BlackBerry Starts Fresh with BB10
Posted by admin on Jan 18, 2013
Taken from MarketNews
Soon we get to see the latest BlackBerry platform, BB10, which RIM is quick to clarify is a completely new operating system versus an upgrade. On January 30, Research in Motion (RIM) will reveal the first two devices to operate on BlackBerry 10. Currently known only as Dev Alpha B, the touch-only developer prototype device we saw today (there will also be a QWERTY and touch model) was thin and sleek with a large screen (roughly about 4.75″). But the main focus is on BB10, which promises to revitalize the BlackBerry platform in the wake of falling market share, increased pressure from the market leaders, Android and iPhone, and now new competition from Windows 8 and its slew of manufacturer partners.
It’s not so much what sets BB10 apart from the others as it is how the new OS finally brings RIM back into the fold. There are intuitive menu icons, with everything controlled via swiping motions. Integrated calendars, hubs, and application switching that combine information from various social networking sites, make it easy to see details of each attendee at a meeting and related e-mails, and allow for separating business and personal application, e-mails, and content into two unique views. And there’s quick and seamless operation via a new HTML5 browser that RIM says boasts markedly faster load times than other platforms (though this would also be impacted by the user’s wireless connection and location, among other factors.)
5 Reasons to Upgrade Your Wireless Router
Posted by admin on Jan 15, 2013
Chances are, years ago, you set up a wireless network in your home for a single task, such as enabling a laptop to access the Internet without having to use a cable. But over the years, numerous other devices have entered the scene that can use your home’s Wi-Fi network — HDTVs for streaming movies and accessing the Internet, printers, smart phones, tablets, video game systems, eBook readers, media players and more.
Can your network handle this increased demand?
If it’s been a few years since you installed a wireless router, the answer is probably no. The latest routers feature 802.11n technology (compared to the older 802.11g/b), which offers faster speeds — especially ideal for streaming video and playing multiplayer games. Some models also have multiple antennae, sometimes referred to as dual-band (2.4GHz and 5GHz speeds), to better handle a number of wireless devices at the same time. These new 802.11n routers also offer a broader range, easier setup and better security. Speaking of security, remember to password-protect your wireless network so your neighbours can’t piggyback on your Wi-Fi for free.
The good news is you don’t need to break the bank to pick up a new wireless router, as prices start at $30 for a basic802.11n model capable of streaming up to 150 megabits per second. Routers that can handle up to 300 Mbps speeds start at $50 and routers with speeds up to 450 Mbps typically start at $100.
There are five reasons to consider the upgrade:
1. Faster speeds: Newer routers can handle streaming high-def video, multiplayer games.
2. Broader distance: Access the Internet anywhere in your home or on a porch or backyard deck.
3. Support for more wireless devices: Connect a couple dozen devices without noticing any slowdown.
4. Better security: Newer routers offer more secure ways to safeguard your network and information.
5. Simpler setup: The latest routers are easier to setup, offering interview-like questions for users to click through to get going.
Laptop Pioneer’s Innovation Led to the Clamshell Case Still Used Today
Posted by admin on Oct 21, 2012
Taken from The New York Times
In 1979, William Moggridge was hired by Grid Systems to design a new type of computer – one that could fit into a briefcase. His ingenious solution was a clamshell case, roughly 38 x 30 centimetres, which popped open to reveal a luminous screen on top that folded over the keyboard on bottom. The Compass, as this groundbreaking laptop was called, went on sale for about $8000. It even made trips aboard the space shuttle starting in 1983.
Moggridge, who died at 69, was not only the designer of that first laptop, he is also widely viewed as a father of the field of interaction design, and discipline that focuses on improving the human experience of digital products.
In his book Designing Interactions, Moggridge wrote: “I had the experience of a lifetime developing a design that was innovating in so many ways. I developed the way that the screen was hinged to fold down over the keyboard for carrying.” In fact, almost every laptop since has used some form of Moggridge’s design. His name is on the patent, but the rights to the patent were assigned to the client. Grid was bought by the Tandy Corp. in 1988.
William Grant Moggridge was born in London in 1943, and died in 2012.
Commodore C64 Computer Introduced 30 Years Ago
Posted by admin on Oct 14, 2012
Was it really 30 years ago that Commodore introduced the C64 computer?
The CPU, featuring a whopping 64kb of RAM, 16 colours, and an integrated keyboard racked up the all-time highest computer sales figures and an astounding product run for starters. Between 12.5 and 17 million C64 consoles were sold (estimates vary due to suspect accounting and other factors) between its introduction in 1982 at the amazingly low prince of $595, and the company’s demise 12 years later. In the vanguard of gaming machines, over 10,000 titles were developed for the C64.
Windows 8 Upgrade Offer
Posted by admin on Sep 4, 2012
When Windows 8 is launched next month, you will be able to upgrade to the pro version for just $40 for a limited time. The deal will apply to PC owners now running Windows XP, Vista or 7, and you will be able to download the Windows Media Centre for free.
If you plan to upgrade to Windows 8 eventually, here are the facts that you need to know abou the limited-time upgrade deal. First of all, you will have to wait until the official launch on October 26th to sign up for the upgrade. Secondly, you will only be able to purchase the upgrade at the $40 price until January 31, 2013. If you are upgrading from Windows 7, you will be able to migrate your programs, settings and data to Windows 8. If you are upgrading from Vista, you will not be able to migrate your programs, and if you are upgrading from XP, you will only be able to take your data with you. We recommend that you start with a fresh install, no matter what version of Windows you are upgrading from – it is always better to start with a clean slate.
DNS Changer Servers Being Shut Down
Posted by admin on Jul 4, 2012
Thousands of Canadians could be among the hundreds of thousands of people around the world who might lose Internet access on July 9. That’s the day the FBI will shut down all the “clean servers” it set up to combat a massive hacking operation. In November, the agency says it busted a group of cyber criminals in Estonia who had successfully downloaded malware onto an estimated four million computers in more than 100 countries. “DNS Changer” would turn off virus updates and send consumers to fraudulent websites.
In its indictment, the FBI estimated the gang made at least $14 million in “ill-gotten gains” through what it called click hijacking and advertisement replacement fraud. Instead of shutting down the rogue servers, the FBI replaced the servers with “clean” ones and redirected users, who were generally none the wiser. The replacement servers are being shut down Monday, and anyone still infected with the malware will lose their Internet access.
The FBI said there are still about 360,000 infected computers in a dozen countries, including Canada — but there is a fix. The DNS Changer Working Group (dcwg.org), established by American government agencies, can detect the malware and provide steps to eliminate it. Canadians can also visit the Canadian Internet Registration Authority’s anti-DNS website at dns-ok.ca
Windows 8 Upgrade Offer
Posted by admin on Jun 19, 2012
Microsoft has announced that end users who purchase a qualifying new Windows 7 PC from June 2, 2012 through January 31, 2013 will receive a promotional offer for a downloadable copy of Windows 8 when available. This “Windows Upgrade Offer” will be fulfilled by Microsoft directly to the end user. Because of this, we at ICS cannot get involved in the process, but can provide the information that you will need. The offer must be redeemed prior to February 28, 2013.
The first step is to purchase a qualifying PC running Windows 7 Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional or Ultimate from, June 2, 2012 to January 31, 2013.
Visit www.windowsupgradeoffer.com to register for the upgrade.
Download your copy of Windows 8 when it is available.
DNS Changer Update
Posted by admin on May 8, 2012
Taken from Windows Secrets By Woody Leonhard
DNSChanger virus spells ‘Internet Doomsday’ … The end is nigh, according to the FBI … ‘Internet doomsday’ will strike us all on July 9 …
That’s what a couple of popular websites had to say about the DNSChanger virus. What a crock! I’ve been writing about viruses for about two decades, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen headlines that ridiculous from sources that should know better. DNSChanger is a real piece of malware — it’s a variant of the TDSS/Alureon family of Trojans — and it was a real problem until taken down Nov. 8, 2011, in a joint FBI–Estonian police action code-named “Operation Ghost Click” (FBI site). Since then, it seems, DNSChanger has hit headline after headline — with dire warnings. Even local TV news programs have covered it in breathless terms, as if it were the worst thing to ever infect your computer.
Lemme tell ya. It’s easy to write scary headlines such as “New Mac Trojan makes your clicking finger fall off!” (no doubt because Mac mice have only one button) or “Log on to Windows and lose your life savings!” It’s not so easy to examine the threat, digest it, translate it into terms we can all understand, and make a few simple recommendations. That’s the goal for this column. Is it true that, as a Huffington Post U.K.headline put it, “The end is nigh, according to the FBI!”? I don’t think so.
DNS Changer Malware
Posted by admin on Mar 5, 2012
Recently, the FBI uncovered a network of Domain Name System (DNS) servers controlled by cyber criminals. The FBI worked in collaboration with international law enforcement agencies and the cyber security community to disable these malicious DNS servers. Unfortunately, this malicious infrastructure has been used for over 3 years to steal personal information from millions of people around the world. Cyber criminals managed to infect these users’computers with malicious code that changes the users’ DNS configurations to forward all their web content requests to a rogue DNS rather than a legitimate one. As DNS is necessary for most internet activities, the FBI implemented a plan for a trusted private-sector, non-government entity to operate and maintain a clean DNS server for the infected victims until they can be identified and notified.
Cybercriminals use malicious software (malware) called DNSChanger to change the DNS settings in your computer to use one of their DNS servers instead of the ones that your internet provider uses. This malware resides in your computer, but can also affect your home or business network. It may leave your vulnerable to criminal organizations that could misuse and redirect your internet traffic.
To see if your system has been infected, visit www.dns–ok.ca – this website checks your computer settings to see if it’s infected with DNSChanger. If the screen is green, you’re not affected. If the screen is red, your computer is infected with the DNSChanger malware. You should do this test on all computer/laptops within your household or business.
If you are infected, then take your system to your local computer repair shop and they will be able to remove the malware and restore the security settings in your system.
Click here for more information.
Windows 8 Upgrades Will Be Online
Posted by admin on Feb 28, 2012
Taken from PCWorld Magazine, February 2012 Edition
Microsoft wants to make upgrading to Windows 8 from older Windows versions easier and faster via online delivery, with no product key entry for at least one installation method, and a process that involves 82% fewer screen clicks.
Installing a new version of Windows has already been a pain; and even when the steps involved are easy to perform, the process can still take as long as 4 hours. Microsoft hopes to improve its upgrade process so as to persuade the more than 450 million users of Windows 7 with PCs capable of running Windows 7 to upgrade – not to mention the many users with modern computers running Vista or XP who may finally be willing to try and new Microsoft operating system.
To make it easier for upgraders to get started, Microsoft will favour selling downloads of Windows 8 instead of having users buy a physical disc at a local retailer. This is similar to the way Apple handled the release of it OS X Lion. If you prefer, you can still purchase a Windows 8 DVD. They have not revealed if there will be a price difference. Microsoft claims to have reduced the total number of screen clicks required for a Windows 8 updgrade to 11… but whether this will actually result in a faster upgrade process remains to be seen.
