All The Things You Should Know About Windows 10

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Helloooo everyone! Happy Monday... Happy new day... Happy new week... :) 

If you’re an avid PC user then you are probably familiar with one of the most popular operating systems Microsoft Windows. As you might have guessed, Microsoft has its newest version of Windows (Windows 10) just on the horizon and will be released to the public in late - 2015. 

The new version doesn’t necessarily mean a new user interface. If anyone is familiar with Windows 7 and Windows 8 they may be pleasantly surprised by this updated version. Windows 10 promises to ‘blend’ the two, making for a richer user experience.

What To Expect 

 1. Windows 10 is going to be available on all devices (laptops, desktops, smartphones, phablets and tablets). This will make it easier to access the “Internet of Things” and communicate with everyday appliances. There’s also been talk of integrating the Xbox system into it as well. Microsoft aims to make the interface as similar as possible, across all media devices (by creating universal apps). 

2. Windows 10 will bring back the Start Menu (bigger, better, stronger) with a customizable space for apps. This should make a lot of Windows 8 users happy since there were many complaints about it's “migration". 

3. There is also a new “quadrant” layout system, making it easy to quickly snap-arrange (side by side) 4 apps to a screen. 

4. Windows 10 comes with new touch features for interfaces and environments.

5. Microsoft is also introducing ‘Continuum’, a new system which makes for a more seamless experience between the tablet/laptop combos (switch between touch and non-touch). 

6. Another Windows feature from the past is the command prompt. This updated version is making a comeback and even allows copying and pasting.

7. Internet Explorer is dead! Spartan (codename) Browser, a Microsoft alternative to IE, is here.

8. Windows 10 is clearly targeting Enterprise users through Windows Software Assurance (SA) program.

9. Microsoft takes serious security measures with two-factor-authentication (2FA), storing user access tokens and offering data loss prevention solutions.

10. Finally there's a support for multiple desktops. But... we're going to need bigger screens.

11. Microsoft brings Cortana, its digital assistant, to the desktop supporting features like calling people, reminders, mapping and location, checking weather information and launching apps.

12. Microsoft's HoloLens (Holographic Glasses) with Windows 10 will deliver a next-gen computing experience.

More Information

As of right now the only version that is offering a smooth install is Windows 8.1, so make sure to check with the Compatibility Center before you install Windows 10. Microsoft is also warning that it's not for new users. If you don’t know what an ISO file is, or have a separate computer to install it on, stick with your current version. Because is in its pre-release stages (Technical Preview, Build 9926), it’s going to have bugs in it (some things about the interface may even change). Users can expect a friendlier version upon release, but for now it’s still a work in progress. 

 You should also sign up with the Windows Insider Program. All this really does is absolve Microsoft from any responsibility of deleting anything important off your computer. Just like previous versions of Windows, this will get regular updates as well. 

Another thing to take into consideration is that it's a 4GB download. There is a 32 and 64-bit version available and in several different languages. You’re also going to need a USB drive or a DVD with 4GB of space on it. ImgBurn and Rufus are the two programs recommended for copying the OS to a drive. And if you want a sneak peek then you better get on it. The pre-release version is only going to be available until April 2015.

One other great thing is that you don’t need to invest in hardware upgrades to be able to use the new software. If your PC can handle Windows 8.1 then the Windows 10 Preview shouldn’t be a problem. Your processor needs to be 1GHz or faster and 1GB of memory for the 32 bit version. If you have the 64 bit version then you’re going to need 2GB or memory. Lastly make sure that you have 16GB of free space on your hard drive.

You can never go back. Once you have Windows 10 installed on your computer, you won’t be able to use your recovery partition to downgrade to a previous version of Windows. The only way to downgrade will be to wipe Windows 10 from your system, and do a re-install of the previous version. This is another reason having a back up PC is important, if you make a mistake you can just start over or have all your information safe and backed up. 

Since it’s in the early stages, Windows 10 may not be the right choice for your system just yet. But the changes that Microsoft is incorporating suggest they are paying more attention to the consumer this time around. Your best bet is to stick with your most recent version of Windows, let them work out all the kinks and then purchase it. It’s even a good idea to wait a month or two after the initial release. New software is always going to be a bit buggy right after launch no matter how much testing is done. 

RECOMMENDED: The Battle between Windows, Chromebook and Mac

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*by andreascy*

The Battle between Windows, Chromebook and Mac

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

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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*

Tightening Android Security Against Data Stealing Applications

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

It’s common knowledge that Android devices aren’t foolproof when it comes to malware and viruses, but for the most part these threats are hiding in the back alleys of the operating system. You’re most likely to run into them when you start downloading apps from sketchy third-party app stores, or side-loading pirated APKs. 

But here’s something scary. There is a family of apps containing malware just relaxing in Play Store, and they have multiplied at a decent pace during the last few years or so. 

Last year, DCCI (Data Center of China Internet) released an investigation against various Android markets and found that 66.9 percent applications were tracking private data, and 34.5 percent of them were engaged in cross-border tracking; tracking information that has no relevancy to the app’s main permissions and not informing users about what is happening. 

So what kind of data are these apps tracking from your android device? In short, everything -- from your phone book contacts and text message history to your account credentials. The fact that such apps are looking at your data even when it has nothing to do with the features provided should be a major concern. 

Even more worrying is that the apps responsible may be different than the ones that you expect to breach your privacy. The report, for example, reveals that beauty and study apps are among the worst privacy offenders in case of location tracking, while travel apps top the list when it comes to swiping user contact information. 

And this was just once instance where many applications were unethically crossing the line. A recent report cited by ComputerWeekly reveals that 79 percent of the clones released for the famous Flappy Bird game contained some form of malware. 

These clones were doing more than just tracking user privacy; hackers used them to make phone calls without the consent of the user, extract list of contacts, install more applications and establish root gateway for control over everything on the device. Data-breaching criminals are finding success by manipulating the familiar features in mobile games and apps that users trust and recognize. 

Taking Measures to Protect Your Personal Identity 

So, what can you do keep these app-stealing threats at bay? Before installing apps on your device, follow these best practices to ensure your personal information is not being compromised:

Utilize advanced internet security solutions: Advanced internet security solutions feature support for android and iOS devices. According to Trend Micro, some advanced solutions not only provide internet security virus warnings, they protect your android phone by identifying apps that steal your personal data. Further, they back up and store your information for retrieval in case a hacker is able to gain access to your device and wipe your data.

Review permissions: The next time you install an application on your device, take out a few minutes to read the app permissions for making sure your personal information is not shared with third parties. This kind of information is usually buried in the last few sentences. 

Use official download channels: even though the Google Play consists of data-stealing applications, whatever you download through the official route would be much less harmful due to official policy procedures than downloading apps through third-party app stores and unofficial channels.

RECOMMENDED: Are You Underestimating the Importance of Data Security? 

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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*

Do Windows 8.1 Screenshots Prove Return of the Famous Start Button?

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Most people thought they would never see the Windows “Start” button again. However, recent Windows 8.1 update confirmed that Microsoft placed it back where it belongs. 

Users are thrilled to have the start button back, but we are still waiting for further feedback on how the start button affects the Windows 8 performance.

So What Will It Be?

According to Paul Thurrot's SuperSite For Windows, The Windows 8 start button really will be what people expect it to be. When people update, they won't be able to miss it. The color appears to have changed, but it's still the familiar Start button. 

Oh, but there's more about the color: Apparently when a user hovers over the Start button it changes colors. Thurrott, the man who had access to the Milestone Preview of 8.1, says it changes to a black background and accent color used on the flag logo. This Start button closely resembles the Start Charm. 

Other (Hopefully) Welcome Changes

Most Windows 8.1 users indicate that additional features such as the ability to boot up the computer straight to the desktop and bypass the “Metro-Style Windows 8 home screen” are also a long-awaited welcomed feature. Furthermore, little things like being able to replace the desktop wallpaper make them feel at home again.

Overall, Windows 8.1 was designed with customization in mind. Reports state that Microsoft intends to make it so anyone who uses this OS is able is to conform it to their wishes. This operating system is supposed to work for everyone. 

The “Blue” Preview

The Microsoft Build Conference took place from June 26th to June 28th at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, California. Microsoft offered current Windows 8 users a free 8.1 upgrade on the first day of this weekend conference. 

With an already cramped event, they later announced that they were able to offer even more tickets for sale. This event was in high demand for future developers who plan to shape the future of Windows and help create new programs. Microsoft scheduled several sessions run by some of the top people in the industry to offer their training. 

However, one of the main reasons people wanted to attend is for the sneak peak at Windows 8.1. Every single day that passed causes people to anxiously await the “real deal.” Just about any developer that was able to attend wanted to be here for this debut, and learning experience.

YOU MIGHT LIKE: The Battle between Windows, Chromebook and Mac

As far as the Start button is concerned, the Build Conference was the true revelation for current and future Windows users. Attendees walked away feeling like they understood an exclusive part of the Windows OS that no one had ever caught a glimpse of before. 

*by andreascy*

Will You be the Next Victim of Laptop Theft?

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Laptop theft is becoming increasingly common, which should concern you if you own one. FBI statistics say that 97 percent of stolen computers will never be recovered. Statistics also report that 1,600 laptops are stolen daily in the United States alone. 

Today, we can safely assume the number to have increased greatly. If you own a laptop, chances are 1 in 10 that your laptop will be stolen.

Data Loss

The hardest thing to swallow about the theft of a laptop is always the loss of the data it contains. Family pictures, music libraries, and, of course, sensitive documents all vanish in the blink of an eye. Most laptop users also have their passwords saved on the laptops, so it's easy enough for the thieves to hack into accounts and gather enough material to commit other crimes, such as identity theft.

If we look at the theft of laptops belonging to large corporations, the fallout of the loss of a laptop can be extremely difficult to contain. Organizations lose several thousand dollars, at the very least, every time a laptop belonging to one of their employees is stolen. In 2004, Software Insurance claimed that over 600,000 laptops had been stolen, which caused a hardware loss amounting to $720 million and information losses estimated at $5.4 billion. Clearly, the loss of the hardware does not hurt as much as the loss of the data on the laptop.

Protecting Yourself against Laptop Theft

The only way to guarantee that your laptop won't be stolen is to keep your eye on it all the time. Of course that's not always possible. Luckily, there are several ways in which you can reduce the chances of your laptop being stolen and protect your data from being compromised.

To protect your laptop from being stolen, you can use either an alarm or chains to keep it attached to something immobile. Since a large number of laptops are stolen by thieves breaking into offices, you can prevent yours from being stolen by keeping it attached to something solid and immovable. Alarms can alert you or a security guard in the event someone tries to steal your laptop by breaking the lock.

Unfortunately, there are no foolproof ways to protect your data, as a determined attacker will eventually get in no matter the levels of encryption or password protections you use. But you can use a combination of biometric scanners, tracking software, data encryption, BIOS passwords, drive locks, and OS passwords to make it as difficult as possible for a thief to steal your data.

Laptop tracking software will help you recover your laptop only if the thief isn't smart and connects to the Internet. Full Disk Encryption is a popular approach to protecting data. It is inexpensive and easy to maintain, but, like other methods, can be cracked.

In the end, it's best to be realistic and prevent the theft of your laptop from ever happening, since it's statistically improbable that you'll be among the 3 percent who have recovered their computers after a theft.

READ ALSO: The Mobile Kill Switch Is In Effect: Here’s What You Need To Know

For more tips on laptop safety, i suggest researching protection software and products. 

*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

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*by andreascy*

Smartphones Bring Many Forensic Challenges

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description : 

If you do not have a smartphone, you are one of the few left who don’t. Most of the rest of the country and the world has fallen to the smartphone assimilation. Resistance is futile, as they say. These phones do have quite a bit to offer, and really are little handheld computers. They can take photos, video, send messages, surf the web, and much more. They are handy and they are everywhere. 

It is no wonder that forensics specialists are scrambling to make sure they have the knowledge and the tools needed to work with these types of devices. Still, the smartphones do provide quite a few challenges to forensics for quite a few reasons, as you will see.

Types of Data on Smartphones

First, let’s consider the different types of data that these smartphones have the capability of holding today, and you will see why they have the potential to be so valuable in different types of cases.

Forensic specialists who have to go through one of the phones will be looking in quite a few areas to try to locate evidence. They can examine the email and text messages, photos, video, and audio. They will also be able to look into the web browsing history, just as they would be able to do with a desktop or a laptop.

Call history is important as well. One will even be able to check to see what types of e-books a person might have been reading. Maps and GPS data can be valuable as well, and they have the potential to be very incriminating evidence in some cases.

The Trouble with Smartphones for Forensics

Of course, even though all of the above types of data could have great potential to help solve cases, it is not always easy for the forensic specialists to be able to get to that evidence. Unfortunately, the real world is not as cut and dry as CSI: Miami. Those who are in the field of computer forensics will find quite a few challenges.

Consider the different operating systems, including Apple’s iOS and Android, and then think about all of the different versions and iterations of those operating systems. With so many different systems, it can be difficult to keep up. Even simply keeping up with all of the various models of smartphone can be hard. Specialists often need to have certain cords for different types of devices as well as special proprietary drivers.

With some devices in evidence, the tech will need to keep the power on the entire time he or she is investigating. Turning the device off could potentially destroy or corrupt data in some cases.

These are a few of the biggest issues that investigators are facing today, and with more and more phones and devices on the market each year, it does seem to be getting trickier. Fortunately, the forensics classes available today are starting to teach more about these methods.

Better Tools Equals Better Evidence

In addition to better training, one will find that the tools are getting better as well. Kits for different devices and types of devices are available, and they can help to make sure that the tech is always up to date and can work on many types of devices. Since it does not seem as though there is ever going to be a standard when it comes to these devices - because a competitive market just does not allow for such things - specialists need to make sure that they keep up with the changes.

WHAT'S HOT: The Mobile Kill Switch Is In Effect: Here’s What You Need To Know

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*by andreascy*