Computeractive India - Issue 6, June 2014

Run Old Versions Of Windows Online

Best Windows ‘Fix It’ Solutions

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June 2014, Vol. 9, Issue 6

Best ever tips for preventing computer catastrophes!

PLUS

HTC ONE (M8)

SAMSUNG GALAXY S5

A great Android phone weighed down by too many gimmicks

The next-generation Galaxy S with better hardware, software

Brought to you in India by...

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Welcome From the Editor It’s been a great five year long journey with Computer Active, taking it forward from strength to strength. It’s time to look at new challenges and I pass on the baton to the very capable hands of Girish Mallya who currently helms our sister publication Popular

Science India. I am sure that Computer Active will do well under his stewardship. In this issue of Computer Active we give you a walk through on how to take back up and other related measures to make your PC crash proof.

Vol. 9 Issue 6 Editor & Publisher Amit Tewari Senior Feature Writer Kunal Gangar Contributors Rob Beattie, Jonathan Parkyn, James Temperton, Stuart Brown, Girish Mallya

Amit Tewari, Editor

[email protected]

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Run Old Versions Of Windows Online Best Windows ‘Fix It’ Solutions

` 120 A EXTR ES UR FEAT TRA EX S PAGE E

VALU MOREMONEY FOR

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June 2014, Vol. 9, Issue 6

Creative Director & Head Production Atul Bandekar Designer Prakash Gavnang Image Desk Deepak Narkar, Ravi Parmar Illustrators Ian Jackson, Nick Palmer, Tom Steyer, Ajay Paradkar

Software, es tools & utiliti

CD with this issue

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: [email protected]

Best ever tips for preventing computer catastrophes!

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PLUS

HTC ONE (M8)

SAMSUNG GALAXY S5

A great Android phone weighed down by too many gimmicks

The next-generation Galaxy S with better hardware, software

p45

Branch offices Ahmedabad 305, 3rd Floor, AEON Complex Near Angira Society, Vijay Cross Roads, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad 380009 Tel: + 91 79 26405061/2/3 Bengaluru Unit No. 509, 5th Floor ‘B’ Wing, Mittal Towers, MG Road, Bangalore -560001, India Tel: +91 80 66110116/17 Fax: + 91 80 41472574 Chennai Unit No. 20, 3rd Floor, Modern Towers, No. 35/23 West Cott Road, Royapettah, Chennai 600014. Tel: + 91 44 39149889 Fax: + 91 44 39149892 Hyderabad Richard G.C., Territory Sales Incharge (Circulation) Mobile no. 09949217127

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Computer active June 2014

Apple Newsstand & Magzter Queries: [email protected] Zinio Subscriptions Queries: http://in.zinio.com/help/index.jsp For Pocket Mags Queries: [email protected] DISCLAIMER Readers are reminded that the opinions expressed, and the results published in connection with reviews and/or laboratory test reports carried out on computing systems and/or related items, are confined to, and are representative of, only those goods as supplied and should not be construed as a recommendation to purchase. Whilst every precaution is taken to ensure that reliability and good business practices prevail, the Publisher cannot be held responsible for the overall trading activities of any supplier referred to, or advertising within, this publication. Next Gen Publishing Ltd. 2nd Floor, C Wing , Trade World, Kamala Mills Compound, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel (W), Mumbai 400013 Tel: +91-22-43525252 Fax: +91-22-24955394 Email: [email protected]

© 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

June 2014 [ Issue 6

In this issue… Make your 48 PC crashproof Who says computer crashes are inevitable? we look at what you can do to prevent your PC freezing Run old versions of 54 windows online You can revisit early versions of

Who says computer crashes are inevitable? we look at what you can do to prevent your PC freezing

Windows by running them in an online emulator. we travel back in time and reveal what you can do Best Windows ‘Fix-it’ 56 solutions Don’t waste time trying to troubleshoot computer problems yourself – use Microsoft’s automatic ‘Fix it’ tools instead. We reveal the best 13 fixes

In every issue… 4

Welcome

85 Problems Solved

8

Letters

91 Fast Fixes

10 News

92 Jargon Buster

26 Protect Your Tech

94 The Final Straw

32 Best Free Software

98 IMS QUIZ

58 What’s All the Fuss About?

Make your mind up, Microsoft – IE bug in XP will now be fixed p10 Best Windows ‘Fix-it’ solutions

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Contents Reviews 34 Microsoft Office for iPad 36 Magix Movie Edit Pro 2014 Premium 37 Ashampoo WinOptimizer 11 38 HTC One (M8)

Magix Movie Edit Pro 2014

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HTC One (M8)

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40 WD Black2 Dual Drive LG LAP340 SoundPlate 42 Moto E 44 PowerSafe PB 10400 Power Bank Samsung Gear 2 45 Samsung Galaxy S5 46 Oppo N1

Moto E

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Samsung Galaxy S5

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Workshops 26 pages of brilliant workshops 59 62 64 66 67 70 72 74 75 77

Make your PC start up in seconds Control a photo slideshow with your phone Sync files between your tablet and PC Upgrade to Windows 8.1 from the Preview version Write your life story in Word Switch from iOS to Android using a PC Share huge files without an account for free Hack Windows XP to make it run faster Create web spreadsheets for free Back up everything on your Android tablet

PLUS

79 Readers’ Tips 80 Tablet & Phone Tips 82 Make Windows Better 83 Make Office Better 84 Secret Tips For... PeaZip

June 2014 Computer active

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Letters

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

Microsoft’s ‘cynical business plan’

Keep making antivirus for XP I have just finished reading regarding the imminent removal of support for Windows XP. The consensus of opinion seems to be: get rid of your PC and buy a new one. Has it occurred to the security experts you interviewed that there are many XP users who simply cannot afford to buy a new PC? And if it’s correct that more people are still using XP than Windows 8, then isn’t there a good business opportunity here for security companies to carry on producing specific software and still make money? B. Arun

‘Not worried’ about losing support for XP Your recent articles about Windows XP not being supported by Microsoft after April got me wondering how my desktop computer and I have survived for the past few years. My PC, which I bought from Mesh in 2004, is an AMD 3200 model with 1GB of memory, runs XP Service Pack 2 and has an old Radeon graphics card. I use it for email, browsing the web, listening to music, watching videos, online banking, online shopping, photo-editing and other non-intensive applications. Besides ZoneAlarm I have no security programs, having disabled Windows Firewall and automatic upgrades shortly after installing Service Pack 2. I’ve whittled the number of programs that run on startup to just 30, and regularly clean up junk files and defragment my PC. I also have high-speed Wi-Fi broadband My limited

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I’d like to take issue with Noel Hamilton’s letter in Issue 414, in which he seems inexplicably relaxed about Microsoft’s cynical business plan of releasing new versions of Windows every couple of years. He says it’s simply ‘healthy capitalism’. My response is that it’s shortsighted capitalism because, ultimately, customers lose trust in a company when it continues to exploit them. Here’s what happened to me. In 2007, I was quite happy using Windows XP, but then Microsoft’s marketing campaign for Vista persuaded me to upgrade. I should have done more research, of course, but naively assumed that Microsoft would only release an operating system that would improve my computing experience. But no. Vista stank. It was awful. I realised then that I’d been tricked by the hype surrounding Vista. Disillusioned by Microsoft and Windows, I gave Linux a

budget doesn’t run to upgrading either my PC or my operating system and, strangely enough, I’m not too bothered. I’ve never been hacked nor had a major virus in nearly 30 years of computing, even though I spend two to three hours online every day. So, should I be worried about losing support for XP? I don’t think so.

Syam Patil

go, and eventually settled on Ubuntu, which is simply brilliant. I’d never have made the switch had Microsoft not sold me a dog’s dinner of an operating system with Vista. I’m sure lots of people felt the same when Windows 8 was launched. That doesn’t sound like ‘healthy capitalism’ to me – more like an ill-judged strategy to take advantage of customers. When support for Windows XP ends in April, I urge all your readers to leave Windows behind and try Ubuntu. You won’t regret it!

Devang Mochi

Time to upgrade to Windows 7 I enjoyed your breakdown of Windows’ four main operating systems. I have used XP for years and I really like it. I was 72 in December and spry as I am I still can’t do what I did 40 years ago. In computer years I suppose that must be the same length of time as XP has been around. I suspect the main problem is that a) nobody likes change for the sake of change, and b) many of us have the impression that since Bill Gates retired many people at Microsoft have been making changes for no other reason than to justify their jobs and salaries. Whatever the reason, following your guidance, I will have to upgrade to Windows 7.

Last month’s winner: Narayan Doiphode

Kirti kumar

News

Round up of the top stories of the month

Make your mind up, Microsoft – IE bug in XP will now be fixed icrosoft has backtracked on its policy that Windows XP will no longer receive security updates by fixing a zero-day vulnerability in Internet Explorer (IE) that left over half of all of PC users around the world at risk of being hacked. Particularly in danger were people using Windows XP, which Microsoft initially said would not be getting fixed. Microsoft confirmed the presence of the bug on 26 April, saying it affected IE versions 6 to 11, but that they would only provide a fix for versions 9 to 11. That would have left XP users vulnerable, because XP can only run IE8 and earlier versions. However, on 1 May Microsoft performed a dramatic U-turn, releasing a fix for every

M

version of IE, including version 8 for XP, leaving open the possibility that it may do the same for further XP vulnerabilities. This particular IE flaw let hackers exploit a known bug in Adobe Flash to hide malicious code in websites that use Flash video. If you visited one of these sites, you would’ve instantly infected

your PC – no download required. Hackers could then have gained full access to your computer. Microsoft said that hackers had already exploited the flaw to attack companies’ computers before the fix was issued. Adrienne Hall, general manager of Trustworthy Computing at Microsoft, said: “We made this exception based on the proximity to the end of support for Windows XP.” Read the full statement at www.snipca.com/12070. You will receive the update automatically, as long as you have Updates switched on. To do this in XP go to Control Panel, System Properties, click the Automatic Updates tab, and then select the Automatic option. Microsoft stopped supporting

COMMENT It’s been just a few weeks since Microsoft scrapped support for Windows XP, and there’s already a major flaw that left XP users seriously at risk. Eventually, Microsoft acted reasonably, offering XP users a lifeline. However, the severity of this flaw should serve as a wake-up call to people still using XP. The number of dangerous flaws like this on XP is only going to increase, and Microsoft might not be there to save you next time.

XP on 8 April 2014, despite it being used by 25 per cent of PC users, and is urging people to upgrade to Windows 7 or 8.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR XP USERS? Does this fix mean Microsoft is extending support for Windows XP? No, although many people will be confused by the mixed messages. Microsoft decided to fix the bug because it came to light just 18 days after XP support was cut off (the “proximity” Adrienne Hall mentions above). It was also straightforward to fix the IE8 flaw while fixing IE9 to 11. “If the vulnerability had been in some XP-only software version, I doubt Microsoft would have

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released a patch to anyone other than those paying for extended support,” says Simon Edwards, who runs our antivirus tests in the Dennis Technology Labs.

So will Microsoft fix the next XP bug? Hard to say. Many experts had predicted that Microsoft wouldn’t risk the bad publicity that would result from leaving 400 million XP users unsupported – and sure enough it’s caved in after just 18 days. But Microsoft may

not be so generous if the next flaw only affects XP.

Should I stop using IE in XP? Yes. Switch to Chrome or Firefox. The popularity of IE makes it a prime target for hackers. “We’ll continue to see vulnerabilities published and the bad guys will consequently write exploits to abuse those vulnerabilities,” says Edwards. The problem with XP is that you no longer have the good guys fixing what the bad guys exploit.

Should I use Flash on XP? Adobe is still releasing the latest versions of Flash Player for XP, although it’s only safe in Chrome and Firefox (and new Flash flaws have been found – see page 14).

Will we see more XP bugs? Actually, hackers are starting to target Windows 7 more due to its growing popularity. While fewer bugs are likely to be exposed in XP than 7, those that are will be a greater threat as Microsoft won’t fix them.

Transcend JetDrive Lite Expansion Cards for MacBooks Transcend Information has announced the launch of its JetDrive Lite series of expansion cards aimed at MacBook Pro with Retina display and MacBook Air users. With four different models offered in 64GB and 128GB capacities, Transcend’s new JetDrive Lite cards are tailor-made to have a flush profile with each specific model while providing an easy way to increase available storage for media. Transcend’s JetDrive Lite expansion cards provide plenty of space to backup, store, and carry personal documents, photos, movies, and music. The 128GB card, for instance, can store over 60,000 high-resolution photos, 32,000 MP3 songs, 32 hours of Full HD video, or seemingly limitless number of documents. When inserted into the card

slot of a compatible MacBook Pro with Retina display or MacBook Air, the low-profile JetDrive Lite will not stick out like an SD card and can be left in

place for on-the-go storage. Manufactured with reliable, top-tier MLC NAND flash chips, JetDrive Lite expansion cards boast blazing fast read and write speeds of up to 95MB/s and 60MB/s respectively. Transcend’s JetDrive Lite expansion cards are equipped with built-in ECC (error correction code), which automatically corrects potential transfer errors, and utilize wear-leveling algorithm for consistent long-life operation. JetDrive Lite cards are manufactured using a special COB (Chip-on-Board) technique, making them completely resistant to dust and water. The JetDrive Lite Series of expansion cards are available in 64GB (Rs. 2,899) and 128GB (Rs. 5,799) capacities.

Sandisk Introduces MicroSDXC Card in India SanDisk Corporation has announced the new 128GB SanDisk Ultra microSDXC UHS-I memory card, the world’s largest capacity microSD card in India. Smaller than the size of a fingernail, the new SanDisk Ultra microSDXC card enables consumers to use their phones and tablets as if storage limitations were never a concern. Designed for Android smartphones and tablets, the new SanDisk Ultra microSDXC card provides consumers the highest storage capacity available in a removable form factor. Ideal for shooting Full HD video and high-quality pictures, the 128GB SanDisk Ultra microSDXC card delivers twice the speed of ordinary microSD memory cards and offers the highest video recording performance available. A new version of the SanDisk Memory Zone app (available on the Google Play store in beta) lets users easily view, access, and

backup all of their files from their phone’s memory in one convenient place. As a part of the SanDisk Memory Zone app, SanDisk is releasing OptiMem, a new feature

that allows Android users to enhance their phone’s internal memory by automatically transferring some of their old photos and videos to their microSD card. OptiMem will

continuously monitor the user’s mobile device memory levels, and inform them whenever the internal memory falls below a pre-defined threshold. Compared to when the microSD card format was first launched in 2004 with 128MB of capacity, SanDisk has increased storage capacity of microSD cards 1,000 times over in less than a decade with the 128GB SanDisk Ultra microSDXC card. To enable 128GB of storage on a removable microSD card, SanDisk developed an innovative proprietary technique that allows for 16 memory die to be vertically stacked, each shaved to be thinner than a strand of hair. The SanDisk Ultra microSDXC UHS-I memory card is available in India in 128GB capacity carrying a price tag of Rs. 9.999.

June 2014 Computer active

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News Samsung brings their Curved UHD TV Range to India Samsung Electronics launched their latest Curved TV range in India. The company showcased its line-up for 2014 which included world’s first Curved UHD TV and expansive portfolio of home entertainment products designed to elevate the television viewing and audio experience. Samsung believes Curved TV is the next phase in the evolution of the home viewing experience; with the revolutionary technology, bringing images to life like never before with a deeper sense of depth, wider viewing angles and a clearer picture quality with higher contrast levels creating a more immersive viewing experience. The curved screen gives videos a presence not felt on flat screens, plus, a wider field of view creates a panoramic

effect that makes the display seem even bigger than it is and draws viewers in like no TV has ever done before. From virtually any viewing position or angle, the curved design creates a more true-to-life experience so everyone watching has the best seat in the house.

Sony India unveils Xperia Z2 Sony India has launched its most anticipated premium smartphone, the Xperia Z2 in India, at MRP of Rs. 49,990. The smartphone combines Sony’s best design. The device comes bundled with the Sony SmartBand and a premium Sony case. Available in White, Black and Purple colour, Xperia Z2 is powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 Quad Core processor clocked at 2.3 GHz, supported by 3GB RAM and a HUGE 3,200 mAh Battery in an 8.2mm slim smartphone. The Xperia Z2 Android smartphone is designed with the user in mind, drawing on Sony’s expertise in premium craftsmanship. Evolving Sony’s stunning OmniBalance design, the device has a slimmer and more comfortable feel by having the glass panels encased in a single, solid aluminium frame with smoother edges. This dust-resistant and waterproof (IP55 &

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IP58) powerhouse blends beauty with function. Sony Xperia Z2 has the best of Sony’s proven camera technologies, including the Award-winning “G Lens”, 20.7 MP “Exmor RS for mobile” CMOS image sensor and “BIONZ for mobile” image processing engine. The smartphone can capture video in 4K resolution with SteadyShot for stable videos. Sony also announced the launch of its SmartBand SWR10 today, an innovative Life log wrist band that lets you keep track of everything you do – your movements, your communication, your entertainment. What makes SmartBand smart is Life log, an innovative Android app that records your physical, social and entertainment activities. You can see how active you were, where you went, what pictures you took, where and when and how you have been communicating with your world during any day.

The Curved screen adds to the depth and the color contrast providing a breathtaking picture quality with incredible details. To enrich the Curved experience, Samsung TVs come with four times the resolution and pixels of Full HD, these Curved UHD TVs provide unsurpassed picture quality. The proprietary technology converts Full HD, HD and lower resolution sources to nearly-UHD clarity through a unique four-step process that includes signal analysis, noise reduction, up scaling and detail analysis. Samsung’s latest range includes a 105-inch Curved UHD TV that gives a cinema-quality experience with a 21:9 aspect ratio and 11 million pixels, HU9000 Curved UHD TV in 65-inch (Rs. 4,49,900) to the HU7000 in 40-inch for Rs. 1,04,900.

News ASRock Announces Intel 9 Series Motherboards ASRock Inc. has unveiled the brand new Intel 9 series motherboards with ASRock Super Alloy technology Packing the Intel Z97 / H97 chipsets, ASRock 9 series Super Alloy motherboards provide great compatibility and fully support the 5th, New 4th and 4th Generation Intel Core Processors in Socket 1150. The product lines include the Extreme series for high-end PC, the Fatal1ty Killer Gaming series for elite gamers, and the OC Formula series for OC enthusiasts. The 9 series motherboard are specially designed with ASRock Super Alloy technology, including 12K Platinum Capacitors with the longest lifespan in the industry, the next-gen NexFET MOSFET,

Dual-Stack MOSFETs (DSM), Premium Alloy Chokes, and XXL Aluminum Alloy Heatsinks. Clearly, ASRock has shown its ambition to redefine the horizon of motherboard craftsmanship.

Supreme 12K platinum capacitors with the longest life spans in the industry. These high class capacitors possess not only eye-catching appearances, but also ultra durability of at least 12,000 hours. Compared to other counterparts on high-end motherboards that merely have life spans of around 10,000 hours, these platinum capacitors have 20% longer life spans and provide more stability and reliability. The new generation alloy chokes effectively increase up to 90% saturation current and feature a highly magnetic and heat resistant design, making the motherboard more efficient, stable and reliable. Compared to other motherboards that adopt iron powder chokes, Premium Alloy Chokes highlight a special alloy formula which is able to reduce up to 70% core loss.

Intel focuses on Tablets and 2 in 1s in India Intel aims to accelerate its growth in India, driven by an increased focus on new mobile form factors like 2 in 1s and Tablets. At the high end of tablets, some consumers are choosing 2 in 1 to get the best of both worlds. 2 in 1 devices represent a new category of computing. OEMs are developing a range of devices that provide consumers with a choice, combining the creation capability of a notebook or laptop and the consumption capability of a tablet into the one device. Intel estimates the overall tablet demand in Asia Pacific and Japan will be up 32 per cent Year-on-Year in 2014. In particular, India, Indonesia, Japan and Australia will equate to 59 per cent of tablet demand. Tablet demand in India is forecast at 18% of the Asia Pacific and Japan (ex-China) demand for 2014. Based on a new low-power, high-performance microarchitecture

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“Silvermont,” (announced in May 2013), “Bay Trail” is Intel’s first tri-gate 3-D 22nm quad core SoC and its most powerful processor1 to-date for tablets and other sleek devices that provide a balance of performance, features and battery life. Intel also highlighted the upcoming 2.13GHz Intel Atom processor Z3480 (“Merrifield”) that offers the ideal combination of fast, smart performance and long battery life for Android smartphones and tablets. Merrifield also delivers best-in-class battery life. Also coming soon is the next-generation 64-bit Intel Atom processor, code-named “Moorefield” in devices expected to be available second half of this year. Building on the Merrifield feature set, Moorefield adds two additional Intel architecture (IA) cores for up to 2.3GHz of compute performance, an enhanced GPU and support for faster memory.

News ASUS launches Hi-Fi-Grade Sound Cards

ASUS has launched Essence STX II and Essence STX II 7.1, two new Hi-Fi-grade sound cards designed to delight audiophiles with 124dB signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR) clarity and a 600ohm-headphone amplifier. Essence STX II and STX II 7.1 build on the success and huge popularity of ASUS

Essence STX – the world’s first consumer sound card to deliver 124db SNR audio clarity plus 600ohm headphone amp. Keeping the audiophile spirit and philosophy alive, the new Essence STX II and STX II 7.1 cards both feature a remarkable 124dB SNR for line-out connections and 120dB SNR for headphone listening. With an amplifier capable of delivering impeccable output for up to 600ohm headphones, an additional gain control for in-ear monitor (IEM) headphones, high-quality MUSES operational amplifiers (op-amps) and an included op-amp swap kit, ASUS once again demonstrates its ability to redefine the sound card market. Essence STX II 7.1 even has the ability to output true 7.1-channel surround sound, via the included simpleto-fit daughterboard.

To attain the essence of sound, ASUS engineers equipped Essence STX II and STX II 7.1 with even more Hi-Fi-quality components. These include a premium TCXO clock source that ensures ultra-low jitter, high-fidelity LDO regulators for consistent linear regulation and German-made WIMA capacitors for a more balanced sound. Each channel is fully customizable with nine swappable op-amp sockets — giving audiophiles complete freedom to create the perfect surroundsound experience for their ears and listening environment. ASUS engineers have also furnished the new cards with an additional gain control designed especially for high-sensitivity IEM headphones, allowing musicians, audio purists and everyday listeners to use snug-fitting earpieces that channel audio output straight to the ear canal — isolating ambient noise for clear sound and undisturbed listening experience.

Acer launches affordable Aspire E1-E510 notebook Acer India has introduced its Aspire E1-510 notebook, designed for consumers on the lookout for a computing device that promises everyday productivity and infotainment at a competitive price point. The newly launched Aspire E1-510 builds on the success of the popular Aspire E1 product line. Powered by Intel Celeron Bay Trail processor, the latest Intel Celeron N2820 processor. The notebook also offers reliable mobile productivity with up to 4 hours of battery back-up and features M-DISC compatible drive, that is resistant to extreme conditions of light, temperature, and humidity.

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Packed with all the speed and storage features for everyday computing in a slim and light design, the 39.624 cm (15.6 inch) notebook is just 25.3mm thin and weighs a little more than 2 kgs, making it 33% slimmer and lighter than any other entry-level notebooks in the market. With a multi-gesture touchpad that supports two-finger scroll and pinch, it offers consumers smoother scrolling and screen navigation. The Acer Aspire E1-510 is priced at Rs 20,999 + taxes.

News iBall launches entry-level smartphone Genius and Winner iBall has widened its range of Andi smartphones with the launch of its duo in 3.5” display - 3.5kke 3G Genius and 2G Winner. Andi 3.5 KKe Winner and Genius are packed in with multitude of features differentiating even in the entry level segment of smart phones. Apart from running on 1.3 GHz Dual core processor and with and Android 4.2 jelly bean, it houses a 3.2MP Camera with LED flash, allowing the users to enjoy the insta click moments. It also holds a front camera for video calling in 3G and video chatting in 2G.

Keeping your entertainment ongoing is its Dual-SIM running, phone’s memory, which is expandable upto 32 GB via micro SD slot. It is with 2GB storage as against most phones in this segment with maximum 512MB of storage thereby giving the user more flexibility to load more apps and also indulge in gaming. Keeping connectivity intact are its GPS capability, which helps tracking location and pre installed auto call recording feature records and stocks up all call recordings automatically. The 3.5kke genius is priced at Rs. 3,999 and Winner is priced at Rs. 3,499.

HyperX Memory Supports New Intel Processors HyperX, a division of Kingston Technology has announced its memory product lines: FURY, Genesis, Predator and Beast, offer a series of dual-channel kits compatible with the new Intel fourth-generation Core i5 and i7 processors and Intel 9 series chipset. HyperX worked closely with leading motherboard partners to guarantee compatibility and the highest performance. Compatible Intel HyperX memory is available in frequencies ranging from 1333MHz to 2800MHz, and in various combinations from 8GB to 32GB in kits of two and four. A complete list of dual-channel compatible kits is available here. HyperX memory is 100-percent tested

and backed by a lifetime warranty, free technical support and legendary Kingston reliability. HyperX is the high-performance product division of Kingston Technology encompassing high-speed DDR3 memory, SSDs, USB Flash drives, and headsets. Targeted at gamers, overclockers and enthusiasts, HyperX is known throughout the world for quality, performance and innovation. HyperX is committed to eSports as it sponsors over 20 teams globally and is the main sponsor of Intel Extreme Masters. HyperX can be found at many shows including China Joy, PAX, Davao Cyber Expo, and TGS & Big Fest.

Get One, The Best One ASRock Products Awarded Z97X Killer

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Z87 Extreme9/ac

M8

Z87 Extreme6/ac

Z87 OC Formula

News MICROSOFT LAUNCHES NOKIA XL IN INDIA Microsoft has started selling the Nokia XL, the flagship large screen offering under the Nokia X family of affordable smartphones that run Android apps in India. With a 5” IPS capacitive color touch screen, the Nokia XL brings the much desired large screen experience at an affordable price point of Rs. 11,489. The device further augments the imaging experience with a 2-megapixel front-facing camera for video calls on Skype and a 5-megapixel rear camera with autofocus and flash. It comes with a powerful 2000 mAh battery, rated for 16 hours of talktime and upto 41 days of standby.

To allow consumers to enjoy apps on Nokia XL, Microsoft has tied up with Airtel to give users free unlimited download of Android Apps for six months. The plan allows upto 500MB of free usage through which consumers can download their favourite apps via the Nokia Store and the 1Mobile store The Nokia XL device is the next offering in the Nokia X family which includes Nokia X, launched earlier this year in India, and the Nokia X+ launched simultaneously comes armed with an enhanced RAM (768MB) for even faster multitasking and is priced at Rs. 8,399.

BenQ launches 27” & 24” Full HD gaming monitors BenQ has launched XL-Z series gaming monitors in the Indian market. The range includes a 27-inch XL2720Z and 24-inch XL2420Z and XL2411Z widescreen full-HD displays. Featuring BenQ’s exclusive Revolution Eyes technology for exceptional monitor performance, the displays are packed with enhancements such as Motion Blur Reduction, Low Blue Light, Zero Flicker, gaming refresh rate optimization management (GROM), and 1-ms GTG response times. In addition, the new models offer BenQ’s latest firmware, which enables thirdparty utility support for further optimization options. The end result is striking visual clarity, seamless motion fluidity, and added viewing comfort for hours of action-packed game play. Featuring Low Blue Light technology, the XL-Z monitors

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successfully manage the exposure of blue spectrum light emitted, resulting in more comfortable viewing. To help gamers protect their eyes during extended periods, the monitors provide several adjustable low blue light levels that automatically adjust emission without affecting quality. A true testament to the belief of “Gaming Is in the Details”, the XL- Z series is a great choice for gaming experience like never before with total realism and intensive graphic display. It is certified as NVIDIA 3D Vision 2-ready with light boost technology to provide gamers Full-HD 3D gaming indulgence. The all new BenQ XL2720Z gaming monitor is available across India at an MRP of Rs. 37500, while the XL2420Z & XL2411Z are available at retail price of Rs. 32500 & Rs. 30000 respectively.

News MICROSOFT LAUNCHES LUMIA 630 ON WINDOWS PHONE 8.1

Microsoft launched the much awaited Lumia 630 with the latest Windows Phone 8.1. The first ever Dual SIM Lumia smartphone with quad-core processing and a ClearBlack 4.5” LCD screen, is now selling for Rs. 11,500 while the single SIM variant goes for Rs. 10,500. The Lumia 630 Dual SIM adds award-winning design and experiences found on high end Lumia smartphones to the leading personalization brought by Windows Phone 8.1. The Smart Dual SIM innovation offers the best dual SIM experience on a smartphone across price points. Two separate phone and messaging tiles in different colours keeps calls, contacts, messages and

calendars of each SIM separate – helping avoid confusion between the two. One can also link both phone tiles into one and/or link both messaging tiles into one. It includes the new Microsoft Enterprise feature pack, Microsoft Office, OneDrive, Camera, and HERE Maps and Drive+, a five-megapixel autofocus camera and advanced imaging applications like Nokia Camera and Cinemagraph, SensorCore that brings low power motion sensing to help people track their activity all day without using up the large 1830mAh battery and new matte polycarbonate design with changeable shells available in bold new colors bright orange, bright green and bright yellow, in addition to matte black and white. Furthermore, the new Lumia 630 will come pre-loaded with premium video app Box TV offering sitcoms, Hollywood, and Bollywood content, free of cost for 2 months, free eBooks worth Rs. 2000 on Flipkart, six free games by Gamesloft for gaming enthusiasts and the NexGTv app for cricket fans, allowing them to live streaming all the IPL action for free. Music fanatics will be able to get their hands on Coloud Pop headgear at a 50% discount.

Quick Heal appoints Rahul Joshi as Country Manager Retail Quick Heal Technologies Pvt. Ltd. announced the appointment of Rahul Joshi as its country manager for Retail, India. He will be responsible for sales and operations for the retail business in India. Rahul is expected to help grow Quick Heal’s business in India by working with existing partnerships and developing new ones. He will also be responsible to maintain Quick Heal’s market leadership in Retail and grow markets across the country; Rahul is likely to expand his team for the same purpose across India. Rahul brings with him 15 Years of experience in sales. Rahul joined Quick Heal in 2003 and since then worked his way through the corporate hierarchy to his current appointment. Along with other region, he significantly contributed in developing Mumbai and Goa Region in Quick Heal. The decade long association has helped Rahul in gaining in-depth product and market knowledge of the company.

Quick Heal organizes Corporate Channel Partner Training Programmes in 8 Cities across India Quick Heal has organized a corporate channel partner training program in eight cities across India to strengthen the company’s ever-expanding channel partner network. The training witnessed the participation of 316 channel partners in 10 training programmes held in cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Pune, Jaipur and Nagpur. The training programme is a unique way of collaborating with

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channel partners to co-create engagement that improves business relationships and leads to lasting partner loyalty. Quick Heal partner network spread across 60 countries over the world, collaborates to give customers the best possible solutions. The company takes pride in assuring that customers and partners are connected for mutual benefit. The company provides aggressive profit margins and offers attractive schemes,

making it convenient for partners to generate more revenue. Quick Heal provides intensive training and education to all its partners. It provides expertise to sell, manage, integrate, plan, and provide anti-virus related security solutions for customers of channel partners. The company aims at building proactive partner relationships and disseminates information regularly so as to keep the partners abreast of company goals and development plans.

ZOTAC Unveils New ZBOX Sphere OI520 Series ZOTAC International has unveiled the first ZBOX Sphere to let users express their individuality through computing. The new ZOTAC ZBOX Sphere OI520 series combines a unique orb form factor with a powerful 4th Generation Intel Core i5 processor for computing with a touch of individuality. Inside the ZOTAC ZBOX Sphere OI520 series is a high-performance 4th Generation Intel Core i5 4200U processor with Intel HD Graphics 4400 for an excellent computing experience rich in high-definition content and snappy multi-tasking responsiveness. Plenty of internal expansion enables the ZOTAC ZBOX Sphere OI520 series to accommodate a 2.5-inch SATA 6.0

Gb/s hard drive or SSD, an mSATA SSD and two DDR3L SO-DIMM slots to easily create a powerful stylish mini-PC. Support for Intel Smart Response Technology makes supercharging hard disk drives in the ZOTAC ZBOX Sphere OI520 series easy. By combining accelerating the internal hard disk drive with an mSATA SSD, the ZOTAC ZBOX Sphere OI520 series provides the lightning-fast boot and application load times of an SSD with the large capacity of a hard drive.

Wireless 802.11ac and Gigabit Ethernet ensures the ZOTAC ZBOX Sphere OI520 series delivers high-speed networking performance with or without wires. Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity makes adding wireless peripherals to the ZOTAC ZBOX Sphere OI520 series easy and hassle-free.

June 2014 Computer active

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Protect Your Tech Scams and threats to avoid, plus new security tools WATCH OUT FOR…

CryptoLocker 2.0 What happened? Security researchers discovered a copycat version of CryptoLocker, the deadly ransomware that has attacked more than 250,000 computers over the past few months, encrypting files until the victim pays the hackers. CryptoLocker 2.0 pretends to be an updater for Adobe Photoshop and Microsoft Office on sites used by P2P file-sharers, which means the criminals can infect PCs without having to send email spam. The first CryptoLocker often arrived in a spam email disguised as a PDF, within a .zip attachment. The new version is a worm, not a Trojan like the original, and replicates itself across numerous computers by hiding on a USB stick. This is especially worrying for businesses and organisations because the infected computer can target other PCs on the

Both versions of CryptoLocker work in the same way – scanning the target’s PC for files matching a set of file extensions, then encrypting them and displaying a message that demands a ransom, payable within 72 hours, to have your files decrypted. Currently the ransom is around 0.5 Bitcoins (£250).

What should I do?

network. Experts believe this second attack may be the work of opportunistic criminals reverse-engineering the first CrypoLocker. It’s thought they target file-sharers in the belief they’ll be less likely to report the attack because they won’t want to reveal they have illegally downloaded files.

New tools One of the more unsettling things about using a phone or tablet is how many apps request permission to access more information about you and your device than they actually need in order to function. Google used to offer a solution with its App Ops tool in Android, which let you decide which permissions to grant, but the company removed it just before Christmas, prompting

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SnoopWall www.snipca.com/11154

complaints from privacy campaigners. SnoopWall is an impressive new Android app that aims to give you more control. It shows you what data and which ports each app on your device can access, then gives you the option to block permission. This part of the app is free, though you can upgrade for an annual subscription for $9.95 for more features.

As Trend Micro explains in its blog (www.snipca.com/11103), you should always download software from the official site, or a reputable alternative, never from P2P sites. Also, make sure you never insert your USB stick into an unfamiliar device, or borrow sticks from people you don’t trust. Back up your most precious files to protect them. See our feature in Issue 412 for help on combatting the original CryptoLocker.

CD Contents From the Editor Dear Readers, This month’s full software burns discs quickly, easily, with maximum quality and minimum hassle. It includes everything you need to be able to do that. And it excludes everything that could get in the way. An exciting feature is the ability to burn blue ray discs. Besides this, the CD includes a plethora of useful utilities and software. 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.

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June 2014

Best Free Software Brilliant new programs that won’t cost you anything PHOTO TOOLS

Picasa

picasa.google.com What you need: Windows XP, Vista, 7 or 8 whole computer for pictures’ option. This guarantees the program will find all your photos, even if you haven’t been particularly organised about where you store them. Click Continue and choose which file types you want to automatically associate with the

The latest version of Google’s photo-organising and editing tool offers improved integration with Google+, the search company’s social network. That might not sound terribly exciting but, as part of these improvements, Picasa now includes a handy tool that automatically backs up all your photos to online storage. Even if you don’t use the Google+ social network, this is a great way to keep copies of your photos safely in the cloud, and it also means you can view your photos on other devices, such as tablets and smartphones, without having to transfer them from your PC, simply by signing into Google+ and tapping on Photos or Albums. When you launch Picasa for the first time, select the ‘Search my 1 To use Picasa’s photo-

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syncing and share features, sign in with your Google account in the top-right corner. You’ll then remain signed in whenever you start the program, unless you click Sign Out.

photos by syncing any folder or album of photos with your Google+ online storage. Choose the folder or album on the left then click ‘Sync to web’.

Slideshow creator

Total Free Slideshow Maker What you need: Windows XP, Vista, 7 or 8 www.snipca.com/10999 /RWVRISURJUDPVOHW\RXEXLOG SKRWRVOLGHVKRZVEXWIHZDUHDV IDVWDQGVLPSOHWRXVHDV7RWDO )UHH6OLGHVKRZ0DNHU6HOHFW \RXUSKRWRVFKRRVH\RXU PXVLFFOLFN2XWSXWWRFKRRVH DQDPHDQGDORFDWLRQWRVDYH \RXUVOLGHVKRZWRWKHQFOLFN 6WDUW DQGWKDW VDOOWKHUHLVWR

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