The battle between iPhone and Samsung has been the topic of much debate for many mobile users, with Apple and Android fans weighing in to have their say about the issue. From the court case itself to the rumours (apparently untrue) of Samsung delivering their payment in trucks loaded with coins, there are few things gadget addicts like better than the 'who did it better' game. While the courts may have reached their own verdict, and market shares in Samsung may even have also given some indication of what investors think, this may be one argument that smartphone users want to agree to disagree on.
What smartphone users in South Africa should be asking however is does it really matter who did what? Or should we perhaps be focusing on what each phone has to offer instead, without picking sides?
Reading Between the Smartphone Debate Lines
One of the main issues at hand is the matter of innovation. We all know that Apple is the master of innovation, with constant break-throughs in computing and mobile technology seen time after time. But the flipside of that innovation is that consumers pay not just for the device itself, but also for the brand name (and dare we say the bragging rights).
Samsung and the greater Android market have become a thorn in Apple's side however, and not just over patent issues and court proceedings. At a much more accessible price, Android devices have allowed a far larger number of users to benefit from mobile technology, with a number of their own unique features that show that they too are able to innovate with the best of them.
Phones today have evolved far beyond the ancient, brick-like Nokia 3310's that we found so amazing not too long ago. The battle of the mobile giants has opened the market up to even more features that we ever thought possible, as each company strives to outdo the other. What this means for users is consistent advancement, more applications, better interfaces, sleeker designs, new technologies and plenty of other exciting things.
At the end of the day, you want a phone that suits your specific needs, does the job and gives you a host of those great features that enhance your daily use of the device. Whether that is iPhone or Samsung, or even something entirely different, the mobile 'David and Goliath' may as well continue their battles if it helps make the industry that much more progressive.
SMARTlab offers advice, tips and how to's for smartphone owners. iPhone, Blackberry & Samsung repairs is our specialty but we love helping out with nifty and useful info for smartphone addicts.
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
How to Find Security Option in Windows 8
When a new operating system is launched in the market, the first thing that users and critics look into is the security feature(s). Not just users and critics who have to evaluate the operating system for the sake of running podcasts, but hackers also set their eyes on a new OS' security features as they have to take advantage of the loopholes in it. This cliché also applies to Windows 8, the latest (not even a month old) futuristic operating system from Microsoft. However, it won't be wrong if I say that Microsoft Windows 8 has raised the bar for computer security and other OS also in terms of security features.
With Windows 8 comes a string of advanced security features for PCs, tablets and Smartphones which remain vulnerable despite being at the helm of antivirus, anti-spyware, and anti-malware programs. Considering that Windows users need extra protection from hackers and malicious software, Microsoft fortified Windows 8 with UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface, which replaces the traditional BIOS system) for Secure Boot; Windows Defender, which is a complete security solution for Windows machines; SmartScreen filter, which determines whether the downloadable files are safe for use or not; ELAM (Early Launch Anti-Malware) which ensures that the security software loads up and runs first on your computer before the Windows loads up; and improved Windows Firewall which has been there from the beginning to monitor the incoming & outgoing web traffic and block unauthorized users from making connections to your computer.
UEFI, ELAM, and SmartScreen are the features that automatically function to protect your computer from malicious software and hackers without your intervention. Windows Defender is more like the substitute for third-party antivirus program(s) which you install on your computer and then run virus scans from it. Thus Windows Defender is the anti-malware program which you will have to find on your computer to run virus scans, remove malicious software, update virus & malware definitions, and schedule automatic virus scans.
Windows Defender is an enhanced & free three-in-one security software which integrates a strong antivirus, anti-spyware, and anti-malware. Windows Defender supersedes Microsoft Security Essentials, which is a free anti-malware program (released 2-3 years back) from Microsoft designed to fulfill the security needs of Windows users. Since Windows Defender comes pre-loaded with your Windows 8 computer, you simply have to locate it to be able to start using it.
· Bring up the Charms bar by pressing the Windows + C key combination and then tap Search on it. In the Search bar, type 'Defender' or 'Windows Defender' and then click the Search button.
· Tap the Windows Defender icon to open it up. Another window will now open up. You might be surprised to see the look of Windows Defender as it would resemble the look of Microsoft Security Essentials. But there is nothing to worry about as Windows Defender is the complete security solution for your computer as compared to Microsoft Security Essentials.
From the Home tab, you can the status of your computer's security and also choose to run a Quick, Custom, or Full virus scan for selected items or all the items. On the Update tab, you can update the program with latest security definitions and patches. From the History tab, you can check the history of deleted, blocked items, their level of maliciousness, their types and other details. On the Settings tab, you can customize the settings, schedule automatic virus scans, and do lot more.
V tech-squad Inc., is the leading third-party service provider of certified online technical support services. Our top-class services include Microsoft product support, antivirus issues, malware issues, spyware issues, wireless router issues, printer issues, and non-computer devices etc.
With Windows 8 comes a string of advanced security features for PCs, tablets and Smartphones which remain vulnerable despite being at the helm of antivirus, anti-spyware, and anti-malware programs. Considering that Windows users need extra protection from hackers and malicious software, Microsoft fortified Windows 8 with UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface, which replaces the traditional BIOS system) for Secure Boot; Windows Defender, which is a complete security solution for Windows machines; SmartScreen filter, which determines whether the downloadable files are safe for use or not; ELAM (Early Launch Anti-Malware) which ensures that the security software loads up and runs first on your computer before the Windows loads up; and improved Windows Firewall which has been there from the beginning to monitor the incoming & outgoing web traffic and block unauthorized users from making connections to your computer.
UEFI, ELAM, and SmartScreen are the features that automatically function to protect your computer from malicious software and hackers without your intervention. Windows Defender is more like the substitute for third-party antivirus program(s) which you install on your computer and then run virus scans from it. Thus Windows Defender is the anti-malware program which you will have to find on your computer to run virus scans, remove malicious software, update virus & malware definitions, and schedule automatic virus scans.
Windows Defender is an enhanced & free three-in-one security software which integrates a strong antivirus, anti-spyware, and anti-malware. Windows Defender supersedes Microsoft Security Essentials, which is a free anti-malware program (released 2-3 years back) from Microsoft designed to fulfill the security needs of Windows users. Since Windows Defender comes pre-loaded with your Windows 8 computer, you simply have to locate it to be able to start using it.
· Bring up the Charms bar by pressing the Windows + C key combination and then tap Search on it. In the Search bar, type 'Defender' or 'Windows Defender' and then click the Search button.
· Tap the Windows Defender icon to open it up. Another window will now open up. You might be surprised to see the look of Windows Defender as it would resemble the look of Microsoft Security Essentials. But there is nothing to worry about as Windows Defender is the complete security solution for your computer as compared to Microsoft Security Essentials.
From the Home tab, you can the status of your computer's security and also choose to run a Quick, Custom, or Full virus scan for selected items or all the items. On the Update tab, you can update the program with latest security definitions and patches. From the History tab, you can check the history of deleted, blocked items, their level of maliciousness, their types and other details. On the Settings tab, you can customize the settings, schedule automatic virus scans, and do lot more.
V tech-squad Inc., is the leading third-party service provider of certified online technical support services. Our top-class services include Microsoft product support, antivirus issues, malware issues, spyware issues, wireless router issues, printer issues, and non-computer devices etc.
Apple's iPad Mini Versus Google's Nexus 7
Recently, the iPad mini was launched by Apple as a competitor against the tablet market. The Google Nexus 7 is now the most successful tablet on the market because it has proved to be reliable and excellent in performance while still offering the best price. On the other hand, what advantages does the Apple's smaller version of the iPad offer? Can Apple become the leading competitor in the tablet market? Which is better, the iPad mini or the Nexus 7? Apple is able to differentiate its products while increasing its value to Apple consumers; the iPad mini is of no difference. Apple was able to figure out the consumer's mind and to create a trend toward what the consumer was looking for: small, cheaper, and better. Apple mini tablet became the new fad that consumers wanted because of its compelling advantages in comparison to the Nexus 7.
The iPad mini is thinner, lighter, and wider than Google's tablet (the Nexus 7). In addition, the material used for the iPad mini is aluminum, while the Nexus 7 is made of plastic. Apple mini tablet overall has a better design and a more comfortable feel than the Nexux 7. The internet browser Safari works faster than Google's internet browser, Chrome. The duration of the battery in the Apple's mini tablet outlasts the Nexus 7 battery duration by about ten percent. Moreover, the IPad mini offers a greater amount of additional features such as: Photo Stream, IMessage, and Siri, as well as Google's Gmail, YouTube, etc. The Nexus 7 only offers a limited amount of features provided through Google. Obviously, the Apple mini tablet provides access to a number of applicatios (apps) in the range of around 275,000. Of the following apps, a few common examples are Facebook, IMovie, and Air Play. These features also happen to be some of the most important elements that the iPad mini offers over its competitors, especially in comparison to the Nexus 7 that offers very few apps. In addition, the iPad mini offers two cameras: Face Time front facing HD camera and the ISight camera. The ISight camera on the back has five megapixel as well as space for recording videos that have vibrations eliminated. The Nexus 7 also has a camera, but the camera on the Nexus 7 is only a front facing 1.2 megapixel camera.
Research has shown that the Apple's smaller version of the iPad surpasses the Nexus 7 except in a few areas. The Nexus 7 has a better text quality and better screen resolution in comparison to the iPad mini. The pixel resolution is important for reading and watching movies by providing better clarity. Those with good eye sight may not realize the difference in resolution, but those with poor eye sight would be at a disadvantage when trying to read or watch movies. In terms of pricing, the Nexus 7 is priced at a more affordable cost of $199, while Apple mini tablet starts out at $329 and ranges all the way up to $529. In today's economy, the Nexus 7 is more advantageous because of its cost while the iPad mini is extremely over priced. Apple charges more but offers a lighter, thinner and wider design, two cameras instead of one, superior selection of tablet apps, and a longer battery life. However, all those advantages might not justify the cost of $130 to $330 more than the Nexus 7.
In general, the iPad mini is better than the Nexus 7; however, as a consumer, you need to think about your needs and your preferences. If your main purpose is reading and watching a movie rather than the web, Nexus 7 would be a better choice for you. On the other hand, if your priorities are apps and higher speed, the Apple's mini tablet should be your first choice. If you cannot afford the iPad mini or do not believe the price justifies its apps advantages and nicer design, the two tablets are very similar and the Nexus 7 will do almost anything you want.
The iPad mini is thinner, lighter, and wider than Google's tablet (the Nexus 7). In addition, the material used for the iPad mini is aluminum, while the Nexus 7 is made of plastic. Apple mini tablet overall has a better design and a more comfortable feel than the Nexux 7. The internet browser Safari works faster than Google's internet browser, Chrome. The duration of the battery in the Apple's mini tablet outlasts the Nexus 7 battery duration by about ten percent. Moreover, the IPad mini offers a greater amount of additional features such as: Photo Stream, IMessage, and Siri, as well as Google's Gmail, YouTube, etc. The Nexus 7 only offers a limited amount of features provided through Google. Obviously, the Apple mini tablet provides access to a number of applicatios (apps) in the range of around 275,000. Of the following apps, a few common examples are Facebook, IMovie, and Air Play. These features also happen to be some of the most important elements that the iPad mini offers over its competitors, especially in comparison to the Nexus 7 that offers very few apps. In addition, the iPad mini offers two cameras: Face Time front facing HD camera and the ISight camera. The ISight camera on the back has five megapixel as well as space for recording videos that have vibrations eliminated. The Nexus 7 also has a camera, but the camera on the Nexus 7 is only a front facing 1.2 megapixel camera.
Research has shown that the Apple's smaller version of the iPad surpasses the Nexus 7 except in a few areas. The Nexus 7 has a better text quality and better screen resolution in comparison to the iPad mini. The pixel resolution is important for reading and watching movies by providing better clarity. Those with good eye sight may not realize the difference in resolution, but those with poor eye sight would be at a disadvantage when trying to read or watch movies. In terms of pricing, the Nexus 7 is priced at a more affordable cost of $199, while Apple mini tablet starts out at $329 and ranges all the way up to $529. In today's economy, the Nexus 7 is more advantageous because of its cost while the iPad mini is extremely over priced. Apple charges more but offers a lighter, thinner and wider design, two cameras instead of one, superior selection of tablet apps, and a longer battery life. However, all those advantages might not justify the cost of $130 to $330 more than the Nexus 7.
In general, the iPad mini is better than the Nexus 7; however, as a consumer, you need to think about your needs and your preferences. If your main purpose is reading and watching a movie rather than the web, Nexus 7 would be a better choice for you. On the other hand, if your priorities are apps and higher speed, the Apple's mini tablet should be your first choice. If you cannot afford the iPad mini or do not believe the price justifies its apps advantages and nicer design, the two tablets are very similar and the Nexus 7 will do almost anything you want.
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