Technology Tips & Tweaks

How to Keep Your Mac Secure

Jim — Mon, 21 May 2012 20:13:55 +0000

Here are a few ways to keep your Mac safe and secure. These tips are easy to implement and might help protect the integrity of your Mac’s data. 1. Turn off Java. 2. Use Software Update regularly to keep your Mac’s software current. 3. Create strong passwords. 4. Turn off automatica login. 5. Use your Mac’s built-in firewall. 6. Turn off Open Safe Files. 7. Turn off Sharing. 9. Use disk encryption. 10. Only download from safe and trusted sources. For more information, see the original article at the link below. 13 Tips to Keep Your Mac Secure | WLTX Related posts: Linux or Windows More Secure? Fix iPhone 4S Battery Problems Disable Windows Store in Windows 8 Related posts:

Add more workspaces to your Ubuntu desktop

Jim — Wed, 16 May 2012 20:41:29 +0000

Here’s how you can have more than four workspaces on your Ubuntu system. 1. Make sure you have the MyUnity tool installed on your system (you can download it free via the Ubuntu Software Center). 2. Open the MyUnity application. 3. Go to the Desktop tab. 4. Use the two sliders to change the number of horizontal and vertical workspaces. 5. Close MyUnity. 6. Use the WorkSpace Switcher to start using your new workspaces. For more information, see the original article at the link below. How Can I Have More Than 4 Workspaces? | OMG Ubuntu Related posts: Customize the Unity Desktop in Ubuntu With MyUnity Install MyUnity in Ubuntu Linux Install Cinnamon Desktop in Ubuntu Linux Related posts:

Install Unity Pirate Bay lens in Ubuntu

Jim — Tue, 15 May 2012 19:41:31 +0000

Here’s how you can install a torrent lens for Unity in Ubuntu. This lens displays Pirate Bay torrents that are organized by category. 1. Open a terminal window. 2. Type in the following commands, then hit enter after each. sudo add-apt-repository ppa:scopes-packagers/ppa sudo apt-get update sudo apt-get install unity-lens-torrents unity-scope-piratebay 3. When you open a torrent, it should launch Transmission automatically. For more information, see the original article at the link below. Unity Torrents lens | I Love Ubuntu No related posts. No related posts.

Install Adult Lens for Unity in Ubuntu

Jim — Mon, 14 May 2012 18:00:19 +0000

Here’s how you can add a lens for adult content to your Unity desktop in Ubuntu. 1. Open a terminal window. 2. Type in the following commands, then hit enter after each. sudo add-apt-repository ppa:scopes-packagers/adult-scopes sudo apt-get update sudo apt-get install unity-lens-adult unity-scope-youporn For more information, see the original article at the link below. Unity Adult lens | I Love Ubuntu No related posts. No related posts.

Install Unity Wikipedia lens in Ubuntu

Jim — Mon, 14 May 2012 17:42:47 +0000

Here’s how you can install a lens for Wikipedia in Ubuntu. This will make it easy and fast to search Wikipedia. 1. Open a terminal window. 2. Type in the following command then hit enter after each: sudo add-apt-repository ppa:scopes-packagers/ppa sudo apt-get update sudo apt-get install unity-lens-wikipedia For more information, see the original article at the link below. Unity Wikipedia lens adds card view and proper item description | I Love Ubuntu Related posts: Install Unity Pidgin Lens in Ubuntu Customize the Unity Desktop in Ubuntu With MyUnity Install Cinnamon Desktop in Ubuntu Linux Related posts:

Rename your iPhone, iPad or iPod Without a Computer

Jim — Mon, 14 May 2012 17:27:27 +0000

Here’s how you can change the name of your iOS device, without connecting it to your computer. 1. Open the Settings app. 2. Go to General. 3. Go to About. 4. Go to Name. 5. Type in the new name of your iPhone, iPad or iPod. 6. Tap “Done” and your new name will be used. For more information, see the original article at the link below. How To: Rename Your iOS Device Without A Computer Or iTunes | MacTrast Related posts: Delete space wasting videos from your iPhone, iPad or iPod Jailbreak iOS 5 on the iPhone 4, iPad, iPod Touch and iPhone 3GS How To Use Your iPhone or iPod Touch With Linux Related posts:

Delete space wasting videos from your iPhone, iPad or iPod

Jim — Mon, 14 May 2012 17:19:45 +0000

Videos can take up a lot of space on your iOS device. Here’s how to delete them without having to connect your iPad, iPhone or iPod to your computer. There are two ways you can remove videos. Here’s the first way: 1. Go to the video app. 2. Tap and hold the video you want to remove. 3. Tap the “x” that appears in the upper left corner to remove the video. Here’s the second way: 1. Go to Settings. 2. Go to General. 3. Go to Usage. 4. Tap the Video section on the storage usage menu. 5. You will see a list of videos and how much space they are taking up on your iOS device. 6. Swipe from left to right over the video you want to remove. 7. A “Delete” button will appear. 8. Tap on the delete button to remove the video. For more information, see the original article at the link below. How To Delete Movies Or TV Shows Off Your iOS Device Without A Computer | MacTrast Related posts: Delete Firefox cookies in Windows Jailbreak iOS 5 on the iPhone 4, iPad, iPod Touch and iPhone 3GS How To Use Your iPhone [...] Related posts:

Disable Windows Store in Windows 8

Jim — Mon, 14 May 2012 17:07:12 +0000

Here’s how you can turn off the Windows Store in Windows 8. 1. Type gpedit.msc on the Start Screen. 2. Select apps from the right sidebar. 3. Click gpedit.msc in the main window. 4. The Local Group Policy Editor will open. 5. Go to: User Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Store 6. Double click on Turn Off the Store Application. 7. Select the Enabled option from the Turn Off the Store Application menu, then click the OK button. 8. To disable the store for all users on your computer, open the dialog box, enter the following command then hit enter: gpupdate /force For more information, see the original article at the link below. How To Turn Off Windows Store In Windows 8 | Addictive Tips Related posts: Format Mac external hard disk or USB flash drive for Windows compatibility Enable or Disable Caps Lock on iOS Devices Apple Changes iTunes App Store Layout Related posts:

Install Unity Pidgin Lens in Ubuntu

Jim — Mon, 14 May 2012 16:51:47 +0000

Here’s how you can add a lens for Pidgin to Unity in Ubuntu Linux. 1. Open a terminal window. 2. Type in the following commands, then hit enter after each one: sudo add-apt-repository ppa:scopes-packagers/ppa sudo apt-get update sudo apt-get install unity-lens-pidgin For more information, see the original article at the link below. Unity Pidgin lens released (PPA available) | I Love Ubuntu No related posts. No related posts.

Browse the web on the iPad in side by side windows

Jim — Mon, 07 May 2012 17:45:57 +0000

If you’re tired of browsing via tabs in Safari, here’s a way you can browse the web with side by side windows. Dual Browser sells for $3.99 in the app store. Here’s a list of features, along with a couple of screenshots. Two simultaneous windows to navigate independently. Full screen: Option to make full screen each window and hide the navigation bar. Private browsing: Option to clear all the cookies, bookmarks and configuration every time the application loads or closes. Save all cookies: Can store session cookies permanently. Full or selective options clear: The application settings can be reset from the iPads system settings. 8 different User Agents(iOS Brightness control with higher rank than the system minimum. Internet connection loss/recovery notification. Screen rotation lock. Save and view images. Dual Browser can be run from Safari and vice versa. Secure web access: Warning in case of a invalid certificate. Bookmarks with folders option. Configurable interface color(iOS For more information, see the original article at the link below. Side-by-side Web surfing on the iPad with Dual Browser | CNet No related posts. No related posts.

Install MyUnity in Ubuntu Linux

Jim — Tue, 01 May 2012 18:49:27 +0000

MyUnity is a configuration tool for the Unity desktop environment. It lets you quickly and easily configure the following options: Launcher Dash Panel Desktop Font Themes Here’s how you can install MyUnity to your Ubuntu system. 1. Open the Ubuntu Software Center. 2. Type “myunity” without the quotes into the search box. 3. Click on MyUnity in the search results. 4. Click on the Install button. 5. Type in your password to begin the install. After the install is complete, you will see a MyUnity icon appear in the Launcher. No related posts. No related posts.

Install Ubuntu Tweak in Ubuntu Linux

Jim — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 18:11:53 +0000

Here’s how you can install Ubuntu Tweak to your Ubuntu Linux system. Ubuntu Tweak goes far beyond the default desktop settings available in Ubuntu. 1. Open a terminal window. 2. Type in the following commands then hit enter after each one: sudo add-apt-repository ppa:tualatrix/ppa sudo apt-get update sudo apt-get install ubuntu-tweak Here’s a list of Ubuntu Tweak’s features: View of Basic System Information(Distribution, Kernel, CPU, Memory, etc.) GNOME Session Control Auto Start Program Control Quick install popular applications A lot of third-party sources to keep applications up-to-date Clean unneeded packages or cache to free disk space Show/Hide and Change Splash screen Show/Hide desktop icons or Mounted Volumes Show/Hide/Rename Computer, Home, Trash or Network icon Tweak Metacity Window Manager’s style and behaviour Compiz Fusion settings, Screen Edge Settings, Window Effect Settings, Menu Effect Settings Set the Shortcuts to archive quicker access your favourite applications GNOME Panel Settings Nautilus Settings Advanced Power Management Settings System Security Settings And many other in process… For more information, see the original article at the link below. Top things to do after installing Ubuntu 12.04 LTS Precise Pangolin | Unix Men No related posts. No related posts.

How to upgrade to Ubuntu 12.04

Jim — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 19:18:55 +0000

Are you already running Ubuntu 11.10? Here’s how you can upgrade to Ubuntu 12.04 without having to do a full reinstall on your computer. This is a quick and easy way to use the latest version of Ubuntu Linux. Please note that if you are running a version of Ubuntu that is older than 11.10, you should check out the Ubuntu Upgrade Notes. The instructions below apply to Ubuntu Linux 11.10 only. If you run into any problems doing the upgrade, you should check out the Ask Ubuntu site for help. Upgrade Steps 1. Launch the Update Manager. You can press the Superkey (Windows key) to launch the Dash and search for Update Manager. 2. Click the Check button to check for new updates to Ubuntu. 3. Click the Install Updates button to install the new updates. 4. Click the Check button again after the updates complete. 5. You will see a message popup that tells you Ubuntu 12.04 is available. 6. Click the Upgrade button to update your Ubuntu system to 12.04 (Precise Pangolin). Upgrade Screenshots See the screenshots below for more details about doing your upgrade. No related posts. No related posts.

National Geographic free app for National Parks

Jim — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 17:56:38 +0000

National Geographic has released a free app for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch that acts as an interactive guide to America’s National Parks. 1. Download National Geographic’s free guide to America’s National Parks. 2. Here’s a list of the National Parks app features, along with the official description: National Geographic presents a new, beautiful, and interactive guide to the national parks with a new app for iPhone. Whether you are seeking inspiration and planning your next trip or you’re looking for the ultimate in utility, National Geographic has everything you need to explore the U.S. national parks at your fingertips. Watch for updates as we continue to add more parks. - Global and interactive map views with filtering by activity and seasonality - Personalized user space to track your favorite parks, activities, itineraries, photos, and more - Thousands of points of interest, all tagged with GPS coordinates for easy planning and locating - The top must-sees and must-dos for each park, curated by National Geographic editors - Stunning photo galleries for each park, plus rare vintage images from the National Geographic Archive - Photo tips from National Geographic photographers - Sharing through Facebook, email, and Twitter - Collectible park stamps [...] No related posts.

Delete Firefox cookies in Windows

Jim — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 13:05:58 +0000

Here’s how you can quickly remove cookies in Firefox in Windows. 1. Click on Options in the Firefox menu. 2. Click the Privacy tab. 3. Click the “remove individual cookies” link. 4. You will see a list of cookies that are stored by Firefox. 5. Click the Remove All Cookies button to delete all cookies by all web sites. 6. To remove an individual cookie, click on a folder in the cookie list then click the arrow next to the folder. This will display a list of individual cookies you can delete. Click on the cookie you want to remove then click the Remove Cookie button. 7. To remove all cookies within a folder, just click on the folder and then click the Remove Cookies button. Removing cookies from Firefox in Windows can help protect your privacy as you browse the web. For more information, see the original article at the link below. Delete Cookies in the Five Most Popular Web Browsers in Windows | How To Geek No related posts. No related posts.

Format Mac external hard disk or USB flash drive for Windows compatibility

Jim — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 12:51:28 +0000

Here’s how you can format an external hard disk or USB flash drive on your Mac so it will be compatible with PCs. This can be really important if you want to share a batch of files with your friends who run Windows, instead of OS X. 1. Open the Disk Utility application (you’ll find it in /Applications/Utilities). 2. Make sure the drive you want to format is connected to your Mac. 3. Click on the drive’s name in the list on the left side of Disk Utility. 4. Click the Erase tab. 5. Click the Format drop down menu and choose MS-DOS (FAT). 6. Name the drive. 7. Click the Erase button to begin erasing the drive. Once the operation is complete, your Mac’s external hard disk or USB flash drive will be compatible with Windows 95, 98, XP, Vista and Windows 8. This is a huge help for the times when you want to share data with your friends or family who run Windows. For more information, see the original article at the link below. How to Format a Drive for Mac & PC Compatibility | OS X Daily No related posts. No related posts.

Set up Mail email accounts faster in OS X

Jim — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 19:53:02 +0000

Here’s a quick way to set up email accounts in the Mac’s mail application in OS X Lion. Instead of doing it through Mail directly, try this instead. 1. Open the System Preferences application. 2. Click the Mail, Contacts and Calendars icon. 3. Click the Add Account option on the left side. 4. You will see options for the following services: iCloud Microsoft Exchange MobileMe Gmail Yahoo AOL Other 5. By doing it this way you can eliminate having to put in information such as incoming or outgoing server, etc. For more information, see the original article at the link below. A Simpler Way To Set Up Your Email In Mac OS X Lion | Every Day Mac Support No related posts. No related posts.

The Unarchiver: A free unzipping tool for Macs

Jim — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 15:26:06 +0000

If you’re in the market for a better, free file unzipping tool then you should check out The Unarchiver. The Unarchiver handles Zip, Tar-GZip, Tar-BZip2, RAR, 7-zip, LhA, StuffIt and lots of other compressed file formats. You can download The Unarchiver for free from the Mac App Store or you can download it from the application’s site. Here’s the official description of The Unarchiver: The Unarchiver is a much more capable replacement for “Archive Utility.app”, the built-in archive unpacker program on Mac OS X. The Unarchiver is designed to handle many more formats than Archive Utility, and to better fit in with the design of the Finder. It can also handle filenames in foreign character sets, created with non-English versions of other operating systems. I personally find it useful for opening Japanese archives, but it should handle many other languages just as well. It is very simple to use and install – simply copy it into your Applications folder or whereever you prefer, and then set archive filetypes to open using it. This can either be done the usual way, or by double-clicking the icon to show The Unarchiver’s preferences. Supported file formats include Zip, Tar-GZip, Tar-BZip2, RAR, 7-zip, LhA, [...] Related posts:

Save your cell phone’s battery power

Jim — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 17:41:47 +0000

Here are five quick ways you can extend the life of your Android or iOS phone. 1. Turn down the brightness of your phone’s display. 2. Turn off Bluetooth and other network services that you aren’t using. 3. Turn off Location Services if you don’t need to use it. 4. Avoid downloading lots of data via streaming videos or music. 5. Turn off push services and background syncing. For more information, see the original article at the link below. 5 battery saving tips for your smartphone | CNet Related posts: Fix iPhone 4S Battery Problems Cell Phones: Style and Tech Broadband Over Power Lines Related posts:

Use Task Manager to kill crashed web pages in Chrome

Jim — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 16:11:07 +0000

Sometimes web pages just crash, for whatever reason. Here’s how you can kill a crashed web page by using Google Chrome’s Task Manager. 1. Go to Tools. 2. Go to Task Manager. 3. Select the tab of the web page that has crashed. 4. Click the End Process button to terminate the crashed web page. For more information, see the original article at the link below. 5 Best Tips And Tricks For Google Chrome Users | Fresh Tech Tips No related posts. No related posts.

Check HTML, scripts and CSS in web pages in Chrome

Jim — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 16:04:00 +0000

Here’s how you can inspect the details of HTML, CSS, network objects, and scripts in Google Chrome. 1. Select the page element you want to inspect. 2. Right click it with your mouse. 3. Select “Inspect Element” from the popup menu. The inspection dashboard will appear and you can check out the information about the page element. This is a great tool for web developers and anyone else interested in seeing how web pages are constructed. For more information, see the original article at the link below. 5 Best Tips And Tricks For Google Chrome Users | Fresh Tech Tips No related posts. No related posts.

Use zoom in Google Chrome

Jim — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 15:55:26 +0000

Here’s how you can zoom in or zoom out of a web page in Google Chrome. This will make the text of the page larger or smaller, so it can be quite useful if you are having trouble reading text on a page in Chrome. To zoom in: Ctrl+ To zoom out: Ctrl- For more information, see the original article at the link below. 5 Best Tips and Tricks for Google Chrome Users | Fresh Tech Tips No related posts. No related posts.

Set your Facebook Timeline so only you can see posts by friends

Jim — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 18:02:49 +0000

If you’re nervous about what your friends might post to your Timeline, here’s how you can change your settings so only you can see their posts. 1. Click the drop down arrow menu on the far right of the Facebook interface. 2. Go to Privacy Settings. 3. Click the Edit Settings button next to Timeline and Tagging. 4. Make sure that the “Who can post on your timeline?” setting is set to “Friends.” 5. Make sure that the “Who can see what others post on your timeline?” setting is set to “Only Me.” This is an nice alternative to totally stopping people from posting to your Timeline. It lets just you see posts by friends so you don’t run the risk of something embarrassing or stupid on your Timeline being made available to all of your friends and family. Related posts: Stop friends from posting to your Facebook Timeline Facebook Friends: When You Throw A Party and Nobody Comes Make Your WordPress Blog Search Engine Friendly Related posts:

Stop friends from posting to your Facebook Timeline

Jim — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 17:55:17 +0000

Sometimes people post the stupidest things to your Facebook Timeline. Here’s how you can stop that from happening. This can sometimes save you a lot of embarrassment by preventing compromising things from appearing in your Timeline. 1. Click the arrow drop down menu in the upper right corner of the Facebook interface. 2. Go to Privacy Settings. 3. Click the Edit Settings button next to Timeline and Tagging. 4. A menu will pop up. 5. Make sure that the “Who can post on your timeline?” option is set to No One. This will allow only you to post to your Facebook Timeline. If your friends want to share something with you they can still send it via a private message. No related posts. No related posts.

Reset iOS Device & Erase Content Without Using iTunes

Jim — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 20:09:11 +0000

Here’s a quick way to reset your iPad, iPod or iPhone and erase all data without having to use iTunes. 1. Open the Settings app. 2. Tap the General tab. 3. Go down to the bottom and tap Reset. 4. Tap Erase All Content and Settings. This will reset your iOS device and remove all data and content. You can now pass it on to someone else for their use. For more information, see the original article at the link below. Reset Your iOS Device And Remove All Of Its Content & Settings Without iTunes | Cult of Mac Related posts: Oracle and Content Management The Beatles and iTunes: Who Freaking Cares? Change Your Apple ID Password Related posts: