Another Day With My PC

Happy Halloween, folks! I’m sure you look great in your costumes. It’s fun mirroring your favorite caped comic book heroes or their respective nemeses. In my case, I’m dressed as a zombie. Just a generic one, though. I can’t think of a specific and well known undead villain by DC or Marvel.

Speaking of zombies, do you know that malware could turn your PC into one? Zombies look alive from the outside, but they are actually rotting inside. People who are “undead” are not the same persons as they were before. Likewise, computers that got bitten by spyware or viruses are not what they used to be anymore. They are already slow, prone to crashes, and worse, they seem to be controlled by an unknown being.

Don’t let your PC get possessed by unwanted software. An infected computer slows down and functions as if it is being used by another person. This is because modern spyware not only corrupts data, but it also grants hackers access to your system so that they’ll be able to gather sensitive data. Hence, make sure that you have ghost-busting tools installed in your PC, such as an antivirus and a registry cleaner software.

The first twitter application for Android phone or Twidroid is finally out. Twidroid is created by Thomas Marban, the same guy who engineered Popurls.

The application is free to use. It makes your android phone a twitter center where you can easily post messages, reply and send direct messages. Even the other functions such as follow or unfollow a user are present in the App. There is also a complete integration of the software to your camera, so you can take a picture of yourself and share it directly to twitter.

The only function that is not accessible thru the application as of this writing is the clicking of the links. Links posted via twits will make you leave the application. ‘

Source: AndroidCommunity

IMOVIO release a very small and tiny handheld computer. One look and you might mistake this computer a flip type smartphone, but it is not. The iKIT is a complete computer.

This iKIT have basic specifications. It has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support. It also has a webcam that can be used for video conferencing. The iKIT is backed by Marvell Marvell PXA270 312MHz processor. It is run by Linux Operating System. The friendly IU of the handheld PC is attributable to its Proprietary plus Trolltech QT/E 2.3.8.

The only lowdown according to some reviews on this computer is its memory capacity. It is using a micro SD card which means it is expandable u to 8GB. Its ROM marks at 128MB and 64 SDRAM.

Its screen is a 2.8 inch QVGA which can display more than 260,000 different colors. Its Li-ion battery can provide up to 250 hours of standby time. The computer is available in fashionable colors such as velvet black, satin white and others.

IMOVIO’s iKIT also has standard jacks for video and audio input. The computer is also preloaded with standard computer apps. The computer is priced at at $172.

Source: WebITPR

Microsoft has recently revealed that Windows XP is still the OS of choice among software pirates. Redmond says that this is due to Vista’s stringent anti-piracy features. However, company officials also concede that the preference may also be due to the fact that XP is still the most popular and most widely-used operating system in the world.

I think I’ve already devoted too many megabytes on this blog in highlighting the fact that XP still reigns supreme over its successor. XP fans can (at least those who don’t mind having an illegal copy) take comfort with the fact that their favorite OS will still be available in the (black) market long after Microsoft has already pulled the life support out of it.

While I’m a fan of XP, I do not suggest going against the law by buying and installing pirated software. Remember, unlicensed copies cannot access important updates. They might also be infected with malware. No amount of security suites would be able to protect your PC from an OS that mirrors a Swiss cheese due to the lack of patches and support.

AT&T earlier made an announcement that the much anticipated BlackBerry Bold will be hitting the stores this coming November 4.

According to the company, they will be the one and only network provider for the said smart phone. AT&T will first release the phone in over 300 key areas around the United States, other countries and areas will soon follow.

BlackBerry Bold, the phone that is formerly called the BlackBerry 900 is one of the most anticipated iPhone competitors to date. It was first announced in early May, along with the rumored BlackBerry Thunder by Verizon Wireless.

The BlackBerry Bold sports a small screen and QERTY keypad. It is powered by a processor running on 624-MHz speed. Its 1GB memory is expandable. It has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 2.0 support. It supports multimedia playing, both video and music. It is tied up with AT&T’s mobile music services along with the BlackBerry Enterprise Server.

Source: PopuTech

Back in the 80s and mid 90s, the word “spam” was associated with something that’s arguably delectable and pleasant (unless you’re a vegetarian). Nowadays, spam has acquired a whole new different meaning, one that’s anything but delightful.

9 out of 10 e-mail accounts receive spam mails on a regular basis. The lucky few who do not either have the Pentagon e-mail server as their host or have not yet figured out how to activate their account. If you’ve availed of one of the many free e-mail hosting or services on the Web, then I’m sure you don’t need any intro as to what spam mails are all about.

Deceivingly Harmless

Spam mails come in many different forms. It could be benign, such as those that advertise discounts on various department stores. At times, though, it could be malignant and dangerous. Many viruses and spyware have been distributed through bogus mails purporting to be legitimate advertisements or correspondences from somebody or some institutions that you know.

Spam mails might seem harmless, especially if it doesn’t include any attachment. But beware. A significant number of these e-mails contain links which will lead you to infected Web sites. A day of reformatting and reinstalling is just a careless click away.

Cracks on the Wall

Many e-mail account hosts have already remedied this problem by blacklisting several Web sites and e-mail addresses. While this has considerably reduced the number of unwanted mails, a good number still make it past through the filter. And don’t expect the number to dwindle just because Yahoo!, Gmail, or Hotmail’s database of spam senders are filled to the brim. There could be as many spam addresses as there are alphanumeric combinations. In other words, don’t even bother to count it.

Antivirus or anti-spyware suites also include Internet security applications which guard e-mail accounts from being a dumping ground of e-mails asking for solicitations or luring people into false and fraudulent investment programs. But again, they could only filter so much or so many. Spam mails would still be able to pass by them one way or another.

Some Web security suites even play it easy by just barring all incoming e-mails except those addresses which the user have defined as safe. While this would really keep unwanted mails and files out of your computer, it may also keep the desirable and legit ones from getting in. You definitely wouldn’t want to miss that 50% off Bulgari promo ad, would you?

All in Your Hands

No matter how stringent your e-mail account host’s security measures are, chances are is that you’ll still continue to receive spam mail from time to time. Some argue that spam mail won’t harm you if you won’t open them. However, the fact that you’re being annoyed by an oversized inbox that’s fast depleting your free space could already be considered as a form of harm that’s worth preventing. Hence, efforts should be exerted in order to minimize or even completely stop this form of nuisance.

You could lessen the number of spam mails that you’re getting by being very careful and picky with the online newsletter or ad subscription that you’re availing of, either knowingly or inadvertently. Be wary of sites or services that ask for your e-mail add. You can be sure that they’ll be sending you something on your virtual mailbox.

If you have an uncontrollable compulsion to open each and every mail that you get, then at least be sure not to immediately and mindlessly download the attachments. Scrutinize the mail first and its source. If you find that it’s legit, then by all means download it.

A clean and virus-free mailbox depends mainly on the user and not on the host or on the security suites that are installed in your computer. You must be pro-active in keeping your PC, its registry, and other important files and components free from harmful programs.

The first prototype of laptop fuel cell made by Panasonic was bigger than the laptop that it is supposed to provide power to – that isn’t the case anymore. The company was able to reduce the size of this power battery by more than 50%.

This is what revealed by the Japanese company after the prototype methanol fuel cell received a warm welcome from green technology enthusiasts. The fuel cell was first shown at the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January 2006 and since then; the company did not stop working on the wonder battery.

The new prototype version sports a smaller 270 cubic centimers. This batter can provide power between 10 to 20 watts. According to the company, the battery weighs 320 grams. This battery can provide more than 20 hours of straight power source for any laptop.

The company also boasted their stand alone DMFC or direct methanol fuel cells charger. It has USB power outlets and can provide power for many portable devices such as PSP and iPod.

These new products will be first shown to the public this coming Hydrogen Energy Advanced Technology Exhibition 2008 in Wednesday

Source: PC World

An Android made by Motorola is in the office. Reprts indicated that Motorola engineers are completing the project as soon as possible as a rival Google will release its very own Android phone later this month.

According to sources, Motorola’s very own phone will sport interface and general look similar to iPhone and other smartphones. It will have a touch screen, a slide out complete QWERT keys and a lot of social-networking applications such as Facebook and Myspace.

Motorola did not confirm the reports on their Android phone but they said that they are excited about the innovation possibilities on Android and look forward to delivering great products in partnership with Google.

Motorala’s Android phone will most probably be sold in the US in the next quarter according to some tech geeks. They added that Europe release can be delayed up to third quarter of 2009.

Source: BusinessWeek

Adobe released the much-awaited instalment of its Creative Suite series. Creative Suite 4 or CS 4 packs a whole new graphics and medial applications for professional designers.

Adobe sees the launch as their largest to date. The CS4 launch also included upgrade on their other software such as Photoshop, Flash, Illustrator, InDesign, Dreamweaver, Fireworks, Contribute, After Effects, Soundbooth, OnLocation, Premiere Pro, and Encore.

Aside from this launch the company is drawing its efforts to further improve most of its application. Adobe After Effects was recently made import-compatible with Adobe Flash.

Immediate eviews on blogs and tech websites, including that of CNET are all positive. CNET’s review tells that Creative Suite 4 Master Collection is made for professionals who need a jam-packed toolbox for multimedia content creation.

The company released four different packages of CS4 with price ranging from $1,699 to $2,499. The CS4 Master Collection costs $1,599 for users of other CS3 suites to upgrade, or $1,199 for users with two eligible older versions of the suite.

Source: CNet

Olympus released a rare camera that sports Swarovski crystals. This camera will surely appear to girls who want a rare combination of glamour and technology. Olympus bared a limited edition digital camera that is accentuated with Swarovski crystals.

The camera which goes perfect in black casing has ornaments of white Swarovski beads, the very same that you will find in belts, earrings, bracelets, bangles and other ladylike accessories. Don’t be fool tho as this camera doesn’t come with nothing flashy case. The camera’s specification is surely one that many camera enthusiasts couldn’t refuse.

The Limited Edition Olympus 1040 Crystal camera first impresses like it was a rip from the past. The camera boasts 10-megapixel lens. It has 3x optical zoom and a high 30 fps shooting speed. The camera’s image engine is run by TruePic II image processor. It also has Auto Mode which makes the camera intelligent the predicting whether you are taking a macro shot or portrait shot. Either way, this camera combines fashion and intelligence very well.

Source: ShinyShiny