Credit: pcsupport.about

1. Check the original startup time of your computer; start measuring the time from the moment you press the power button and keep on noticing the time until all the startup programs and applications are loaded, and computer is ready to use. Now, you need to check the start up folder. Go to Start > All Programs > Startup. The more programs are listed in the start up folder, the slower will startup process become.

You can add shortcuts of any program in this folder which you want your computer to load as it starts up. Deleting not-needed and extra programs’ shortcuts will help Vista boot faster. By the way, not every program that loads when Widows boot will show up in the Startup folder. Also, the notification area of the Taskbar will show you few icons, check their preferences and select which ones you want to be there when Vista starts up, and which ones you don’t. Another nice tip is to access your Control Panel and look for such programs that you do not need in your computer anymore. Uninstall them to get enhanced speed.

2. There are few programs that are stubborn enough to provide you an opportunity to remove them from startup. They have to be removed via some other means. Before using this tip, you must create a Restore point to be on the safe side. Now, type msconfig after clicking Start.

Click the startup tab and a list shows up containing programs, the name of the manufacturer of each program, and the program’s path. Disable unwanted programs vie checkboxes but keep in mind that there are certain programs that are essential for Windows to run properly, like drivers or programs related to your graphics card and other hardware. Do not touch those. After that, exit Msconfig and reboot PC. Now, if you want certain services to stop running at startup, then you should make a search at the internet to know whether it is okay to do so.

3. Now, if you have two operating systems installed on your computer, then the computer waits for your answer as to which OS you want to boot with, in the startup in case you don’t select one of those, the computer automatically selects the default OS after a given time. Go to Msconfig again, and select the Boot tab. Select a lower setting in Timeout so that the extra amount of time is not wasted.

4. The ancient enemy: malicious code. Beware of the potential threats by regularly scanning your system with a nice anti virus. Also, you need to run anti spyware tools, too, in order to keep your system free of unwanted harmful applications.

I am quite sure that after following these instructions, you will notice a significant difference in the startup time. These are not difficult acts to perform, therefore go on!

Source: techradar

Credit: kidoz.net

A large number of kids look for computer games, websites and videos on the internet and the web browser which has been named as KIDO’Z will help kids to find these items in a safe, colorful and friendly interface.

Kids who want to make the most of the new web browser need to have Adobe Air, as Kido’Z can be installed just with few clicks and to set a free account and it requires something more than just username and password.

The interface is quite similar to a TV that has colorful icons to switch between different websites, videos, channels and other games. You will find lots of pages for pre selected content in which every item has been presented in recognizable, but colorful thumbnails.

If your kids want to return to their favorite videos, games and other preferred stuff, they can easily do so with the given Favorite button and they need not to search through all the given pages once again.

There is also a Parental Control page in it that has been protected with a password. So, it’s quite easier for you to add new videos and block the stuff that you reckon inappropriate.

Source: PCWorld

Data theft has been going very widespread these days, whether it has been done by insiders or outsiders, hackers can give you great shock at any moment. In these tough economic times data theft by hackers is on the rise. Many cases of data theft have been heard, using another users account and password. This allows the criminal to throw suspicion off themselves and on to innocent co-workers.

This is yet another reminder of the importance of protecting your account password. Here is some advice to protect yourself.

• Do not share your password with anyone. Not even a system administrator.

• Use a complex password.

• Do not write down your password anywhere.

• Avoid entering your password when someone is standing behind you.

• Do not use the same passwords for every account.

• If you suspect someone has obtained or used your account then change your password immediately.

Some Tips for Creating Effective Passwords

To forget a password is not a big deal. You can create some effective passwords which are complex yet easy to remember. Follow these simple rules and regulations which  must meet for a complicated  password:

• 8-10characters or greater in length

• At least 1 upper & lower case letter

• At least 2 numbers but not at the beginning or end

• At least 1 symbol (!/&\=+“@$%*?) if acceptable to the system

This sounds difficult but below is an easy way to make complex passwords that are memorable:

1. Create a phrase that you will remember “I met Kelly at her home  in the month of January in 2004in Australia”

2. Use the first character of each word. (Hint – keep mix of upper/lower case) ImK@hhitmoJi04iA

3. Use symbols where sound or emphasis would be natural (Ex: at = @) ImK@hhitmoJi04iA

End result is a very complex password that would be impossible to guess and difficult for even a hacker to crack. Ironically it would be very easy for the user to remember.

Now most among you will get a chance to view Dragons’ Den and Doctor Who in a really exceptional picture quality as they have been included in their HD release list, but it’s not all about these two, as Kerwhizz and many other will also be released in HD format.

The BBC iPlayer was launched nearly two years back and it has been enjoying good success for quite some time, and over 387m requests to download or stream since its launch is an evident proof of its tremendous popularity.

According to Anthony Rose, digital media head of BBC, says in this connection, “ It’s, indeed, a milestone release to boost the quality of the video and now BBC viewers will be able to enjoy their favorite programmes in high definition format with no need of set-top box.”

A diagnostic tool has also been given in the updated iPlayer and it helps to examine the internet connection of the user and switch the streaming option to offer best quality of images.

With this updated iPlayer, the users will also be able to customize their viewing window size that according to some developers is a lot better than the previous HD format.

1. Data Recovery and Backups:

Who on the earth can dare say that he/she is not living under a fear of losing the saved data one day due to ANYTHING at all; though they have prepared finest backups and installed great software? This is a universal dilemma. Of course, you can never be 100% confident about the reliability of software or a backup method, as a machine is only a machine that can refuse to work anymore any single moment. But this does not mean that you should go all hopeless, and forget the thought of preparing backups. Non-reliability apart, you should always have prepared your data backup to confront any unwanted situation.

There are three kinds of data loss; Data Corruption, Accidental Deletion, and Physical Damage to Media. All these kinds have to be tackled differently.

• Data corruption is a result of intruding malicious codes such as Trojans, Viruses and Worms. Install anti virus programs, and prepare backup of your data t face up to this danger.
• Accidental deletion does not need to be explained, as its name explains it enough. Software like Recuva, SoftPerfect File Recovery, and Undelete Plus can help you deal with such a situation.
• Physical damage to hardware is really bad, like scratches on your memory cards, CDs and DVDs etc. Unstoppable Copier, IsoBuster, and Zero Assumption Recovery can help retrieve your lost data.

Also, you should look out for automatic recovery and backup software such as SyncBackSE (free) and plan regular backup jobs. To fight against natural calamities like fire, lightening etc or theft, always backup your precious data to a remote server on the internet. Two unlimited yet affordable examples are Carbonite and Mozy Home.

2. Keyboard Shortcuts instead of Mouse Clicks:

It isn’t very easy to switch your mouse and keyboard between your hands. While you are typing e.g. you do not find it easy to move your hand from the keyboard to the mouse every now and then for simple tasks. It complicates, as well as lengthens the work time. There are few shortcut key combinations that work in place of mouse. Few are quite well known to everybody who is into everyday computer use.

• Ctrl + A = Select All
• Ctrl + B = Bold
• Ctrl + C = Copy
• Ctrl + D = Font
• Ctrl + F = Find
• Ctrl + G = Go To
• Ctrl + H = Replace
• Ctrl = I = Italics
• Ctrl + K = Hyperlink
• Ctrl + N = New
• Ctrl + O = Open
• Ctrl + P = Print
• Ctrl + S = Save
• Ctrl + T = New Tab in Firefox
• Ctrl + U = Underline
• Ctrl + V = Paste
• Ctrl + W = Close
• Ctrl + X = Cut
• Ctrl + Y = Redo
• Ctrl + Z = Undo
• Alt + Tab = Choose from opened windows
• F1 = Help
• Shift + Arrows = Select Text

Launchy and Typeltln for Windows, and Quicksilver and TypeIt4Me for Mac are advanced keyboard shortcut tutors.

3. Health, Money and Savings:

Internet can even help you regulate your daily routine and health status. Websites like Fitday and WeighWatchers get your details from you, and help you control your diet habits and weight gain.

As far as money matters are concerned, Mint and Wesabe can aid you to track your expenditures, balance your checkbook, and get personalized charts of income versus expenditures to have a check on your spending habits and its ratio relation with the income you earn.

Fuelly and MyMileMarker can help you grasp the last bit of mileage out of every expensive tank of gas with their miles-per-gallon tracking system. Register there, and get personalized advices, tips, comparisons and an opportunity to talk to like minded people in the Community sections.

4. Clean Inbox Everyday; Make it a Habit:

Why should you keep emails with unimportant stuff and silly facts in your inbox? It is better to keep it as clean as possible. To achieve this level of cleanliness, you have to make it a habit to purify your inbox from every unwanted mail.

Here is a tip. Make three folders in your mailbox namely Action, Later or Archive. Firstly, respond those that will take under 2 minutes. Those which will take more than 2 minutes should be put into the “Action” folder; this is your to-do task. Those that you will need in near future e.g. a product delivery details should be kept in the “Later” folder. Mails that you would be in need of in future for references should move to “Archive”. Simple, isn’t it?

5. Control the “Cable-Web”:

Who doesn’t hate the look of the entangled network of cables around the electronic gadgetry? That web is such a mess that you can hardly tell one cord apart from another. Dust coating is another issue. When you have to plug out a cable, the confusion goes worse.

First of all, label your cables. Print out the names, or get a pack of Pilot ID Labels, and attach those to every cable of yours, so that you do not have to face the confusion any more.

Secondly, get an under-the-desk cable tray for arranging your cords in a managed way when they are plugged. This will help you eradicate the “horrifying cable web” from your floor.

When your cables are detached from the machine, attach an ordinary cable catcher or a binder clip to the edge of your desk. These methods will surely give your computer area cleaner and tidier look.

6. To-Do-List:

You are a human, aren’t you? You can forget, what is the big deal? Just get yourself an organizer which can manage your everyday to-do-list. “Remember the Milk” is one of the best websites that offer online task managing solutions. It offers variety of alerts for distinguishing one task from another. Also, it features task categories, notes, file attachments, priorities, tags, due dates; plus a FireFox extension that integrates the service with your Gmail inbox.

7. Digital Photographic Memory: your camera phone:

Your camera phone is not only to snapshoot your friends and your own self, but it can be used as a digital photographic memory tool. You can take a photo of the band your fiancée admired, discreetly; you can shoot an important article off a magazine; or you can also capture the price tags with products as a reminder to help you when you have enough money to buy it.

A new stem of Web services can turn digital snapshots of whiteboards and documents into searchable PDF documents. You can find your required document by emailing the photo of document or whiteboard to Qipit.com.

8. Price Protection System:

There are few Deal Search Engines and social sites that will help you look out for best prices of the products you are interested in, before you go out and buy one. Such sites include RetailMeNot.com, SearchAllDeals.com, and BeatThat.com. Also, there are services like PriceProtectr.com which monitor stores that have price protection policies, so that you can get a refund if the prices go down after you bought your item. Amazon Price Watch Software helps track your wish-list items and you can seek refund at RefundPlease.com.

9. Fuse Email Addresses:

Gmail is both an email host and an email client. You can put five email addresses into your Gmail using POP3 standards via built in Mail Fetcher. Go to the Accounts tab and set up your external email ids, check your emails, and reply them; all from one single page.

10. Privacy Factor:

It is a natural instinct that we all have our secrets, and we never want to reveal them to other people; yes, not even to our closest buddy! Whether it is your personal stuff or business secrets, you should keep it away from the reach of children, rivals and thieves. TrueCrypt is free encryption software that protects your personal files by putting them in a password-protected virtual folder. Functions such as opening them, writing and reading can only be done by one who has a Master Password.

That is all for now. By adopting the above mentioned habits and following the methods will not only save your precious time, but make your life easier and more comfortable than ever. Follow the ideas, have a better and relaxed life.

Written by “Seemab”

It was first known as AiGuru SV1, but soon Asus realized that this name wouldn’t help. Attaching an Eee label to the product was hype itself. Thus, this is now known as Eee videophone. It is being produced in conjunction with the cellular network companies’ greatest fear “Skype”. The users can attach the phone to their home network either with a cable, or wirelessly. This will get them instant access to internet, and they can get connected to their Skype mates anywhere in this world. As this is a mobile phone, you can take it just anywhere and get connected to your loved ones via an internet connection.

This videophone possesses a 7” screen, built in microphone, speaker and a camera. Camera quality is excellent even in a poorly lit room. One can pre order the device for £219.95.

Written by “Seemab”

And with the numerous social media tools born of the web 2.0 revolution, the frontiers of networking have been pushed to new levels with lots of new opportunities to network becoming available to the person who is keen to boost their career.

Moreover, unlike the old techniques of networking which tended to favor the extrovert at the expense of the more reserved, the tools for networking made available by social media make it possible even for the most introverted person who is good at what they do to make a formidable network without even having to get outside their house in some cases.

Blogs

Take for instance, social media like blogs.

If you are a professional in a given area, and have real know-how in that area, you can start a blog on a subject you are very good at, and keep updating it with posts containing fresh insights into various facets of your field of specialty. And if your blog is really visible (which you can make it by optimizing it for search engines and participating in discussions on other people’s blogs), you will soon find yourself being taken serious as an authority on your field by your peers – and very possibly being noticed in high places by people who have the ability to really boost your career (potential employers being an example).

The blog gives you the opportunity to be recognized as an authority in your professional field that in the old days would have taken years of slogging and rejection by publishers.

Internet Forums

Internet forums are another form of social media you can exploit to boost your career. By making insightful comments on other people’s threads (ideally with a link to your blog whenever possible) and starting intelligent threads on the forums, you get a way of being discovered by people who matter in your field, and very possibly making friends in high places.

Social Networking Sites

Believe it or not, social networking sites such as Facebook and Tagged also offer you the opportunity to boost your career.

As a first step in this direction, you would consider sending friend requests to other people in your field of interest – and therefore making ‘friends’ with them. Then you can start various light-hearted discussions on your home page and also make ‘witty’ comments on discussions with professional connotations going on in your ‘professional friends’ pages. This way you have a chance of making real ‘professional’ friends who can, as your bonds deepen, direct you to new openings in your field or give you the tips you need to take you career to the next level.

These are just a few examples of social media applications you can use to boost your career, and using them consistently can help you create the network you need to make a successful career.

It is possible that your computer may become an easy victim of these wrong doers when you are visit your favorite website or forget to shut down your computer before going to sleep.

With every passing day the problem is becoming quite grave and according to some reports the number of computer infections got tripled during the past one year. A large number of PC security professionals are working out there to keep your PCs safe, sound and protected from these hackers’ evil designs that most of the time are aimed to deprive you of your valuable hard-earned cash.

Conficker is considered the most dangerous threat for your computer at present and it has been spreading over the Internet with an awesome pace. According to an estimate Conficker has infected 10m computers worldwide since its first emergence.

A considerable number of developers and engineers have been looking for ways to track Conficker for quite some time, as it comes forward as a hurdle in its way all around the world.

According to Symantec vice president Steve Trilling, “Conficker wasn’t targeted for a certain area and its all known infections can be seen equally around the world and not to a specific region and it has come forward as one of the most serious threats for PCs across the world.”

They say that everything has its positive and negative aspects. Same is the case with cloud computing. Though this is a wonderful way to save one’s documents without the fear of a virus corrupting them, there are some drawbacks attached to it. Unfortunately, your documents saved at the internet will leave you as soon as the internet connectivity is gone; whenever you are flying, or are at a place with no wireless broadband connectivity. Though airlines are planning to make Wi-Fi service available on-board, it will certainly take a lot of time.

How to triumph over this critical issue? Following are certain methods which can be adopted to over-come this drawback of cloud computing.

Gears:

You can download this program from gears.google.com for free. This program works with Google Docs and few similar programs like Zoho. Google Docs provide the users with spreadsheets and word processing programs for storing the documents online. Gears allows the users to download their documents stored at Google Docs to their computers. Once the documents are downloaded, they can be worked upon, edited and altered even when the user is offline. These modified documents will be uploaded to Google Docs when the user logs in again. This way, one can work with their online documents while being on a plane, or being at a place where there is no internet connectivity.

There are certain limitations to Gears. One of those is that it does not allow the user to create new documents and limits to modifying the existing ones. Also, there isn’t any trouble-free way provided to upload multimedia files.

MobileMe:

This service is provided by Apple, with a yearly subscription fee of $99.00. It is an all-purpose file sync service, which works with Windows computers, Mac, iPhone and iPod touch. The user is allowed to upload any kind of files up to 20 GB, and those files can be downloaded to computers, iPhone and iPod. Also, it can sync the address books, calendars and emails.

Live Mesh:

This is a free service provided by Microsoft. It is still in its beta stage. It uses quite a simple method to work with both Windows and Mac. After the software is installed on the computer, an icon of “shared folder” will appear on the desktop. Up to 5 GB of data can be put into this folder, and all the files will be uploaded once connected to the internet.

When this software is installed on any other device like a laptop; it will become a part of one’s personal Data Mesh and the data will be synced between all the shared devices. That data can be altered and modified at any device which is part of the system, and all devices which are linked to each other via Live Mesh will show the modified data. It doesn’t sync emails, address books and calendars.

Final Words:

These were some clever ways to keep you working while on a plane, without the need of getting connected to internet for the sole purpose of accessing your cloud data. By using these means, one can always get connected to one’s work, and an interrupted period will never have to be encountered, provided one’s laptop has a fine battery life.

Where there are so much benefits involved, threats are there, too. One of the major concerns of international security agencies is cyber terrorism and its elimination. Cyber crimes are increasing day by day, threatening users’ security and money. Worst part is that most internet users are unaware of the Tips for Online Safety that are to be taken against these intimidations.

“Keep America Safe Online” issued their survey report in December 2008 regarding online safety awareness and safety precautions. According to this report, 57 percent of American adults fear their identity might be stolen online within the next two years, 90 percent worry about the security of their personal information, and 35 percent of teens leave their social networking profiles open to viewing by absolute strangers.

Study also shows that adults ages 30 to 39 were twice as likely to worry about surfing the Web in a public place as their counterparts in the 60-plus age group. With 87 percent of teens on social networking sites, their social networking behaviors proved to be a huge vulnerability point as 38 percent of teens place their education information, 32 percent reveal their email address, 28 percent expose their birth date, and 19 percent display their full name.

“For 20 years I’ve fought against creeps that prey on the vulnerable and particularly those that prey on children,” said John Walsh. “It is imperative that we all take measures to protect ourselves and our families from becoming victims. With our kids, in particular, when they post personal information online, predators have everything they need to contact teens or steal their identities. In fact, nearly 50 percent of teens have been contacted by someone they didn’t know on the Internet.”

As it is said that “Prevention is better than cure”; it is better to know exactly how to make ourselves and our family protected from cyber criminal, than trying to trace one after losing important information to him.

Safety Measures:

• Never give out personal information (even on social networking sites) e.g. full name, educational details, credit card and social security numbers, birth date, address, telephone number etc.
• Never give out information on telephone or via e-mail.
• Teach your children about internet safety measures, and agree with them on a certain time period for internet use.
• Befriend your children, so that they inform you about their online activities.
• Never upload personal photos and full name, and use nick names on social networking sites.
• Install parental control URLs so that your children are safe from threats.
• Keep computer at a conspicuous spot to have a close eye on what your children are doing.
• Do not check “remember my password” boxes; keep your password safe.

With these tips, major cyber threats can be avoided.