The end of 2011 is almost here. We’ve made through the most stressful of the holidays and there’s nothing left but to party like its… 2012. A lot happened this year so I put together a list of some of the top best and worst of 2011!
What is Carrier IQ?
Carrier IQ is software that comes pre-installed on certain handheld devices. It collects usage data that mobile operators and device manufactures analyze so they can make hardware, network and service improvements, according to Carrier IQ. It runs all the time and cannot be turned off, although it can be removed by unlocking the phone and gaining administrator access, which typically voids the warranty.
A 25-year-old systems administrator in Connecticut set off a media firestorm after discovering mysterious software on his Android that appeared to be recording his activities. Software maker Carrier IQ says the software is designed to give carriers usage and other stats so they can improve the network and service. But the researcher argues that the software represents a serious privacy threat because sensitive data is being logged without user permission.
[via CNet] (more…)
We know a lot of our readers use Google Chrome as their daily browser. Since it is also our favorite, we thought it would be relevant to post some ways to make Chrome work better for you! We scoured the web and came up with these cool keyboard shortcuts!
Have you ever been blissfully surfing the web, when you click on an interesting link and all heck breaks loose? Depending on what anti-virus/malware software you are using, alarms go off and instead of your link loading, a big read stop sign shows up with the ominous message that reads to effect of “All who enter here are lost!” or less dramatically… “This site is known to contain malware or viruses which could harm your computer. It is recommended that you do not proceed.”. Seen that before? How many times have you ignored it and proceeded anyway? Be honest. Later did you notice weird things happening, like unexpected pop-ups, or new toolbars, or your computer running funny? Yep. Its just like running a stop light. Bad things can happen.
Per Wikipedia –
“A hard disk drive (HDD; also hard drive or hard disk)[2] is a non-volatile, random access digital magnetic data storage device. It features rotating rigid platters on a motor-driven spindle within a protective enclosure. Data is magnetically read from and written to the platter by read/write heads that float on a film of air above the platters. Introduced by IBM in 1956, hard disk drives have decreased in cost and physical size over the years while dramatically increasing in capacity.”
When it comes to PC/Mac hard drives (HDs), they mainly come in two connection types: the older standard IDE (Intergrated Drive Electronics) , and the current standard SATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment). You typically find older systems use the IDE type connector.
Another aspect of computer maintenance most people don’t consider is cleanliness. Yes, your PC or Mac needs to periodically be cleaned. Now I don’t mean with soap and water! Usually a microfiber towel will suffice to remove dust, crumbs, and miscellaneous from the computers surface. You can use “canned air” for cleaning your keyboard and getting into other nooks and crannies. That’s the easy part. Whats more difficult, and ultimately more important, is cleaning the inside of the computer. That area is a perfect environment for accumulating dust. Months and even years of dust build up can cause your system to overheat and operate erratically. It can even cause damage to circuits! Below is an example of a computer in need of a good cleaning: (more…)
One of the most confusing aspects of mobile computing for most people is the AC adapter. Why is this confusing you ask? Don’t you just plug it in and go? Well, its not actually quite that simple.
The AC adapter is what is what gives a charge to your battery, to power your laptop. It can also bypass your battery and directly power your device. Most adapters are comprised of two components. The power adapter and the power cord. The power cord is what plugs into the wall, then into the power adapter. The power adapter then converts the incoming electricity into the correct voltage/amperage for your device. (more…)
With todays world becoming increasingly internet oriented, online safety is more of a concern than ever. The internet is full of predators, from pedophiles, to scammers and identity thieves, to cyber bullies.
This dosent mean that your children should avoid the internet, it just means that you should be aware of the pitfalls and know how to protect them. (more…)
Have a MacBook purchased between Oct 2009 and April 2011? Well if you have any issues with the bottom of the case, specifically where the rubber on the bottom of the case separates from the bottom cover, Apple will replace the bottom cover FREE of charge! You will, of course, need to provide your serial number. You can make arrangements with your local Apple Store Genius or your authorized Apple Repair Center. You can also have the part shipped directly to you, if you are comfortable doing the install yourself. Alternatively you can order the part and have Geek Easy do the…
