Is Your Phone Ready for the Unexpected?

January 24, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Image via Flickr

It’s all well and good to have apps that play music, give you great recipes and entertain you while you’re waiting in line, but is your phone ready for the unexpected — and are you? Having instant access to great tunes won’t help you in a severe weather situation, during an attack or when your phone gets lost, but there are many apps that will. Be prepared for any disaster, big or small, by downloading apps that keep you and your phone a little safer every single day.

Prepare for the Unexpected

From little inconveniences to life-threatening weather situations, life happens on a daily basis — and it’s full of pitfalls. Be prepared, even for the unexpected, with phone apps that will keep you much safer.

  • Protect your phone against loss and theft with apps such as F-Secure. This anti-theft app can be used remotely to lock your phone or wipe its data if you think it’s been stolen. Your private pictures, texts and other files will stay safe. Using the app, you can also track and locate your phone. If you tend to lose your phone, download the Where’s My Droid app to track it easily. Use the app to send a text to your phone to turn off silent mode, make the ringer volume loud and start making noise to help you find it easily.
  • When disaster strikes, entire infrastructures can be destroyed. Electricity and phone lines may not work, but the Life360 app may. Use it to get quick access to family GPS tracking, emergency messaging, disaster planning and other helpful functions that help you stay safe in disaster situations.
  • You never know when you might be in danger — that’s exactly why it’s unexpected. Download Safety Button and keep yourself safe. Start the app, push the big red button and it will instantly start tracking and reporting your movements. If you’re in distress, press the button again to send a panic message to an emergency contact. The app will function in panic mode or medical mode, and will alert everyone in your “SafetyNet” by sending them a distress call. The world isn’t always safe, but you can be protected from even the unexpected.

Download and Install Safety Apps

There are so many apps out there, finding just one is like looking for that old needle in the haystack. You may search through pages of results before discovering an app you want, and by then you may not even feel like trying the app. Look for non-market Android apps on Technofied.net and other websites that provide online guides and easy-to-follow links. Comprehensive search tools make it easy to find just what you want to be prepared for the unexpected.

Filed Under: Technology Tagged With: , ,

Using the Windows System Restore Function

July 27, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Windows XP

Image via Wikipedia

A lot of Windows users may experience serious operating system problems. These problems may be a result of spyware, viruses, software issues or hardware that was improperly installed. Any one of these issues can render the system partially or in some cases, completely unusable.

Fortunately, Windows comes with a System Restore utility that, in most cases, can solve the problems. It is a very speedy task — as long as you did not disable this feature.

Windows XP or ME Restore Instructions
Click the “start” menu and navigate to “programs.” Then go to “Accessories,” “System Tools” and finally, to “System Restore.”

Choose the” restore my computer to an earlier time” option and click “next.”

Select a date from the calendar that is presented. This calendar will only present dates that contain available restore points.

Click on your preferred date, followed by clicking on “next.” You will then click OK and “next,” at which time your computer will automatically shut down. Upon restart it will be restored to the point you previously indicated.

Windows Vista or 7 Restore Instructions.
Go to the start menu and navigate the following:
All Programs
Accessories
System Tools
System Restore

From “system restore,” click on “choose a different restore point,” followed by clicking on “next.”

Click on your desired restore point, followed by clicking on “next,” and the finally the “finish” option.

You will then click “yes,” when you are prompted. The restore feature will automatically shut down your computer. Once again, upon start up your system will have been restored to your chosen restore point.

Filed Under: Linux, Open Source, Operating System Tagged With: , ,

Keeping Your Windows Media Player Updated

July 26, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Windows Media Player 12

Image via Wikipedia

Many people rely on Windows Media Player to view and listen to their videos and music files. This player relies on codecs, otherwise known as drivers to playback the digital media files. Codecs are a small piece of software that lets the player compress and decompress files, allowing Media Player to perform its playback functions. Codecs can also reformat files to create different file types. An example of this is when you rip a CD song for playback on your computer.

If Media Player finds that it is missing a necessary codec, it will often just automatically download and install it. If the player can’t download or find the necessary codec, you will be presented with a message. These drivers can also become outdated or even damaged, causing the Media Player to malfunction. You may need to reinstall the entire Media Player application to alleviate this problem.

If you get a missing codec message, click on the “web help” button. Click on the subsequent WMPlugins.comlink. From this website you can find the codec you need. Simply click on the link and follow the install instructions.

If you think your codecs are corrupt, go to the Windows Media Download Center. From there, you will select the download Windows Media Player option. Click on the “download now” option. Once the application is download, follow the installation instructions. This will replace your current version of Media Player, as well as all the necessary codecs.

As you can see, keeping your Windows Media Player up-to-date is a simple process.

Filed Under: Linux, Operating System, Software Tagged With: , ,

Let Linux Reduce System Resource Use

July 25, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Tux, the Linux penguin

Image via Wikipedia

Because the Linux operating systems is more customizable than the traditional operating system, users can run Linux on computers that have limited resources. Many of Linux’s user interfaces and programs are design to be lightweight and can help your system performance. With the correct interface and software choices, you can make an older computer run well. For instance, here’s look at programs that you can choose that will reduce CPU usage.

Graphical User Interface
Determine which window managers are currently installed by booting the computer, go to the login screen and then go to the “session” menu to look at your options. From here, select a user interface that is very lightweight, such as LXXDE, Openbox or Fluxbox. Continue logging in and you should notice the lighter interface that is reducing your system resource usage.

Lightweight Software
Look at your installed software — browsers and word processors, in particular. OpenOffice and Firefox are considered system resource hogs. Try Chrome or Opera as a Firefox option. Abiword is a very good word processing option to replace Open Office and gnumeric is a great piece of software for spreadsheets.

You can also consider using a simple text editor instead of a full-fledged work processor. A text editor can be just as efficient as a regular word process, while using less system resources.

Finally, monitor your system resources by using the “htop” command from within the command shell to give you system monitor. You will be able to examine which software and programs are consuming the most system resources.

Filed Under: Linux, Software, Technology Tagged With: , ,

Linux Can Keep Up with Technology Changes

June 23, 2011 By Leave a Comment
NEW YORK - OCTOBER 11: People try the new Wind...

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

An operating system is only as good as its flexibility. If a user cannot load the hardware or software needed to make the computer function at its peak capacity as well as provide the user with the programs needed to perform daily tasks, then that operating system can be very frustrating to use.

The Linux operating system is constantly being updated and improved so that it will accept changes as they occur. This is because the Linux operating system was originally made possible through the collaboration of many people in different parts of the United States as well as the world. For more information on how Linux stays on top of technology changes, go to thelinuxgurus.org.

Probably one of the most cited reasons for changing or upgrading to a different operating system is the fact that the one being implemented has newer features. These can include more access to different software programs and more sharing ability, something that is becoming increasingly important as more and more people begin to learn about “cloud computing.”

“Cloud computing” simply means that when you access a program, you may be receiving that program from an internal web system or it may be coming from a source outside the office, even from the Internet. You get the same information and can perform the same functions; you just don’t know the exact location of where the program originated from. Linux is making constant changes and improvements so that users of this operating system will be able to access cloud computing features.

Filed Under: Linux Tagged With: , ,

Different Types of Linux Software

June 12, 2011 By Leave a Comment

If you have a personal computer that utilizes the Linux Operating System, then you know that there are numerous types of software developed specifically for that system. Here are a few examples of Linux software, as well as the features they include and the functions they perform:

  • Ubuntu: This is a desktop platform that provides free software to anyone who wishes to use it. Unlike other platforms, however, Ubuntu software doesn’t have “commercial” and “community” software (commercial software usually has more features that community.) The software you download from Ubuntu on your computer at home has the same features as that on your work computer.
  • BleachBit: This software helps you free up disk space by doing more than simply deleting files. It actually “cleans” your computer, getting rid of applications and other programs that you may not even known were there and certainly don’t need.
  • NolaPro: A bookkeeping and accounting software program that makes keeping up with accounts payable and receivable, payroll, and other accounting functions easier.

Other types of Linux software include gaming software, software that is designed for use in the educational field, software that can help perform complicated mathematical functions, and many other types. You should have no problem finding some Linux software that you can use, either for business or pleasure.

These are just a few examples of Linux software. The website thelinuxgurus.org can give you more examples and descriptions. It can also offer you information on the newest software that is available as well as future projections for Linux software and the operating system.

 

Filed Under: Software Tagged With: , ,

What is the Linux Operating System?

June 5, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Tux, the Linux penguin

Image via Wikipedia

To understand what the Linux Operating System is, you have to understand what an operating system is. Basically, an operating system is what makes your computer run, and different brands and types of computers have different operating systems.

Linux is simply another type of operating system, but what makes it so unique is that Linux was developed for use on personal computers. There may have been other operating systems that could work on personal computers, but usually they were lacking in key components, such as memory and the ability to share files and other things.

All operating systems will accept software; however, certain operating systems only accept certain kinds. Linux supports many different types of software, as well as some that was created exclusively for use in Linux systems. You can find more information on Linux software on thelinuxgurus.org.

Another good thing about Linux is that the source code (the thing the computer has to “read” to operate) is widely available. This means that anyone who wishes can contribute to the Linux operating system. This, in turn, means that upgrades and improvements are constantly being made.

As mentioned earlier, certain operating systems support specific software. This can make some of them a hassle to use, because you don’t have access to a lot of different features. It is true that Linux has exclusive software for its operating system, but the software gives you lots of feature options so you don’t feel “closed in”. Go to thelinuxgurus.org to learn more about the features on Linux software.

 

Filed Under: Operating System Tagged With: ,

Organizing Your Linux Computer With Directories

May 21, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Organization is important to many computer users. Without having an organized hard drive you would be unable to locate important pictures, files and data.

 

If you are using a Linux operating system you have the opportunity to create directories that can be used to store and organize files, data and pictures. Here’s a look at how you can create those directories on Linux.

 

Step One: Know Your Directory

 

You will need to know what current directory you are operating in to create a new one. This will help you reduce your chance of receiving an error while trying to create a new directory.

 

Step Two: Create the Directory

 

In the command prompt you will want to type “mkdir (name)”. Replace the (name) with the name of the directory you wish to create. Just remember that you are going to create the directory in the partition that you are in.

 

Step Three: Create Subdirectories

 

To further organize your directories you can create subdirectories. This can be done by typing the command “-p” and the name of the directory that you wish to create. For example you would type “mkdir –p (name)”. Just replace the (name) with the subdirectory you wish to create.

 

With a little bit of practice and research you can create tons of directories that will allow you to organize your data, files and pictures so you can find them faster. As you practice you can learn how to create multiple directories in one command line and how to separate files for ease of use all on the Linux system. Computer using with Linux just got easier.

Filed Under: Linux Tagged With: , ,

New Linux Users Guide – Understanding Defragging on Linux

May 15, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Computer users who are used to a Windows PC or Mac know  how important performing the defragging option on a computer can be. After a period of time the hard drive of a computer becomes fragmented and it can cause the computer to slow down.  When a computer user switches over to a Linux operating system one of the first questions that comes up is about the defragging process.

 

To clear up any confusion here’s a guide to the basic questions that are asked by first time Linux users about the defragging process.

 

Where Do You Defrag on Linux?

Tux, the Linux penguin

Image via Wikipedia

 

New Linux users will notice that there is no defragment command on Linux. This can be confusing if you are used to defragging the computer. The reason for this is because Linux is set up so well that you do not need to defrag your computer. Where Macs and Windows will slow down at the slightest defragment, Linux will slow down only when it’s 40-50% fragmented so users rarely have to defrag.

 

What Do I Do to Defrag?

 

If you really wish to defrag your computer that is using a Linux operating system you will need to download various tools and software that will perform this function. Experts recommend downloading EX2 File System for Windows as this is the easiest and best defragment program. This tool requires that you know how to dual-boot and run it on a Windows operating system but it can be done.

 

New Linux users will notice that it is a whole new computer world with this new operating system. This guide should help you with the basic questions about defragmentation.

Filed Under: Tips & Tricks Tagged With: , ,

Restoring Files From Linux After They Were Deleted

May 9, 2011 By Leave a Comment

When using the computer mistakes are going to happen. The most common mistake is deleting a file that was not supposed to be deleted. While some operating systems make correcting this mistake easy, deleting a file off of Linux and restoring it can be difficult.

 

If you have accidentally deleted a file off the Linux operating system here are the steps you need to take see you can restore the missing file.

 

Step One: Find the Partition

Tux, as originally drawn by Larry Ewing

Image via Wikipedia

 

You must find the partition section where the file was located. This can be done by performing the PWD command and searching for the missing file.

 

Step Two: Use Unmount

 

The command unmount can be used to make sure the file will not be overwritten or accidently deleted. Simply type “unmount” and the file and this will protect the file you wish to restore.

 

Step Three: Use Debugfs

 

The debugfs will make sure no errors occur on your Linux operating system. Occasionally when restoring a file a can cause the operating system to interpret it as an error and shut it down. Performing a debugfs command will prevent this from happening while you restore your deleted file.

 

Step Four: Use Isdel

 

While the debugfs command is running you will want to use the isdel command. This command forces Linux to create a list of all recently deleted files. The time it takes Linux to create a list of deleted files will vary depending upon how many files you have recently deleted.

 

Step Five: Recover

Once you have found the files you can undelete them by typing in the command dump (filename). This will restore your files.

Filed Under: Linux Tagged With: , ,
« Older Posts