Keeping you safe and sound on the web.

So many of us use our smartphones as alarm clocks, helping us wake up and get out of bed every single morning. But then, are most of us even aware that we can also use our trusty devices to get us more shuteye? App stores are filled to the brim with apps that are ready with sounds and music to lull us to sleep. Some even have timers so that they don’t have to be operated the entire time. Let’s have a look at these apps are and see how they can help us get that much-needed 8 hours of sleep.

Calm

The app Calm not only is effective when it comes to making its users sleep, as it also includes other subjects such as meditation and mindfulness. For those who want the app to do what it does best, it also contains a series of “sleep stories,” which is a sort of throwback for adults since it resembles night time stories they enjoyed as kids with their parents reading to them. These stories have been reviewed as effective in easing you gently into slumberville. There are some free stories, although more are included in a subscription for $13 monthly (although they are also free for a trial period). The stories are usually around 25 minutes, and it is hoped that before the story ends, you’re already off to dreamland.

Calm has also partnered with famous athletes to take their features and content a notch higher.

To that end, future Hall of Famer and current Los Angeles Laker forward, LeBron James, has partnered with meditation and sleep app Calm to shine on a light on mental fitness and the important role it plays in a successful athletic career, especially when a player has passed their prime and may need to rely on tools other than their athletic abilities.

(Via: https://www.forbes.com/sites/simonogus/2019/12/25/lebron-james-partners-with-unicorn-app-calm-that-focuses-on-your-mental-fitness/#483d293d37d3)

Pzizz

Pzizz has available sleep and focus sounds that aim to put users to sleep. These sounds are custom mixed, so you can have voiceovers, music, or other sounds. Initially available through a free trial, users who want to continue will need to pay a monthly subscription fee of $5.

Pzizz uses psychoacoustics (a.k.a., the psychological affects of sound) to treat insomnia.

(Via: https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/g27045304/best-sleep-apps/)

Sleep Sounds

What users like about Sleep Sounds is that is very straightforward and simple, and as its name suggests, it is singular and focused on sleep. Available in the app are general sounds that can make you fall asleep, such as a creek or a cozy crackling fire, or you also have the option of creating your own mixes that can contain everything from instrumental guitar to rain calmly falling on the ground. …

Oh, the world wide web, how fascinating our lives have been with it! It has opened is to a whole new dimension of information we have no access to before. But then, just like any other place that’s worth exploring, there may be dangers that lurk on the sides that if you fall victim to, will damage your entire experience. So, you need to be aware of these hazards and keep yourself safe when surfing online. What’s great is that you don’t really need to be a computer science genius to know how to amply protect yourself when exploring the internet. Minimize your risk by taking note of these tips to enjoy a safer web experience.

The Importance of Upgrading

Let’s admit it: Most, if not all of us, get annoyed when programs in our computer get upgraded without our permission. These silent upgrades are not done for no reason, though, as they play a key role in keeping everyone safe. Moreover, browsers and OSes have made it point to roll out their updates in a seamless fashion, making it a point to not bother users. It would be best to apply these updates on all applications and programs, not just on your browser or frequently used programs. Don’t allow old versions of programs to be left in your machine, as they are susceptible to attacks, not to mention that they may soon (or may have already) be without support.

Silent upgrades might occasionally be annoying (and costly), but they’re a big part of keeping you safe, which is why the updates for most OSes and browsers now happen seamlessly. Apply updates whenever you’re asked to on all your applications, not just your browser, and be wary of leaving older hardware gathering dust on your network.

Viruses and malware are constantly evolving to exploit vulnerabilities in your software and hardware. Software developers try to fix these flaws as soon as they are discovered. What many people don’t realise is that infections occur because people delay software updates that fix these flaws. In short, they could have protected themselves by installing the updates to fix the security holes as soon as they came out.

(Via: https://www.necl-it.co.uk/2019/03/08/the-importance-of-keeping-software-up-to-date/)

That Required Two-Step Verification

Users are pretty much exposed to two-step verification, with most tech firms giving users the option to set it up on their accounts. What it is, basically, is that users can have an SMS or code to supplement their usernames and passwords every time they log in on a new device. Google and Microsoft highly encourage two-step verification, while for Mac users, they call it 2FA, or 2 Factor Authentication. There’s a slight difference in the process but the overall …

Let’s admit it: Not all of us can buy a phone outright. We would need to save and penny-pinch on some unnecessary expenses for months just to gather enough cash. By the time we have saved enough, it would be most likely that the phone we are eyeing to buy is already not the latest. Thus, it makes sense for most of us to rely on a monthly contract with a carrier to make the phone’s cost more manageable, not to mention you can get the phone the moment you sign the contract. But then, once the contract period is over, you may already legally own the phone, but do you still want to carry on with your carrier? There may be plans with better value on other carriers, so you may want to use your phone when you make that switch.

Of course, the biggest hindrance to your plans is that more often than not, phones that are given through contracts are locked to the carrier. After all, phone locking is a way for carriers to maintain their hold on their customers and prevent them from using the phone they acquired with their contracts to other carriers. However, recent legislation has made it easier and legal for phone unlocking to be done. Finally, not just because it has become easier and legal does not mean that you can DIY yourself through the process.

T-Mobile

Should you bother to unlock your T-Mobile phone? Yes, because they are GSM-based. This means that an unlocked T-Mobile phone can be used with other international carriers, including AT&T.

T-Mobile makes it pretty easy to unlock your phone, but there are just a couple things you need to do first.

(Via: https://www.androidguys.com/guides/how-to-unlock-your-t-mobile-phone/)

 

Sprint

An unlocked Sprint phone can be used as a prepaid phone and can also be used in mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) brands like Net10, Twigby, and Boost Mobile, among others.

For postpaid customers with SIM unlock-capable devices, Sprint has chosen to simply unlock active eligible SIM unlock-capable devices without requiring our customers to initiate an unlock request. Once you meet the requirements outlined in the Unlock Policy, Sprint will automatically unlock your active eligible SIM unlock-capable device.

(Via: https://www.androidguys.com/guides/how-to-unlock-your-sprint-phone/)

 

AT&T

AT&T is one of the world’s largest wireless service providers with subscribers. With over 150 million in their fold, they are attracting more subscribers, but surely, there are also current AT&T who want to escape its clutches.

AT&T’s phones operate on a GSM-based network which means they can theoretically work with numerous other carriers. The catch, of course, being that the handsets need to be unlocked first.

(Via: https://www.androidguys.com/guides/how-to-unlock-your-att-phone/)

 

Verizon

A Verizon phone operates on …

The coronavirus has been greatly affecting all areas of global society, the tech sector included. Some of the world’s biggest companies have closed stores, offices, and factories in China, with their employees being restricted from nonessential travel. The closure of stores throughout the country coincided with the Lunar New Year, a time when businesses close shop for everyone to observe the holidays. But then, the closures were extended until February 10. However, there are some provinces in the country that have advised companies to further delay their openings until March 1.

Many short and long-term effects are expected, from events being postponed to product launches not happening as scheduled. Looking deer into what’s happening, here are some of the ways that the coronavirus has been crippling global tech:

Employee travel restricted

Not just has the coronavirus stopped employees of the tech industry to cancel travel itineraries to China, Hongkong, and Macao, but travel plans to other parts of the world have also slowed down. LG, Facebook, Apple, and Amazon are just some of the companies that have stopped employees from traveling to China and telling those who are based in China to work from home instead.

The virus has already killed more than 630 people, infected 31,000, and spread to at least 25 countries, prompting many countries to warn against travel to China. But after the World Health Organization declared the outbreak a global health emergency, companies are becoming cautious of any unnecessary travel.

(Via: https://www.businessinsider.com/wuhan-coronavirus-apple-amazon-google-close-offices-travel-china-spread-2020-1)

 

Factories closed

The manufacturing of goods in China has come to a halt following the lockdown of the Hubei province, which has Wuhan, the epicenter of the virus. The province and surrounding areas also happen to be hubs of technology manufacturing, and with factories in the area expected to be closed until the next weeks of February to early March, global supply chains will feel the squeeze.

Wuhan, the epicenter of the epidemic, is home to many electronic suppliers. Provinces like Zhejiang, Guangdong and Henan are very important for technology manufacturing and are also the most affected by the virus.

(Via: http://emag.directindustry.com/how-is-the-coronavirus-affecting-the-tech-industry/)

 

Production paused

With factories in China crippled, a lot of tech accessories, particularly smartphones, headsets, and cars, among others are expected to be delayed in production. Of course, Chinese brands such as Huawei, Oppo, and Xiaomi will bear the biggest brunt.

For smartphone companies in China, the suspension of factory operations could lead to a snag in manufacturing processes and even supply shortages, according to analysts. This is especially so for companies who rely on factories and components in the province of Hubei – ground zero of the outbreak – where many cities are currently under lockdown.

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Forgetting your password can be so frustrating. But it happens. Sometimes even more than we’d like. Fortunately, all hope’s not lost. There are a few methods you can do to reset your password and gain back access.

 

There are several ways to go about resetting your password in order to regain access to your account. But the methods will depend on whether the account you’re trying to gain back access is a local account or a Microsoft account. But whichever it is, as mentioned, there are many ways. So rest assured, you will get your account back.

 

Using a Microsoft account to sign in

If you cannot sign in using a Microsoft account to log in to your computer, go to Microsoft’s account recovery page and enter relevant data, or what the website is asking from you. Enter the security code from the choices given and enter it in the verification.

If you use a Microsoft account to log in to Windows 10 and find yourself locked out, head to Microsoft’s acount recovery website and enter your email address, phone number or Skype name, then click ‘Next’.

Choose how Microsoft will send you a security code, then enter the missing info and click ‘Get code’.

Once you’ve received the security code, you’ll need to enter it in the “Verify your identity” box. You’ll now need to enter a new password; re-enter it to confirm, then click ‘Next’ to finalise the process.

(Via:https://www.techradar.com/how-to/how-to-perform-a-password-reset-in-windows-10)

 

Using a local PC account to sign in

If you are using a local account and not a Microsoft account, then you can do this instead:

If you’re using Windows 10 version 1803 or later, select the ‘Reset password’ link under your username on the login screen.

You’ll need to answer your security question, then enter a new password. This will then be saved as your new password from now on.

Alternatively, if you’re signed in you can press Ctrl + Alt + Delete, then click ‘Change a password’. Enter the name of the account whose password you want to change, then enter a new password below.

(Via:https://www.techradar.com/how-to/how-to-perform-a-password-reset-in-windows-10)

 

Using a PIN to log in

A PIN is different from a password. If you used it to log in but forgot what it was, then this is how you do it:

If you’re already signed in to your account and want to change your PIN, that’s simple enough. First of all, make sure you’re connected to the internet. Now, click Start, then the Settings cog and go to ‘Accounts > Sign-in’ options.

Click ‘I forgot my PIN’, then enter your account password and click ‘OK’. You can then enter a new

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Drive C and D are part of the hard disk drive (HDD) or more commonly known as hard drive. If you find drives C and D in your PC, then it means it already has one partition. But can you make more partitions? Yes, you can. Computer users do this if they want to separate data and programs, or if they want to have another operating system on their computer.

Drive C is the main partition that contains the operating system, system files, applications, programs, and data related to them. Drive D, on the other hand, is used only for back up storage. Why C and D though? What happened to A and B?

 

But first things first. Keep in mind that HDDs along with SSDs (Solid State Drive), DVDs (Digital Versatile Disc), CD-ROMs (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory) are physical storage devices. And they have two volumes. Now that we got that out of the way, what did happen to A and B?

 

A and B were letters assigned for floppy drives and the older tape drives back then. And since such things no longer exist (well, technically, they still do but they are no longer in use), the letter assignment was awarded to the next line: C and D. Succeeding letters will be for other storage drives both internal and external.

 

But again, before we proceed with the partition, you might want to take extra precaution when it comes to your data and files.

 

The first thing you want to do is have backup. Back up as many files as you can: photos, music, videos, documents, and other important files.

Make a full image backup of the entire drive if you don’t already have one. Disasters happen.

(Via:https://www.pcworld.com/article/2066191/how-to-partition-a-hard-drive.html)

 

Ensure that there is enough space.

Make sure you have enough free room on the existing partition to create the new one.

You might also want to empty the recycle bin.

If you still don’t have enough room, you can move files to an external drive. Once the partitioning is done, you can move them back to a new partition.

(Via:https://www.pcworld.com/article/2066191/how-to-partition-a-hard-drive.html)

 

Next, open or run the partition tool.

Open Windows partitioning tool. Windows comes with a reasonably useful partitioning tool. It will probably serve your needs, and if it doesn’t, you’ll know soon enough. To open it, type partition into the search bar, then click on Create and format hard disk partitions. (In Windows 8, type partitions—yes, you need the s).

(Via:https://www.pcworld.com/article/2066191/how-to-partition-a-hard-drive.html)

 

Shrink the current partition.

Right-click the partition and select Shrink Volume.

Then wait. It may take a while Eventually, a dialog box will ask how much

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When the first computer debuted for the public, most people used it as a form of communication. When emails made it to computers, the communication world was opened even more. You can reach anyone around the world. All that’s needed is one account. Or more. Today, you can choose from different email providers like Zoho, Gmail, Proton, Outlook, Yahoo, and more.

Like our documents, photos, videos, and other media content, programs and software, our emails can be just as important. They are forms of documented conversations between two parties that can come handy and helpful one day. Therefore, they should be stored in another storage device or the cloud as well. Simply put, emails are important too and should be backed up.

Storing your email archives for a long time can be done in different ways. There’s external storage, network, or cloud. Let’s take a look at each of them.

External storage includes external storage devices such as USB, memory cards, external SSD, or the more popular and widely used external hard drive. They are more popular because they offer large storage capacity, portability, and efficiency at a relatively affordable price.

External hard drives are easy to use too. But they can be prone to physical damage.

External hard drives are an attractive solution to long term data storage needs because of the extreme ease of use. In nearly all cases, all you need to do is to plug the hard drive into your computer with a USB cable and the drive is displayed to you in the file manager. From this point, all you need to do is to drag and drop your data files, such as your email archives, directly to this drive and they are copied. The only possible concerns for these devices arise if you travel with them or move them around often. There is only one hard drive inside and the reliability of that hard drive depends on the precision of the mechanical parts of the drive being able to read the disk. Dropping the drive can cause internal mechanical damage which, in some cases, can result in loss of your data.

(Via:https://www.techwalla.com/articles/how-to-save-emails-to-an-external-hard-drive)

 

Saving through a network, or more commonly called Network Attached Storage (NAS) is another way. But it can be complicated.

Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices are a bit more complex than simple USB-based external hard drives. This is because NAS devices include the ability to connect to your home’s network using either Wi-Fi or Ethernet and then to offer data archive access for any computer connected to your home network. Such devices can be made more reliable than an external hard drive because you can configure some models into

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Have you ever wondered what kind of program you are using for a specific task? Or do you just simply use one without minding what type it is? Whatever the case is, computers need programs in order for a software to run. Programs perform specific tasks depending on what you choose. They help us do our tasks when we’re using the computer.

Programs are instructions. And the first ones created were only 17. Today, the number has surpassed a billion. Pretty extreme, huh? To put it simply, programs are what comprise a software. A software is a collection of programs that you run for it to perform a task. And by run, you need to open it.

These programs or software have been helping us today in every task we do. It’s true because they are also on our phones and tablets which makes computing a whole lot easier and portable.

There are several software for productivity tasks. These might be one of the first ones developed and arguably the most widely used programs. This is because they are efficient and can multitask.

Productivity applications comprise some of the most commonly used software programs in the world, especially in work settings. One of the reasons people use computers is to take advantage of the efficiencies of productivity software. The two most common types of productivity programs are word processors for typing and formatting documents, and spreadsheets for organizing and tabulating numerical data. Other productivity software includes slideshow applications for giving lectures and presentations, formula editors for writing mathematical equations, and media editing programs for making graphics, video and sound.

(Via:https://www.techwalla.com/articles/types-of-computer-programs)

Computer programs also exist for web or internet use in the form of web applications.

The Internet is another reason people use computers, and a variety of computer programs facilitate different kinds of Internet use. Web browsers download and render HTML content into the Web pages that dominate the Internet. Email clients make possible the exchange of virtual correspondence. FTP clients enable the upload and download of files to a Web server — a common part of maintaining a website. Chat clients and messaging programs let people type, talk and videoconference with one another. Many programs, such as weather widgets and stock market tickers, have an online component that continuously updates the information on your computer.

(Via:https://www.techwalla.com/articles/types-of-computer-programs)

And of course, game and leisure programs. Arguably, these are what make a person stay glued on their computers. Some don’t really like spending hours and hours doing work-related tasks. But playing games? This is true for some people, and some people only. The same goes for leisure.

The video games industry has grown bigger than the motion picture

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Transferring files from one computer to another is important. Think of it like transferring dinner plates from the cupboard to the dinner table. You can carry them by hand. You can use a tray. You can use a trolley. And you can ask someone to carry them for you. But definitely cannot throw them though. Anyway, there are many ways on how to transfer a file from one computer to another. And this article will show you how.

 

The ideal way to go will depend on the number or amount of files you want to be transferred and the computer that will do the transferring and receiving. Transferring from PC to PC can be easy. But from a PC to Mac or vice-versa can be tricky.

 

Using external storage devices is the simplest. A USB or external hard drive can be connected to the computer, copy the files, safely remove it (or not), then plug it into a Mac or PC to transfer the files.

Transferring files to a USB drive or an external drive and then to another computer has the added benefit of supplying you with backup copies of your files, but it’s one of the slowest methods and comes with added expense. You’ll need to purchase the storage device, which can range in price from less than $50 to a few hundred dollars, depending on size and other features.

(Via:https://www.techwalla.com/articles/how-do-i-transfer-files-from-one-computer-to-another-computer)

 

Files can also be transferred through a local network.

You may be able to transfer files between computers on the same network if both computers are within range. When configured correctly, computers on the same network can access each other’s hard drives and files can easily be moved between them. In Windows 10, simply access the file or folder you want to move in File Explorer, press the right mouse button over it and select Give access to. A dropdown menu displays the options Specific people and Remove Access that allow you to enable or disable access to the file by other network users.

You can also use the Nearby Sharing feature in Windows 10 to share files with nearby computers and tablets running Windows 10 over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. First, enable the feature under Shared experiences in Settings on both computers. Then access the file you want to share in File Explorer, press the right mouse button and select Share. The Share panel is displayed, showing other enabled devices within range for sharing. When you select a device, a notification will be sent saying the file has been shared.

(Via:https://www.techwalla.com/articles/how-do-i-transfer-files-from-one-computer-to-another-computer)

 

Cloud Storage. The ever-reliable cloud. Google’s version, Google Drive, Microsoft’s OneDrive, and Dropbox are some of the popular …

It doesn’t matter if you have more than 5 fans, have just as much dust filters, or cover your computer case every after use (yes, some people do that), the insides of your PC will always collect dust and dirt especially if the case is open. There’s no escaping from it to happen. Since preventing dust is possible but will always have its validity, what you can do is to treat this issue. Clean your computer.

 

The goal is simple. Cool air has to successfully enter the case and hot air has to come out. This won’t happen if the filters are obstructed with dust and debris or the exhausts are blocked. If this happens, the computer or the components inside the case can overheat. And if that happens, you’ll be facing a bigger problem, if not the biggest.

 

To prevent this from happening, you want to do your best in removing all dust from the system so it becomes a good ground for cool air and clean environment.

Whenever cleaning your PC or its components, you need to take extra special care about static damage. Using an anti-static wristband is ideal, but if you don’t have one to hand, make sure to regularly ground yourself by touching your case or PSU housing.

• Wear a dust mask or respirator if you want to avoid breathing in any of the dust and dirt you remove from your case.
• Turn off your PC and unplug the power cable from the rear. If you want to be extra safe, unplug everything.
• Move your computer to somewhere well ventilated if possible, or at least open a window or door to let fresh air into the room.
• Remove the side panels and (if possible) the front panel of your case.
• Use a lint-free cloth or can of compressed air to clean the dust from any dust filters, as well as any obvious collections in the base of the case.
• Use a can of compressed air—we don’t recommend trying to blow forcefully yourself—to clean the dust from any heatsinks like your CPU or graphics card cooler.

(Via:https://www.pcgamer.com/how-to-clean-your-computer-case/)

 

Now that dust is everywhere, use a vacuum to clean the loose dust particles only on the floor. Anywhere but inside the case.

Once you’ve knocked all the dust loose, use a vacuum cleaner to clean up any dust that ends up on the floor. However, don’t use the vacuum directly on the interior of your case, as there is a real risk of static damage. (You could use one as a blower in a pinch, which Jarred regularly does, but don’t get the tip close to sensitive components.)

(Via:https://www.pcgamer.com/how-to-clean-your-computer-case/)

 

If …