TechAmeer

What's So Special About Nokia Lumia

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 21 Jan 2014 04:39:00 +0000

What's So Special About Nokia Lumia

It's been two years since Nokia introduced the Lumia series. This line of smartphones was the result of a long-term relationship between Nokia and Microsoft as such, all Lumia smartphones run the Microsoft phone operating system, aiming to compete against the iPhone and Android-based devices.

Nokia was struggling in the smartphones market, especially when Android-based devices came out. The Asha platform which Nokia smartphones ran was not that satisfying to customers, when compared to iOS or Android, so Nokia had to find a way not to lose its share in the smartphone market.

The relationship between Nokia and Microsoft reminds me of the relationship between Sony and Ericsson (a.k.a SonyEricsson), to compete against Nokia. That time Nokia had the biggest share in the mobile market, followed by Ericsson, Motorola, and Siemens.

Nokia Lumia

Photo credit: okalkavan

Lumia came out first with two versions, Lumia 820 and 920. The difference between them was in the camera, storage, and dimensions, however they both ran Microsoft Windows Phone 8 (which is the most beautiful thing about Nokia Lumia).

I'm of the opinion that there hasn't been a Windows version as good as Windows 8, so for Nokia to run this OS on their Lumia devices is the smartest idea they can come up, not just to compete against other smartphone manufacturers, but also to be ahead in the smartphones market. So what's so special about Nokia Lumia?

Camera:

Photo credit: Kārlis Dambrāns

The camera has PureView technology with optical image stabilization and Carl Zeiss lens, which can shoot detailed, blur-free, and bright pictures and videos in all light conditions. Zeiss lenses are used for high-powered cameras for very high quality images and video recording.

Display:
The new Lumia 1520 comes with full HD display (1920 x 1080 pixels) features super sensitive touch technology, the world's brightest, fastest, and most sensitive touchscreen.

Windows Phone 8:

Photo credit: okubax

The concept of Windows has changed since Windows 8 was released, as it came with a new and modern interface formally known as Metro. Nokia Lumia runs Windows Phone 8 in Metro mode, which makes it unique because the Metro interface itself looks neat and colorful. like iOS and Android, Windows phone has a cloud storage feature called Skydrive. It allows users to store photos, videos, and files. Skydrive feature allows users to access all the files from anywhere because they are already synchronized with all devices using Skydrive, so users can access Skydrive from their mobile, PC, Mac, or through Skydrive website just like iCloud in iPhone.

Dolby Headphone feature allows Nokia Lumia users to stream and download latest releases for free in 38 countries around the world, which is limited to most smartphones.

Xbox 360 SmartGlass App lets you connect Windows Phone with your Xbox 360 console to bring interactive experience about what you are watching or playing right to your phone. With this app you can see your latest played games on Xbox 360 , newly released music, albums and games. This app can also have movies and music (stored on your phone) streamed through your TV.

Environment friendly:
Nokia Lumia is made of 100 per cent recoverable materials. Its packaging has 60 per cent recycled materials and 100 per cent recyclable, which makes it definitely environment friendly.

Wireless Charging:

Photo credit: whatleydude

Lumia owners can charge their phone's battery simply by placing it on any Qi compatible wireless charging dock (same as Nexus 4 or 5).

Design:

Photo credit: Kārlis Dambrāns

Lumia 1520 comes in different colors such as Yellow, Red, Green, and White. Screen is size is 6 inch, which makes it bigger than iPhone or Nexus 5. It has tapered edges all around the device for a comfortable fit in the hand; in whichever orientation the device is held. The protective Gorilla Glass 2 on the front is gently curved and flows into a thin bumper section, which ensures a tight finish between the glass and the inside edge of the shell.

If you think that there are more special things about Nokia Lumia, share them with others in the comments section.

Quick Tips To Revive Your Slow Computer

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 19 Jan 2014 03:42:00 +0000

Quick Tips To Revive Your Slow Computer

Photo credit: zenilorac

You just got your computer; it's fast and flawless. A Few months later, for some reason it starts to slow down, or hangs from time to time. I bet all of you have been through this scenario before.

There are two main reasons why your computer is slowing down, it's either full of junk software or outdated. The first problem can be solved by using free/paid cleaning software like CCleaner, or by uninstalling unwanted software, while the second problem can be solved by upgrading the hardware.

My computer is new but running slow

This is the most well-known computer problem. Unfortunately, most computers are shipped with pre-installed junk software (Demo software) such as Antiviruses, Games, backup and CD/DVD burning software. If you have ever bought a Mac computer, you will realize that it comes only with the operating system and iLife (no pre-installed junk software).

The best thing to do once the computer is unboxed and started up, is to uninstall all the junk or demo software that comes with it. If you can buy a NAKED PC (sold without operating system pre-installed), and buy Microsoft Windows separately, this way you can save your time removing all the junk software everything time you factory reset the computer. Make sure to install a good antivirus software (preferably paid version) to protect your computer from spyware and viruses.

Computers running with necessary software only, tend to run faster than those computers that run a huge amount of junk and unused software, yet you need to do some maintenance from time to time. Such as, cleaning the internet cache, internet history, cookies, temporary files and memory dumps.

CCLEANER:
A tool for cleaning Windows PC or Mac computers. It comes in two versions, free and pro (Mac users can also get CleanMyMac, paid version only). Here are some easy steps on how to clean and optimize your computer using CCLEANER.

1- Double click on CCLEANER icon to open the software (the icon is usually located on your desktop, if you can't find it there, click on start and search for type ccleaner in the search field).

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2- In the main screen you will see two tabs, Windows and Applications. In Windows tab, you can clean internet explorer, Windows explore, and the system. Check the boxes of the items you want to clean then click Analyze > Run Cleaner.

Click on the Applications tab to clean other applications data such as, Firefox, Google chrome, multimedia, and utilities. After you check the boxes hit Analyze > Run Cleaner.

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3- Click on Registry menu to run registry cleaner, check the boxes of the items you want to clean, then hit scan for issues > fix selected issues.

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4- Go to Tools menu, you will find five tabs Uninstall, Startup, File finder, System restore, and Drive wiper. Uninstall tab is where you can uninstall software (same as Add/Remove software in control panel). The startup tab is the most important one, because from there you can manage which software to start when computer boots up. Choose only the software you really need, because the more software you have in startup menu the more time the computer requires to startup.

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Drive wiper is more than just wiping the drive; from there you can wipe the free space for security purposes. CCleaner provides four security modes to wipe free space, these modes are:

Simple overwrite (1 pass)
Advanced overwrite (3 passes)
Complex overwrite (7 passes)
Very complex overwrite (35 passes)

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The more passes you have the more time it takes to wipe the free space and the more security you get.

My computer is running slow because it's outdated

There are many options to revive an old computer depending on the tasks they are expected to do. For heavy software that consumes CPU such as MATLAB or AutoCAD, you probably need a new CPU (in other words a new computer). In my opinion, don't upgrade your computer if it's running slow because it has a slow processor, simply replace it.

Add more RAM:
RAM is the most important part right after the CPU, because without it you can't open multiple programs at the same time. There are three types of RAM:

DDR: Runs at a clock rate (100 - 200MHz)
DDR2: Runs at a clock rate (200 - 533MHz)
DDR3: The fastest consumer RAM currently in widespread use, it runs at a clock rate (400 - 1600MHZ). DDR3 comes in three speeds 1067MHz, 1333MHZ, and 1600MHZ.

If you can't upgrade the RAM speed along with the RAM size(i.e. 1067MHZ to 1333MHZ), you can at least upgrade the RAM size. So instead of having 2x2GB RAM you can get 2x4GB or 2x8GB. The more RAM you install on your computer, the more applications you can open at the same time without pressuring the memory.

Replace the Hard Disk Drive:

Replacing hard drive could help speeding up your computer, especially when it's almost full. It is always recommended to keep 10% of your drive capacity free. This means, if you have 500GB HDD, you need to keep 500GBx0.10 = 50GB free to maintaine computer performance.

Hard drives usually come in two speeds, 5400 RPM and 7200 RPM (Revolutions per minute), so when upgrading your hard drive you should consider the following:

Capacity
Performance: such as average latency, physical rotational speed in RPM, and date rate

Most computers come with 5400 RPM hard drives, which are great for storing files or backups, but not for running applications from them (as a system drive), unless you don't care for latency. You have two options to upgrade your drive in terms of performance (which is more important). The first option is to buy a 7200 RPM HDD, and the second option is to buy a Solid State Drive (SSD), which is the best choice.

Solid state drive (aka electronic disk), contains no actual "disk" or "motor" to drive the disk, yet it stores data using integrated circuit (think of it as a flash memory). SSD has a read speed of up to 550MB/s and write speed of up to 500MB/s, which reduces the startup time of applications as well as computer's boot time. Check out this chart on other world computing website to see the performance difference between 5400 RPM drive and 6G SSD drive.

Have you ever upgraded your computer before? Did you notice any changes? share your comments and thoughts in the comments section and spread the knowledge.

The Advantages And Disadvantages of Google Nexus

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 12 Jan 2014 23:55:00 +0000

The Advantages And Disadvantages of Google Nexus

Photo credit: Kārlis Dambrāns

Most of you have probably heard of Google products, such as Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 7, and Nexus 10. The first Nexus phone (known as Nexus one) was manufactured by HTC and released in January 2010. A few months later Samsung released Nexus S, followed by Galaxy Nexus. Since then, Nexus has been one of the most well known Smartphones in the market. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of Nexus products.

Advantages

Price:
Comparing to Apple or Samsung, Nexus products are well known for their cheap price . For instance, the recently released Nexus 5 costs only $399 for the 32GB model (factory unlocked). This price is considered to be the lowest price in the market for a phone that has such cutting edge technology. Nexus tablets have low prices too, when compared to iPad or Galaxy Tab.

Software (Operating System):

I can't think of a platform that is better than the untouched Android (yes it's way better than iOS!). Unlike Samsung or HTC, Nexus is the only device that runs the original untouched Android system (There are some other special edition devices that run original Android like Samsung's S4, HTC one, and Motorola's Moto X).

Android is Open Source, which means that some parts of Android are developed in the open, so that source code is always available. Other parts are developed first in a private sector, that the source code is released when next platform version is ready. Open source platform has many advantages, such as larger developer support, customization, more secure, and community support.

Nexus keep you connected to all Google services and Apps such as Gmail, Google Now, Youtube, Google calendar, Google+, Google chrome, Hangouts, Currents, Maps, Google Wallet, Google translate, Google Cards, Google Earth, Google Drive...etc.

Nexus is Unlocked:
Unlike most phones in the market, Nexus can simply work with any SIM card (local and international). You don't have to pay your company extra money to unlock your phone or get stuck with your carrier because your mobile won't work with any other carrier. In other words, with Nexus you are free to go with any carrier you like, you can travel the world and use your phone wherever you go.

Camera:

Photo credit: Mark Doliner

Nexus 5 has 8MP rear facing Camera with optical image stabilization, which captures images in HDR+ mode, yet the most beautiful thing about Nexus is not the Camera itself but the features it has. So far, Nexus is the only device that can shoot in "Photo Sphere" mode.

Google Wallet and NFC:
Nexus phone features Near Field Communication (NFC) and can charge wirelessly, while iPhone has neither. NFC allows Nexus to communicate with other phones to transfer files as well as objects, such as payment terminals. Nexus can run the Google Wallet app, which allows users to check out with their phones and have the charge passed on to any credit or debit card.

Disadvantages

Design:
Unlike iPhone, Nexus lacks the design identity when it comes to hardware and style. When I think of Nexus, the only thing that pops in my mind is the software. Google should start redesigning Nexus devices from scratch to add Google taste to them not just by the android software, but also by its own design ID.

Quality:
Nexus devices don't seem to be solid like Apple products. For example, the volume and power buttons on Nexus 4 are hard to press or get stuck sometimes. The location of the speaker is at the back of the phone (Nexus 4), which makes the sound not loud enough. The way Nexus looks can tell that it's somehow fragile; the glass back of Nexus 4 easily cracks after extremely minor incidents. Nexus products are nowhere near as beautifully engineered Apple products.

Battery life:
Google promised that the battery life problem will be solved with Android KitKat 4.4 and Nexus 5, but users still complain about how fast the battery drains when using mobile data, or when browse the web for a certain period of time.

Please share your comments and thoughts in the comments section.

How To Secure Your Wireless Internet Connection With A Password

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 12 Jan 2014 00:31:00 +0000

How To Secure Your Wireless Internet connection With a Password

Nowadays, securing your wireless internet is not an option like it used to be. For example, in Australia they have Police to cruise streets for unsecured wireless internet connections, and if they find any open networks they would send letters to homeowners to warn and guide them on how to secure their wireless internet.

Unprotected wireless network will make you a victim of hackers who can somehow access your computer, financial information, or personal information.

1- Access the web-based setup page

Open internet explorer (or Safari if you are using Macintosh) and type your router's IP address in the address bar. This address can be found on the bottom of the router or by following these steps:

For Windows users:
Open the command prompt (Start > Run/Search for cmd and then enter ipconfig). The address you need should be beside default gateway as shown in the picture below.

Click to enlarge

For Macintosh users:
Open the terminal (Launchpad > Other > terminal and then enter ifconfig, or search for terminal using the little search icon (also called spotlight) located on the top right of your screen).The IP address of your wireless adapter (usually en1) should be there, change the last octet to one to get your router's IP address. For example, if your wireless adapter has an IP address of 192.168.2.50, then your router's IP address will be 192.168.2.1(change the last octet to 1).

2- Add a password

Every router has its own setup page design, and it would be so hard to go through all routers out there. I will show you how to add a password for the most well known routers, and if you don't have any of them you can at least get an idea on how to setup your own.

Linksys:

Click to enlarge

Go to Wireless tab and make sure that the Wireless SSID Broadcast is set to enabled (incase you have not activated your wireless internet yet)

Click to enlarge

Click on Wireless Security
Choose your preferred Security Mode (encryption type) from the drop down menu (try not to choose WEP, because it can be easily hacked. I would choose WPA/WPA2-Personal)
Choose your Encryption algorithm. If you are given an option. choose AES over TKIP because TKIP is older and less secure
Enter your WPA Shared Key (they password which will be used to access your wireless network)
Click on Save Settings, and the router will restart to apply these settings.

D-Link:

Login to your router using its IP address (192.168.0.1)
Go to Setup then Wireless Settings

Click to enlarge

Click on Manual Wireless Network Setup

Click to enlarge

Make sure that the little box beside enable wireless is checked
Type in your preferred Wireless Network Name (SSID), and change Visibility Status to Visible

Click to enlarge

Choose your preferred Security Mode (encryption type) from the drop down menu (try not to choose WEP, because it can be easily hacked. I would choose WPA/WPA2-Personal)
Choose your Encryption Algorithm. If you are given an option. choose AES over TKIP because TKIP is older and less secure
Type your preferred password in the text field (Pre-Shared Key)
Click on Save Settings and the router will restart to apply these settings

NetGear:

Click to enlarge

Click on Wireless Settings
Type in your preferred Wireless Network Name (SSID)
Choose your Region
Choose your preferred security mode from Security Options
Enter your preferred Passphrase (Pre-shared key)
Click on Apply to restart the router and apply the settings.

Useful Hint:
When choosing a Password for your wireless router, make sure not to use common passwords, such as 123456789 or 987654321.Instead, use a combination between small letters, capital letters, numbers, and symbols.

Always remember to setup a password on your wireless router. If you are connected to internet using ethernet cable, make sure to disable Wireless SSID Broadcast on your router.

The Pros and Cons of Apple Products

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 03 Jan 2014 23:24:00 +0000

The Pros and Cons of Apple Products

Photo credit: Max Braun

Four years ago I asked my friend (who is one of Apple fans), what's so special about owning a MacBook, "The software!," he replied, "unlike PC, you don't have to reformat your MacBook every once in a while to speed it up."

That time I was planning to buy a Laptop running Windows 7, but I decided to take the risk, so I bought MacBook Pro running Mac OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard). As Computer savvy, it took me 7 days to learn everything I need to know as an intermediate user. Since that time, I have decided not to go back to Windows world again (eventhough I do miss Windows sometimes).

As a MacBook Pro and iPhone 5 user, here is my Pros and Cons list for Apple products.

Pros:

Design: Unlike most devices out there, Apple has it's own design identity. In fact, most people buy apple products because they are fascinated by their design (so far "in my opinion", the most attracting iPhone design goes to iPhone 5c).

Quality:
Apple products work like a charm. I have been using my MacBook Pro for 4 years now, and can't complain about its performance. Everything works the way it is supposed to, nothing is broken or dysfunctional.

Software: Have you ever thought of running Windows without installing Antivirus or Anti-Spyware? I don't really think so. While most PCs run Antivirus software because it is a mandatory, Mac users use it because it's a free accessory. Another thing I love about my MacBook is the software stability. When I had my Windows PC, I used to format it once every 5 months (sometimes more), but I only formatted my MacBook Pro 4 times since I have bought it (To do OS upgrade!).

Security: Apple is too concerned about security, especially when it comes to iPhone and the App store applications. For example, Apple has opted for a unique fingerprint sensor (Touch ID), which allows a simple touch of a finger to unlock the phone or to make purchase from App store. Most iPhone users thought that apple will adopt NFC technology in the new iPhone 5s, however apple think that making purchases using the "Touch ID" technology is safer than using NFC or mobile wallet.

iCloud: With iCloud you can share your stuff with all other iCloud devices. Also, you can check your Notes, Emails, Phonebook ...etc. using iCloud website. The best App in iCloud is Find My iPhone, using this app you can locate your iPhone or Mac when stolen and report its location to the police. Check out this article.

Value: Apple has built reputation for quality; their products hold value better than other brands such as, Samsung, or Nokia.

Cons:

Price: I still believe that Apple products are way over priced. For example, a 13 inch MacBook Pro with i5 Processor and 4GB of Ram will cost you $1,199, yet you can get a 15 inch Toshiba Laptop with i7 Processor and 8GB of Ram for $700.

Speaking of iPhone, a factory unlocked iPhone 5s price is $740 (A7 Processor, 32GB, Retina Display, 8 megaPixels rear Camera, 4G/LTE), while a factory unlocked Google Nexus 5 price is $399 (Snapdragon 2.26GHz Processor, 32GB, 445 ppi Display, 8 megaPixels rear Camera, 4G/LTE). With such price difference, I think it does make sense to go for Nexus 5, unless you are a big fan of iPhone design.

iTunes: Steve Jobs said that iTunes (for Windows) is like giving a glass of ice water to somebody in hell. In my opinion, I see nothing special about iTunes as a music player. I really hate the fact that I can't transfer music from my iPhone to MacBook without going through the sync thing, it gets complicated sometimes and annoying most of the times. Don't even think about using Bluetooth because it won't work for file transfer.

Display Size: This might go both ways. Most people buy Samsung phones because they like their 5-inch Display; Samsung's Note is one of the most wanted phones for business (it has 5.5-inch Display). On the other hand, I was told that iPhone looks neat because it does not have a big Display, like the one Nexus 5 has.

Final Words

Apple might not be the best company, and we can debate all day long about what's the best product out there but this is not what I would do. I think, everyone should buy what suit them best. IBM is amazing when it comes to Business and Enterprise, Google is great for quality and price, Blackberry is for business and security, Linux is for servers... etc.

So, what is your favourite platform, Smartphone or Computer brand?