Windows XP Survival Guide
Get a Faster Home Network
` 120 A EXTRRES U T FEAXTRA E ES PAG ALUE
EV MOR MONEY FOR
April 2014, Vol. 9, Issue 4
YOUR PC
CAN GO EVEN
FASTER
Best speed tips no one ever told you about Make old PCs last longer Remove hidden junk
Stop things taking ages
Fastest hardware, cheapest prices
....Oh, and you can get faster broadband too! PLUS
LENOVO YOGA TABLET 8 Lenovo’s First Multimode Yoga Tablet born
LG G FLEX
A curvy smartphone from the future
Brought to you in India by...
MEDIAMAN INFOTECH PVT. LTD. 14 th floor , Goldfilled Tower B , Sion Bandra Link Road ,Sant Rohildas Marg, Sion , Mumbai 400017. Tel.: +91-22-24061200 E-mail:
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Welcome From the Editor Microsoft will be ending support for windows XP from 8th April. In a three part survival guide starting this issue, we explain what’s happening and what it means for you. On other pages, find
Vol. 9 Issue 4
out what’s making your computer run slowly and then speed it up.
Editor & Publisher Amit Tewari Senior Feature Writer Kunal Gangar
I hope you enjoy reading this issue, as much as we enjoyed putting it together.
Contributors Daniel Booth, Alian Lu, Sherwin Coetho, James Temperton, Scott Colvey, Graham Brown
Amit Tewari, Editor
[email protected]
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Creative Director & Head Production Atul Bandekar Designer Prakash Gavnang Image Desk Deepak Narkar, Ravi Parmar Illustrators Ian Jackson, Nick Palmer, Tom Steyer, Ajay Paradkar Photography Mahesh Reddy, Sharonjit Samrai Asstt. Operations Manager Circulation Sanjeev Roy
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Asstt. Circulation Manager Kapil Kaushik, Delhi Subscription Supervisor - Print Sachin Kelkar Tel: +91-22-43525220 Fax: +91-22-24955394 Email:
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© 2013 Dennis Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved. Published with the permission of Dennis Publishing Ltd. Reproduction in any manner in any language in whole or in part without prior written permission from Dennis Publishing Ltd & NGPL with regard to their respective content is prohibited. Printed by Amit Tewari Next Gen Publishing Ltd., 2nd Floor, C Wing, Trade World, Kamala Mills Compound, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel (W), Mumbai 400013. Published by Amit Tewari on behalf of Next Gen Publishing Ltd., 2nd Floor, C Wing, Trade World, Kamala Mills Compound, Senapati Bapat Mar, Lower Parel (W), Mumbai 400013. Printed at Kalajyothi Process Pvt. Ltd, 1-1-60/5 RTCX Roads, Hyderabad - 20. Published at Next Gen Publishing Ltd., 2nd Floor, C Wing, Trade World, Kamala Mills Compound, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel (W), Mumbai 400013.
Editor : Amit Tewari
Contents
April 2014 [ Issue 4
In this issue…
YOUR PC
YOUR PC CAN GO 42 EVEN FASTER Find out what’s making your
CAN GO EVEN
computer run slowly, then get it going faster than ever before with our’s expert tweaks and upgrades Play all your music anywhere you like Enjoy your entire music collection on any device whenever you want
FASTER
48
The 10 stupidest things in Windows Windows is riddled with unfriendly controls. we explain how to avoid Ctrl+Alt+Del and other idiotic flaws
50
Windows XP Survival 52 Guide-Part 1 In the first of a three-part series
Find out what’s making your computer run slowly, then get it going faster than ever before with our’s expert tweaks and upgrades
Scariest new ways to get hacked 58 Hacking now comes in lots of different forms. we find out the 14 worst things hackers
on how you can survive the end of support for XP
can do – so far
Get a faster 56 Home network Don’t pay for a new router. we show
Control your PC’s power and 62 save money Energy prices may have skyrocketed, but you can
you how to get nippier network connections without upgrading
cut your bills by reducing how much power your PC wastes. we explains what you should do
In every issue… 4
Welcome
87 Problems Solved
8
Letters
93 Fast Fixes
10 News
94 Jargon Buster
24 Protect Your Tech
95 The Final Straw
27 Best Free Software
97 IMS QUIZ
Get a faster Home network p56
61 What’s All the Fuss About?
Windows XP Survival Guide-Part 1 6
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Contents Reviews 28 HP DeskJet 2520hc 29 Asha 502 ASRock H61 Pro BTC Motherboard 30 Lenovo Yoga Tablet 8 31 LaCie Rugged Triple USB 3.0 HDD
Asha 502
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Lenovo Yoga Tablet 8
p30
32 LG G Flex 33 Nvidia GeForce GTX 750 Ti GPU 34 D-Link DCS-825L Baby Camera Epson EH-TW5200 Projector 36 SanDisk Ultra Dual USB Drive Strontium 64GB microSDXC card 38 Sony VAIO Flip 13 39 Sony Xperia Z1 Compact
LG G Flex p32
Sony Xperia Z1 Compact
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40 Google Chromecast JBL Flip 2
Workshops 22 pages of brilliant workshops 65 Get a free tablet office suite with CloudOn 68 Read your webmail offline with Thunderbird 70 Master the new iOS 7 on iPhone and iPad 72 Send huge files with Hightail 73 Hack Windows Media Player to share your media 76 Master Chrome on iPad and iPhone
78 Make a private social network with Path 80 Learn how to create a tilt-shift photo PLUS 81 Readers’ Tips 82 Tablet & Phone Tips 84 Make Windows Better 85 Make Office Better 86 Secret Tips For... OneNote
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Letters This is with reference to the article that appeared in computer active December 2013 issue. What’s the best OS ever? And the comment by a reader Mr.Peter Goms. I am a hobbyist and interested in old vintage Hindi Music and so are my other old vintage music lover friends. Most of this category people are old senior citizens. The old music is a past time for us. I am using windows XP for the last couple of years. I find it very useful tool. I can load my music files at any of the PCs hard disc drives without having any problem and can open the same from any of the music player of my choice. But I think this is not the case with Windows 7 or Windows 8. Once I opened a Window Media Player in Windows 7 which pointed to organize the music files as per the default of Window Media Player. (I may be wrong also). In Windows XP OS it is simple to operate the music files in a simple way without having unnecessary complication. People like us are deterred to use advance Windows 7 or Windows 8 OS for such music hobby purpose. The advance system will be useful for other users but not us. At the most we may use the computer to load the photos to PC from digital camera. For that Microsoft should keep the option to users to use either of the Operating Systems rather than totally rejecting Windows XP. They may charge for updating the XP file.
Tell us what’s on your mind Email:
[email protected] Post: Letters,CA, Next Gen Publishing Ltd., 2nd Floor, C Wing, Trade World, Kamala Mills Compound, S. B. Marg, Lower Parel (W), Mumbai 400013. We cannot offer technical assistance or reply personally to correspondence but all letters are read by our staff. Letters and emails may be edited for publication on this page. Please mark your message ‘not for publication’ if you would prefer it not to be shared.
STAR LETTER
Chromebook’s battery is ‘puny’ I notice that Google has launched another Chromebook – the HP 11 (www.snipca.com/10274). They say it’s “for everyone”. I’d say it’s only for people who don’t mind recharging their laptop every couple of hours. People say it’s cheap. I’d say it’s a false economy because you’ll probably end up spending more than that on electricity. I bought a Chromebook last year and now wish I hadn’t. It simply has the puniest battery of any laptop I’ve ever used. Yes, it’s fast and simple. It’s good for people whose web life revolves around Google’s services, and it’s stylish
of users who would be opted to purchase the genuine software from the Microsoft Company. The nero media player is also one the best music player for hobbyists. nero informs users to purchase Nero mp3 PRO software for mp3 music. However, when enquiry is made to them on line for the purchase, they offer a very advance version of software for music, videos and photos etc. which may not be much useful for us. Even the recording of cassettes music as
and light. But you can’t rely on a single charge to last all day, for example. So be warned before you fall for Google’s tempting marketing. Deepak More
provided in the old version of nero media palyaer. is available or not available in the new version, is not known. Windows OS has also withdrawn the facility of License for playing cda. format of music files in Window Media Player and the other music players. There are very good computer engineers and technicians in our country, would anybody be kind enough to guide us in the matter.
Those customers who have purchased the new computers on the basis of XP OS will be in troubles. I think one more suggestion if Microsoft slashes the cost of the Windows XP software instead of closing it, there would be thousands
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Last month’s winner: Jay singh
News
Round up of the top stories of the month
Gionee launches World’s Slimmest Smartphone ELIFE S5.5 in India ionee, the leading global designer and manufacturer of mobile devices launched the World’s Slimmest Smartphone - ELIFE S5.5 in India. Named after its biggest feature a 5.55mm slim body. The path breaking innovative smartphone ELIFE S5.5 is going to hit India market by mid April 2014. The ELIFE S series is a new product category developed through Gionee’s deep understanding of customers’ desire for a slim and powerful smartphone to also act as a fashionable accessory. The ELIFE S series products will incorporate an emphasis on design without compromising
G
the hardware and software of a smartphone to create a whole new user experience. The phone specifications include 5.0” Super AMOLED Plus display, Octa- Core 1.7GHz CPU,Single SIM, 13.0MP AF rear and 5.0MP AF front Camera, AMIGO OS 2.0 (based on Android OS, V4.2) 16GB on board memory with 2GB of RAM. The phone measures 145.1 x 70.2 x 5.55mm and comes with a non-removable 2300mAh Battery. The GIONEE ELIFE S5.5 is available in Black, White, Blue, Pink, and Purple. ELIFE S 5.5 will be available at the price of INR 22, 999 in India.
Sony brings large screen Xperia T2 Ultra at an affordable price Sony India has launched Xperia T2 Ultra. Designed specifically with customers from emerging markets in China, the Middle East, Africa and the Asia Pacific rim in mind, Xperia T2 Ultra brings together the best of Sony’s imaging and display technologies with ground-breaking design efficiency to produce a stunning Android smartphone at a mid-range price point. Xperia T2 Ultra’s stunning 6” HD IPS TRILUMINOS display extends to within 2.5 mm of the phone’s edges. This means that it has a screen to phone size ratio of 73.6%, both making the most of the space available and ensuring that the phone is no wider than a standard credit card. It is also both slim (7.6 mm) and light (weighing only 173 ± 1g depending on variant differences), fitting easily in a
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jacket pocket. Big, bright screens can often use a lot of power, but that’s not a problem with Xperia T2 Ultra, Sony has ensured that it is ready to go the distance by incorporating a battery-efficient processor and massive 3000 mAh battery. Xperia T2 Ultra features a 13 megapixel camera. Xperia T2 Ultra dual (the only variant available in India) offers a new experience through the incorporation of Sony’s latest
generation of dual SIM mobile technology. Users can set up both SIM cards independently with custom ring tones and one-touch switching between SIMs before making calls or sending texts.
First Android-powered Nokia X now available in India Nokia has announced that the Nokia X, part of the new Nokia X family of affordable smartphones that run Android™ apps, will begin selling in India. The new Nokia X family that includes Nokia X, Nokia X+ and Nokia XL is the perfect introduction to the world of Android apps, coupled with signature Nokia experiences, and the most popular Microsoft services. Nokia X comes with Fastlane, a screen which lets people switch between their favorite apps more smoothly. People can access curated, quality-tested apps from Nokia Store, more than a dozen thirdparty app stores and by side loading. All devices are also pre-loaded with a variety of very popular third-party apps and games such as BBM, Twitter, Facebook, Plants Vs. Zombies, etc. Out of the box, consumers can enjoy signature Nokia experiences including
free HERE Maps, with true offline maps and integrated turn-by-turn navigation, and Nokia MixRadio for free music streaming and downloadable playlists. The Nokia X is also an affordable introduction to popular Microsoft services, including 7GB free cloud storage using OneDrive and additional 3GB if consumers enable camera back up. Nokia X, a beautifully crafted smartphone with Nokia’s signature design approach and bold, bright colours. At only 10.4mm thin, the slim, durable monobody design features a 4” scratchproof display and exchangeable back covers that come in a variety of statement colours. Inside, the device runs on the Nokia X Software Platform and is powered by a1Ghz dual core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor. The dual SIM Nokia X will be available in India starting at Rs. 8599 MOP.
Canon new EOS 1200D targets families and first time users Canon India Pvt. Ltd., has launched the EOS 1200D in the Indian market. This entry-level DSLR offers advance control, images with sharp details, a host of easy-to-use features giving consumers the option of exploring Canon’s repertoire of more than 70 EF lenses. The new EOS 1200D is targeted at newcomers to the world of DSLR cameras, including families who want to capture their memories with superior quality, budding amateurs and even hobbyists looking to work on their photography skills with a user-friendly DSLR. By combining Canon’s powerful DIGIC 4 imaging processor and an 18-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, the EOS 1200D produces stunning photographs with a combination of sharp details and attractive background blur.
A key difference between taking photos on a smartphone or compact camera and on a DSLR is the availability of an optical viewfinder in the latter. The EOS 1200D has a highly-accurate 9-point Auto Focus (AF) system with center cross-type AF point enables accurate and rapid focusing on both horizontal and vertical planes. The EOS 1200D captures Full HD movies at up to 30 fps. Videos are shot with beautiful background blur effects and incorporate a higher dynamic range, a capability that a smartphone cannot achieve. Even in low light situations, the EOS 1200D is able to shoot videos at ISO speeds of up to 6400. The EOS 1200D will be available at all Canon Image Squares and leading retail outlets at a price of INR 30,995 (MRP) for the body only.
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News HTC unveils One (M8) smartphone HTC unveiled the highly anticipated new HTC One (M8), the ultimate evolution of the award-winning HTC One (M7). Launching in Gunmetal Gray with the all-new HTC Sense 6, the new HTC One (M8), boasts a high quality metal unibody with a Smart Sensor Hub that anticipates your needs and uses Motion Launch controls to make everyday tasks easier. New Duo Camera technology delivers creative, professionallooking photos and amazing effects, and HTC BoomSound again sets new standards for audio quality on a smartphone. The new HTC One’s body has been re-crafted to create an even more stunning yet approachable look. The beautiful, durable, high quality metal unibody flows right up to the 5-inch, full HD (1080p) display, tapering to thinner edges, with softer curves for a smooth, more natural grip. Supported by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor with 2.5 GHz quad-core Krait CPUs and running Android 4.4, KitKat, the latest version of the Android OS, the new HTC One (M8) features the all-new HTC Sense 6, available on the device and as an upgrade from the Google Play store. Completely redesigned with a cleaner, more striking visual style, HTC Sense 6 features bold, customisable colour themes and delivers a more intuitive, personalised user experience The new HTC One (M8) brings a totally
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different dimension to mobile imaging by combining the world’s first smartphone with a Duo Camera that features HTC’s innovative HTC UltraPixel module, a dual colour flash and full 1080p HD video recording. A 5-MP wide-angle front facing camera also captures superior selfies with ease. With the introduction of HTC Sense 6, the new HTC One (M8) boasts capabilities that give the product a sixth sense. For example,
Motion Launch is immediately able to detect its position and movement, thanks to built-in motion sensors that allow you to interact with the phone without turning on the screen. A simple swipe will activate the device, Auto Answer allows you to answer a call by putting the phone to your ear without
touching the screen – a handy tool if the phone rings when you are digging the garden or washing the dishes – and a double tap turns the lock screen on and off. Taking that sixth sense functionality one step further you can extend Motion Launch by double tapping the dot view case, in addition to checking the time, weather, new texts, emails and calls - without touching or revealing the screen. The innovation doesn’t end there, as we are also changing how people use their phone battery. With the original HTC One (M7), HTC optimised power consumption so that you could get the most out of your phone. The new HTC One (M8) takes this to a whole new level making the battery power last 40% longer. Whilst normal power saving mode delivers a great experience, we have also included an Extreme power saving mode that makes your battery last even longer. Fully charged it will deliver 14 days’ worth of battery power, whilst still allowing you to receive calls, texts and emails – perfect for when you are travelling. Activated either manually or automatically, it delivers 60 hours of extra standby time at 20% power, 30 hours at 10% power and 15 hours at 5% power so, whether you are out late at night or hiking in the mountains, you never have to worry about running out of battery again. The HTC One (M8) will be available globally in Gunmetal Gray, Glacial Silver and will be rolled out in the South Asia region in the coming weeks.
News BenQ debuts two new short-throw classroom interactive projector solutions
BenQ, an internationally renowned provider of Interactive Classroom IQ solution and a leader in the global DLP projector market introduces their energy efficient and eco friendly classroom projectors MX823ST&MW824ST. The MX823ST & MW824ST feature
LumenCare Mode, which adjusts projector lamp power in gain steps until full power is reached. It is the first and only projection feature on that ensures three years of consistent image brightness for optimal learning and teaching. Along with the same,the LampSave Mode is designed to adjust the lamp power dynamically by content brightness level to extend projector lamp life significantly by 50% giving the total lamp hours of upto 10,000. The lamp replacement frequency is also reduced by up to 50% to lower the replacement costs. The wide range of connectivity options and availibity of PointWrite and QWrite interactive features make MX823ST& MW 824ST complete classroom interactive projector solution. Through PointWrite and QWrite interactive features teachers can get
up to 4 students to come up to the board and collaborate simultaneously with PointWrite pens to solve Quizzes, board work, presentations and games. The ultra-sharp contrast ratio of 13000:1, 3200 ANSI Lumens brightness and long lamp life guarantee vibrant, reliable visual performance time and again. Both MX 823ST & MW824STcomes with DLP technology that supports 3D functionality, ensuring an immersive learning experience to their students with a simple preparation of 3D glasses and 3D content from your blu-ray player. The MX823ST has a native resolution of XGA (1024 X 768) while the MW824ST has a native resolution of WXGA (1280 X 800).MX 823ST & MW824ST are available at a retail price of Rs 60000 & 65000 respectively.
Motorola launches Moto X, exclusively on Flipkart Moto X represents the best of Motorola and Google, and it’s available to Indian customers exclusively through Flipkart.com from 19th March, 2014. Moto X has a unique curved back, designed to fit your hand. With Google Now, Moto X tells you what you need to know when you need to know it. With two flicks of your wrist, Moto X becomes your camera and captures the shots you used to miss. It’s ready when you are. To use your Moto X, you only need your voice. Without touching it at all, you can get directions, set an alarm or do just about anything— just by talking. Moto X is always ready to tell you what you need to know. Instead of a uselessly blinking light, Moto X gives you useful info at a glance with Active
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Notifications, which appear right on screen. Moto X knows you need a camera, and it’s always ready to go. Just twist your wrist twice and it’s ready. Touch anywhere on the screen, and you’ll get the shot. All in just a few seconds. Continuous shooting capabilities, as well as a ten megapixel camera, mean the photos you do take are the ones you want. Moto X will be available in Woven Black and Woven White starting 19th March for INR 23,999. In early April, there will be three more color variations (Cherry Red, Royal Blue, and Turquoise Green) and two wood-finish editions (Walnut finish and Teak finish) would be priced at INR 25,999.
News Seagate launches new Backup Plus Portable Drives in India Seagate Technology has announced the second generation of its sleek external storage lineup, Seagate Backup Plus Slim. With a svelte compact design and superspeed USB 3.0 interface, the Backup Plus Slim drive is the ideal storage solution to aggregate and back up valued photos, videos and other files despite being spread across numerous devices, social networks and personal computers. This new offering includes the backup software, Seagate Dashboard, which made the first generation of Seagate® Backup Plus drives so popular. The Seagate Dashboard software provides an easy one-click backup solution, but can also be set as a scheduled backup up as needed. Additionally, the Dashboard software will back up Facebook and Flickr albums to ensure that even video and photos shared through these networks are backed up
and easy to find. Use the Save and Share features to download and upload content from these social media networks. Even all the photos you have been tagged in can be backed up from your social networks to the drive. Backup Plus external storage is available in a range of capacities to fit every size of job. The USB 3.0-powered, 2TB drive is the highest capacity drive fitting into a 12.1mm form factor. The metal-top case of these drives, available in red, blue, black and silver, is designed to resist scratches and fingerprints.
Seagate Backup Plus storage is available in stores by capacity: for Backup Plus Slim portable: 500GB Slim - INR4,250, 1TB Slim - INR6,000, 2TB Slim - INR10,500 and the 4TB Fast - INR25,000 MSRP.
SATranscend Launches SDXC/SDHC UHS-I Cards that support 4K Video Capture Transcend Informationhas launched SDXC/SDHC UHS-I cards featuring full support for the Ultra High Speed Class 3 (U3) specification . Capable of reaching incredible read and write speeds of up to 95MB/s and 85MB/s, Transcend’s SDXC/ SDHC UHS-I U3 cards provide the performance necessary to harness the full power of UHS U3-compliant digital recording equipment. Recently released by the SD Association, the Ultra High Speed Class 3 specification guarantees a minimum constant write speed of 30MB/s to facilitate cinema-quality video recording. Transcend’s SDXC UHS-I U3 and SDXC/ SDHC UHS-I U3X “Extreme” cards, however, can achieve at least double this performance with blazing-fast write speeds of up to 60MB/s and 85MB/s respectively. When used with today’s advanced camcorders, such as
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the Sony 4K Handycam FDR-AX100, Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4, and Canon EOS C500 Cinema Camera, these cards ensure smooth 4K video capture in stunning color and clarity.
In devices that do not support the UHS-I specification, Transcend’s SDXC/SDHC UHS-I U3 cards offer constant write speeds of at least 10MB/s (SD Speed Class 10 performance), which makes them perfect for Full HD video recording as well as fast-action consecutive shooting. Pairing the new UHS-I U3 cards with Transcend’s RDF8 USB 3.0 multi-card reader or the handy RDF5 USB 3.0 card reader with built-in USB port significantly reduces the time it takes to transfer data from card to computer with read speeds of up to 95MB/s. Featuring capacities ranging from 32GB to an enormous 128GB, for added value, each Transcend memory card includes a free download of Transcend’s exclusive RecoveRx photo recovery software. All Transcend memory cards are fully tested for compatibility and reliability, and carry Transcend’s Lifetime Warranty.
News Lenovo unveils Thinkcentre m73 tiny desktop Lenovo, one of India’s leading PC players has unveiled the new ThinkCentre M73 Tiny, a compact, high performance desktop, perfect for modest workspaces. Starting at INR 28,500 plus taxes, the affordable desktop comes with VESA mount support, which allows the M73 Tiny the flexibility to fit anywhere in the workspace—on the desk, or behind a monitor. The 1L sized desktop weighs 2.9 pounds (1.3Kgs onwards), and is equipped with 4th generation Intel Core i processors that improve performance by 10%. The PC Cloud Manager 2 offers failure warnings, troubleshooting and power consumption reports to keep the PC healthy and green. The Intelligent Cooling Engine (ICE) 3.01 allows for working in hotter temperatures and enables system monitoring with thermal alerts that preempt overheating possibilities.
Kingston Launches MicroDuo Dual Interface USB Drive Kingston has announced the launch of its DataTraveler microDuo in India. In a small form factor, the microDuo is a combination of USB and microUSB Flash drive that allows consumers to expand the storage of their Android tablets and smartphones on-the-go. DataTraveler microDuo uses the microUSB port on devices – often used for charging – to expand
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storage up to 64GB. This is especially helpful as more and more smartphones and some tablets come without a microSD card storage expansion slot. The drive can be used with any USB On-The-Go compatible device and the dual interface allows users to transfer files without plugging into a PC. Smartphones and tablets shoot hi-res photos and HD video, and with some devices now shooting 4K video, consumers can easily move large files, photos, videos and music off the device to free up space just like a normal Flash drive.
News Samsung unveils Galaxy S5 Samsung Electronics has introduced the Galaxy S5, blending features that matter most to consumers. The new Galaxy S5 offers consumers a refined experience with innovation of essential features for day-to-day use. The Galaxy S5 combines an advanced camera, the fast network connectivity, dedicated fitness tools and enhanced device protection features as consumers stay fit and connected in style. The Galaxy S5 blends iconic Samsung design with modern trends to appeal to a range of consumer tastes and interests. The Galaxy S5 features a perforated pattern on the back cover creating a modern glam look. Its new sleek, contoured shape comes in an array of vivid colors, including charcoal Black, shimmery White, electric Blue and copper Gold, to complement the style of the individual consumer. The new Galaxy S5 offers superior camera functionality, featuring a 16 megapixel camera with an enhanced menu and user interface that allow consumers to effortlessly take, edit and share photos. The Galaxy S5 offers the world’s fastest autofocus speed up to 0.3 seconds and the advanced High Dynamic Range (HDR) reproduces natural light and color with striking intensity at any occasion. The Galaxy S5 offers the fastest Wi-Fi performance available today, ensuring blazing fast data speeds for unrivaled media consumption and productivity. The Galaxy S5 supports fast 3G speeds at 42Mbps and it comes with a powerful Octa-core processor, capable of
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operating all 8 cores at the same time, to deliver a seamless experience on the Galaxy S5. With the enhanced S Health 3.0, the new Galaxy S5 offers more tools to help people stay fit and well. It provides a
comprehensive personal fitness tracker to help users monitor and manage their behavior, along with additional tools including a pedometer, diet and exercise records, and a new, built-in heart rate sensor. The Galaxy S5 is IP67 dust and water resistant. It also offers a Finger Scanner, providing a secure, biometric screen
locking feature. The Ultra Power Saving Mode turns the display to black and white, and shuts down all unnecessary features to minimize the battery consumption. Expanding its industry-leading wearable line, Samsung has launched three incredible devices – Gear Fit, Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo that blend style, fitness and convenience to provide ultimate connectivity for the active mobile consumer.Samsung Gear Fit, the industry’s first curved Super AMOLED wearable device, empowers consumers to stay physically active without sacrificing personal style or mobile connectivity. The Samsung Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo are designed to take the freedom, convenience and style of wearable technology to the next level. The Samsung Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo offer consumers enhanced connectivity and a completely integrated approach for the most personal wearable experience. Both devices offer a lightweight design with a premium finish that reflects modern trends. The Samsung Galaxy S5 is priced between Rs. 51,000/- and Rs. 53.000/-. Galaxy Gear 2 is priced at Rs. 21,900/and both Galaxy Gear 2 Neo and Galaxy Gear Fit are priced at Rs. 15,900/- each. These devices will be available across India through Samsung’s retail stores and e-commerce sites on April 11, 2014.
Protect Your Tech Scams and threats to avoid, plus new security tools WATCH OUT FOR…
Security flaws in D-Link routers What happened? A researcher found security flaws in seven D-Link router models. It’s thought hackers could have used the weaknesses to take remote control of a router and modem and spy on people’s online activity. Writing on his blog (www.snipca. com/10334), Craig Heffner said the DIR-100 (pictured), DI-524, DI-524UP, DI-604S, DI-604UP, DI-604+ and TM-G5240 models were at risk. He also claimed two models made by Japanese company Planex (www.planex.net) were affected. The flaw, known as a backdoor, lets hackers bypass normal security authentication while remaining undetected. Fortunately, there’s no evidence it’s been exploited by hackers. Craig Heffner belongs to a group of hackers called /dev/ttys0 (www. devttys0.com), which delves into
devices such as routers and set-top boxes looking for vulnerabilities that companies should fix.
What should I do? If you use any of these routers you should install D-Link’s firmware updates to fix the flaws. At the time of going to press, the company said these would be available by the end of October. In a statement posted on its website (www.snipca. com/10335), D-Link wrote: “We are proactively working with the sources of these reports as well as continuing to review across the complete product line to ensure that the vulnerabilities discovered are addressed”. On the same webpage you’ll also find firmware updates to fix other vulnerabilities identified earlier this year. If you use
New tools Ashampoo has launched its first antivirus software since 2009, using malwareblocking technology from Bitdefender and Emsisoft. The program, which works with every version of Windows from XP to 8.1, contains all the necessary tools you need to stay safe, such as real-time protection, which thwarts attacks as they happen. What’s really impressive, though, is that it also contains two privacy tools from Ashampoo’s
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Computer active April 2014
any of the routers listed you should install the update now. We go along with D-Link’s advice, especially that you should ignore emails that claim your router is in danger of being hacked and prompt you to click a link. These emails will definitely be scams. You should also disable remote access to your router if you don’t need it.
Ashampoo Anti-Virus 2014 www.ashampoo.com/antivirus
WinOptimizer software (www.snipca.com/10363): File Wiper to erase files and folders, and Internet Cleaner to delete your browsing history. Ashampoo Anti-Virus comes in one, two and three-year packages, priced £29.99, £39.99 and £54.99 respectively. There’s also a free trial which lasts 10 days if you don’t register (30 days if you do). Helpfully, you don’t need to provide your credit-card details to sign up for the free trial.
CD Contents From the Editor Dear Readers, This month’s CD contains a multitude of productivity software. For music lovers, this month’s full software will be a treat. Enjoy. EDITOR PS:-Please reach us on
[email protected] with your suggestions. Some of the software provided on this disc requires a product key from the publisher.
Full Software MP3 COVER FINDER OS : Windows XP/2003/2008/Vista/7/8/8.1
Productivity : q &WFSOPUF q3PCP5BTL
Utilities : q5VOF6Q6UJMJUJFT q*OőY1%'&EJUPS q+BWBWVQEBUF q 0QFSB q .JDSPTPGU0OF%SJWF q%SPQCPY
Multimedia & Entertainment : q1-&9.FEJB4FSWFS q J5VOFT q 8JOEPXT&TTFOUJBMT
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$PNQVUFSBDUJWF April 2014
April 2014
Best Free Software Brilliant new programs that won’t cost you anything website checker
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