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2G, 3G, 4G: Why Wireless Standards Can Be Deceiving

This is a guest post by Jess about differences between 2G, 3G, 4G . Hardly a mobile phone ad is made these days without mentioning the device and network's stage in their evolutions in the form of their designated generation: 2G, 3G, and now 4G. It makes for a great easy way to differentiate between past and present, old and new, obsolete and cutting edge. Ever since mobile embraced digital technology and have ascended slowly year by year, I've always wondered where the "X"G-designation comes from, what it means, and how much it matters. With AT&T already proudly declaring their arrival into the 4G and the HTC 4G Android phone lineup increasing with countless other competitors ready to launch into the next generation too, I wanted to get to the bottom of this once and for all. It turns out that the United Nations is who decides these matters. More specifically, the radio communications wing of the International Telecommunications Union, an agency of the UN. The...

HTC EVO 3D Confirmed for UK Release

This is a guest post by Simon about EVO 3D from HTC, which is now coming to Europe in July HTC's 3D phone, the EVO 3D, has now been confirmed as heading to UK markets. Although the phone has been known about for some time there was some uncertainty about which markets it would be released in. As the EVO 3D takes a lot of inspiration from the earlier US-only HTC EVO there was some speculation that it would also be bound solely for the United States. The HTC EVO 3D is similar in many respects to the Sensation. There is a similar specs list for hardware although the EVO 3D will feature a parallax barrier display like the ones found on the LG Optimus 3D and the Nintendo 3DS. After LG's device this will be the second 3D smartphone released to many markets although the EVO 3D is much more tantalising in what it has to offer. Like the Sensation the EVO 3D will come with a qHD display and dual core 1.2GHz chip, making it more visually appealing and powerful than the only oth...

Choosing a phone for web browsing

This is a guest post by Simon about important points we need to check while choosing a Phone for Web browsing. For those that look for browsing over everything else from their phone there are a number of things to consider when purchasing a new handset. Connection speed, the screen size for browsing and the quality and accuracy of the touch on the screen are all very important, as is the processing power and the GPU – this ensures the images look top notch. Also for some people sound is a major factor and a number of phones are now coming with Dolby. This all leads to a top notch internet browsing experience and one that will satisfy the biggest junkies. Currently a number of phones on the market have dual core processors, leading to superfast processing power; many of these also have excellent GPU’s for graphics. This all enhances the experience of the user. Large screens like those on the Desire HD and Sensation, Samsung Galaxy SII and Motorola Atrix are excellent for browsin...

A Peek at the Google Music Beta Install Process

This is a guest post by Nadia Jones . Those of you in the United States might have noticed that Google Music Beta has started to get some buzz on the internet. Invites have gone out wave after wave, and as one of the people to get an early look at the application, I have to say that it's definitely worth your time to get in on this as soon as possible. I've used it for a few days and can say that it's greatly simplified my music experience. I no longer have to worry about which songs are on my work computer or home computer, nor do I have to carry around my iPod and my Android, as I can access my Google music on the phone as well. Perhaps the greatest thing about Google Music Beta is that the install process hardly takes any time at all, which is what we've come to expect from the people at Google. Once you get the invite in your email, click on the link and Google will take you through a series of installation steps: you will electronically accept some terms, ...

Building Blocks for Virtual Businesses : Key technological systems you must have to succeed in the remote business world

This is a guest post by Ripley Daniels about " Key technological systems you must have to succeed in the remote business world . Whenever I tell friends I had a tough day at the office, they laugh at me. That's because they know I don't really have an office. I work very hard but I work for a company that is completely remote. Only a few of my co-workers ever go into an office at all and when they do, it's only for short periods of time. Our "office" is a virtual one. To us, the traditional office workplace is a thing of the past, alongside Tyrannosaurus Rex, the slide rule, and telephones where you stick your finger in a hole and turn a dial. Unfortunately, none of this prevents me from having tough days. I still have them. But the reasons have nothing to do with the fact that my co-workers and I don't have a brick and mortar edifice that we can use to plan, strategize, hold our meetings, make presentations, discuss sensitive business topics, build ...

Hosting Services, Security, and the Microsoft Drawbridge Project

This is a guest post by Zac Kenni . Computers and innovative technology have reconfigured the way the world operates. The mannerin which government, business, health care, education, employment, religion, and socialization methods, procedures, interactions, and transactions are conducted have changed significantly inthe last quarter century. This hi-tech evolutionary trend will continue to provide improvements, advancements, and new capabilities to enhance individual lifestyles and global interaction.However, as the old saying goes, “every rose has its thorns.” Security or lack thereof, is a big thorn. The Microsoft Drawbridge Project is intended to enhance security and increase operating speed in Windows and hosting services. The MS Drawbridge Project is focused on the operating system (OS), the user interface, and the hosting system. The project implements a separate library OS, codenamed Drawbridge. These components are enabled to use the most appropriate, efficient abstracti...

10 Useful OS X Tips and Tricks

This is a guest post by Mariana Ashley about some useful OS tips. For the most part, there are two types of computer users: Mac users and Windows users. Sure, there are other operating systems available, but for the most part we each own either a windows machine or an apple machine. In a previous post, Siju George presented 16 Useful Windows 7 Tips and Tricks. These tips are immensely useful for regular Windows users and for Mac users who are less comfortable handling a Windows machine. Because computer use is so fundamental to our society today, knowing the basics of both the Windows operating system and OS X (the Mac operating system) is essential. The following is a list of 10 basic tips and tricks for using OS X: 1. Right click on an open PDF in Safari (the web browser that comes with Macs) to get a context menu which includes the option to open the PDF in Preview. 2. Pressing Command and Q at the same time will close all applications when command-tabbing. This is the fastest ...

Protecting Yourself From Cybercriminals … a 5-Step Program

Guest Post by Kate Schneiders Most homes in America have personal computers connected to cyberspace. The Internet was a great invention … it allows us to communicate with people and businesses across the glove, access educational information, connect with friends and contacts via social media, and even get information on medical issues. Although the Internet can be a great thing, it can also be a very dangerous place to hang out. It’s easy to fall victim to cyber-predators … which is why I’m sharing these 5 tips to help keep you and your kiddos safe in cyberspace. 1. Stay Current Hackers use malicious software, called malware, to infect your computer and gain access to personal information. So, to help keep your system protected from their attacks, make sure that your antivirus software is up-to-date. With more than 100 new computer viruses being released into the wild every day, current antivirus software is crucial to your Internet safety. Also critical to your safety, is cu...

LG Optimus Me Mobile Review

This is a guest post from Simon about the advantages of LG Optimus Me. The Optimus Me is an affordable alternative to LG's other Optimus handsets, such as the Optimus 2X and Optimus Black, and looks set to be the most affordable Android smartphone released in this half of 2011. Running on Android Froyo the Optimus Me comes with an impressive array of entertainment and messaging features to offer a similar high quality experience found on its more high profile counterparts. With a 2.8" touchscreen the Optimus Me is smaller than most other Optimus phones and most touchscreen handsets in general. This is ideal for people looking for a touchscreen phone but not too keen on the many oversized handsets that are a burden on pockets. While the screen may be of a smaller size it is still roomy enough to enjoy video content and put good use of the web features available. Wi-Fi and 3G are both available with this handset so that you can get online whenever you need to, and with ...

Penetration testing- What it is and what it does

This is a guest post by Sachin about Penetration testing and its importance in today's world. If you work in IT support, you’ll be well aware of the potentially nightmarish situations which can be created by antiquated security systems. Penetration testing may be exactly what you need. Penetration testing is a comprehensive form of security testing for computer networks. It involves a thorough analysis of both the network and operators, and can identify weak points in any system with ease. Penetration testing, basics Penetration testing is actually a physical test of system security combined with analysis. Testing consultants systematically evaluate a network, and select targets protesting. For example, old security patches, old software with known vulnerabilities, and even phone inquiries can be used to test the strengths and weaknesses of an IT system. There are two basic types of penetration testing: 1. Internal penetration testing: Internal penetration testing finds ...

Guide to cheap broadband

When it comes to getting yourself a good broadband deal then there has never been a better time than right now. Thanks to a wealth of competition and the economic downturn,providers are more keen than ever to tempt you into signing up with them. No matter if you're looking for a traditional cheap broadband deal, or perhaps a cheap mobile broadband package, there are plenty of options available and all for a great price. The secret to getting a top deal is to enlist the services of a free comparison website, such as Broadband Genie, which allows you to search all offers in seconds. What to look for The great thing about a comparison site is that it allows you to quickly hone your search into things that you really need from a package. So, consider the speed, the amount of data you are allowed to use including downloading content and also think about if you want to have a contract deal. The contract option can often give you a more flexible package, whereas pay-as-you-go me...

NetFlow: Tips on How to Analyze Your Network’s Bandwidth

Guest Post by Daniel Cawrey: Though it is still a relatively new concept to network monitoring, NetFlow is often times unheard of by many IT professionals, having not even had the experience of working with it. But it’s such an interesting technology that I’m convinced that there are other applications for flow concepts in IT, perhaps on the web in terms of social media or some other yet-unknown element of personal computing. Regardless, here is an intro on what you need to know to analyzing bandwidth. So, what is NetFlow? It was developed by Cisco, one of the stalwarts of the networking industry. Cisco decided to integrate NetFlow into many of its networking devices such as switches and routers. Today, many other networking companies have adopted NetFlow, and it has become somewhat of a defacto standard. There are other versions of flow on the market, but for the most part networking professionals use NetFlow. A flow itself can be best defined as a sequence of packets that trav...