lock to your information; don’t let more people have access to it than necessary.
4. Back up your data: The same way you back up your computer’s hard drive, back up your cloud storage data. Some companies are out there that offer a small amount of storage free of cost. Take advantage of this and make sure you have your most important data backed up in case of an unexpected loss.

Image Credit: Thinkstockphotos.

Author Bio:

Youa is a blogger from Minneapolis who enjoys reading about all things tech-related. She’s a fan of local businesses, like RJS Software, who always have something fun to say on their tech blog.

Read More

Learn How To Create YouTube Videos With These Three Tips For Beginners

YouTube is one of the leading video sharing sites on the Internet where you can find all types of videos from individuals and businesses. Many people post videos for fun. They simply want to share something they thought was funny or inspirational with others. Businesses use it to promote their products and services, so you can find a video for just about anything you can imagine on YouTube.
While creating and positing a video in YouTube is fairly easy, you do want to make sure you create something that others will watch. You don’t want to stick just anything on there, especially if you’re promoting your company. Here are three very important things to remember and apply when creating YouTube Videos.

Create Your Own Keywords and Tags:

This can be a very difficult part of making videos for some people but it is a necessary one. In order for viewers to find your video, you need good keywords and tags. You can check out the competition to give you some ideas but remember you never want to copy keywords and tags from someone else. This could ruin your reputation. Instead, use your imagination and come up with keywords and tags that describe the content of your video the best. You can also use a keyword tool designed to help you come up with good ideas.

Find Your Own Style and Voice:

When creating any video, it’s important to find your own style and voice. When you watch YouTube videos, you’ll notice that the creators of the successful ones have their own style and they have no doubt worked hard to find a system that works great for them. You’ll have to do the same and it will probably be a trial and error phrase while you search for your own style and voice that helps to make your videos successful. The main thing to remember is to relax, be yourself and don’t give up. You’ll soon find the style that suits you the best.

Only Post Videos That You Are Passionate About:

This is very important because if you’re not passionate about the subject in your video, the viewers will be able to tell and if you’re not really interested in your own video, why should they be? Many people create videos just for the views and while you do want to attract as many viewers as possible, this shouldn’t be your only reason for creating a video.

Instead, the video should have meaning. They can provide viewers with important and useful information, tell a story or simply make people laugh but they should have a real purpose. When you create videos that you are truly passionate about, it will show in your work and this will help to draw in more viewers. People will want to share them with others and they’ll look for more videos you’ve created. Once you have created your video, you can buy YouTube views to help boost ratings and get people interested but it’s the content that will keep them coming back and sharing with others.

Creating your own keywords and tags, finding your own style and only creating videos that you are passionate about will help you create YouTube videos that people will want to watch.

When you are ready to go on and create your own video, You have just got promoted to this article "Making Money With YouTube" So have a look at it too :)

Image Credit: MyBlogGuest platform.

Author Bio:

Brittany Clark likes to help others learn more about YouTube by writing articles and blog posts on the topic. She’s also a big fan of using YouTube for business.

Read More