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.

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 Spots For 20th Mar - FIVEaa/PowerFM

Analogue to Digital Changeover 

2nd April is the changeover date 

The key questions to me has been around antennas and will the current one cope

• If you are getting the digital stations now you will get it after 2nd April
• If the stations drop out during bad weather, you may need a new antenna
• If your antenna is only a few years old it will be fine 
• New antennas installed are around the $250 mark

Samsung Galaxy S4 announcement 

• Released end of April
• Most telco’s are taking orders now
• 5” screen , improved screen , faster processor
• 13MP rear camera ( shoots 1080p video) and 2MP front camera – can film both at once
• Improved voice controlled interface
• Software translator through camera – put a foreign menu in front of it and it will translate it
• You can use it with gloves
• Eye tracking technology – halts a video when you look away

Lots of interesting software from “Samsung “ but running on the Google Android operating system – could we see a another operating system now that Samsung has grown to the size it is ?

Point to note : Apple shares rose on the announcement of the phone 

On This Week In Technology

In 1895 the first motion picture was shown on a screen to an invited audience in Paris

Social Media News

What is the creepiest thing you can do on Facebook ? - Click here for the Gizmodo story

Website Of The Week

Become an internet superstar with Simon Cowell and You Tube with the You Generation TV Global Audition 

The You Generation You Tube Global Audition

Tip Of The Day

Look at your internet plan

• Many people have been on the same internet plan for years
• Go to your internet providers website and look at the plans 
• In some cases you can save money and get an increased download 

Your Router - Is It Secure ?

Background

Last year we had the dns malware changer issue that affected 300,000 around the world and received enormous publicity. What I will explain affects 80 million.

Issue

There is a problem with many routers which we use to access the internet

When you are on the internet it should be a one way experience , you can go out and access the internet but computers should not be able to access your router.

A 6 month study was conducted that revealed a vulnerability in the software on many routers being used.

The problem lies in Universal Plug n Play that allows networked devices, such as personal computers, printers, internet gateways, Wi-Fi access points and mobile devices to discover each other's presence on the network ( make sure they can all see each other )  and establish a network for the sharing of data, communications, and entertainment.

Universal Plug n Play is turned on by default in many routers.

So what can happen?

Taking files from computers , taking full control of them , accessing webcams etc , in fact anything attached to the network

The fault lines in the software in the router that many companies have not patched / fixed

So What Can You Do?

Go to grc.com/shieldsup to test your router by clicking on the proceed button , then you will see the following on the next page.

FiveAA Segment For 19th Feb

Fringe App

• Show events by timeline or by events
• Cabaret , childrens , comedy , dance etc
• Full addresses of all the venues and map locations
• The Fringe bus tracker 
• Purchase tickets to shows online 
• Tell your friends where you are going on Facebook and Twitter 

Click Here For More details On The Fringe App

Internet Connections

• What plan should you be on ?
• Plans run from 4gb – 500GB 
• You may need at least 1.5GB just to download updates per month
• Ask your provider about your plans as some have kept you on older expensive and slower plans 
• High def video can run at 1GB an hour , You Tube can run up your bandwidth usage 
• If swapping ISPs ADSL -  the internet connection will be the same 

Windows Messenger and Skype

• 8th April , Windows Messenger will be no more and you can log in with your Windows Messenger ID on Skype 

Analogue to Digital Changeover

• 2nd April is the turn off date
• You will need to have a set top box or a new digital tv 
• Your current antenna will probably work but if you don’t get the new stations you may have to change antennas
• Digital reception either works or it doesn’t

Check your Broadband Speed

Do you want to know your broadband speed when connected to the internet and check that you are receiving the speed your internet service provider (ISP) has guaranteed.

Well here are 2 options

Option 1

Log onto ZD Net  

Select your location and the test will run and give you a result.

Option 2

Log onto SpeedTest

Click on the " Begin Test " button

Be warned , I would not click on the ads at the top or on the side which will offer you " free scans of your computer"

Your results for an upload and download will then be returned to you

You will then be able to compare it to isp , country and state

Don't Download Or Install Voodoo Products To Your Computer

If while you are surfing the internet you see an ad for a program that says:

• "Speed Up Your PC"
• "Optimise Your Ram "
• "Virus Checker".

Don't click on them as they will not work and will open up your computer up to infection , malware , trojans and if you have paid for it ,wasted your money.

This especially applies to registry cleaners which in my experience fall under the " voodoo" category.

If your computer is that bad that you think you need a registry cleaner , then format your hard drive and reload your operating system.

Turn On Personal Hotspot On iPhone5 & iOS6

I was asked on 5AA this week about how to turn on the personal hotspot on the iPhone 5 in with iOS6.

Personal hotspot is used to create a wifi network so you can connect to the internet through the iPhone using a Wifi device like a tablet , iPad etc or even a laptop.

So how do you do this?

Go to " Settings"

Then " General "

Then "Cellular"

Then " Turn On Personal Hotspot "

For more information on Personal Hotspot check out this article from GottaBeMobile

5AA Spot For 16th Oct

Stay Safe Online – A Free Solution To Online safety

Concerned about websites that your children may access from your home then try - Open DNS

Your internet traffic is routed through the Open DNS computers and checked against a master list depending on how you have setup Open DNS.

OpenDNS has divided the Internet's millions of websites neatly into 56 categories, like "adult," "games," and "social media."

Parents can block entire categories of content, or just choose to block individual websites.

Or you can choose a filtering level: low, medium or high. 

The low filtering level blocks just adult content, where the high filtering level blocks adult content, social networking sites, video-sharing sites and more.

If the kids try to access a site they shouldn’t they receive a personalized message which you can setup.

Will block computers , phones / tablets , gaming consoles that access the internet via wifi

Encourages discussion between parents and children

Easy to setup , sign up for an account and make one change to your router

Click here to try Open DNS

Microsoft v Android v Apple

They are all good choices , well made and well designed

You can use an Android phone / table with a Mac or a Windows computer , photos , music etc

You can use an iPhone / ipad with a Mac or a Windows computer

Windows Phone 7 can also be used with a Windows computer or a Mac

Our Apple Map Of The Week Mistake

Where did the Port River go?

Power FM Segment For 22nd Aug

This Week In Technology

Windows 95 was launched this week and Windows 8 is just around the corner ( Oct 26th ) , both offer the greatest change to the way we use a computer

Talking Points

McAfee

McAfee antivirus is suffering with an issue that can stop you from accessing the internet .

You need to uninstall McAfee then reinstall it but make sure you have your installation information.

Virus infections are really your fault

• Keep your operating system up to date

• Keep your software up to date

• Don't click links in emails from people you don't know

Skype

Check your Skype settings because they can chew into your internet , set your privacy settings so that only phone calls will be received from people on your contact list.

App Of The Week

http://www.eatthismuch.com/

Base a diet on the amount of calories you need to consume per day

Decide whether you want to:

• Lose weight

• Maintain health

• Build muscle

Enter in your height and weight

Enter in your activity level

The site will then show you:

• The calories you need

• The Carbs you need

• The minimum fat and protein

How Good Is Telstra's 4G

I have had a Telstra 4G device for a few weeks now and have been extremely impressed.

"With a 4G capable device, Telstra's 4G network can provide the fastest mobile broadband speeds currently available in Australia. Typical download speeds are from 2Mbps to an incredible 40Mbps in capital CBDs (meaning within 5km from the GPO), associated airports and selected regional locations (meaning within 3km from the regional town centre) and typical upload speeds are 1Mbps - 10Mbps in these areas. In other areas, speeds will be less."

Speeds in the designated 4G spots ( city centres , Adelaide , Mount Barker) have been very good with great upload as well as download speed which is crucial in a good quick connection.

Example 1

Example 2

Comparing this to my wired connection at my office

But how does the device go when it drops back to the 3G network when out of range of the 4G 

Pretty well

The 4G device is extremely easy to install on either Windows or a Mac , just plug it in and follow the instructions.

5AA Segment For April 10th

I am always asked about what to do to protect children on the internet when using the home computer

The first with younger children is making sure the computer is in a clear line of site so that parents are able to see what their children are doing.

The next is the use of your router and sending your internet traffic through servers that are configured to your choices.

The service I recommend is Open DNS

Open DNS

Open DNS gives you the ability to block adult content , social media sites and video sharing sites

Open DNS is very easy to set up

• Start an account 
• Change one setting in your router

Then choose what you want to block / configure with open DNS

Questions About Twitter

I get lots of questions about twitter when talking to clients.

The two questions I am asked most revolves around user names and hashtags.

My twitter user name is @adelaidetechguy.

Choose a user name that reflects you / your business / your personality

Sending a message starting with @twitterusername will give a public reply to the user of that name. 

The other question is about hashtags (e.g.:  #technology) which will categorise your tweets on a particular subject that will aid in other twitter users discovering similar and relevant posts.

Mashable have a great guide to Twitter

Mashable Guide To Twitter

Uploaded with Skitch!

Lost Your Connection To The Internet

So your internet connection has stopped working , lets have a look at the issues surrounding this and try to come up with some solutions.

Firstly let's assume you are on ADSL and have a router.

Check all the lights on the router , is there an internet light on.

If there is no internet light on you will have to log onto your router to check if your user name and password has disappeared or the connection has stopped from your ISP, this happens occasionally when repair people work on the exchange or you have accidentally reset the router.

To log onto your router you will need to do this by using a network cable between your computer and router , opening a webpage then entering your routers address in the web browsers address bar.

For example it may be http://192.168.1.1/ but check your documentation that came with your router.

If the password and user name are there but the service is down in your router's service page contact your isp as it can be a problem at their end.

In summary here is a checklist

• Check the username and password in the router 
• Check the router for lights and power ( when they stop working , they stop working )
• Check all wires
• Remember the reset button or hole on the back ( the paperclip is your friend but only insert for a couple of seconds , any more than 10 and you can reset it back to the factory settings)
• Remember to restart the router after making any adjustments after you have saved your settings
• Remember to restart your computer
• Remember to have a copy of all instructions
• Remember to spell out your password if you have to the ISP , who may or may not be proficient in English
• Work through all problems , one at a time

How To Clear Your Internet Browser History

 So you want to clear your internet browsing history.

There are a few different ways dependant on browser and or operating system.

First lets look at Windows

Go to Control panel.

Open Internet Options.

Make sure the General tab is selected

You will then see Browsing history

Click on Delete

You will then see this image

You will now see the options available to you , including " Temporary Internet Files"

Press delete when you have selected your options

In Chrome go to the options tab , (look for the spanner)

Click on " Under the hood "

You will see 'Clear browsing data" at the top of the page

In Firefox

Go to preferences , privacy

Then click on "clear your recent history"

You will then be given an option to delete your history

Finally the registry solution and here is the warning.

Before you make any changes to the registry , BACK IT UP

Incorrect changes to the registry can result in a non booting PC

To get to the Registry Click on "Start" and then "Run."

Input "regedit.exe" into the "Run" text box and hit "Enter" to open the registry editor.

Navigate to the following location: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\TypedURLs.

Click on each URL that you wish to delete and hit the "Delete" key to remove it.

Close the Registry Editor when you are done by clicking on the "X" (close) button located in the top right corner of the Registry Editor window.

Beware Of Toolbars Being Installed In Internet Browsers

I recently had reason to update my Adobe Shockwave Player and when installing it asked whether I would like to install a Free Norton Security Scan.

My strong advise is , with all these additions to downloads that you can be offered , is to say NO.

Do not put the tick in that box.

There are many online virus scanners that will not intrude on your system and to install one with another piece of software is fraught with danger. 

Now for toolbars

I have seen many systems with multiple toolbars installed on them , some examples are: 

• Ask
• Google
• Yahoo
• My Search
• Windows Live
• Alexa
• Ask Jeeves
• Alot
• Utorrent

My strong advice is don't install these toolbars , they will slow your system down and some toolbars are linked with rootkits and spyware ( not the one's listed above ) 

Send Your Email To Gmail

So you have an email address with your internet provider say:

asmith@myinternetprovider.com.au ( substitute in your internet provider , Telstra , Vodaphone , Internode etc )

However there comes the day when you want to change internet providers but your old email address is not transferable to your new internet provider.

What do you do?

Well you should have an independent email address which is seperate from your current email address and the one I recommend is a gmail address from Google 

Then advise all your contacts of your new gmail address and start getting people used to it and using your gmail adddress.

You can then send your emails from your current internet provider to your gmail address , then when the time comes to move from your current internet provider your emails should all be arriving at your gmail address.

Remember a gmail address is also free and a lot safer and you will not lose a contact or an email again because they are stored at Google.

Speed Up Your Router

Speed up your wireless router with these 5 tips from Tekzilla

• Location
• Modes
• Router
• Antenna
• Software

Keep Your Bookmarks Organised

When you switch between various computers , and browsers , you sometimes struggle to keep all your internet favorites synced and organized.
I like the cloud solution so that my bookmarks are all synced to the internet.

That is why I use Delicious

By installing the add on's for Delicious to Internet Explorer , Firefox or Chrome I always have my bookmarks.

I am also able to log onto my Delicious account  on any computer and save items to my bookmarks.

Delicious also lets you check what others are bookmarking by popularity and by subject.