Introducing Mozilla Firefox Boot to Gecko (B2G) OS

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Bringing the Open Web to Mobile Devices

I saw this and couldn't resist having a little sneaky play around with it. 

* ATTENTION * 

This is NOT a daily driver and it's NOT stable, it's Pre-Alpha. If you want something to use as a phone, this isn't it. If you just want to use your phone as a phone, you need a custom Android ROM, so, be careful with your experiments.

Download the file here >>

So what is this? 

An Open Source project from Mozilla (the lovely people behind the Firefox Browser) that aims to support HTML5 apps written using "Open Web" technologies rather than platform-specific Native APIs. 

The idea is essentially to have all user-accessible software running on the phone be a Web app that uses advanced HTML5 techniques and device APIs, to access the phone's hardware directly via JavaScript. 

It initially targets Android-compatible smartphones. 

The company hopes to get onto smartphones and tablets to rival the likes of Android and iOS. B2G is based on the Linux kernel and includes drivers from Android, but on top of that is the same Gecko layout engine that powers the Firefox Browser. 

The main advantage of the OS being powered by Gecko is that developers can write apps using noting more than HTML, JavaScript and CSS.

Boot to Gecko (B2G) Simulator in Firefox

Want to see B2G in action? 

Well, fire up your copy of Firefox (preferably a Nightly Build) and head over to Mozilla engineer Paul Rouget's website where you will find the simulator.

Actually, the simulator is pretty nifty. Of course, it's quite limited in places and you can't do everything with it, but on the whole it's very neat. If nothing else, it gives you a feel for where the B2G project is headed.

It requires work in a number of areas, so I won't go into more details. I suggest you read a lot over at their wiki - start off at: https://wiki.mozilla.org/B2G and work your way through the pages.

You'll get suprised at how fast it boots. Can't wait to see the development for this, looks like it's going well already!

Overview:

Running on Galaxy S2:

We hope you enjoyed this article. Here are some resources / references for extra reading time.
Wikipedia, Mozilla Wiki
*by andreascy*

The Battle between Windows, Chromebook and Mac

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Hi friends! We are friends by now, right? If you haven't before, I would be grateful if you follow our page on Twitter. Please share with others. 

Chances are that you’re already quite familiar with all the options that the technological world provides us when it comes to computers and their operating system.

In stores, you have a choice between 3 operating systems: OS X by Apple, Chrome OS by search engine giant Google, and Windows from former software monopoly Microsoft. Each OS has their own pros and cons, and when choosing the right fit for you, there are a few things to consider for each one of them. 

Windows

Everyone has probably used a Windows computer at least once in their life. Windows is still the most popular operating system out there, used by companies, governments, and individuals worldwide. Because of its huge user base, Windows has an advantage over the other OS’s, as almost all software on the internet is made for Windows. Another pro of Windows is its usability. Just about everyone is able to use a Windows computer. A final pro is that you have a wide variety of choices when it comes to the computer that runs the OS. 

But on the con side, Windows needs a lot of extras when it comes to security. Its big user base makes it a target for hackers, and it’s incredibly easy to get a virus when surfing the web. Physically, Windows computers are quite heavy when you compare them to Chromebooks and MacBooks. Finally, most of the best working Windows computers are above the $400 mark. This doesn’t exactly make it the most affordable computer out there.

Chromebooks

When comparing Chromebooks and Chrome OS with that of the big guys (Windows and Apple), Google’s computer is still in diapers. Nevertheless, it is growing rapidly in popularity. Chrome OS is based entirely around Google’s web server, Chrome, and this is both a gift and a curse. It’s a gift in that everything goes directly into the cloud, making it impossible for you to lose files even when something happens to the computer itself. Another reason it’s a gift is its usability. Even your grandmother could handle a Chromebook! It’s nowhere near as frustrating as using a Windows computer can be for the older generation. A Chromebook is also highly affordable, with most computers sold at under $400. The screen quality is way better than that of a MacBook. 

However, as I mentioned before, the way the Chrome OS runs is also a curse. You are unable to download any software or hardware onto your Chromebook, and while you are able to make a lot of apps available offline, it definitely can be a pain in the ass. Another definite con of the Chromebook is that you can’t fully download Skype. If you want to use Skype, you have to make do with the IM+ messenger, which comes without the option for video calls. For those of you who can’t live without video calls, there is the option of Hangouts, Google’s very own version of Skype. Google Hangouts comes with a few extras, like free group calls and the ability to draw on the person you’re calling with. 

MacBooks

When Apple decided to make the MacBook Air, they were aiming for something portable and high performance, with a great design and usability. An Apple MacBook is often the first choice for designers, graphic artists, and anyone else who has made it their job to bring you high quality media. All of your files, pictures, etc. get stored into iCloud, which makes it incredibly easy to transfer a file from one device to another. MacBooks are lightweight, which makes them great for travel or just moving about at home. 

The biggest con of MacBooks is their price. Apple has always been about the exclusive feel that you get from their products, and the MacBook Air is the perfect example of this. Prices range from $800 to $3000. So, is it worth the price? Yes, it can be. Contrary to popular belief, Mac OS X is not immune to viruses. The threat just isn’t as big, because like stated before, most hackers focus on Windows computers. Just as with Apple’s other products (like the iPhone and the iPod), it is nearly impossible to make any changes to the MacBook itself, which can be a little impractical when it comes to having to change the battery or upgrading the internal storage space. 

So which one is the best?

That is up to you to decide. Don’t mind a computer that’s completely based around internet and Google? Then the Chromebook will be a great choice for you. Are you a gamer, or do you like to mess around a bit? Then the obvious choice for you is a Windows laptop. A designer or artist? The MacBook is your perfect match.

*by andreascy*

Microsoft Windows 8: Meet the new OS

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description : 

Microsoft developed and released a new Operating System that eventually replace Windows 7 and of course as you know by now, it’s called Windows 8. 

As you have probably heard, Windows 8 is the most radical, risky, innovative and original re-imagining of the Windows franchise that Microsoft have ever done.

They have taken every piece of the traditional Windows Operating System apart and put it back together in a very creative package. You, the public will tell Microsoft whether this experiment has been successful.

If you want to know more about the new features, these are the cliff notes on this page.

Metro Interface 

Microsoft have introduced a snazzy new tile based user interface for this new Operating System. You can see an example of it in the graphic above. It’s like a hybrid of the traditional Windows OS and an Ipad all kinda mixed into one. 

Dual Interfaces

Oh don’t worry, the traditional Windows interface will still be available. At this point, it’s looking like you will be able to switch back and forth between the two. 

Faster Boot Up 

Microsoft have optimized the startup sequence in Windows 8. You should be able to start up your device faster in this version of Windows. 

Unified user interface for multiple platforms 

The Metro interface being introduced in Windows 8 will be used on multiple Microsoft products. Microsoft have made a big gamble on this new interface and are using it for their search engine Bing, their Server (Windows Server 8), Windows Phones, Xbox as well as Windows 8 Desktops and tablets. 

Better Pre-OS Security 

Microsoft are planning to protect every aspect of the Operating System - even the phase before you boot into Windows. Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) makes your start-up experience more secure by protecting your BIOS. 

Better OS Security

There is a better protection from viruses and malware with new features like Smart screen, Defender and smarter OS design. 

Improvements in Windows Explorer 

Windows Explorer is the heart of the traditional Windows file management experience. Microsoft have added several graphical and logical changes to improve the file browsing experience in Explorer. 

Internet Explorer 10 

The newest browser in the IE family ushers in HTML 5 browsing in a metro style client. Microsoft’s premium browser Internet Explorer has been upgraded to support the most current web standards. 

Hyper-V for the Windows 8 PC 

Virtualization is not just for servers anymore, now clients can host virtual environments too. Microsoft have added their premier virtualization solution to the Windows desktop. This is pretty exciting and has substantial implications for enterprise desktops. 

Windows to Go 

Real simple - Windows 8 is able to boot and install from a USB device. 

Robust USB 3.0 support 

The OS supports both USB 2 and USB 3.0 with advanced speeds. USB 3.0 has transmission speeds of up to 5 Gbit/s, which is 10 times faster than USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/s). USB 3.0 significantly reduces the time required for data transmission, reduces power consumption, and is backwards compatible with USB 2.0. 

Advanced File Management 

The copy, move, rename and delete user experience has been improved in this version of Windows. Microsoft have put a lot more thought into file management in this version than any other version of Windows. The screens are more descriptive and useful. 

Simplified Search 

Searching across the Operating System will be much simpler. Just start typing the word and Windows will give you a bunch of options to help you narrow down what you are looking for. 

User Profile Portability 

This is a big one. If you decide to use a Windows Live ID, Windows 8 will be able to store your profile in the cloud. Finally you are able to access your workspace from multiple devices. 

Integration with Skydrive 

Windows 8 is integrated with Microsoft’s cloud storage solution - Skydrive (and now OneDrive). With this Skydrive integration, Its much easier to store your files in the cloud with Windows 8. That way you can access them from anywhere with an internet connection. 

Picture Password 

Microsoft have come up with a new and novel way to protect access to your user session. With the new picture password functionality, you will are able to select a picture, make a series of gestures across that image and have Microsoft use that as your password. This is obviously exponentially more secure than a regular password and almost impossible for a hacker to guess. 

Windows Store 

Now you can buy applications created by the developer community right from your Windows 8 device. The Windows Store enables users to buy fun, interesting and useful games and applications right from their computer and download them straight to the desktop. 

Support for Large Disks 

Windows 8 supports multi-terrabyte drives now. This is great for users and sysadmins who have to manage large amounts of data as they will not face the previous size limitations that Windows had. 

Easier Access to ISO and VHD files 

No need to use third party applications to open and expand these formats anymore – Windows 8 will now allow you to manipulate these formats from your desktop. 

Minimizing Restarts 

With this new OS, there should be less and more predictable system restarts after updates. Microsoft have heard a lot of feedback about how disruptive the restarts have been for users. Restarts will now be scheduled and as infrequent as possible. 

Advanced Battery Management 

This new OS is designed from the ground up to more effienciently use system resources. Applications will use less resources to run and to hibernate in the background. Microsoft have paid a lot of attention to making sure that Windows 8 runs as efficiently as possible. 

Multi-processor Support

Windows 8 will be able to support hundreds of logical processors and help you manage the system resources. For admins who are using virtualization, it was really hard to manage the use of hundreds of logical processors. Microsoft have enhanced the GUI to help admins identify bottlenecks and more effectively manage to scale. 

Windows 8 Editions

Windows 8 (Home version, for x86 Intel and AMD PCs), Windows 8 Pro (Business version, for x86 Intel and AMD PCs) and Windows RT or Windows RunTime (for ARM, it comes pre-installed on ARM devices like Microsoft Surface).

Learn more details on TechRadar.

Official Product Name :

Windows 8 

Windows 8 Released Builds :

Developer Preview (8102 Build)

Consumer Preview (8250 Build)

Release Preview (8400 Build)

Windows 8 RTM (9200 Build)

Windows 8 Release Date : 

The OS is generally available since October 26, 2012.

More details about Windows 8 on :

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_8

New Windows 8 Book : Building Window 8 Metro Style Apps with HTML5 &  JavaScript

Other related articles :

Microsoft Windows 8 Now Available for Pre Order

Get Windows 8 RTM Startscreen SDK for XP, Vista and 7

Building Windows 8 - Touch Hardware

Building Windows 8 for the ARM Processor Architecture (WOA)

Microsoft Windows 8 : Building Windows 8 Motion Sensor

Microsoft Windows 8 : Remote Desktop Client and Metro Apps

Microsoft Windows 8 : Enabling Accessibility

Microsoft News : Skydrive in Windows 8

Engineering Microsoft Windows 8 for mobility

Bluestack's Android App Player coming to Windows 8 Metro UI

Microsoft Windows 8 New Feature : Using a TPM Virtual Smart Card

Debugging connected Windows 8 applications

Mozilla plans to release a concept version of Firefox for Microsoft Windows 8

Techrepublic offers free PDF with 100 Windows 8 Keyboard Shortcuts

Laplink releases PC Mover Windows 8 Beta Assistant

Microsoft News : Download now Windows 8 Consumer Preview Product Guide for Business

Extend Expiration Date of Windows 8 Developer Preview for one more year

Windows 8 Consumer Preview Modifications and Customizations

Animated ExplorerFrame V.5 for Windows 8 Consumer Preview (8250 Build)

Featured Windows 8 Metro Wallpapers Collection

This page will be continuously updated as we learn more, but feel free to share this with people who are wondering what changes Windows 8 brings.

Comment below and let us know what you think about your experience with Microsoft's new OS. Please follow us on Facebook and subscribe on our RSS feed to get the latest updates about Windows 8.

*by andreascy*

Mac OS Gets Targeted Again With Clever New Trojan

Posted by Unknown

Description :

Mac OS X attacked by new Clever Trojan named OSX/Crisis. A new Mac OS threat is discovered which is capable of infecting OS X 10.6 “Snow Leopard” and OS X 10.7 “Lion” systems without requiring a password, or any user interaction. 

Andrew, director of security operations for nCircle, declared, “Mac malware is no joke. Despite Apple’s marketing hype about security, it should be obvious to everyone that their devices are susceptible to malware. Earlier this year the Flashback Trojan infected hundreds of thousands of Macs. The new OSX/Crisis malware is another Apple wake up call.”

All naive Mac users should wake up as their days of security by obscurity are over. Apple's so-called self proclaimed "world's most advance operating system" is getting attacked more often recently. It may be a good marketing strategy but Apple needs to step up and offer users practical, effective security support.

READ NEXT: Are You Underestimating the Importance of Data Security?

Come and Subscribe to our Newsletter!

*by andreascy*

Introducing Fluix OS: Forming Web Develops A Brand New Operating System

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description : 

Hello folks! As the Founder & CEO of Forming Web, I'm so excited to announce "Fluix OS", our upcoming Operating System that will change the way you live.

Making an Operating System was an idea that was really wonderful and useful for people all over the world. Fluix is a new OS, engineered from the ground up. It's fast, clean, minimal, smooth and yes, compatible.

Fluix has it’s own uniqueness! Promising stability, compatibility, and speed.

Currently, it is under heavy development, coded mainly in C#, C++, Java, VB.Net, HTML5, and CSS3.

What We'll See on This OS:

- An Innovative and Interactive User Interface (UI)

- An Advanced Lock & Log in Screen,

- An Incredibly Intuitive and Beautiful "Desktop"

- In Built Modern Apps (Discover Nearby, Adair Cloud, and more)

- Cloud Sync with Amazing Capabilities for Power Users

- Crazy Games for the Gaming Geeks Out There

- Animated Wallpapers

- Surprises ;)

This certainly promises to be a sleek, very fast, snappy operating system that will rock your world! Be sure to visit our Linktr.ee and social media accounts for the latest screenshots, updates and more.

Comment below what you'd like to see or use.

*by andreascy*

MetroUI Theme for Blackberry Devices

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Trying to find a theme can be a difficult task. I tend to look for the ones that offer more than just the same wallpaper and icons. Today we'll show you the ultimate sick and smooth theme with 2 options of OS 7/Custom icons and the home screen that can be changed into 4 different colors!

Theme Features

* Clock, date, signal, battery and profiles are all clickable

* Time opens Clock/Alarm

* Notifications opens Today Area

* Profiles opens Profiles

* Signal opens Manage Connections

* Battery opens Options

* Date opens Calendar.

Optional Home Screen Shortcuts

(0) - Show Options Panel. Alternatively scroll to the bottom of the icon dock and click the settings cog that pops up.

(3) - Launch Today Panel. Alternatively click on the notifications bar.

Storm-specific Shortcut :

- Press the bottom of the screen to open the Options Panel.

Supported Devices

OS 5: 8520/9300/8900/96xx/9700 

OS 6: 93xx/96xx/9700/9780/9800

A candy like mix of colors, some of the best custom icons ever made, this theme isn’t just a theme for enthusiasts. It’s a product of fine design and most anyone will find a handful of favorite features/views. Learn more at: Berryfication.

*by andreascy*

5 BlackBerry Tools for Your Business

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description : 

It's common knowledge that small businesses have difficulty surviving their first few years in business. According to the Small Business Administration, 3 out of 10 small businesses fail to survive for more than two years, and 5 out of 10 go out of business within five years. Lacking the resources of larger counterparts, it is imperative they do everything possible to improve their odds of success. 

Brad started a small design firm three years ago. Business seemed to dictate he be in 10 places at once. He recently began using mobile applications on his BlackBerry. The ability to create documents and meet with his clients and employees while being away from the office proved crucial to the survival of his business. 

The new BlackBerry 10 OS has the multitasking function called Peek and Flow. This allows users to use multiple apps for an "always open, always on" experience, according to Crackberry. Small business users can prioritize and organize operations from any location. Mobility along with the resulting increase in efficiency, organization and productivity can ensure success for small businesses.

Advances in cell phone technology makes the day-to-day operations of small business easier. These mobile applications are designed to assist in file storage, communication, monetary transactions or finance, productivity and more.

1. File Storage - PlayCloud 10

Organization is critical to the success of any business. PlayCloud is a file manager with integrated cloud service. Users can access files and directories from their BlackBerry device. They can then open, play and sync those files. PlayCloud allows users to sync files with a remote cloud such as FTP, OneDrive or Dropbox. They can also use the BlackBerry 10 OS’ SD-card. Thumbnails are created, which users can use to view and sort files depending on the task.

2. Communication - Cisco WebEx Meetings

Users are no longer confined to conference rooms and offices when attending meetings. They can tap into a mobile web conference from any location, while enjoying the full meeting experience, complete with simultaneous data and audio via Cisco WebEx Meetings. As a host, users can view the meeting list, schedule, start, and delete a meeting, and invite others to a meeting. Invitees can join the meeting via an email invitation, view active speakers, view the attendee list, view shared content and more.

3. & 4. Monetary Transactions/Finance - Square & Expensify

For conducting business outside the office, businesses have had to invest in credit card processing stations that employees could carry to complete monetary transactions. Now, employees who have a BlackBerry can easily accept credit card payments via Square. With Square, there is no sign-up or monthly fee. Instead, Square takes 2.75 percent of each transaction. The cost of conventional credit card processing stations has prevented many small businesses from being able to provide this service to their customers. By removing this barrier, Square has become a key application for small businesses.

When thinking about expense reports, an image of a stressed worker digging through piles of paper, trash cans and files in search of an elusive receipt comes to mind. Expensify is an application that will prevent users from experiencing this nightmare. Users can log expenses and scan paper receipts on the go. This is a free application for BlackBerry, and it makes a tedious task much easier.

5. Document Editing - Documents To Go

Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint is essential in today’s workplace. Documents To Go is an application that allows BlackBerry 10 OS users to view, edit and create Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint files and attachments. It also makes it possible to view PDF files. The application includes a bi-directional file synchronization desktop application. This provides users with a way to transfer and manage documents.

RECOMMENDED: Top 3 Tech Tools for Managers That Mean Business

Are there extra details you’d like to know? Add anything and everything below in the comments!

*by andreascy*

Microsoft Windows 8 Consumer Preview (Public Beta) Released. Download Now!

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Here's what we know so far...

It's not been a long time when Microsoft released a free Developer Preview build of its upcoming OS "Windows 8" to public. We all were pretty much excited to give it a test drive. Some of us liked it but some of us got disappointed with it. There are many things which have been changed or added in Windows 8 such as new "Start Screen" which has replaced the good old Start Menu in Windows 8, Microsoft Office 2010 like Ribbon UI in Windows Explorer and many other things.

Today Microsoft has released a free Consumer Preview build of Windows 8 to public. You may consider it as a public Beta build, Microsoft has decided to call it as Consumer Preview build.

Since its a Beta build, you should get better performance and lesser bugs compared to the previous Developer Preview build. There are many noticeable changes in this Consumer Preview build such as removal of Start button, a little bit modified Ribbon UI in Windows Explorer, new login screen, better Start Screen, etc.

Interested people can download Windows 8 Consumer Preview (Beta) build using the following download link:

Download Windows 8 Consumer Preview (Public Beta)

Download Windows 8 Consumer Preview (Public Beta) ISO Images

Windows 8 Consumer Preview Setup will check to see if your PC can run Windows 8 Consumer Preview and select the right download. Setup also features a compatibility report and upgrade assistance. Built-in tools for creating an ISO or bootable flash drive are available for some previous versions of Windows (excluding Windows XP and earlier).

So, what’s new in the build?

Some of the more noteworthy improvements include OS-wide spell check (this is huge, it’s a feature that has been requested by a lot of people for years), the replacement of the Start button with what is called a "Start preview thumbnail" – which displays a preview of the start screen on top of an interface that allows you to cycle through all of your open apps – and the introduction of "Flyout" notifications. 

One thing that I found to be quite humorous is that Microsoft actually added a feature called "boot forward"; see, due to the vastly improved boot times in Windows 8, it would be tough or impossible to pull up a boot options menu (i.e by pressing F8). They actually had to implement a feature that lets you set boot options prior to restarting.

It would appear that Microsoft finally hired a plumber to solve their constant leak issues as, surprisingly, there have been no Windows 8 build leaks during the interim period from September to now (of roughly five months).

Also, little information has unofficially trickled out since; much of what we learned about the OS during that period is thanks to the notoriously long Building Windows 8 blog posts by Steven Sinofsky.

For further support  check also Microsoft's:

Windows 8 Consumer Preview FAQ's

Windows 8 Consumer Preview Forum

Windows 8 Consumer Preview Compatibility Center

*by andreascy* 

BlackBerry OS 10 Developer Alpha Gets Update Introduces Siri-like Voice Commands

Posted by Unknown

Description :

Research in Motion (RIM) released yesterday an OS update to the BlackBerry 10 Dev Alpha. Some lucky people had a chance to get a hands on with the newly released software update to the BlackBerry OS 10 developer alpha and check out the new features. 

The most highlighting feature was a voice command function like Siri and Universal search. The voice however sounded very familiar to Apple's Siri. 

With Apple and Google working on its own speech recognition features, RIM is trying to play its cards here. Check out the video below and let us know what you think.

Do you like our post? Subscribe on our feeds and on our Newsletter for more.

*by andreascy* 

Get Windows 8 RTM Startscreen SDK for XP, Vista and 7

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

We have seen many transformations to the Windows Operating System, and each one has its own beauty and impresses with its own applications. 

Microsoft as we all know, has released Windows 8 RTM (Build 9200), with lots of new features, GUI changes and interesting enhancements including Boot & Login screen, Start menu, Ribbon in Explorer, Metro Theme & Apps etc. You can take a look at all these new features in this detailed review.

If you are still using Windows XP, Vista, 7 or even older Windows 8 versions, and you don't want to install this latest OS, but still want to enjoy some of the new features, here are the interesting news for you: 

Our friend PeterRollar, who is well known for his amazing and famous Windows transformations, released "Windows 8 RTM Startscreen SDK" that you will definitely enjoy.

It's about time to bring this new Windows feeling to your old and perhaps boring OS and desktop. All this with the help of AveDesk 1.3, an application which makes desktop prettier and more usable. As you can see in the above screenshots, the change looks very close to Windows 8 RTM, so Peter has made a great work with his skills, that might worth your attention.

"This is probably the most complete and most similar transformation from older Windows to Windows 8 you can find in the web."

Why SDK (Self-Development Kit)?

"Because you can use it as it is, or modify it to your likings. Build your own personal startscreen if you want."

Windows 8 Versions already included in the pack:

- Developer preview

- Consumer preview

- Release preview

- RTM

*Basic knowledge of manual customization needed. 

So what are you waiting for? Check it out and let us know what you think. Share this post with your friends and help them and others, to have some fun too. 
Subscribe to our Newsletters for more updates! 

📧

 ⇛ 

📰

*by andreascy*

Essential Dos and Don'ts If Your Computer Has A Virus

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description : 

Sometimes computers get viruses. You can be the most vigilant user, but somehow, that one sneaky little piece of code got through, and now your computer is behaving very oddly indeed. 

A lot of people assume that picking up a virus automatically writes off your computer, calling for a complete reinstall, and starting again from scratch. But it isn't always that bad. Below are some crucial things to do (and not do) if you think your computer has picked up a virus.

1. Don't panic

It might not be that bad. Prepare to sit down and spend some time working out how to get the virus out. 

2. Don't email your friends and tell them all about it 

You should definitely not be emailing attachments while your computer is infected, but it's safer to simply not email at all. For one, you don't want to go sharing your virus with your nearest and dearest, and for two, do you really want to be typing in all your log-in details while you have a virus potentially monitoring every key stroke?

3. Don't log in to personal accounts, shop online, or share any personal information 

You might not think it matters if your virus can get into your Facebook account or email, but that might offer it an easy way to spread to others. Shopping online or logging into online banking will offer the virus (or its creator) everything it needs to carry out identity fraud.

4. Don't plug in external media

Most viruses seize every chance to replicate themselves. By plugging in an external hard drive, you might just be offering your virus the opportunity it needs to hide elsewhere. Then, once you've cleaned your computer up, in goes the external hard drive and you’re back to square one. Worse, if you need your backups from it after you've been forced to re-install, you run the risk of losing access to most of your files. 

Of course, you can't go on like this forever, with no email, no banking, no access to files. But this is only a temporary state of affairs while you get to work cleaning the little so-and-so out. 

5. Do isolate yourself on your home or work network 

The last thing you want is to allow the virus to spread to other computers or equipment on the network. But don't simply unplug your computer from the wall - you'll probably need Internet access to remedy the problem. Switch off file sharing and turn off the network discovery function, which should isolate you but still leave you connected. 

6. Do make sure you have all the updates for your OS 

You may find that the gap in your security that allowed the virus in has already been patched, so making sure you have all the relevant updates will a) remove your vulnerability and b) potentially restrict the virus’s impact and ability to spread. 

7. Do update and run your anti-virus

Once you know your anti-virus is up to date, run a full PC scan to make sure it's clean. If you have had any external media plugged in, keep it plugged in and scan that at the same time, to ensure that the virus has nowhere to hide. To be really vigilant, wait a day or so and re-scan, before you plug anything in. 

If all else fails, there is of course the fail-safe - reinstalling your OS. If you need to do that, remember to be careful with your backups. If you keep your files backed up on an external hard drive that's been attached to the infected computer, chances are you will be re-infecting your computer as soon as you try to access them, so it pays to try and keep your external media out of the virus’s way. Just remember - don't panic, and do try to make sure the virus doesn't get a chance to spread. Computer viruses don’t have to destroy everything, so be sensible and follow the advice above to give yourself a fighting chance.

RECOMMENDED: Tightening Android Security Against Data Stealing Applications

Do you like our shares? SUBSCRIBE for new TECH content every day!

*by andreascy*

Microsoft : Windows Phone 8 or else "Apollo" Detailed

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Microsoft has some major changes in store for Windows Phone 8, we've learned, which is the version of the platform currently being referred to by codename "Apollo" (the one scheduled for deployment after the upcoming Tango update). Thanks to a video hosted by senior vice president and Windows Phone manager Joe Belfiore, and intended for partners at Nokia, a number of WP8 features and themes have now been revealed. 

Hardware changes :

According to Belfiore, the overarching theme with regards to the Windows Phone 8 hardware ecosystem will be scale and choice. Specifically, Apollo will add support for multicore processors, new screen resolutions (a total of four, although actual pixel counts weren't specified), and removable microSD card storage. It's clear that Microsoft is addressing one of the platform's pain points, which is a perceived inability to compete in spec sheet comparisons with the iPhone and Android-based devices.

NFC radios will also be supported, with Belfiore placing specific emphasis on 8's push into contactless payments. The "Wallet experience," as he calls it, will have the capability to be carrier-branded and controlled, either by a secure element on the SIM card or utilizing hardware in the phone itself. In addition, tap-to-share capabilities will reportedly work across multiple platforms, allowing desktops, laptops, tablets, and phones to all share content. 

Windows 8 integration : 

Windows Phone 8 won't just share a UI with the next-generation desktop and tablet OS, apparently: it will use many of the same components as Windows 8, allowing developers to "reuse -- by far -- most of their code" when porting an app from desktop to phone, according to Belfiore. He specifically mentions the kernel, networking stacks, security, and multimedia support as areas of heavy overlap. 

Moreover, Windows Phone 8 will reportedly scrap integration with the desktop Zune client in favor of a syncing relationship with a dedicated companion application. In other words, Microsoft is bringing back a (presumably) richer version of ActiveSync after letting that program die out for the most part.

The Xbox Companion app, currently found on Windows Phones, will see a partner client on Windows 8. Skydrive support promises seamless sharing of data between devices. Belfiore gives the example of instantly having one's music collection available on a newly-purchased Windows Phone, without the need for a PC sync. 

It sounds like the tagline for this so-called Windows 2012 relaunch, or "Windows reimagined," will be "The New Familiar." 

Application ecosystem : 

Microsoft expects 100,000 apps to be in the Marketplace (tipped for imminent worldwide availability) at the launch of Windows Phone 8 - rumored by WMPoweruser as happening sometime in the fourth quarter. The biggest news on the app front is probably the addition of native code support, which will enable more powerful applications as well as ease the porting of code from programs initially developed for iOS or Android.

Also mentioned is support for app-to-app communication, as well as a revamped Skype client that hooks directly into the OS, letting Skype calls behave almost identically to regular, non-VoIP telephony. The camera will now be based around so-called lens apps: Microsoft provides a basic camera interface that can either be skinned by OEMs or overlaid with viewfinders from third-parties. Belfiore gives the example of a lens app that combines burst mode with smile detection to capture a perfect portrait shot. 

Data management :

One of the main highlights of the overview was a feature called DataSmart, which aims to reduce, and simplify the tracking of, data usage. Besides providing a breakdown of data consumption, as other platforms already do, Windows Phone 8 will actively attempt to give Wi-Fi connections precedence, going so far as to automatically connect to carrier-owned WLANs when in range. To that end, the Local Scout feature of Bing Maps will enable the real-time location of nearby hotspots. Data usage will also be made glanceable thanks to a live tile.

Perhaps most interesting is Windows Phone 8's planned use of a proxy server to feed pages to Internet Explorer 10. Like Opera Mini and the Skyfire of old, this service uses server-side compression to reduce the amount of data required to view websites - in this case, by a claimed 30%. 

Business support :

In an attempt to recapture the enterprise, Windows Phone 8 is said to add native BitLocker encryption - the same 128-bit, full-disk encryption found on Microsoft most recent desktop platforms. So-called "line-of-business" applications are also gaining support, allowing businesses to deploy proprietary, tailored software behind their company firewalls.

Overall, we're looking at a lot of changes and additions here, all of which seem designed to either bring Windows Phone in line with other platforms, feature-wise, or make it more closely identical to the desktop version of Windows. It's probably safe to say that the jump from Mango/Tango to Apollo will be nearly as significant as the transition from Windows Mobile to Windows Phone, and this preview certainly gives us a lot to look forward to.

Update : Microsoft insider Paul Thurrott has published a post confirming many of the details that we learned, adding that despite the change to a desktop kernel, current Windows Phone apps will indeed be backwards compatible. 

*by andreascy*