Technical Tips & Tricks

Mac computers can't get viruses

Yes, Apple computers are susceptible to malware too. Apple used to brag its computers aren't vulnerable to PC viruses, but the company quickly changed its marketing page after a Trojan affected thousands of Mac computers in 2012.






Incognito browsing keeps you anonymous

There’s a misconception that “incognito” and “private” are synonymous with anonymous.

If you’re using Incognito Mode in Google Chrome or Private browsing in Safari, it simply means the browser won’t keep track of your history, import your bookmarks, or automatically log into any of your accounts.

It won’t keep your identity anonymous — so keep that in mind if you’re visiting sites you shouldn’t be.


Leaving your phone plugged in destroys the battery

If you’re like most people, you probably leave your phone plugged in overnight long after the battery is fully charged.

Some used to say this would hurt your phone's battery life, but in fact, there's no proof that this damages your phone’s battery in any way.

Modern smartphones run on lithium-ion batteries, which are smart enough to stop charging when they’ve reached capacity.


More megapixels always means a better camera

What’s the difference between 12 megapixels cameras and 8 megapixel cameras? Not much, as it turns out.

The quality of an image is determined by how much light the sensor is able to take in. Typically, bigger sensors come with larger pixels, and the larger the pixel the more light it can absorb.

So, it’s really the size of the megapixels that matter more than the sheer number of megapixels.

Here’s how TechCrunch’s Matthew Panzarino, who also happens to be a professional photographer, describes the role of the megapixel: “Think of this as holding a thimble in a rain storm to try to catch water. The bigger your thimble, the easier it is to catch more drops in a shorter amount of time."

The thimble is a metaphor for a megapixel — using a few buckets would be much more efficient than a bunch of thimbles for catching water.


Dont charge your phone unless its almost dead

This, too, is a popular myth about lithium-ion batteries. It’s not harmful to plug your phone in before the battery is drained — in fact, it may be better for your battery.

Batteries have a limited number of charge cycles before they lose their ability to hold a charge. A charge cycle consists of charging your battery back up to its full capacity when it’s out of juice.

The reason your phone’s battery life diminishes as it gets older is because it’s already used up many of its cycles, not because you’re plugging it in when the battery is already half full.


Higher display resolution is always better on a smartphone

Some have argued that at a certain point, screen resolution doesn't matter on a smartphone.

Gizmodo cites experts in saying the human eye can't discern nitty-gritty detail when a display packs more than 300 pixels per inch.

Earlier this year, LG unveiled its first quad-HD smartphone, the G3, which has a resolution of 2560 x 1440.

That’s much higher than the average high-end smartphone, which usually comes with a 1920 x 1080 resolution display. But it's unclear if those numbers really matter after a certain point, since the eye can't discern individual pixels beyond a certain resolution.

So when we tested the G3's display alongside the 1080 Galaxy S5's display, there was hardly a difference in terms of sharpness — that's why companies like Apple tend to focus on brightness, more so than ultra-dense displays.


It is bad to use your iPad charger for your iPhone

This one is a little trickier than a standard 'yes or no' answer. Apple’s official website says its 12-watt iPad adapter can charge both the iPhone and the iPad.

However, Steve Sandler, founder and chief technical officer at electronics analysis company AEi Systems, told Popular Mechanics that this could stress your iPhone’s battery over time if you do it regularly.

It would take about a year, however, to notice any changes in battery efficiency.


You shouldn't shut down your computer every day

While some may believe it’s harmful to shut down your computer every night, the truth is it’s actually good to turn off your computer regularly.

It’s easy to get into the habit of putting your laptop in sleep mode so you can easily return to it without having to boot up.

But, as Lifehacker points out, shutting it down when not in use conserves power and places less stress on its components, which could enable it to last longer.

The Technical Preview of Windows 10 may not have every feature of the upcoming operating system, but Microsoft has revealed that over a million people are testing it out regardless.

These users have sent 200,000 nuggets of "user-initiated feedback" or "UIFs," as Microsoft apparently calls your tips internally so far.

It's been two weeks since the Windows 10 preview version launched, and Microsoft Corporate vice president of operating systems Joe Belfiore wrote in a Windows blog post that testers have so far been "a vocal bunch."

"It's been awesome to see so many of you joining the Windows Insider Program and letting us know what you think about the Windows 10 Technical Preview software," Belfiore, who's in charge of phone, tablet and PC design at Microsoft, wrote.

'A different Windows'

Belfiore echoed Microsoft executive vice president of operating systems Terry Myerson in saying that Windows 10 "is going to be a different Windows."

He promised that Microsoft plans to share its "plans and progress" with users "earlier and more often, as we want to build a Windows that everyone will love and really enjoy using."

Interestingly Belfiore also wrote that only 36% of Windows 10 preview users have cautiously installed the OS in virtual machines, with the remaining 64% going all-in and committing it to actual PCs.

He wrote also that 68% of users launch more than seven apps a day, which among other stats indicates to Microsoft that people are really taking Windows 10 out for a spin and not just submitting feedback after fiddling around for a few moments.

Most Android phones are already pretty easy to use, but there are some easy steps you can take to make them even more enjoyable and efficient.

Since Android is an open platform, there's plenty of room for customization.

Beyond personalizing your phone, there are a few easy practices that can keep your phone neat and organized with plenty of battery life to last all day.



Here are 10 tips and tricks every Android user should know.

1. Set up Google Now

Think of Google Now as your personal assistant. Open the Google app, tap Get Google Now, and then fill in your preferences.

You can tell Google Now your favourite stocks, sports teams, and more to get personalized notifications.

You can also tell Google Now your preferred mode of transportation for Google Maps.


2. Use launchers and lock screen replacements

Sick of staring at that same weather widget every day? You can download apps in the Google Play store that actually let you change the interface of your Android phone.

Check out some of our favourite Android launchers and lock screen replacements here.''




3. Enable Power Savings mode

Navigate to the Settings menu and turn on the Power Savings mode to preserve battery life.

Some phones come with a higher-level battery-saving mode, too.

Galaxy S5's Ultra Power Savings Mode, for example, allows you to send calls, texts, browse the internet and use a few stock apps, but that's about it.
Not all Android phones have a battery-saving mode, but many do.

4. Get an extra battery

All phones die eventually, and you may not always be near an outlet to charge it.

Since many Android phones come with removeable backs, you can replace the battery with a fresh one when you're on the go.





5. Sign into Google Chrome

If you sign in to your Google account in the Chrome browser on your phone, your bookmarks and preferences will automatically carry over.







6. Organize apps into folders

You can create folders to divide your apps into different categories. This reduces clutter and also makes it easier to find what you need fast.

To create a folder, press and hold down on an app and drag it up to the "Create Folder" option on the upper-left-hand side.

On some phones you can also drag and drop an app on top of another to create a folder, just like you can in iOS.

7. Use a third-party keyboard

Sometimes it's easier to swipe than it is to type. You aren't restricted to Google's keyboard in Android — there are plenty of keyboard apps to choose from in the Google Play store.

Swype, for instance, lets you type by swiping to each letter rather than typing.




8. Adjust bandwidth management in Chrome

You can turn on the "Reduce Data Usage" option in Chrome, which removes unnecessary whitespace and translates images into a smaller format in order to cut down on how much data it uses while you browse.





9. Use Google Authenticator to keep data safe

Google Authenticator provides two-step verification security for your Google account.

So, when you log in, you'll need a code generated by the app in addition to your password. This ensures that strangers can't log in to your account.

For example, if you log into Gmail on a different computer, you would need to take out your phone, open the app, and then enter that code to access your account.

10. Change your default apps

Ever want to change the default web browser your phone uses when you click on a link? You can change this and other defaults by navigating to Settings, head over to All, and press Clear Defaults.

The smartwatch will be available exclusively on Flipkart starting from mid-day on Friday, Motorola said in a statement.

Handset maker Motorola said its smartwatch, Moto 360, will go on sale on Friday in India for Rs. 17,999.

The smartwatch will be available exclusively on Flipkart starting from mid-day on Friday, Motorola said in a statement.

Inspired by the classic wristwatch, the Moto 360 features a round design. It has a feature called ‘voice control’ which allows users to send texts, set a reminder, check the weather, and ask for directions.

Users can also keep track of steps and know their heart rate with the built-in pedometer and heart rate monitor, it added.

The smartwatch is compatible with smartphones running Android 4.3 or higher and is powered by Android Wear operating system.

With a 1.5-inch display, the device has a 320 mAh battery, 512 MB RAM and 4 GB internal storage.

Smart wearables, as a category, is growing globally with the likes of other tech giants, Samsung, LG and Apple coming out with their smartwatches across various price points.

Apart from smartwatches, many firms like Sony, Adidas and Goqii have introduced smartbands dedicated to healthcare or athletics with support applications like pedometer and heart rate monitor to help monitor various bodily functions.

Samsung’s Gear Live is available in India for about Rs. 15,900, while LG’s G Watch is priced at Rs. 14,999.

Microsoft on Tuesday announced its 'Windows 10' Operating System to replace the largely unpopular Windows 8. Here's what you need to know.

1. The start menu in Windows 10 will appear similar to what is found in Windows 7: start button will also open a series of tiles that resemble Windows 8.

2. The software will be available from mid-2015. The retail price is not finalised; however, users can sign up for the Windows Insider Programme to get an idea of the preview build.

3. Although the current version is called Windows 8, Microsoft says it is skipping ahead to Windows 10 to emphasize its effort to move forward.

4. The new version will allow users to switch between touch mode or keyboard input. The new Operating System will have a task view button on the taskbar which will allow users to quickly scan through the files, windows and desktops that are open.

5. Consumers will also be able to switch between Microsoft devices more easily and avoid having to buy the same apps multiple times.

6. Windows 10 will also boast of enhanced security, including separating and securing data in ways more resistant to breach or theft.

7. In Windows 10, full-screen apps will be optional. There's also support for multiple desktops.

8. Windows 10 will enhance Snap feature, the function that lets users arrange apps side by side.

9. The Operating System was originally codenamed Windows ‘Threshold’.

10. Windows 10 will also be designed to work on a wider range of computing devices.

NEW DELHI: Internet titan Google has announced that it will provide free unlimited cloud storage to students, and will also allow them to upload individual files up to 5TB in size. This will be rolled out in "coming weeks," Google said.

The free Google Drive storage will be available to students whose schools are part of the Apps for Education programme. users will be able to access their data via internet-connected smartphones, tablets, Chromebooks etc.

Ben Schrom, the product manager for Google Apps for Education, said in a blog post, "Every file uploaded to Google Drive is encrypted, not only from your device to Google and in transit between Google data centers, but also at rest on Google servers. Classroom, which recently launched to Google Apps for Education users, makes using Drive in school even better by automatically organizing all Classroom assignments into Drive folders."

Non-profit educational institutions that are part of the Google Apps for Education initiative are exempted from ad-related scanning of data. Therefore, Google will not scan the data uploaded by students of these institutions to Drive will not be targeted for advertisements.

Google also will release its Apps Vault (a solution for search and discovery for compliance needs) for Apps to Education customers by year-end. Tools to track the activity of files are also on the way, the company said.

If you have been waiting to hear more as to when Xiaomi will bring back its flagship Mi3 smartphone to India, then we have some good news.

According to media reports, Xiaomi will start selling its Mi3, albeit online-only expected somewhere around the festive period of Diwali which falls later next month.

"Xiaomi Mi3 will be back in stock and will be sold via Flipkart flash sale, Manu Jain, head of operations, Xiaomi India was quoted saying in the report.

The news will come as a relief to all the buyers who have been eagerly waiting for the comeback of Mi3 to India, which was strategically suspended in order to meet the demand for its affordable Redmi 1S smartphone. It's not clear, as to how many units or round of flash sales will be conducted in order to sell the Mi3 but any update about Mi3 is a good sign, to some extent.

It is highly expected that Mi3 won't be available for long and with the Mi4 having a year-end launch timeline. Xiaomi Mi3 came earlier this year, shattered all online sales records, even managed to get Flipkart crashing like the IRCTC ticketing site.

Mi3 sports a 5 inch full-HD display and runs on MiUi 5 interface over Android 4.3 Jelly Bean version. It packs a quad-core Snapdragon 800 chipset, paired with 2 GB RAM and offering 16 GB expandable storage. It's even got a 13 MP rear snapper and loaded with 3050 mAh battery. All and priced for Rs 13,999. No wonder, everyone's looking to buy one. Are you one of those then stay for more availability news.