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Pocket PC Tips and Tricks - - Streaming Video
Tip #4
Watching streaming video and TV
Streaming video from your PC is very similar to streaming Audio. You use the same program (
Windows Media Encoder), stream over the same WiFi network, and you access the stream through Windows Media Player. The difference is in the source file. To stream a video, you'll need to create a custom session in the Encoder, and select a File as the source.
Just browse to the video file you'd like to play (continued...)
(it has to be one that Windows Media Player can handle). You can set bit rates on the Compression tab, but I've found that it's generally best to just leave the default settings. Your Pocket PC will be able to handle it just fine. Click Apply when you're done with the settings, and then close the Session Properties window.
You should see a blank "Input" screen. Click "Start Encoding", and your video will begin playing. Now you'll need to connect to your WiFi network on your Pocket PC. Once the connection is established, open up Windows Media Player, tap Tools and then Open URL. Type in the address that Encoder is streaming to. By default, encoder streams to port 8080, so if you want to access the Internet stream, you'd enter http://192.168.2.xx:8080/ as the URL, and if you're accessing the LAN stream, the address would be http://yourcomputername:8080/. Tap OK, wait a minute, and you should be able to see your video!
There are a few different ways to stream live TV. The free method involves Windows Media Encoder, and requires that you have a TV Tuner card in your PC. The steps to setting up the stream are the same as they are for file streaming, except that instead of browsing for a file, you'd simply select your TV Tuner card in the Video drop-down box on the Sources tab. That's about it, really!
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Tip #3
Keyboard shortcuts
Just as there are keyboard shortcuts in Windows XP, there are shortcut keys on the Pocket PC too.
Here is a list of shortcut keys you can use:
CTRL+A - Select All
CTRL+B - Bold
CTRL+C - Copy
CTRL+I - Italicize
CTRL+N - New (create new document)
CTRL+Q - Quit the current application
CTRL+U - Underline
CTRL+V - Paste
CTRL+X - Cut
CTRL+Z - Undo
In addition to this list, the CTRL+arrow functions also work (allowing you to skip words, etc), however some SIP's don't have arrow keys, negating their use. You can also combine the CTRL and the SHIFT keys to use the arrow keys for selecting text.
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Tip #2
What do I need to have for a Pocket PC with GPS?
Although some Pocket PCs, such as the Mitac Mio 168, have an integrated GPS, most Pocket PCs commonly do not come with GPS installed. In order to be able to have a GPS, as a general rule you will need:
1. A Pocket PC device.
2. A GPS of type Bluetooth, Compact Flash, SDIO or by Serial Port depending on our necessities, Pocket PC and budget.
3.Software for GPS navigation and the cartography of the country that we need. The best known programs for GPS are TomTom Navigator and PowerLoc Destinator that are sold in Packs with different cartographies of countries or sets from these. Be certain that any GPS package you purchase supports both the Pocket PC and GPS receiver you will be using.
4. A Memory Card. Because the cartography occupies a significant amount of space in memory, it is advisable to have a memory card (Compact Flash, Secure Digital, etc) to store this information.
Optional accessories:
Antenna. If we needed to improve coverage, or the windows of our car have a plumb layer, you may need to use an additional antenna for our GPS.
Car Charger. If the trip is going to be very long, the battery of Pocket PC could be exhausted. You can use a car charger to connect your Pocket PC to a cigarette lighter and provide energy for both the GPS receiver and Pocket PC.
The approximated price of a solution of GPS + software + antenna + support + charger can vary between $400 and $900. Like always, you get what you pay for.
Of course, there are many other GPS possibilites but hopefully after reading this article, you've got a better picture of what's involved in this fun and interesting area of mobile computing.
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Tip#1
Syncronizing The Time
ActiveSync not only synchronizes appointments, tasks and files; it has another trick up its sleeve - synchronizing the clock on your Pocket PC. Now assuming we always want to be on time to meetings and appointments, we better keep the time correct to the millisecond. Hence, we should use an Internet atomic clock server to keep the desktop PC and Pocket PC ticking on time.
If you do not have Windows XP on your desktop PC, then you can use free program AboutTime.
If you use AboutTime, then you only need to have it open automatically when starting your computer. AboutTime will then itself update your desktop PC's clock with the Internet time when it is running.
On Windows XP:
1. First, you will need to enable the time syncing feature of Windows XP. Open the Control Panel and open the Date and Time settings.
2. Under the Internet Time tab, check the box for "Automatically sync with an Internet time server" if it isn't checked. "Automatically sync with an Internet time server" if it isn't checked.
3. Optional: If you happen to know an Internet time server near you, then you can enter its address in the Server text box.
4. Click the Update Now button to update the time on your computer.
5. Open ActiveSync and click Tools > Options.
6. On the first tab, make sure that there is a checkmark for the "Synchronize mobile device clock upon synchronization".
7. Click OK and you are done!
The result of this procedure is that every time your Pocket PC is synchronized, the clock is also synchronized. No more missing important meetings... well, not at least due to a lagging clock on your Pocket PC.
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Flash Memory Card Basics
By: The Editor
Adding memory to your mobile device is one of the best ways to ehance your mobile experience. Many PDA's have only enough memory to store and run a few main programs. Adding memory will allow you to overcome this limitation and make it possible to store lots of software, images and music on your device.
Chances are that if you own a pocket pc, digital camera, computer, or new video game console, you have had experience with so-called
flash memory cards. These small devices can hold a relatively large amount of data for their size. Because they are so small they have been the ideal removeable storage device of small digital products like digital cameras. Although they have existed in the market place for over 5 years now, they come in greater variety and larger storage capacities than ever before.
Flash memory is used in a variety of ways with a many different types of electronic devices. You can find flash memory as SmartMedia (used in digital cameras), Memory Sticks (also used in digital cameras), PCMCIA Type I and II memory cards (used in laptops), CompactFlash (yes, also used in digital cameras), and nearly all computer BIOS chips. (continued...)
How does Flash Memory Work?
Flash memory chips uses basically the same memory technology found in your hard drive, or ROM. The flash chip is an example of a EEPROM chip, which means that it is made up of a complex grid of columns and rows with two transistors at each grid intersection. One of the two transistors is called a floating gate, and receives 10 to 13 volts of electricity from the column known as the bitline. The charge in the floating gate forces excited electrons through with a negative charge. A cell sensor then detects the level of charge going through the floating gate in a given interval. If the flow through the gate is has greater than 50% of the charge, then it is given the value of 1. When the current falls below 50% then a 0 is designated. The sequence of 1's and 0's is essentially stored into sections along the chip known as blocks, and your data is stored.
Flash Cards for Digital Cameras
Flash cards are most commonly used in digital cameras. If you are looking for the right type of flash card for your digital camera, you must keep in mind that only CompactFlash (CF), SmartMedia (SM), Memory Stick (MS), MultiMediaCard (MMC), Secure Digital (SD), and xD-Picture Cards (xD) are compatible.
CompactFlash Cards -These cards contain both memory chips and a controller. Most digital cameras that utilize CompactFlash cards can use any storage size CF card up to around .5 - 1GB with no major issues. CF cards with a storage of 2GB or more, however, use the FAT-32 file system, and some cameras may not be able to read this kind of memory. There are two styles of CompactFlash cards - Type I (3.3mm thick) and Type II (5mm thick) CF cards. Digital cameras with Type I slots can't use Type II cards. However, cameras with Type II slots can use both.
SmartMedia - These memory cards are typically smaller than a lot of the CompactFlash cards. They save space by providing a storage system essentially integrated onto a plastic card, much like a credit card device. Card sizes are usually around 64mb - 128mb, with some older cameras not capable of handling this high capacity.
Memory Stick - This flash memory devised was first devised by Sony in 1999. It is still used exclusively with their Cyber-shot digital cameras and many of their Handycam video camcorders. The typicaly storage size of the memory stick is 128mb.
To learn which flash memory type is best for your PDA or other digital device, read your device manual or visit the manufacturer website.
Compare Details & Pricing on a Variety of Flash Memory Cards
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Ulti-Planner Task Organizer
By: Brian Leinfuss
Optimize your productivity with
Ulti-Planner by Birdsoft. Your PDA will get a familiar and more efficient interface.
Ulti-Planner gives you Scheduler icons, and a timeline toolbar to depict a better at-a-glance view of your schedule. The Contact view allows you to more easily see contacts in groups and more information per screen. (continued...)
Additionally, the Tasks view is more intuitive than the default MS views.
Click for More Details and Trial Download
Ulti-Planner is available as a trial and the full version is $10. Be warned, once you get used to the new interface, it will be hard to go back to your MS default contacts and scheduler. The $10 is worth it.
PDA and Mobile Today Reviewer's Rating ****
(4 out of 5 Stars -- 5 stars is best)
About The Author:
Brian Leinfuss is a project manager for a software company in New Jersey. He has co-authored a number of technical books. Brian travels about 75 percent of the time and uses his mobile devices on a day-to-day basis. Read More About Brian
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Nokia Introduces the Nokia N91 for a True Mobile Music Experience
Storage for up to 3000 songs, plus smartphone functionality in an ultra-portable package
Amsterdam, Cancun, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur -
Nokia today introduced the Nokia N91 multimedia, the company's latest device optimized for mobile music consumption. With room for up to 3000 songs on the integrated 4-gigabyte hard disk, the Nokia N91 delivers a premier music experience. In addition, the industry standard 3.5mm stereo headset jack and easy transfer of music files from your PC help make the Nokia N91 a connected mobile jukebox. Encased in stainless steel, the Nokia N91 has dedicated music keys on its face, which slide down to reveal the phone keypad. The Nokia N91 is a part of the new Nokia Nseries range, bringing you the latest multimedia technologies and smartphone functionalities. (continued...)
"The Nokia N91 delivers both a fantastic music experience and cutting-edge phone features," said Jonas Geust, Vice President, Music at Nokia. "What sets the Nokia N91 apart is the fact that it is always connected - you can download new music while on the move, add it to your favorite playlist and then share your playlist with friends. It's truly the world's best mobile connected jukebox."
Listen to Music
The Nokia N91 serves up to 12.5 hours of great sound via the included stereo headset with remote control. Enjoying your music collection has never been easier, as the Nokia N91 supports a wide range of digital music formats including MP3, M4A, AAC and WMA.
Nokia N91 is compatible with a number of accessories from industry leading brands Bose(R), Harman Kardon, JBL, and Sennheiser. In addition to using their favorite audio accessories with the Nokia N91 through its standard 3.5mm jack, consumers can maximize their audio experience by choosing products from a line-up of Nokia tested and recommended audio accessories*.
Get Music
Packed with multiple connectivity options, such as WCDMA, WLAN and Bluetooth wireless technology, the Nokia N91 makes it easy for you to find and enjoy music when and where you want. With the Nokia N91, you can quickly and easily find and purchase music over the air to your device from your operator's music store.
Manage Music
Drag and drop your personal music collection from your PC to your Nokia N91 or synchronize your recent music purchases with your PC via USB 2.0. You can also create and manage your playlists directly on your Nokia N91, or shuffle songs around to build your optimal listening experience.
Share Music
A revolutionary feature of the Nokia N91 is the possibility to share your playlists with friends by multimedia message, email or Bluetooth. Proudly show off your musical taste or simply share the latest songs that have been stuck in your head.
The Nokia N91 also contains the latest multimedia technologies and smartphone functionalities, including a 2 megapixel camera for print-quality photos, email support, a full web browser and video sharing.
The Nokia N91 is expected to become commercially available worldwide by the end of 2005.
*The Nokia tested and recommended industry leading accessories for Nokia N91 include:
- Sennheiser PX 100, 200, PMX 40, and PMX 60 mini headphones, PXC 150, 250, and 300 NoiseGard(TM) active noise-cancelling mini headphones and the HD465, 485, 515, 555, 595 audiophile headphones
- JBL Duet(TM), OnTour(TM), Creature II, and Encounter(TM) speaker systems
- Harman Kardon Soundsticks II speaker system
- Bose Triport and Quietcomfort 2 Acoustic Noise Canceling headphones
About Nokia Nseries
Nokia Nseries is a range of high performance multimedia devices that delivers unparalleled mobile multimedia experiences by combining the latest technologies with stylish design and ease of use. With Nokia Nseries products, consumers can use a single device to enjoy entertainment, access information and to capture and share pictures and videos, whenever and wherever they want.
About Nokia
Nokia is a world leader in mobile communications, driving the growth and sustainability of the broader mobility industry. Nokia connects people to each other and the information that matters to them with easy-to-use and innovative products like mobile phones, devices and solutions for imaging, games, media and businesses. Nokia provides equipment, solutions and services for network operators and corporations. www.nokia.com
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Nokia and Carl Zeiss Join Forces to Offer Enhanced Imaging for Camera Phone Users
Cooperation to set a new benchmark for picture quality in camera phones
Amsterdam, Cancun, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur -
Nokia, the global leader in mobility, and Carl Zeiss, the world's leading optics company, today announced a collaboration to incorporate Carl Zeiss optics to Nokia's camera phones. The two companies will bring the design expertise and stringent quality requirements of Carl Zeiss to Nokia's product creation process for high-end camera devices. As a result of the collaboration, consumers will be able to capture, share, store and print better quality images with Nokia's flagship imaging devices. (continued...)
The outstanding scientific expertise from Carl Zeiss in camera optics and the industry-leading position of Nokia in the mobile phone market offers a solid foundation for the cooperation. Both parties regard this agreement as the beginning of a long-term relationship. The first Nokia product to incorporate Carl Zeiss optics and carry the ZEISS brand is the Nokia N90 Multimedia, also launched today.
"The close collaboration with Carl Zeiss, one of the most respected companies in the camera industry, underlines Nokia's dedication to excel in mobile imaging products," says Juha Putkiranta, Senior Vice President, Imaging, Nokia. "We are proud to be the first camera phone manufacturer in the world to introduce ZEISS-quality products to consumers. Through continuous knowledge exchange and determination for hard work, we strive to set a new benchmark for the mobile imaging industry."
"We are delighted to join forces with the world leader in mobility, and recognize this collaboration as an important step in creating a high-end camera phone market," comments Dr. Dieter Kurz, CEO at Carl Zeiss. "Nokia's technological expertise and market understanding of mobile devices combined with Carl Zeiss' proven proficiency of optics and lens solutions makes us a strong team."
About Nokia
Nokia is a world leader in mobile communications, driving the growth and sustainability of the broader mobility industry. Nokia connects people to each other and the information that matters to them with easy-to-use and innovative products like mobile phones, devices and solutions for imaging, games, media and businesses. Nokia provides equipment, solutions and services for network operators and corporations. www.nokia.com
About Carl Zeiss
Carl Zeiss is a leading international group of companies operating worldwide in the optical and opto-electronic industry. Carl Zeiss AG is headquartered in Oberkochen, Germany. The Carl Zeiss Group is structured as six business groups that operate with sole responsibility. They are generally ranked first or second in the three strategic markets of biosciences and medical technology, system solutions for industry and optical consumer goods. They offer products and services for biomedical research and medical technology, system solutions for the semiconductor, automotive and mechanical engineering industries, as well as high quality consumer goods such as eyeglass lenses, camera lenses and binoculars. The Carl Zeiss Group is directly represented in more than 30 countries and operates production facilities in Europe, America and Asia. In fiscal year 2003/04 the global workforce of approximately 13.700 employees generated revenue of about EUR 2.1 billion. Further information is available at www.zeiss.com.
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Ringtones Basics
By: Lillian Fuller
Downloadable Ring tones - The Latest Trend
What can you say about ring tones? NOTHING ... except that cell phones capable of downloading ringtones are the newest “must have” item today! One of the fastest growing features today is ringtones, especially downloadable ones! There are other downloadable items available on the Internet too like Java Games. Various wallpapers and screen savers are hot too but by far the most popular feature requested is downloadable ringtones.
The cell phone and their various ringtones have become status symbols. Ringtones show that you’re up to date and happening. You can even take a test that defines which ringtone best suits your personality. You can truly display your lifestyle and certainly your musical taste on your sleeve.
This article will describe briefly what ring tones are, what’s currently available and what the future holds. It will also suggest a caveat to consider prior to downloading the multitude of formats of available on the market. Prices are low and the sky’s the limit, so read on. (continued...)
* Just What Are Downloadable Ringtones?
* A Caveat Before You Buy!
* What’s Available?
* A Brief Glimpse At Ancient History.
* Ringtones – Where Do We Go From Here?
* Other Products Available On Ringtone Websites
* What Can You Say About Ringtones
Just What Are Downloadable Ringtones?
Ringtones are the sound that a regular or cell phone makes when it’s rings. Early ring tones were simple chimes and on later models, a combination of chimes. Limited numbers of ringtones were available and mostly consisted of different patterns of tones or chirps. An example of one of the most infamous ringtones was the ominous” ring ring…ring ring” that is reminiscent of Todd Beamer’s last telephone call on 9/11. You can hear that ringtone featured as an intro to Neil Young’s famous song “Let’s Roll.”
Ringtone technology developed quickly and has progressed a lot since that song was recorded. Originally, you purchased a cell phone and had a choice of monophonic ring tones that produced a one note song. The number of songs was extremely limited and downloadable ring tones were simply an Engineering student’s good idea.
Because of lightning speed technology and numerous service providers, one of the latest and greatest features available today is downloadable ringtones. When you’re surfing the ‘Net you’ll find plenty of sites offering tones by today’s hottest musicians; you can pick monophonic, polyphonic or true tone formats. More on that later.
A Caveat Before You Buy!
The first thing you need to know before you select, buy and download a suitable ring tone is if your cell phone is up to date enough to utilize this feature. Like everything else in technology, cell phones have evolved very quickly. As a result the cell phone that you purchased just a year ago may not have the ability to fully access the type of ring tone currently available. So make sure you check. Re-read your manual or call your service provider to find out. It’s possible that you can upgrade your phone for a reasonably low fee.
What’s Available?
Ringtones are divided into three formats.
1. Monophonic
2. Polyphonic
3. True Tone or Real Tone
To understand this type of technology, a person needs to have a physics/mathematics background and understand musical composition. Luckily, all that is needed to know is what types of ringtones are available and what they sound like. The following is a description of three types of ringtones, monophonic, polyphonic and true tone. Most websites offer samples of each and once you hear an example, you’ll know what type you’ll want to use on your cell phone.
1) Monophonic Ringtones
Some of the first cell phones came equipped with the capability of having a one tone ringer. “Monophonic” is the simplest of ring tone technology that uses a midi format. This “one note wonder” changed ringtones. Gone were the chirps and chimes; now you could play a song. A monophonic ringtone is single notes playing a song. You can recognize your favorite song but it sounds a little lame. Most monophonic tones are offered free of charge because of more full bodied tones now available, but if you’re trying to make a statement, however, read on.
2) Polyphonic Ringtones
Polyphonic ring tones also use midi technology but the tonal quality is richer and has more depth. This is because polyphonic ringtones can play up to 40 notes or more. A quick example is the sound produced when Windows XP® starts up. It reproduces the sound of an orchestra playing a note rather than one instrument playing the same note. Polyphonic with its richer tonal quality sounds better than monophonic but when compared to MP3 quality it sounds pretty weak. Midi format may be adequate for basic ringers and great for greeting cards but if it’s real sound that you want for your cell phone, keep reading.
3) Truetone And Mp3’s
The future of sound for ringtones seems to be hifi quality. The real tone or true tone ringtones that can be downloaded onto your cell phone are equivalent to an MP3 player quality and sounds a little like an iPod.
True tone technology will allow the user to hear recorded voices such as Austin Powers announcing “You’re phone is ringing, baby, yeah”. This recording is so convincing that people will be looking for Mike Myers. Songs like Outkast’s “Hey Ya” and the Starsky and Hutch theme song are downloadable as well. With a built in microphone you can record your own or someone else’s voice. True tone ringtones will even mimic a real old fashioned telephone ring. How’s that for retro?
A Brief Glimpse At Ancient History
In the almost ancient past, cell phones came with one ringer and no features at all. Wall paper was something that decorated your home and SMS was unheard of. Cell phones were big and cumbersome and used only by the elite or as marketing gurus put it, “Early Adopters.” Very few people owned cell phones because of the size and expense.
Digital technology changed all that. All of a sudden a lot of people were buying and using cell phones. This was confusing because every time a phone rang, everyone in the room started to rummage through their bags and pockets to answer it. A unique sound was the answer and that is how ring tones of every description came into being.
Ringtones – Where Do We Go From Here?
Some technical websites declare that the cell phone of tomorrow will replace the MP3 player of today. This will be possible once a dual use battery is invented that can hold a sufficiently long enough charge. The power would last more than a few hours and be easily recharged. The “techies” declare that memory capabilities must be enhanced so that the user can download and store hundreds of thousands of songs. This isn’t that far off, in fact an MP3 player being replaced by a cell phone is considered possible within 5 years according to most technical websites.
Other Products Available On Ringtone Websites
Sound mixers and Recordable Devices
A 2002 Motorola cell phone came with an audio mixer that could harness the hundreds of musical instruments in a midi format. This cell phone has greatly evolved and allows you to program special effects. Effects include echo and reverb to name just a couple. You can program your own ringtone, download it onto your phone and then enhance it with the above hifi effects.
Wall paper and Logos
Many cell phones are used to connect to the Internet and also do double duty as palm pilots. This has necessitated a larger screen and with that you need special wall paper. You can choose from a multitude of assortments. Your favorite logos are also downloadable. Logos of every sports team are available.
Java Games
Whether you’re waiting for the dentist or the bus, passing the time is far quicker by playing a computer game. Java games are available from the same websites that offer huge assortments of wallpaper and ringtones. Google the word Java Game or Gamer and there’s lots of websites sites to choose.
SMS (Short Message Service)
ICQ (I Seek You) was the pioneer of the SMS technology and still remains on the cutting edge of SMS technology. ICQ is pretty advanced and still progressing. It offers the availability of staying in real time communication and allows a large address book. As part of the ICQ community, there are message boards, chat rooms and user lists available. ICQ also offer unique ringtones as well. SMS Google is catching up quickly and now provides the user with the option of text messaging a query directly to its web site using a cell phone.
What Can You Say About Ringtones
So there you have it, what can you say about ringtones? It seems in today’s wireless world and with cutting edge technology, quite a.bit. Gone are the days where a single bell chime or as Lily Tomlin put it so well: “one ringy dingy, two ringy dingy” had to sound to get your attention. Today the choices are endless so shop around for what suits you best in your own unique ringtone. Stay in touch!
About the Author:
Lillian Fuller is a talented and successful freelance writer for hire providing tips and advice for consumers about cell phones, cell phone plans, and cell phone ringtones. Her numerous articles offer valuable insight and informative views on many different topics.
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CPU Basics -- Pentium vs Celeron
By: The Editor
The Celeron and Pentium Processors are two of Intel's best selling CPUs. They are found in a majority of desktop and mobile computer systems.
When comparing the two processors it should be first understood that there are different types of Pentium processors - the original Pentium all the way to the Pentium 4 (the latest Pentium processor). The Celeron processors are more or less the same, although you will find them in a wide variety of speeds. (continued...)
The Intel Celeron processor was always designed to be a low-cost alternative to the Pentium processor line. It is much like a car company that offers various priced cars from the luxury sedan to the economy compact. The Celeron is simply a downgraded Pentium, that almost anyone can afford (it is essentially the compact). To begin, Celeron chips have a smaller L2 cache 9128kb compared with 512kb in the Pentium 4 Northwood, which translates into slower processing speeds. In fact, current Celerons have a clock speed limit of about 2.0GHz, where as the Pentium for is capable of speed in excess of 3.0GHz. In addition, the Pentium runs at a lower core voltage because it is more energy effecient (1.75V vs. 1.5V).
In summary, the Pentium 4 is more powerful than the most advanced Celeron processor on the market. However, Intel has planned it to be this way. Many applications will work just great with a Celeron processor, despite a little less power than the Pentium 4. It is a way to save a little cash when buying a new pc - but don't forget the saying "you get what you pay for." Celeron processors are of good Intel quality, but they will never be as good as the Pentium.
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Phishing - Identity Theft & Credit Card Fraud
By: The Editor
What is Phishing? Phishing is a relatively newly coined term for a kind of method for harvesting information for identity theft. Phishing is quite simply providing a person with false information or credentials to trick them in to giving you their personal information. This is done by a form of social engineering, by posing as a different person or organization that you already trust.
How does Phishing Work? The most common form of Phishing is done by sending out fraudulent e-mails, that lead back to websites that look legitimate. Normally an e-mail is sent to a huge amount of people stating in very general terms that you should come to their website and update your information, or provide them with some new information they need, or some other similar excuse. When you click on the link in the e-mail it will take you to a website that looks very similar to the one you are expecting, you enter your information, and now they've got you. Another method is to open a popup window asking for information, on top of the real legitimate website. (continued...)
How can I identify a scam e-mail?
There are several major things to look out for that will lead you to believe the e-mail is fraudulent. Quite often the e-mails will be HTML based, not plain text, this allows them to put active links that display a legitimate website, but the coding behind it takes you to a different website.
Often new websites are registered with altered spellings of major corporations and organizations, or the link will lead directly to an IP address (ie 24.38.122.156) instead of a website domain ( ie www.website.com ).
Another very quick way to identify a false e-mail is to see who it is addressed to. Normally e-mails that are fraudulent in nature are addressed to "Dear Customer" as opposed to your real name, and often they are e-mailed to many users at one time.
No legitimate organization should ever ask you to provide you with personal information via e-mail. If any e-mail ever asks you to e-mail them your private information, you should report this e-mail to the company they are posing as.
How can I avoid falling for a Phishing scam?
If you believe the e-mail could be legitimate, don't click on the link in the e-mail, instead open up your web browser, and use the link/favorite you already have, or type in the website yourself in to the URL box. This will guarantee that you are using the correct legitimate website!
Using the same method to get to the website as mentioned above, go to the organizations help page or contact page and ask them about the e-mail they may have sent you. You can also forward them the e-mail to a known legitimate e-mail address at their organization.
What if I already fell for this scam?
If you have mistakenly been taken in by this kind of scam there are several very important steps you need to take. First, report that you have been tricked by this method to your credit card companies, and other financial institutions.
Report that you have been tricked to the company that you thought you were legitimately updating information for. If you can provide them with the e-mail that tricked you, it may be useful for helping to reduce the impact on other people around the world.
Change all your passwords and PIN numbers for all your financial institutions and websites immediately.
Monitor your credit card statements, financial slips and balances. If you notice a discrepancy, immediately contact your financial organization and let them know about the fraudulent activity. In addition most banks should be able to add you to a fraud report list that will stay on your credit report that will make it harder for people to create new credit cards or open accounts without providing legitimate identification in person. Finally, you should contact your local police or law enforcement organization and file an incident report to cover yourself should illegal activities happen!
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5 Easy Ways to Speed Up Laptop Performance
>>> Quickest Way To Speed Up Your Slow Running Laptop
By: Cody Kahl of LaptopAdvisor.net
Does your notebook seem slower than molasses these days? Do you often find yourself coming to the point of heartache and even yelling a few choice words at your machine? If so, then the simple steps listed in this article are for you.
In this article we will take a look at some of the easiest things that you can do to automatically speed up laptop performance. And as a bonus, all of these tips can be done for free! (continued...)
1. Defrag
- How can defragging your hard drive speed up your notebook? Maybe by explaining how a defrag works, you will see how important it is.
When your hard drive is new and has no data on it, things get stored in blocks easily. When files and/or programs are stored in nice chunks, they can get accessed quickly – This is why your hard drive is blazing fast in the beginning. As time goes on things start to slow down. Files get deleted and this creates empty blocks in the hard drive.
New files and programs will get saved to these empty blocks, only they aren’t all together – They are spread out. When files/programs are spread out among different blocks of storage, they get accessed much slower. Defragmenting your hard drive brings related files and programs back into a nice big block. This is achieved because your computer knows which files and programs are related through their address.
2. Empty Recycle Bin
– This one is pretty self explanatory, and may even seem like a non-issue. Maybe it is, but there are plenty of people that keep their recycle bins full, all the time. If something is in the recycle bin, you might as well empty it.
3. Erase Temporary Files
– The internet as well as your operating system often store temporary files in special folders. These temporary files are just that, temporary, but they often stay on your computer for a number of days or even indefinitely. I don’t recommend going and deleting stuff in folders if you are unsure of what you are doing. Thankfully though, there are many programs out there that will go through and delete unnecessary files for you.
You can set many of them up to run periodically, and they will do many of things talked about in this article. You can find many of these programs on freeware download sites.
4. Spyware & Adware Removal
– Both spyware and adware are real computer killers these days. You have probably been bombarded by offers to buy programs that will get rid of all the junk on your computer – The simple answer is you don’t need to get these programs. You can find freeware ones all over that will work great. I like to use two programs simply because sometimes one will find stuff that the other won’t. My favorites are Ad-Aware by Lavasoft and Spybot – Search and Destroy.
5. Hard Drive Space
– Ok, I’ll admit, this one may not be free. If you have deleted everything off of your hard drive that you possibly can and you still have a shortage of space, you are simply going to need a bigger hard drive. If you have less than 500 megabytes still available for storage space, I highly recommend getting a bigger hard drive, as a computer with a filled up hard drive will perform very sluggishly.
By periodically doing all of the above you can generally keep your notebook in tip-top shape, and save your yelling for something else :)
A Final Note
If you still have a slow notebook after trying the methods above, you may have registry problems. Don't tackle the registry yourself if you don't have any experience. You can make your computer a lot worse if you don't know what you're doing. Get a professional software program to identify registry errors and repair, optimize and speed up your laptop. Download free registry scanning software here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Cody Kahl is creator and writer of LaptopAdvisor.net
– A site dedicated to providing only the best laptop information.
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PDA Watches
By: Brian Leinfuss
Ranging from $50 up to $300, the worst idea to come out has got to be the PDA watch.
Please prove me wrong, but have you ever seen anyone wear one of these? Or better yet use one? They tend to be bulky. Using one is great if you want to waste a few minutes.
To interact with the watch, you either have to rely on the old fashion 4 buttons on the sides of the watch or some manufacturers have come up with a touch screen method.
These watches are fun to observe people using. In the picture below, (continued...)
Fossil touts that their Wrist PDA is a touch screen. Please note the tiny stylus that is supposed to make it easy for a user to use. Drop that tiny stylus and you will be using a toothpick as a replacement.
PDA watches can be bought with either a Palm OS or Microsoft’s SPOT (Smart Personal Objects Technology) severely scaled down applications.
Both offerings can sync your address book, calendar, allow you to jot memos, use the calculator and access your to do list.
Microsoft’s MSN SPOT Watches allow you to get News, Weather, Sports scores, Stock Quotes Daily Diversions, Horoscopes, and Lottery beamed via FM Radio frequency for the price of $39.95 a month. (FM transmission is only available in the SPOT service area)
All this on a screen that will have to be a foot away from your face in order to see the information.
Additional packages are available like One-way personal messaging and the ability to Outlook calendar synch for only $20 more a month (can you read the sarcasm in my voice?).
My advice to you, the prospective user?… save your money, and BUY A REAL PDA.
My advice to Palm and Microsoft… Invest the time and money that was put into these almost useless products and focus on putting some of the innovative technology like the FM Radio updates for the real PDAs.
PDA and Mobile Today Reviewer's Rating *
(1 out of 5 Stars -- 5 stars is best)
About The Author:
Brian Leinfuss is a project manager for a software company in New Jersey. He has co-authored a number of technical books. Brian travels about 75 percent of the time and uses his mobile devices on a day-to-day basis. Read More About Brian
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