Don't Be A Victim: Practical Tips To Protect Your Smartphone From Theft

Where's your smartphone right now? In your pocket? On your desk, perhaps?
Or did you leave it in your handbag or your car?
Are you even certain that it's still there...?
Considering the cost of a new smartphone, most of us are extremely casual about how we treat them. I know one lady who has lost or broken three iPhones, and at least one of those was left on a table in a busy London pub before mysteriously vanishing.
But keeping tabs on your smartphone isn't difficult. Keeping it safe from the possibility of theft is even simpler.
The following practical tips should explain exactly where you have been going wrong. You need never worry about a lost phone again!

Basic Smartphone Safety

Before proceeding, there are a number of basics that you should be aware of.
To begin with, you should install an app that provides a means of finding your phone if stolen. There is the Find My Phone app for iPhone and Android, while Windows Phone 8 comes with the service as part of the OS. These apps can be used to remotely lock and wipe the phone, and can prove useful in tracking the thief.
In addition to this, you should set a lock screen password on your phone that isn't an obvious PIN (e.g., not 0000, 1234, 8520, 0258, etc.).
You should also consider whether you need insurance. This is an important point - there is a chance that the buffer of insurance might cause you to take unnecessary risks with your smartphone. Be aware, too, that even if your phone is stolen and locked by your network provider it can still be used to browse the web, play games and download apps thanks to a wireless connection. You should, therefore, take steps to cancel the phone or your account with the appropriate app store.
(It's also worth mentioning that a network-locked phone can still make Skype calls via Wi-Fi.)

Thief Spots Phone: Will He Manage to Steal It?

There are several ways in which a criminal will attempt to steal a phone.
First of all, of course, he or she will need to spot the device. This might be easy, or it might be tough, depending on you.
For instance, if you have just left an Apple store or a popular mobile phone chain carrying branded bag with a box in it, the chances are that you've just bought a new smartphone.
A device that is brand new in its box and inactivated is like alchemy to thieves. Your best bet is to place your bag into another (larger and unbranded) or take the phone out of the box and place it in an inside pocket.
Other ways a thief might spot a smartphone is if you leave phone chargers, headphones or even docks and windscreen mounts visible in your car. You should always take the time to place these items in your glove compartment while not in use.
Finally, consider your headphones. Particular companies such as Apple and Nokia ship their smartphones with distinctive headphones. Meanwhile, even the presence of expensive alternatives can betray the presence of a piece of equipment worth stealing.

Avoiding the Advances of a Thief

Of course, a thief is unlikely to walk straight up to you and steal your phone in most cases (unless you leave it on a "plate" so to speak, such as on the table in a bar or restaurant).
Many street criminals will come up with some sort of rationale for approaching you - before running off with your smartphone.
Keeping your phone out of sight is the first step to avoiding theft. Sadly, it isn't as simple as that. Once a thief has "clocked" you as someone who owns a smartphone that they might like to steal, they will try and distract you. This can be done in the following ways:

• They might ask you for the time: your natural response will be to look away from them, giving them the chance to take your phone. If you take your phone out to check the time, this will give an opportunity for them to steal it. You'll also be stood still, making yourself an easy target for a thief to mug you. If someone asks for the time, tell them you don't know, or make it up.
• You might be approached on a bus or train. Crowded subway trains are a common hunting ground for thieves, where they can easily grab a phone as they disembark - before you get a chance to react, the doors are closed and the thief has made off. Stay aware of your surroundings and situations, don't hunch up and look down at your phone and - best advice - keep your phone out of sight in such a scenario. You should also avoid using your back pocket to hold your phone - always use an inside breast pocket and keep your coat or jacket fastened. Don't forget to obscure your smartphone model and design with a case.
• Finally, be aware of methods used to distract you in the street, and how to deal with them.
  • If a stranger approaches you (from front, side or behind), keep walking, regardless of whether you are wearing headphones or not.
  • Keep looking straight ahead - don't hang your head or hunch up.
  • Ensure your phone is out of reach.
  • You might also consider ducking into the nearest shop.

Conclusion: Keep It Safe Out Of Sight!

Now, the last thing anyone wants is for you to run away from MakeUseOf scared and afraid to set foot outside. It's not often we give a dose of hard edged reality among the digital fun here, but stolen phones is a massive black market, and network locks and Find My Phone and similar apps don't put an end to this.
The onus is on you to make sure your phone is kept safe, out of sight of thieves. Don't give them a clue that you have one, or a chance to take it from you.

Saying Goodbye: 5 Alternatives To The Optical Disc

With computers growing smaller and lifestyles going mobile, less and less devices offer sufficient space for internal optical drives. Presently, the market is kept afloat by Blu-ray consumer home video sales, but in terms of data storage, optical discs are slowly becoming obsolete. Moreover, while most movie buyers still prefer to own a physical copy of their purchase, this market, much like the music market, will soon be taken over by streaming services. So are you still storing data on optical drives? Optical discs have a storage capacity of up to 50GB (Blu-ray) and at around $0.08 per GB they remain one of the cheapest ways to store data. Under optimal conditions in terms of temperature, humidity, and handling, Blu-ray discs can last over 50 years, an impressive number. The problem is, optical discs require an optical drive to be used and such a device will likely break long before 50 years are up. The question then is whether those drives will still be available in a decade or two from now and at what point it is smart to switch to another storage medium. The way you store your data should always be current. There is no point in chaining yourself to a specific method or medium. The key is that your data is easily accessible to you, now and in the future. Hence, the best way to store your data depends on your needs. How much data do you have? Do you want to store, transport, or share your data? Where do you need to access them? And for how long do you need to store your data safely? To make potential alternatives to optical discs comparable, I have examined four different criteria: storage capacity , average price per GB, average or approximate lifetime in years or number of write/erase cycles, and compatibility with other devices and operating systems. Option 1: USB Stick Capacity: regularly up to 128GB (256GB available) Price: from $0.60 to $0.80 per GB Lifetime: 10 thousand to 5 million write/erase cycles, approx. 2 to 20 years Compatibility: theoretically any device with USB port Flash-based drives and particularly USB thumb drives are probably the best alternative to optical discs in terms of lifetime and portability. Since lifetime depends less on climate and storage conditions, but primarily on the amount of times data are written to or erased from the drive, flash drives theoretically could have a longer lifetime than DVDs or Blu-ray discs. With up to 128GB, thumb drives also offer more storage capacity (Blu-ray up to 50GB) and they do not depend on the availability of an optical drive. However, flash drives are significantly more expensive per GB. Option 2: SD(HC) Card Capacity: up to 128GB Price: from $0.62 to $1 per GB Lifetime: 100 thousand to 1 million write/erase cycles, approx. 1 to 10 years Compatibility: adapter or SD card reader required This is the most portable alternative to optical discs. With regular storage sizes between 16 and 64GB, SD cards are also comparable in size. Similar to USB sticks, the lifetime of SD cards depends on write/erase cycles and can thus be very short or rather long. Like all flash-based storage devices, the price per GB is significantly higher than that of optical discs. Moreover, SD / SDHC cards require an SD / SDHC card reader or an adapter. Option 3: External Hard Drive (HDD) Capacity: up to 3TB Price: from $0.04 to $0.15 per GB Lifetime: approx. 2-5 years Compatibility: any device with USB port External hard drives are the cheapest alternative to optical discs. They cost less, offer a much higher storage capacity, and are essentially compatible with any device that sports a USB port. In terms of connecting the hardware, compatibility is a non-issue. That said, keep in mind that the file system (typically FAT32 or NTFS) can potentially prevent recognition or full functionality of a HDD when connected to other devices (TV) or operating systems. The biggest issue, however, is the vulnerability of HDDs. They are easily damaged by physical shock, which makes them suboptimal for transporting data. Moreover, their operation relies on moving parts, meaning each use increases the likelihood of hardware failure. Option 4: External Solid State Drive (SSD) Capacity: up to 256GB Price: from $0.80 to $1.78 per GB Lifetime: 100 thousand to 5 million write/erase cycles, approx. 5 to 20 years Compatibility: any device with USB port In terms of price and durability, SSDs are similar to thumb drives or SD cards: expensive, but potentially long lifetime. SSDs are available with larger storage capacities than other flash-based storage devices, however, this also comes at a higher price. Option 5: Cloud Storage Capacity: regularly up to 500GB with Dropbox (theoretically unlimited) Price: from free to $1 per GB and year Lifetime: theoretically unlimited, practically as long as service is available or as long as you pay Compatibility: any device with internet access Storing your data in the cloud is the most convenient way to backup, share, and keep your data with you, provided you have access to the internet. However, this is only practical for small amounts of data. If you have more than a few GB, it can get very expensive as fees are due monthly or yearly, for as long as the storage space is needed. Before you make a decision on where to store your data in the cloud, browse our cloud storage articles for tips & tricks. Conclusion Many alternatives for optical drives exist, but few can compete with the price and theoretical lifetime of Blu-ray discs. On the other hand, many make for better long term investments. In the long run, you should always have your data stored in at least two future-proof locations. But for the moment, Blu-ray discs and DVDs are a viable storage method. Just make sure you move your data before your last way to access them disappears. Do you still use optical discs to store or transfer data?

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Are You Getting The Broadband Speed You're Paying For?

How fast is your Internet connection, really? Your Internet service provider quotes you speeds, but how do you know if you're actually getting the speed you're paying for? You can find out using one of these free tools. And, if you're not, there are some things you can do to increase your Internet connection speed.
You can't measure your connection speed based on how fast it seems during normal use, as websites won't necessarily make use of your full download speeds. These tools will make use of all the bandwidth your connection has available, ensuring you a fairly accurate measurement.

The Speedtest Broadband Speed Test

Before using Speedtest, ensure no other programs are using your connection. For example, if you have a BitTorrent client or another file-downloading program running, you should pause your downloads. This doesn't just apply to your computer - if you have other computers sharing an Internet connection, ensure they're not actively using your connection either. This will help you get a more accurate picture of just how fast your connection is.
Open the Speedtest page and click the Begin Test button to get started. Speedtest will automatically choose a nearby server and try downloading and uploading a file. It measures the speed when doing these transfers, and the speeds you see should be fairly representative of your Internet connection's speeds.

JD's Auto Speed Tester

Speedtest is useful, but it only gives you a snapshot of your Internet connection speed at one point in time. It doesn't tell you how consistent your connection speed is or whether it regularly fluctuates at certain times of the day. To monitor your Internet connection speed over time, download JD's Auto Speed Tester.
JD's Auto Speed Tester will perform regular Internet connection speed tests in the background, providing you with a record of your broadband speeds. You can see a graph of your Internet connection speeds over time, allowing you to see just how consistent your Internet connection speeds are.
This program is quite powerful. It allows you to set up emails - you can get email alerts when your Internet connection speed drops to a certain level or receive regular updates on your Internet connection speed. You can also have it not perform tests when certain programs (such as file-downloading programs) are open.
Even if you prefer to run Internet connection speed tests manually and not on a schedule, this program can be useful. It will save each test results and provide a graph, while Speedtest won't remember any previous results for you.

What If You're Not Receiving the Speed You Were Promised?

If you've run these tests and found that you're not receiving the speeds your Internet service provider promised, you're probably wondering what you can do to increase your connection speed.
Here's the bad news: Internet connection speeds can vary. Internet service providers can't promise you an exact speed, as your actual speed can depend on the amount of load on the network, how far you are from your Internet service provider's hardware, and other factors. Sometimes this can even be to your benefit - for example, in the screenshots above, I'm getting over 27 Mbps (Mbps stands for megabits per second). However, my ISP only advertises a maximum of 25 Mbps - so I'm getting extra speed.
However, in many cases this won't work out to your benefit. You'll probably have an actual speed that's a bit lower than the speed you were promised. If you look up your service plan details, you'll probably see a footnote saying that your ISP can't promise you an exact speed.
On the other hand, wide variations can indicate a problem. For example, if you were promised 25 Mbps and you're receiving 23 Mbps, that's within the margin of error. However, if your plan offers 25 Mbps and you're consistently receiving 8 Mbps, this can indicate a problem. Internet service providers can make mistakes - I once upgraded to an Internet service plan with higher speeds. After upgrading, I ran a speed test program and noted that my speed hadn't gone up. After a quick phone call to my ISP, they realized that they hadn't actually flipped the switch and given me the higher speeds I was paying for. This fixed the problem, and it's possible no one would have noticed if I hadn't tested my Internet connection speeds.

Tips for Improving Your Speed

Before you go calling your Internet service provider and asking them to check your speeds, ensure you run multiple tests at different times - a single test isn't enough to indicate a consistent problem. You should also ensure that no one else on your network is using your Internet connection, as you'll see slower speeds in the tests if something else is maxing out your Internet connection.
If you're receiving poor speeds, it's also possible that there's an issue on your end - not your Internet service provider's. For example, if you're on a wireless network, you could be receiving a weak signal. Check out these tips to improve your wireless signal and ensure your router is using the ideal wireless channel. To eliminate wireless connection problems, try plugging your computer directly into your router with a wired Ethernet cable and then running a broadband speed test. And even if you are receiving good results in your speed tests, it's possible your ISP is throttling BitTorrent downloads and other types of traffic, slowing it down.
How did your Internet connection speeds measure up? Are you getting the speeds you're paying your Internet service provider for? Leave a comment and share your experience!

ADATA DashDrive Elite HE720 Slimmest USB 3.0 External Hard Drive With Sleek Brushed Metal Exterior

ADATA DashDrive Elite HE720 is the world’s slimmest USB 3.0 external hard drive yet. Sleek brushed metal exterior gives elegant overall appearance, a perfect hard drive for design conscious geek, who says technology can’t look fashionably? This hard drive boasts slim body of only 8.9mm thickness, once again ADATA provides you a device that blends top performance with style.
Aside from its good look, Elite HE720 also features one-touch-backup function to allow you to run automatic backup and synchronize data in one single touch. The nice cool blue LED indicator lights on through the transmission process to indicate the power as well as the data transfer status.
From : ADATA

Hot online deals for Diwali 2012

Diwali is considered a very auspicious time for making big consumer electronic purchases, irrespective of whether you are a tech enthusiast or not. And what makes it all the more beneficial are the festive discounts and offers that different brands come up with



With Diwali just around the corner, it’s time for indulgence and shopping, be it shopping for oneself, for family, for house or even friends. Diwali is also considered a very auspicious time for making big consumer electronic purchases, irrespective of whether you are a tech enthusiast or not. And what makes it all the more beneficial are the festive discounts and offers that different brands come up with. This ensures that you usually end up with a good bargain as the market is inundated with loads of attractive deals. And thanks to the boom of online shopping portals, your options have increased manifold. We’ve listed out some such lucrative deals for our readers.

Flipkart

Apart from good deals, Flipkart has also waived off the processing fees on EMIs

Undoubtedly one of the most popular online shopping sites, Flipkart has geared up for Diwali. The details for the festive offers can be accessed from the banner on the homepage. It has been divided into Gadget Store, Accessory Deals, TV/Audio/Gaming, Lifestyle and other sections. Under the Gadgets Store, you will find discount and offers on mobile phones, tablet, cameras and laptops. On most of the products, apart from the discount and the freebies from the brand, Flipkart is providing a Flipkart e-gift voucher up to Rs.1,500. The Flipkart e-gift voucher offer is available on select mobile phones, tablets and cameras. Apart from this, Filpkart has waived off the processing fee on the three and six month EMIs for the festive season, i.e. till November 15. 

HomeShop18

Purchase goods worth more than Rs. 750 and you can be a part of the bumper lucky draw

For the festive season, HomeShop18 has lined up several deals for consumers. As a part of the festive bonanza, it is offering up to 70 percent off on mobiles and laptops. Also, if you shop for any product over Rs. 750, then you stand a chance to win daily prizes and even a bumper prize. It also has special offer on Samsung products. On purchase of any Samsung mobiles phone, camera or laptop –  you stand a chance to win a bike over and above the discount. Moreover, you are also eligible for the daily prizes and the bumper prize. Also, don’t forget to check the handpicked limited offer deals on a wide range of products.

Indiaplaza

Indiaplaza brightens up the festivities of Diwali with an array of offers for tech enthusiasts and others alike. The shopping site has some cool deals on mobile phones, cameras and other electronics and home appliances. Up for grabs are six phones with up to 41 percent off, portable storage devices with up to 72 percent off, among others.Though not as lucrative as other sites, Indiaplaza also offers small discounts on Samsung, Nikon and Olympus cameras. If you plan to buy a TV set this Diwali, then Indiaplaza has some dhamaka offers from Panasonic, LG, Samsung and Philips. The TVs range from 32-inch to 50-inch, with a discount of up to 28 percent. Overall, the site is a one-stop shop for your Diwali shopping with great discounts on almost all Diwali related goods from sweets to crackers.

Tradus

If you are planning to buy a TV, then do check out the deals on Tradus

Tradus celebrates the Diwali season with a plethora of offers on various tech gadgets. It is giving away up to 18 percent off on LCD TVs from renowned brands like Samsung, Sony and LG. If you plan to pick a tablet, camera or camera accessories, then you won't be disappointed, as there are too many options available on the site along with a Diwali discount of up to 45 percent. You will also find computer peripherals, portable storage devices and some nifty mobile cases at discounted prices. Tradus is also offering cashback Diwali bonanza offer, which means you can get back Rs. 2,000 on purchase of goods worth Rs. 5,000, Rs. 1,000 on purchase of Rs. 3,000 and Rs. 500 on purchase of Rs. 2,000. 

Indiatimes

Indiatimes is offering additional discount of up to Rs. 5,000

Indiatimes Shopping has Diwali Dhamaka offer on phones, laptops, cameras, camera accessories, camcorders and TVs. Under computers, one will find tablets, portable hard drives, printers and other computer accessories. Compact cameras are on sale with up to 21 percent off. Along with the discounts, Indiatimes is also offering up to Rs. 3,000 off on purchases under the phones and computer section, and Rs. 4,000 and Rs. 5,000 on cameras and TVs respectively. This Diwali offer is valid up to November 13 and one will have to use the ‘DiwaliOffer’ coupon for additional discount. However, the website states that it’s a promotional offer valid for a limited period of time on first-come, first-served basis.

SnapDeal

SnapDeal has some good offers on mobile phones

The popular daily deal site Snapdeal also has come up with some Diwali offers. You have plenty of deals to choose from. It has a section for mobile phones, where you will find phones from leading brands being offered at discounted rates. Additionally, Snapdeal also has the Apple iPhone 5 for sale, with the 16GB model available for Rs. 45,500 and 32GB model for Rs. 52,500. It also has one offer where you can buy one phone and get another for free. The brands here include Micromax, AirTyme, Vox, Akai and Maxx, amongst others. It also has offers on select laptop brands that include Lenovo, Asus, HP and Toshiba. In the cameras section, it has some good deals on Canon, Nikon and Sony. And if you were to buy a camera from Genius, then you will get free mobile phones from Kopper.

Zoomin

Zoomin has good limited period offer on select range of products

Even though Zoomin is primarily a photo store that specialises in photo prints, photo books and gifts, the site also sells gadgets. For the festive season, it has some great offers lined up for phones and cameras. Though limited in number, the deals are worth considering and most importantly, these offers are valid only till November 6. For instance, the Samsung Galaxy S3 that is available on Flipkart for about Rs. 34,900, is available here for Rs. 32,999. It has select handsets from Samsung, Sony and Nokia, and cameras from Panasonic, Nikon, Fujifilm and Olympus. While Zoomin offers free shipping, it will take about 7-14 days to deliver.   

Infibeam

You will get a good bargain for Sony Xperia range here

On this Diwali, the online shopping site Infibeam is offering super discounts on Sony mobile phones. It has put on sale mid to high-end Xperia line-up of Sony handsets including the latest Xperia tipo. Then there are Xperia U, P, S, tipo dual, neo, Sola and more. Infibeam also has a page showing some cool Samsung cameras at discounted prices that you could grab for this Diwali season. On purchasing a camera, you can also avail of a holiday voucher worth Rs. 7,000. Besides festive offers, you can also check out Infibeam’s phone section, which offers some really good discounts on mobile phones.

TheITDepot

ITDepot too is offering festive discounts on limited range of products

TheITDepot, a handy shopping website for hardcore techies, also has some devices on sale this Diwali. It has on sale chassis from NZXT, Corsair and Cooler Master, Asus graphic card, flash drives and webcam. Besides this, TheIT Depot has a range of computer peripherals that you can choose from. It also has a ‘deal of the day’ offer that puts on sale a select device with an attractive discount each day. You will also find products from AMD, Belkin and Antec. You can either call up and order via phone or buy online with its wide range of payment options.

Can't Stand The Slowness? The Top 10 Reasons for Poor PC Performance

Has your computer loaded this webpage yet? If it has, you'll be halfway toward working out just why it seems to be running so slowly. There are many reasons for desktop and laptops to chug along at their own, slow pace, defying the system specs and performing more like a relic from the 1990s.

Where you're browsing the web, word processing or gaming, poor performance will cause problems. The irony is that in most cases, these problems are avoidable, or in the worst case scenario, easily resolved. From relying on old hardware to poor application management, bad airflow and the need to defragment your hard disk drive, the following list will tell you everything you need to know about finding the reason for your computer's poor performance. You'll be able to deal with these problems quickly and in most cases with zero outlay.

1. System Startup

Booting Windows typically takes around the same length of time on any computer - it's when it comes to loading the drivers and startup files that things slow down. As you add software to your PC, any that is required to launch as part of the Windows startup will result in sluggish performance, and perhaps even freeze your computer.

To fix this you will need to reduce the number of applications that are loading at this time. Various utilities can be employed to deal with a slow Windows startup, from MSConfig to the very useful Autoruns.

2. Fragmented Hard Drive

One of the most common causes of a slow computer is a fragmented hard disk drive, although the actual effect of this has been called in to question in these days of faster, larger drives and massive games and media files. Nevertheless, checking the disk for fragmented data won't take too long and can help with dealing with slow performance issues. In Windows, open Start > Computer and right-click the C: drive, selecting Properties > Tools > Defragment Now and following the instructions displayed.

Note that while you can't defrag an SSD, you can optimize it for peak PC performance.

3. Too Many Permanent Temporary Files!

Temporary folders are supposed to make using Windows and your browser faster by providing easily-accessed files that can be loaded up extremely quickly. This might be data that is downloaded from the web or regularly required by other applications.

When your hard disk drive becomes over 90% full you will find that performance dips markedly. In order to combat this, one of the best things you can do is delete your Windows temp files and clean your web browser. While deleting your Internet history and temporary Internet files is something you can do from your browser, CCleaner is a good option for tidying up the Windows temp folders.

How To Uninstall Applications Efficiently And Remove Obsolete Files deals with the use of CCleaner.

4. An Incorrectly Configured Pagefile

Error messages and slow performance can be due to a problem with the Windows Pagefile, a temporary portion of your system memory that is used for processing functions, part of which involves the temporary holding of data.

Increasing the Pagefile is easy. First, open Start and right-click Computer, selecting Properties; from here, openAdvanced > Settings > Performance > Advanced. Under Virtual Memory, select Change, and alter the size of the Pagefile so that a larger portion of RAM is available.

Note that if no more RAM can be allocated you will need to install additional memory modules.

5. Uninstalled Applications & The Windows Registry

When you uninstall software on Windows, the uninstaller doesn't necessarily remove everything from your computer. While you can employ the Piriform CCleaner utility to remove software completely, historical uninstalls and other problems will have caused issues with your Windows Registry.

The Windows Registry is like a vast database of filepaths and instructions for the operating system and installed software, and it can become corrupted and overloaded. These issues will cause slow boots, poor performance and a very slow shut down, as well as an inability to resume from sleep/standby modes.

Once again, CCleaner can be employed here, but there are many other tools that can be used to fix problems in the Windows Registry. Remember to back up the registry before running tools that might cause problems, even if your PC is running slow.

6. Slow Network?

While network speed might not have a direct impact on your computer's performance in many cases, if you're relying on downloading data or perhaps using a cloud application or even a remote virtual platform, slow network speed will come into play.

To overcome these issues, first check that your network cabling is secure and undamaged. If you have a wireless router, make sure that you are getting the very best connection, and spend some time checking the configuration on your router. You can use the Windows command prompt to check the speed of your Internet connection using the tracert command, while various websites provide live speed tests.

Don't overlook your local network as the cause of your problems, however. Network management software can be used to find out if anyone is piggy-backing your connection, and allow you to remove them.

7. Viruses & Spyware

If you're using security software, it *should* be protecting you from malware and viruses on your system. Malicious software is one of the primary reasons for slow or poor system performance, and can add themselves to your computer while you install software downloaded from the web. Malware doesn't just come in the form of viruses, worms and Trojans, however - there are plenty of toolbar hijacks and Facebook apps that can be described as malware or be the cause of malware ending up on your computer.

You can deal with malicious software by ensuring that your computer is fully equipped with anti-virus and anti-malware tools that run regularly. Removal of malware and viruses could prove difficult, however, if you don't have these tools installed.

8. Security Software Letting You Down?

Try to stick to anti-malware/anti-spyware applications with good reputations, however, as opposed to any that might have come bundled with your computer. There are plenty of free tools that you can use, but any of them can be responsible for drawing on too many system resources.

You can check whether security software (or other applications) are draining too many system resources by opening Task Manager, either by right-clicking the Windows taskbar or pressing CTRL+ALT+DELETE. Using the Processes and Performance tabs you should be able to identify which applications are causing the largest drain on resources - if it is your security software, you will need to deal with this in the application settings or even remove it completely. As there are many good free anti-virus and anti-malware applications available online, this shouldn't be difficult to replace.

(Note also that running two anti-virus applications will be counterproductive, as each is likely to identify the other as a threat, resulting in more slow PC performance.)

9. Old Hardware

Possibly the hidden villain of slow PC issues, old hardware can prove deadly to your computer. It's a familiar tale - the computer bought five or so years ago slowly upgraded component-by-component until it eventually has all brand new shining parts that simply cannot hope to perform as intended.

This is usually because of a single element, such as RAM that hasn't been upgraded or replaced, or perhaps a system that has been completely overhauled except for a motherboard with slow bus speed.

Elsewhere, old cables can result in slow transfers and data loss, impacting performances speeds and making an apparently decent computer look over the hill.

10. Positioning, Airflow and Ventilation

There are many factors that can determine the lifespan of your computer, but one of those that you should pay attention to is dust.

This single substance can wreak havoc in a computer, which is why machines should be regularly serviced to remove build-up of dust in vents, on cables, fans and heatsinks. The internal airflow of your computer should be such that the processor, graphics card and motherboard are kept cool - if this is not possible, performance issues will occur.

A computer should be positioned in a ventilated area, one which is relatively cool and largely dust free. You should also avoid covering the vents on your computer.

Speed Up Your PC With Regular Maintenance!

Using one, some or all of these solutions in tandem will enable you to speed up your computer, in some cases with remarkable results.

Note, however, that there is no substitute for regular maintenance. Whether that means keeping your hardware clean and dust free or running frequent checks with CCleaner and other utilities mentioned here, you should probably set aside one day a month to make sure your hardware is running at optimum speed for the rest of the time.

After all, computers are expensive pieces of equipment - looking after your investment will give you the best results

HowTo Cut, Make Nano SIM for iPhone 5

The smaller SIM standard goes even more smaller as Apple trims the iPhone’s thickness by 18%.
Your existing normal SIM or Micro SIM can be converted to Nano SIM by following simple steps. To do this, you have two options: DIY or visit your wireless network’s local customer service center and get them to replace your current SIM with a Nano SIM. But we know if you came to this DIY guide, your intent is to Do It Yourself, lets get started

What you need:

• A printer (Colored or monochrome)
• A4-sized sheet
• Tape
• Ruler and marker
• Good Scissors
• Sandpaper or file
• Patience & accuracy

Warning: This needs high ability of accuracy in one’s hands. Not everyone is blessed with that. We will not be held responsible if you damage your SIM card.

How to Make Nano SIM card for iPhone 5

Step 1: Download & print PDF at 100% scale on an A4 page.
Step 2: Accurately place your current SIM card on the designated area. If you have a Mini SIM, place it on the second highlighted area. If you have Micro SIM, place it on the third and last. When you’re sure it matches the outlines, stick the SIM to paper using  a tape.

Step 3: Using a ruler and a marke, carefully mark the five lines along which you would cut in the following step.

Step 4: Use the scissor to carefully cut across the marked lines. You really need to be slow and 

    accurate. Single mistake can damage your SIM card. Ask your mom if you’ve to, she might be able to do it better.

Step 5: Using a file or sand paper, Smooth out the edges of your Nano SIM.
Bingo, you have successfully made Nano SIM for your iPhone 5.
Apple has really left no plastic area on the SIM card. Its hard to say what they would have in the iPhone 6. Perhaps a pico-SIM or femto-SIM card.

Not Just Email: Your Voice Mail Can Be Hacked, Too - Here's How To Secure It

Much has been made throughout 2011 and 2012 of the dangers of phone hacking. While many of the victims of the practice - in this case sponsored by major news organizations - were celebrities, politicians and sportsmen, many more were real, regular people who may or may not have been involved with slightly more famous people, one way or another.
In the UK, USA and Australia, investigations are ongoing into these practices, but let's step back a moment. You might have read with interest (perhaps even glee) about these cases, but what if it happened to you? Would you like to be a phone hacking victim?
The vast majority of those hacked had no idea how reporters knew so much about them. There is a simple reason for this - they didn't know that their cell phone voicemail was not secured. Upon spending several hundred dollars on phones, they had like many other people assumed that the device was secure.
Voicemail security is not something that appears to be a priority for mobile phone networks, which is why it is something that users should be proactive about. Anyone's phone can be hacked - if it was easy for journalists, it would be easy for anyone to do...

Keep Your Phone Locked & Voicemail Secure

Forget about the "I've got nothing to hide" mantra - you do. Social security numbers, bank account numbers, credit cards, insurance, mortgages... and that's just a small aspect of the financial side of your life. We all have something to hide, and with good reason. As we've seen in the newspapers and TV news reports, there is no doubt that this information can be filtered out of mobile phone voicemail messages, which is why you should keep your voicemail secure.
Phone hackers were able to get into voicemail records by dialing a generic number from a mobile and then keying in a PIN. But even this practice can be simplified if you leave your mobile lying around. Hackers (hired by reporters in the famous cases that saw British newspaper News of the World closed down following public outrage or even journalists themselves) have no scruples when it comes to doing their job.
In order to prevent interference and hacking, remember to set an unlock password on your phone. Once you've done this, set a voicemail password. In most cases you should be able to do this manually, but if not contact your mobile network.

• On an iPhone, open Settings > Phone > Change Voicemail Password and make the change.
• In Android, use Apps > Settings > Call > Voicemail settings to change your voicemail password.
• Windows Phone users can open Settings > swipe left to Phone and tap Voicemail number to edit.
• On BlackBerry, use Options > Voicemail settings to configure a new password.

When you set a new password for voicemail, make sure that it is secure. You shouldn't need to memorize it as your phone will store the information, but you will need to ensure that your phone's lock code is secure.

The Usual Principles of Security

The following passwords are extremely popular on mobile phones:

• 1234
• 0000
• 2580 (the middle column of numbers on a telephone keypad)
• 1111
• 5555
• 5683 (Spells "LOVE")
• 0852 (the middle column of numbers on a telephone keypad in reverse)
• 2222
• 1212
• 1998

As such, these should be avoided! Also you should think beyond birth years for yourself or those close to you. It's a good tactic to set a password and ask a close friend if they can guess it. If they do, think again!
The usual principles of setting a PIN should apply. Not only should it be hard to guess and apparently random, it should be unique to your phone. The tactics used by reports and private investigators in the phone hacking scandal were occasionally those used by phishing scammers - calling up people to gain personal information from which a password or PIN might be guessed.
In light of this, maintaining completely different passwords for all of your various telephone and online accounts is vital, if slightly tricky to achieve. Additionally, you should change passwords regularly.
Remember too that voicemail hacking can be done from your own phone if the device is left unsecured and there is no unlock PIN setup. Should someone walk off with your phone there are various tools that you can use to remotely locate, reset and wipe the device. Of course, by then, it might be too late...

Have No Doubts!

It is simple to change your voicemail PIN, but it is easily overlooked. The famous names whose personal lives have been exposed (over the past 20 years or so) prove that people trust devices in their possession far more than they should.
Whether you're an average Joe with a few dollars in the bank or the sister of a football player, you need to make sure that your phone voicemail is secure. Messages from banks, lovers, car dealers, retailers and hospitals can be used to the benefit of all manner of criminals, from unscrupulous journalists to the online mafia.
Change your voicemail PIN, make it tough to break, and regularly alter it. If there is any doubt about the strength and quality of your voicemail PIN and mobile phone lock code, you can be sure that someone else will be able to break it.