Examples Of Fake Emails

Here are 2 examples of emails that are fake that you should ignore and just delete

Do not click on any link in the email if you receive them as they are NOT from banks

iTunes - Authorize Or Deauthorize That Computer

Apple will allow you to place your iTunes account on 5 computers .

That means you can duplicate your music and account on these computers.

However you will need to "authorize" these computers with your Apple ID 

If you have stopped using a computer , don't forget to "deauthorize" that computer

Once a year you can "deauthorize" all computers ( whether you have them or not) and then " authorize" the computers you are using.

Remember if you cannot find your Apple ID , here is a link to help you.

What Is My Apple ID

Looking For Free CD DVD Burner Software

Looking for a free software alternative that will cater to most of your CD , DVD burning needs.

There are 2 alternatives to use

First you could use CD Burner XP

CD Burner XP will:

• Burns discs - Data and Music
• Creates boot discs 
• Converts iso's 

It is suitable for Windows XP , Vista , 7 and Windows 8

And remember it is Free , I have been using it for a while now and highly recommend it

More information and the download are available at CD Burner XP

The second chioce is InfraRecorder

"InfraRecorder is a free CD/DVD burning solution for Microsoft Windows.

It offers a wide range of powerful features; all through an easy to use application interface and Windows Explorer integration.

Features

Create custom data, audio and mixed-mode projects and record them to physical discs as well as disc images.

Supports recording to dual-layer DVDs.

Blank (erase) rewritable discs using four different methods.

Record disc images (ISO and BIN/CUE).

Fixate discs (write lead-out information to prevent further data from being added to the disc).

Scan the SCSI/IDE bus for devices and collect information about their capabilities.

Create disc copies, on the fly and using a temporary disc image.

Import session data from multi-session discs and add more sessions to them.

Display disc information.

Save audio and data tracks to files (.wav, .wma, .ogg, .mp3 and .iso)."

What To Do When Taking Your Smartphone / Tablet Overseas

Phones are all about turning off data roaming on your current phone so your apps don’t dial out and you don’t access those apps from your “ current sim “and end up on Today Tonight with a massive phone bill due to data charges.

First when leaving - Turn off cellular data

Phones need to be unlocked , this needs to be done at least a week before you go

Options For Making Phone Calls 

Purchase a local sim card in the country you are visiting , then redirect your phone number to your new number

Purchase a travel sim from Australia - 3 travel sims that you can get

TravelSIM is designed for occasional travellers to swap into their phones while overseas, which means they can't be contacted via the Australian number. To make a call you dial the number, the phone hangs up and then the TravelSIM service calls you back and connects the call. It sounds complicated but you soon get the hang of it. It's a pre-paid service with no monthly fee, but your credit expires if you haven't made a call for six months.

TruSim

Meanwhile Truphone's Tru SIM is targeted at regular travellers who want to use the same SIM and phone number when at home and abroad. The Tru SIM is pre-paid, although Truphone also offers post-paid plans for business users.
Tru SIM isn't a callback service like TravelSIM, so you can make calls the way you normally would. You can port your existing Australian mobile number to your Tru SIM, plus you can add a US or UK number to the same SIM for an extra $8 per month.

Woolworths Global Roaming Sim 

Global roaming sim which includes data for apps , email etc - 1GB data is $21

Take Your Own Internet With You

Buy a portable WIFI Hotspots where you can connect up to 5 devices.

When you look at the cost of hotel wifi in some London hotels $8 an hour to $20 - $30 a day , this can be a far better option 

There is also the McDonalds and coffees shop wifi but security is much better with your own connection .

Your own internet connection can be Ideal for maps , Google maps or Apple maps

which come with turn by turn navigation – ideal for holidays so you don't get lost.

Zip Files - Use 7-Zip

Looking a free zip program that is an alternative to Winzip that can assist you with unzipping , packing , unpacking windows files including rar files.

rar files are compressed files that need a program to extract the file embedded inside.

Then try 7 - Zip a Free program that runs on Windows.

After installation locate the file you want to open

Then right click on the file

Then pick a destination for extracting the file by clicking in the box at the end of " extract to"

In this case I have selected the desktop

Once you press OK it will put the newly extracted file on the desktop

Geek Uninstaller - A Better Uninstaller

Looking for a really good uninstaller that is an alternative to the add / remove programs.

I have been using Geek Uninstaller on a variety of Windows machines for the last few weeks and have nothing but praise for it.

Geek Uninstaller works with all versions of Windows 32 bit and 64bit ( including Windows 8)

Geek Uninstaller will remove all files and on the " force removal " setting eliminates all registry entries.

Make sure you download the " Free " version

Download Geek Uninstaller

10 Step Backup & Re-install Guide For Your Computer

If you are going to re- install your operating system on your Windows computer , from Windows XP - Windows 7 you need to follow a step by step system.

Here is my system 

1.BACKUP & ORGANISE

• Documents

• Photos

• Movies

• Music 

• iTunes Folder

• Emails

• Address Book

• Internet Favourites

• Organise Software Installation Discs & Keys

2.REINSTALL WINDOWS 

Format and reinstall Windows 

• Via Installation disc
• Via Restore from factory setting which is usually activated at the boot menu

3.SETUP WINDOWS

• Setup computer via onscreen instructions 

• Keyboard / Location

• Check drivers for devices in System Hardware

Note:Do not turn on Automatic updates yet

4.INTERNET

• Setup Internet access

5.WINDOWS UPDATE

Go to Windows Update

• Select custom updates

• Install ALL updates – then reboot

• Return to custom updates and repeat above step

• Repeat until no more updates are left

6.ANTIVIRUS SOLUTION

• Install anti virus & make sure it is updated

• Reboot and check again for AV updates 

7.WINDOWS UPDATE

• Now turn on Windows Automatic update

8.SOFTWARE

• Install software

• Once software installed , check again for updates

9.DATA

• Reinstall all your data

10.DEVICES

• Reinstall all your devices with updated drivers from the internet

• Cant remember all this, then here is a copy in PDF format that you can download with check boxes included so you can mark off where you are up to.

Adelaide Techguy Backup & Restore Guide

Reset Internet Explorer , It's Good For Windows

Internet Explorer is an integral part of Windows and if it has been altered it can affect Windows Update so it pays to reset Internet Explorer.

Resetting Internet Explorer will also stop unnecessary toolbars that you may have installed from loading.

These toolbars however you should really uninstall them , one's such as Ask , bitorrent toolbars , media player toolbars , horoscope toolbars etc

So what do you do

1. Close all Internet Explorer and Windows Explorer windows that are currently open.
2. Open the Control Panel , find and open Internet Options
3. Click the Advanced tab, and then click Reset.
Select the Delete personal settings check box if you would also like to remove browsing history, search providers, Accelerators, home pages, Tracking Protection, and ActiveX Filtering data.
4. When Internet Explorer finishes applying default settings, click Close, and then click OK.

You can also do this through the Control Panel and Internet Options.

Your changes will take effect the next time you open Internet Explorer.

Now run Windows Update again and you may see more Windows updates that were previously blocked because Internet Explorer was damaged.

Radio Segments For 8th May

Twitter

If your twitter account begins sending out " diet tips" or sending out " look at this picture " it means your account has been " hacked / compromised "

By logging onto twitter and changing your password this will fix the problem

Samsung Galaxy S4 Review

Click Here to read my opinion on the Samsung Galaxy S4

Welcome To Outlook.com

Hotmail has now finished , welcome to Outlook.com a far more professional email client.

For more information on Outlook.com and the transition from Hotmail - Click Here

App Of The Week

Yelp - review businesses that you visit and use and register your business so you can offer feedback to your customers

FiveAA Segment For 7th May

Samsung Galaxy S4

My review of the Samsung Galaxy S4 - Click Here

Outlook.com

Hotmail has now finished , welcome to Outlook.com a far more professional email client.

For more information on Outlook.com and the transition from Hotmail - Click Here 

Facebook Security

If you get locked out of your Facebook account you can have your friends help you get back in - these friends will be your " trusted contacts "

For more information on this - Click Here

Opinion On The Samsung Galaxy S4

I had the new Samsung Galaxy S4 for a few days last week compliments of Telstra so what do I think.

The phone runs Googles Android operating system ( Jelly Bean ) alongside what can only be described as the Samsung operating system. 

As an aside , Androids Jelly Bean by the way is the best OS they have come out with .

You will need a Google account for your phone so you will need to log in or sign up to this then sign up for a Samsung account for access to all the Samsung apps.

This phone has a nice big , clear screen - 5 inch , however while it is bigger it was not brighter than the iPhone 5 screen , but it is a good screen , the best I have seen on the larger smartphones.

Sound is really good and on the Telstra 4G network , internet and phone call quality is excellent. The speed of the 4G network from Telstra is a perfect compliment to the phone.

The phone is "light" for its size but this reflects the amount of plastic that was used to make the phone eg: plastic snap-on back cover.

The cover on the back allows access to the battery ( for those that need to swap the battery , as many Samsung owners do ) and an SD card slot for increased storage

Some of the software on the Samsung S4 is:

Dual Screen : see front and rear views from the camera on the screen at the same time

Eraser: Remove anything that was moving into or out of the frame when you were taking the photo

Translator: Type , speak into the phone what you would like translated or translate documents with the camera

There are motion sensors on the phone that enable you to interact with software on the phone such as change music tracks with a wave of the hand.

In Conclusion :

This is a top end Smartphone from Samsung packed full of software , really nice screen , a bit plastic when compared to others on the market but it is a top quality phone.

Not all the Samsung apps run as promised  , I along with other reviewers had problems with some of the camera apps.

Battery life was ok , but I only had it for a few days and with nearly all phones now they are a 1 day life.

The slogan on the front of the phone states , Life Companion , this maybe true if life was the same length as your phone contract - 2 years 

It will take some time to adjust to all the software on the phone and especially if you were to swap from the Apple world to the Android / Samsung world .

If you want to read more about the samsung Galaxy S4 here is a CNET review

Looking to purchase the Samsung Galaxy S4 , then I recommend Telstra because of their 4G network and superior coverage - more information can be found at this link.

Samsung Galaxy S4 - Telstra Mobile With Plan

How Far Will Wifi Go With Routers?

So you have a wifi router connection and wonder how far will it go?

If there is nothing to interfere with the signal , think clear line of sight , a wifi signal on "Wireless A" or "Wireless G" routers will go for about 45 metres.

Wireless N routers however will go for about 90 metres and be able to transfer data at a far greater rate than either the "a" or the "g"

What will reduce the signal?

Brick walls , televisions , microwave ovens etc can reduce the signal greatly.

Wireless N is the band of choice now, given it's range and data transfer capabilities so if you have an old router it maybe time to upgrade given that Wireless N routers sell for under the $100 mark for the basic model.

You may even need a wireless extender in your home or office .

Radio Segments For 1st May

Worst Technology Habits

We all have bad habits but what are the worst technology habits you could have ?

• Leaving computers / technology unattended in public places
• Using Devices With Dirty hands
• Bad Posture while using devices
• Working with your laptop on your lap
• People that have one account, multiple users
• Texting at the table
• Don’t just throw computer equipment in the bin

AntiVirus Software

21% of australians do not have antivirus protection and appear to have stuck with their trial one that has expired or do not have one at all 

I recommend Microsoft Security Essentials for a Free version or Nod32 from Eset for a paid version

On This Week In Technology

10 years of iTunes

• It was the start of the digital music business
• Steve jobs started the 99c a track and lets remember that Sony at the time wanted to charge people $3 a track
• When iTunes started it had 200,000 songs and the top selling song was U2s “ Stuck in a moment “ and the top selling album was Becks , "Sea Change"
• There are now 28 million songs in the iTunes store

App Of The Week

See what your dog or cat is thinking with this iPhone app

Cross Tuner for iPhones

FiveAA Segment For 30th April

Retune Friday

It's Retune day this friday that completes the last of the analogue to digital changeover 

For more details on how to retune your tv - Click Here 

AntiVirus Software

21% of australians do not have antivirus protection and appear to have stuck with their trial one that has expired or do not have one at all 

I recommend Microsoft Security Essentials for a Free version or Nod32 from Eset for a paid version 

System File Checker - Making Windows Run Right

Windows not running as it should.

Maybe you should run the system file checker for your windows installation.

It will see whether any system files have been modified or corrected.

Click start , then run and enter cmd and a dos box will open , then type sfc\scannow

This will scan your windows installation and will ask you for your windows disk so you can repair it.

Just insert your disk when you are asked for it and let it run.

Remember follow the instructions on the screen

Here is the Microsoft Support Note on the System File Checker for Windows 7 & Windows Vista

Here is the Microsoft Support Note on the System File Checker for Windows XP

Installing Hardware - Follow The Instructions

If you have bought a new printer , it will come with a disc for installation.

However , my preferred method is to go to the manufacturers site and download the latest software for the piece of hardware.

Then run the software on the computer and follow the instructions.

Don't plug the hardware / printer in until the message to do so appears on the computer screen.

Then follow the instructions about the ink , networking etc

But remember don't plug it in or connect to the computer until the message appears on the screen.

The install software first and turn on hardware second rule applies to most pieces of computer hardware from routers to scanners.

Windows XP Lifespan Is Running Out

For all the people that are still on Windows XP , the lifespan of this operating system is starting to run out.

After the April 8th 2014 there will be no more updates or service packs  which effectively means it would be unsafe for you to go on the internet.

So now is the time to start planning your migration to either Windows 8 or Apple

Lets remember Windows XP was released in Aug 2001.

Issues are now starting to arise

• If you want to use iTunes with iOS5  ,Windows XP users will not be able to access this feature.

"Using iCloud with a PC requires Windows Vista or Windows 7; Outlook 2010 or 2007 is recommended for accessing contacts and calendars."

• Internet Explorer 9 will not work with Windows XP 
• HTML5 issues with Windows XP

But expect to see more incompatible software and applications that will not work with Windows XP appearing in the future.

Radio Spots For 23rd April

Do you need a Digital Will?

Who will have access to your computer , passwords and online world ?

Do you need to take advantage of the Google Inactive Account Manager ?

What happens to your Facebook account ?

Do You Have Virus Protection ?

A new report from Microsoft claims that 24% of the worlds computers are " unprotected"

Download Microsoft Security Essentials for your windows computer , it's free from Microsoft 

Remove Toolbars

Remove toolbars from your internet browsers

• Internet Explorer
• Google Chrome
• Firefox

Toolbars can result in browser hijacks , malware , problems with Windows

Here is a great tool to remove toolbars: Toolbar Remover 

App Of The Week

Sleep If You Can

An alarm app that makes you take a photo when you set the alarm and you have to take " exactly" the same photo to turn the alarm off 

FiveAA Segment - 10 Tips for Safe Online Shopping

Shopping online means taking a few extra steps to make sure you do so safely.

Tip 1

If you have been infected with virus’s / malware in the past and are not completely certain that the infections have been removed then don’t shop online till you have addressed this issue

Tip 2

Have an anti-virus solution that is updated with the latest signature files.

This will reduce the chance of key logging software and or malicious code being run on your computer, which sends your details over the internet.

Tip 3

Don’t let your browser save your password when surfing the internet , as if you have an infected computer you will be transmitting your personal information.

Your computer saves this information then if you have been infected , the infection will go into your computer and find these passwords. Also if you use a laptop and it is stolen or someone else use’s it then all your passwords will go with your laptop.

Tip 4

If you are shopping from a laptop or a computer that accesses a wireless network and have no wireless security or anything less than WPA2 (WEP,WPA) on your router then don’t ,as your computer and your information is at risk.

Tip 5

If you have any suspicions about the site you are using, don’t proceed with the payment - Google for information on the site

Tip 6

Be cautious when providing your personal details online, including credit card details 

Only give sites that you shop from the ” minimal ” information that is required to complete the transaction

Consider using payment intermediaries which can often be a safer alternative , Paypal

Check your credit card every couple of days for irregular transactions

Tip 7

Do not click links in emails to go to shopping sites as this is one of the main ways to get infected and or transmit your personal information.

Tip 8

Understand what a safe shopping site is with the “green”padlock and https in the address bar Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS) provide encrypted communication

Use secure websites with lock icons and site seals.

The green display that you see at the top means that the site has an extended validation certificate, which means that if your computer is safe it is safe to shop here.

Tip 9

Use strong passwords, at least 12 characters, including letters, numbers and symbols - and change it regularly

Tip 10

Finally remember,if you suspect any criminal activity, contact your financial institution 

Save Documents Made On The iPad To Dropbox and Skydrive

One of the questions I always get is how do I upload documents that are made on the iPad to Dropbox or Skydrive.

First make your document , then choose " Open In "

Choose Dropbox or Skydrive and the file will upload to your account depending on which one you chose.