Skype may be the only name you have heard but there are dozens of Web apps that provide the VOIP service. Yes, Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) is the service which allows you to make calls via computer. Using, this service one can send voice, text or multimedia messages to any other computer or hand held device. As, the trend has now shifted to Smartphones and tablets, many VOIP Service Providers are exploring this field.

Moreover, with the telecom giants increasing the call rates rapidly you should always consider apps like these in your inventory. Although, Skype is the leading player with over 600 million users, you can consider the below mentioned apps that are worth trying.

Nimbuzz

Started as an IM Integrator, Nimbuzz has now became the second most preferred VOIP provider after Skype. Earlier, the app was only meant for PC’s but now it has grown to a full fledged platform for Smartphone and tablets too. Nimbuzz is available for Android, Blackberry, Symbian and iOS. Nimbuzz-to-Nimbizz free calls can be made via PC and Smartphone.

ooVoo

Oovoo is a great app for people who usually chat in groups. The app allows you to chat with 12 people simultaneously for free. However, the tagline “Free Video Chat or IM anywhere, anytime” says much about the product. While, you’re on a Video conversation you can get it recorded and upload it on YouTube. Oovoo has been incorporated for PC, MAC, Android, iOS and Facebook.

WeChat

Developed by a Chinese company, WeChat provides Video and text chatting free of cost with accurate reliability and spontaneity. Unlike, ooVoo it doesn’t have Group Video Chat option but one-to-one connection is an option. The “Look Around” feature lets you search for nearby WeChat users and add them for chatting. The app also features a “Live Chat” option which establishes Live session for Group Chats and Pings each member of the Group when you’re ready for conversation.

Fring

Fring offers services over a variety of domains like, Free Group Video Chat, Video Chat, Live Texting, fring, Calls, fring Out Calls. It also offers 4-way Video Chat option across mobile platforms. Fring is widely used by iOS and Android users, although it is also available for Symbian platform. Fring is an easy way out to chat with friends, you can also call Non-Fring users and talk with them at very nominal charges. The FringOut service has gone very popular these days because of it’s low tariff on International calls.

Viber

Viber is 100% free multi-platform Chat messenger which allows users to call, text, and send photos to each other worldwide for free. Over the time, Viber has been claiming that Viber calls are in HD quality which are even better than the regular carrier network. More often, Viber has been compared with BBM and WhatsApp Messenger.

One of the notable feature is that Viber syncs with your phone’s contact book and shows the people already using the app. Viber is available almost on all the major platforms, Android, Mac, Windows Phone, iOS, Blackberry, Symbian and Bada.

This was our effort to bring out some of the best alternative to Skype. In case, you get bored of Skype you can easily switch to any of these services and let us know how was the experience.

To fulfill these requirements all the service provider companies started using “Fiber Networks“. ”Fiber Networks” is based on “Fiber Optics Technology”; a method of transmitting information from one place to another by sending light waves through glass or plastic threads. Theseglass or plastic threads are known as “Fibers”.

These Fiber Networks are commonly used to transmit telephone signals, Internet communication, and cable television signals. You can try amcom dark fibre network solutions for a better understanding of how they work. Instead of fibers we can also used metal cables, but metal cables have many disadvantages such as being slow in carrying data, more expensive, heavier in weight and thicker in size. So, it’s better to use Fibers Networks only. Let’s see the the “Benefits of Fiber Networks” as shown below:

Benefits of Fiber Networks

1. Greater Carrying Capacity

The main advantage of Fibers is that they are thinner in size than copper wires (metal cables), which is why they have a higher carrying capacity. We can bundle more fibers into a given-diameter cable than copper wires.Due to this more than one line (Phone lines or Internet Lines) can go within the same cable.

2. Light Signals & Less Signal Falling

Metal cables use electrical signals, whereas Fibers use light signals to transmit data from one place to another. The advantage of using light signals in fibers is that they do not interfere with other fibers in the same cable and it gives full internet bandwidth to use without any loss. It also gives clearer phone conversions and better TV reception. This means there is less loss of signal strength in fibers than in copper wires.

3. Less Expensive

Up to several miles, the cost of Fiber Network Installation is less expensive than equivalent lengths of copper wires. This will save money for the customer as well as the provider. So, it is better to use Fibers instead of Copper wires.

4. Light Weight & Flexible

As fibers are thinner, they are also light in weight as compared to copper wires. They take less space in the ground and are flexible, so that we can mold them in any way. Due to the property of flexibility, it is also used in digital cameras for Medical Imaging ad Digital Imaging.

5. Other Benefits of Fiber Networks

• Fibers are non-flammable, because no electricity can pass within it.
• Lower power transmitters and receivers are used for Lower Power Consumption
• Fibers pass digital signals, so they are useful in Computer Networks.

Because of these many benefits of fibers networks, many industries, telecommunications and computer networks use Fibers Networks.

From apps which let you look at European train times in English to apps which let you check the weather in your destination and apps which alter your alarm clocks to soften the blow of jetlag there are plenty of options out there to help you ensure all aspects of your trip go as smoothly as possible.

Below are a few of my favourites.

FlightTrack – £2.99 on iPhones and iPads

We find this app absolutely vital when taking any kind of flight, short or long haul. FlightTrack allows you to track thousands of flights using zoomable maps. It includes information on departure gates, and also includes details on any flight delays or cancellations. Perfect for the on-the-go traveller who likes to plan things at the last minute.

Packing Pro – £1.99 on iPhones and iPads

Packing is definitely an art – and one which we’ve never quite mastered to be honest. Luckily there’s this handy packing app which does all the hard work for you. Just type in where you’re going and for how long and it’ll give you a suggested packing list which is split into several different categories.

Our favourite category is essentials – who hasn’t forgotten their travel adaptor, phone charger or boarding pass at some point!

If you tell the app who you’re going away with it’ll also give suggested lists for different party members, which is really useful if you’re travelling with children.

Onavo – free on iPhones and iPads

This app is a complete slice of genius. We’re not sure how it works but it manages to reduce the amount of data which your phone or tablet uses to download emails, surf the net, check Facebook or send a wish you were here tweet. It’s brilliant for avoiding those dreaded “I left my internet connected all week while I was in Spain” phone bills.

WorldMate – free on iPhones and iPads

If you’re the kind of traveller who likes to make the most out of each day by being super organised then WorldMate is for you. Simply forward all of your flight, accommodation, car hire, restaurant and anything else confirmations to trips@worldmate.com and it’ll put together an itemised itinerary for your journey.

If you don’t mind paying for the premium version you’ll also be sent alerts if your flights are late or your boarding gate changes.

HopStop – free on iPhones and iPads

This handy app includes comprehensive public transport information for almost 600 cities around the world, from New York to Auckland, London, Moscow, Paris and Sydney. But it’s not just major cities which are included so you’ll still be covered if you’re visiting quirkier places – a trip to St John’s in Newfoundland or Huntsville, Alabama anyone?

Public transport options covered on the map include subways, trains, buses, light rails, trams, ferries and streetcars.

And for when you’re home…

JetLag Genie

This ingenious app is designed to slowly get you back into your home sleeping routine. If you type in your flight info, usual sleeping patterns and any tasks or jobs you need to get done during the day this app will come up with a personalised schedule including naps, periods of sitting in the dark and prompts to change your watch.

All of these steps aim to significantly reduce the impact of jetlag and we find it essential in getting back into daily life following a long-haul trip.

About the Author: Les Yates is Marketing Manager at The Snugg, who sell the latest iPad and Samsung device accessories, check out the latest range of The Snugg’s Nexus 7 cases.

So it’s better to do your research over the internet from authoritative computer sites. You can read about the items you are interested in and compare them with different manufacturers and with your desired specifications.

Surely, the below 5 points will help you in buying the Portable External Hard Disk. Let’s go through all the points:

5 Points You Must Consider Before Buying External Hard Disk

Point No. 1: Go with a Brand

The first and foremost important consideration is the Brand name of the External Hard Disk Drive. You want to buy one that you have already heard of and recognize as reputable. An External Hard Disk is not a small item that we buy once a week or even once per month. It’s a once in a long time purchase, so you would be wise to go with a brand name! There can be quite a price difference between a brand name manufacturer and other manufacturer product. But, if you go with a brand, there are additional benefits beyond quality, like they will provide you an extended warranty period, better services/replacement and even have 24 x 7 customer support. So, for a small increase in pricing, is it worth to take a risk on an unknown manufacturer?

Point No. 2: Interface

Interface is also known as connectivity, the means a hard drive uses to communicate with the computer. External Hard Disks comes with three solutions; these include USB, Fire wire and parallel. Now-a-days, the best option is Fire wire but it may not be supported by your computer. The majority of computers feature USB support and in that also most computers possess USB 2.0 interface with is minimum requirement but slower than USB 3.0, which is the latest in the market. So, although it is better to buy a Hard Disk having a USB 3.0 interface, you must also have the available connection for the drive to be connected to.

Point No. 3: Speed

In addition to the interface, you also have to look at the transfer rates of the external hard disk (drive). The faster your external hard drive operates, the faster data will transfer to your hard drive and vice versa. If your hard disk takes longer time to transfer large files, then it may slow down your computer. Before buying an external hard disk you have to consider some technical things.

•           Seek Time: Needs to be 10ms (milliseconds) or less.

•           Buffer Size: the bigger the buffer size, the faster the hard drive is. (min. 4 MB buffer)

•           RPM: for optimal speed, 7200rpm is preferred

Point No. 4: Size

When you are buying an external hard disk to carry your important data from one place to another or for some business purposes, the smaller the size, the easier it is to carry. If you choose an one that is bigger in size, then there won’t be much of a difference between the weight of the external and internal hard drive. Many external hard drives are available in the market with various sizes depending on your requirements.

Point No. 5: Storage and Price

People buy external drives depending on their usage of data, but sometimes due to higher prices, they step back and purchase one with a smaller storage capacity. They don’t always consider the importance of this purchase, or how it may benefit them in 6 months or a year. But I would suggest, if your usage is high, then you should get the 300GB or more drive. If you could manage to arrange for a larger expenditure, you could afford 500GB and compared to the capacity increase, there is not much difference in price. Honestly, you’ll thank yourself within the first 90 days of buying your external hard disk.

Now, I hope you are ready for purchasing your new external hard disk after reading all the above 5 points. Hopefully, this post (5 Points You Must Consider Before Buying External Hard Disk) will surely help you in making your next purchase.

If you think I have forgotten to mention a point, drive my attention to it! If you have any problems or question, you can drop your comments below.

If you have some unused hard disks at your home or your computer is not performing well and you need to get a new one, then you will want to find a service that is a pro at shredding hard drives. Don’t take any chances allowing your personal information to be discovered.

Who doesn’t like to play/tweak with Windows Operating System? Almost everyone because, it’s the most easiest operating system comparable to all other operating systems in the world. But, have you ever try to play/tweak with the Linux Operating System? Again same answer No! Because it’s totally a command language and who cares to remember long lines of codes. You don’t care that we all know but developers care for you, that’s why they have made an application called Ubuntu Tweak for Ubuntu and Linux Mint.

Ubuntu Tweak is an application designed to config Ubuntu easier for everyone. It provides many useful desktop and system options that the default desktop environment doesn’t provide. At present, it’s only designed for the Ubuntu GNOME Desktop, and always follows the newest Ubuntu distribution.

Improved Features of Ubuntu Tweak 0.8.4:

• Ubuntu 13.04 should upgrade the path of scripts
• Creating of a hard link to a directory crashes UT
• Janitor only shows “System”
• Window button tweak error in 13.04
• Ubuntu Tweak crashes on updating software list

To install Ubuntu Tweak 0.8.4 in Ubuntu 13.04/12.10/12.04/Linux Mint, firstly open the terminal (Press Ctrl+Alt+T)and copy the following in the terminal:

• sudoadd-apt-repository ppa:tualatrix/ppa
• sudo apt-get update
• sudo apt-get install ubuntu-tweak

That’s it! You have successfully installed Ubuntu Tweak 0.8.4 in Ubuntu 13.04/12.10/12.04/Linux Mint. For more details and features of Ubuntu Tweak 0.8.4, you can visit here.

No matter how fast your new computers might be, they all seem to get slower over time. Because, there is a new kind of excitement to play with new computer and to install lots of software’s on it. The first program which we install on our new computers is anti-spyware and antivirus tools, to stay from viruses. I know, it’s an essential program but what we actually do, we install more than one antivirus program. Next, we download lots of unrecognized junk softwares from the internet. Obviously, your new computers gradually decrease the performance and one day when you are trying to open a program or file then it takes more time to open up.

So, Whatever the cause, there are lots of ways to speed up Windows 7 performance and make your PC work better without upgrading your hardware. Here are some tips to speed up Windows 7 performance.

Tips to Speed Up Windows 7 Performance

Turn Transparency Off

The glass transparency uses more resources of a PC from the Aero feature, you can disable by following simple steps.

Step 1: Go to personalize. (Right Click on desktop > Personalize)

Step 2: Click on the Window Color icon at the bottom of window.

Step 3: Uncheck the box to disable transparency.

Step 4: Click on save changes.

This will save some resources from being utilized and Speed Up Windows 7 Performance.

Turn on only required Visual Effects

You have to turn on only those visual effects that are essential and required by you. You can optimize how menus and windows appear by following simple steps.

Step 1: Open My Computer > Click on System Properties >Click on Advanced system settings (left hand side).

Step 2: A small window will open up and from there go to the advanced tab and click on settings (performance).

Step 3: Now here you can go for any of one option.

Option 1: Click on check boxes as shown in the image below.

Option 2: Select (dot) “Let Windows choose what’s best for my computer“

Step 4: Click on Apply.

You will some better results by doing these steps and it will Speed Up Windows 7 Performance.

Enable Writing Cache for Storage Devices

This option will tweak your storage devices such as internal disks or removal drive to give the highest possible performance, to enable just you need to follow the below simple steps.

Step 1: Open Device Manager (Right Click on icon My Computer > Click on Manage)

Step 2: In Device Manager, click on disk drives to expand the attached drives to your computer. Here I have two drives, one is the internal hard disk and second is pendrive.

Step 3: Firstly, double click on internal hard disk > Click on Policies tab > Check Enable writing cache on the device > Click Ok

Step 4: Now, click on another drive (pendrive) > Click on Policies tab > Select (dot) Better Performance > Click Ok

This will surely optimize the usage of cache memory and Speed Up Windows 7 Performance.

Turn off unnecessary Windows Features

Windows 7 comes with lots of features and we all know that we are not using all the features of it so it also allows us to turn on or off Windows features as per our requirement. For that,  just follow the below simple steps.

Step 1: Open the Start Menu, type Windows Features in the search box, and press Enter.

Step 2: Open up “Turn Windows Features On or Off” icon. In that, if you want to turn on any features then tick the check box otherwise untick the check box to disable the features.

Step 3: After turning on or off, you will have to restart your PC. That’s it.

Helps in reducing unnecessary usage of CPU and Speed Up Windows 7 Performance.

Disable GUI Boot

Disabling GUI boot literally reduces the startup time of Windows 7. Follow the simple steps to Increase Startup Speed Windows 7.

Step 1: Open Command Prompt (Win Key + R) > type “msconfig” > Enter.

Step 2: Click on the boot tab > Select your OS (Ex: I nave Windows 7). Then, below you will see many options from that check the box of “No GUI boot” and “Make all boot settings permanent” > Click Ok. I will ask for confirmation click yes and restart.

So, all these are the important tips to Speed Up Windows 7 Performance. If you have any problem or query regarding this then you can surely put your comments below and we will connect with you as soon as possible! Happy Tweaking

A large number of people nowadays face the problem of compatibility when they are playing videos on various devices. The most common problem to all of the other can be problem involving the video formats not working in certain operating systems. You can take an example that you downloaded files in WMV format for your Mac which will result in the compatibility issue. When it is not working you need some software or video converter to convert it into the required format to use it. To convert iDVD MOV to DVD on Mac you are required to follow some steps.

One software called iSkysoft DVD Burner for Mac is highly recommended to help you for burning MOV files to DVD on your Mac.

The first step in doing that can be adding MOV files. You can do that by clicking on the + bottom to load the video from your hard drive. You can’t add multiple videos files at once it should be one after the other. After adding it, it will appear on your main interface. Display loaded MOV files by double clicking to choose the video file which you want to covert.

The second step can be making a custom DVD menu for your DVD. Moving to DVD maker provides you with 90 sets of free animated and static DVD menu styles. You can personalize your DVD additionally. To make it a custom menu, you just have to click menu button to choose a suitable or appropriate menu style for your DVD. After that you can customize it according to your requirements.

The final step would be burning MOV video to DVD. In case if you don’t want to add any kind of special effect into it, you can just directly start to burn MOV files to DVD. There are mainly two disc style to choose in between that is D5 and D9. So, by following the above three steps you can actually convert MOV to DVD on Mac.

These days we are using many gadgets like high tech phones, iPads, iPods, Mp4 players and many other devices to enjoy video while we are on move. So having a good video converter is good thing because you can convert as much videos as you want. Such video converters have built-in codecs so that they will support many formats to convert videos.

We are announcing iSkysoft Video Converter for 10 lucky winners.

iSkysoft Video Converter lets you convert video and audio files from one format to another at ultra-fast speed and with zero quality loss. It supports a wide range of formats like AVI, MPEG, WMV, MP4, FLV, 3GP, MKV, AVCHD, etc., and includes presets for popular devices like the iPhone, iPad, iPod, HTC, PSP etc. Besides, it lets you download and record online video with ease.

One license of this video converter cost $39.95 but by participating in this giveaway we will give you this software absolutely free of cost.

Features of iSkysoft Video Converter

iSkysoft Video Converter helps you to convert various types of multimedia files at blazingly fast speed while retaining 100% of the original image quality

• Converts video to different popular formats, 30X faster now.
• One-click to download online video and record any video on PC. New
• Supports portable devices like iPad 5, iPod, iPhone 5, PSP, Zune, Zune HD, etc.
• Merge Multiple Files
• Capture Screenshot
• Automatic update
• Full Utilization of Multi-core Processor

How to win iSkysoft Video Converter?

To win this software you need to follow following steps.

This giveaway will run for 20 days and after completion of this giveaway I will send the mails of winner to company directly.

They will contact you personally and give you software license key. Simple collect more points to win this giveaway and keep tweeting our url for maximum points.

You can participate in Mother’s Day Giveaway here also.

As we know, blog’s reputation totally depends on theme and content. Firstly, users see the look of the blog and then travel towards the content. No doubt! Most of the bloggers use free themes. The is no problem in using free themes, but there are many disadvantages of using free themes. The most known disadvantages are SEO and loading time of your blog. That’s why for those bloggers you are using free themes, today, I came up with Top 5 WordPress Technology Themes. This WordPress Technology Themes are the best themes depending on their features. All these, themes possess robust and unique features. So, let’s see one by one all the WordPress Technology Themes.

Top 5 WordPress Technology Themes

1. Goodnews from ThemeForest

Goodnews is a Premium WordPress Magazine fully customizable theme. Its latest version supports HTML5 and CSS3 for faster loading and optimization. The theme is fully SEP optimized, RTL Full Support, WPML Ready and includes Lots of Shortcodes. This is an awesome theme from themeforest with great features, you can buy this theme for just $45.

2. TechBlog from Magazine3

TechBlog is the Premium WordPress Technology Theme with potential customization. This best avail feature of this theme is its design, means it can fit automatically as per the device. It has more others features like Admin Control Panel, Built-in SEO options, great Advertisment Options, Adsense Ready and much more. This is an atrocious theme from Magazine3 with robust features, you can buy this theme for just $59 (single site license).

3. NewsSetter from Themefuse

NewsSetter is also a Premium WordPress Technology Theme with a gorgeous look. This is one of the best themes from WordPress Technology Themes. This theme includes all the features, which are required by Tech Bloggers. It has different sections from sliders, reviews, testimonials and other blog posts. It has awesome customization of sliders with some great shortcut codes. This is an extraordinary theme from themefuse, you can buy this theme for just $59.

4. TopGadget from Magazine3

Top Gadget the other best theme from Magazine3. TopGadget is a WordPress theme for Technology blogs, Gadget websites & Tech News sites. The theme is well crafted so that it gives a professional look to your blog/site. It has almost the same features as TechBlog (Magazine3), the only difference is the TopGadget is based on Technology Gadgets and it has all the features of it which are needed by every website owner. So, buy it now at just $59 (single site license).

5. Techology Theme from Themedesk

The Technology Theme has uncommon and unique features with the trendy design. This is the perfect themes for tech bloggers who are dealing with mobile phones, software, computers, technology etc. The theme comprises of inbuilt gallery sliders, automatic video thumbnails, widgetized sections, several tabs,  complete social and ad management, so it is full of features. A plentiful Technology Theme from Themedesk, just buy it now for $79.

So, this is the list of Top 5 WordPress Technology Themes, each of them possessing their own popularity. I hope you like all the Top 5 WordPress Technology themes. Apart from this, if you know some best and top WordPress Technology Themes then please share via comment form.

PCSX2 is a PlayStation 2 emulator for Windows and Linux. This application is used to run PS2 games on the Computer. No doubt! It does not offer the same visuals and speed as the PlayStation 2. There are very few number of games which can be played by PS2 Emulator.

Features of PS2 Emulator:

• Supports the Dual core processor and allows PCSX2 to use 2 CPU cores for speeding up the emulator adequately.
• PS2 Emulator helps in enhancing audio on the PC, which gives real sound effect as PlayStation2
• Offers full game-pad to emulate every Dual Shock 2 feature.
• Some additional hacks allows us to play games on on lower-end machines
• Working memcard support.
• Patch system to create cheats easily.
• And much more…

Now, we will see how and what to download of the PS2 Emulator for Ubuntu. Firstly,  you have to download Bios for PCSX2. To download PS2 Emulator Bios open Terminal (Press Ctrl+Alt+T) and type the following command:

• sudo apt-get install p7zip p7zip-full
• wget -O bios-NoobsLab.7z http://goo.gl/ZcLjd
• mkdir ~/.config/pcsx2
• 7z x bios-NoobsLab.7z -o.config/pcsx2/bios && rm bios-NoobsLab.7z

To install PS2 Emulator in Ubuntu. Open Terminal (Press Ctrl+Alt+T) and enter the following commands in the Terminal:

Note: The below code works for Ubuntu version 13.04/12.10/Linux Mint 14

• sudoadd-apt-repository ppa:noobslab/pcsx2
• sudo apt-get update
• sudo apt-get install pcsx2

To install PS2 Emulator in Ubuntu. Open Terminal (Press Ctrl+Alt+T) and enter the following commands in the Terminal:

Note: The below code works for Ubuntu version 12.04 Precise/Linux Mint 13

• sudoadd-apt-repository ppa:micove/console
• sudo apt-get update
• sudo apt-get install pcsx2

That’s it. Above is the complete guide on How to install PS2 Emulator in Ubuntu on various versions. If you face any difficulty then share your problems below via comments and we will surely help you.